How to Play Animal Crossing Multiplayer: A Guide to Building Bridges and Dodging Tarantulas

How to Play Animal Crossing Multiplayer: A Guide to Building Bridges and Dodging Tarantulas

Animal Crossing: New Horizons has taken the world by storm, offering players a serene escape to a virtual island paradise. While the single-player experience is delightful, the multiplayer aspect adds a whole new layer of fun and interaction. Whether you’re looking to trade items, visit friends’ islands, or simply show off your meticulously designed home, multiplayer in Animal Crossing is a must-try. But how exactly do you dive into this social aspect of the game? Let’s explore the various ways to play Animal Crossing multiplayer, along with some quirky tips to make the most of your experience.

1. Local Play: The Classic Couch Co-op

Local play is the simplest way to enjoy Animal Crossing with friends or family. If you have multiple Nintendo Switch consoles and copies of the game, you can connect via local wireless communication. This mode is perfect for gatherings where everyone has their own Switch. Simply open your airport, select “Local Play,” and invite your friends to join. No internet connection is required, making it a great option for road trips or areas with spotty Wi-Fi.

Pro Tip: If you’re playing with younger siblings, consider setting some ground rules. Otherwise, you might find your prized roses replaced with weeds.

2. Online Play: The Global Village

Online multiplayer is where Animal Crossing truly shines. By connecting to the internet, you can visit islands from players around the world. To start, you’ll need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Once that’s set up, head to the airport, select “Online Play,” and choose whether you want to visit someone else’s island or invite others to yours. You can use a Dodo Code—a unique, temporary code—to control who can visit your island.

Pro Tip: Be cautious when sharing your Dodo Code publicly. While most players are friendly, there’s always a chance someone might trample your flowers or steal your turnips.

3. Best Friends: The Inner Circle

In Animal Crossing, not all visitors are created equal. By adding someone as a “Best Friend,” you grant them additional permissions, like using tools on your island. This feature is ideal for close friends or family members who you trust to help with landscaping or other tasks. To add someone as a Best Friend, you’ll need to interact with them during an online session and send a request through the NookPhone.

Pro Tip: Use the Best Friends app sparingly. You don’t want to wake up to find your island covered in pitfall seeds as a prank.

4. Trading and Sharing: The Economy of Friendship

One of the most rewarding aspects of multiplayer is the ability to trade items. Whether it’s rare furniture, DIY recipes, or even just fruit, trading can help you complete your collection faster. You can also share resources like wood, iron, and stone, which are essential for crafting. Some players even set up elaborate trading systems, complete with designated drop-off zones and wishlists.

Pro Tip: Always double-check trades before finalizing them. A “rare” item might turn out to be a common piece of clothing in disguise.

5. Events and Competitions: The Social Calendar

Animal Crossing frequently hosts seasonal events that are more fun with friends. From fishing tournaments to bug-catching contests, these events often reward participants with exclusive items. Multiplayer adds a competitive edge, as you can compare your catches with friends in real-time. Some players even organize their own events, like fashion shows or scavenger hunts, to keep things fresh.

Pro Tip: If you’re hosting an event, consider setting up a prize system. A golden watering can or a stack of bells can motivate participants to give it their all.

6. Island Tours: The Ultimate Flex

Visiting other players’ islands is a great way to gather inspiration for your own. Some players go all out with elaborate themes, like tropical resorts, haunted forests, or even recreations of famous landmarks. Multiplayer allows you to explore these creative spaces and pick up ideas for your own designs. Plus, it’s always fun to see how others interpret the game’s mechanics.

Pro Tip: Don’t forget to leave a message on the bulletin board. A simple “Your island is amazing!” can make someone’s day.

7. The Dark Side of Multiplayer: Griefing and Scams

While most players are respectful, there’s always a risk of encountering griefers or scammers. These players might destroy your flowers, steal your items, or trick you into unfair trades. To minimize these risks, only share your Dodo Code with people you trust, and always keep an eye on visitors. If something goes wrong, you can quickly end the session by pressing the “-” button.

Pro Tip: If you’re worried about griefing, consider fencing off sensitive areas of your island before inviting guests.

8. Custom Designs and Fashion: The Runway of the Animal Kingdom

Multiplayer is also a great way to show off your custom designs. Whether it’s a stunning dress, a quirky hat, or a unique path pattern, sharing your creations with others can be incredibly rewarding. You can even set up a custom design kiosk in your Able Sisters’ shop, allowing visitors to download your designs directly.

Pro Tip: If you’re feeling creative, consider hosting a fashion show. Invite friends to model their best outfits and vote on the winner.

9. The Future of Multiplayer: What’s Next?

As Animal Crossing continues to evolve, so does its multiplayer potential. With regular updates and new features being added, the possibilities are endless. Who knows? Maybe future updates will introduce new multiplayer modes, like cooperative island-building or competitive mini-games.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Nintendo’s announcements. You never know when a new feature might revolutionize the way you play.


FAQs

Q: Can I play Animal Crossing multiplayer without a Nintendo Switch Online subscription? A: Yes, but only through local play. Online multiplayer requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

Q: How many players can visit my island at once? A: Up to eight players can visit your island simultaneously, including yourself.

Q: Can I restrict what visitors can do on my island? A: Yes, by not adding them as Best Friends, you can limit their ability to use tools or dig up items.

Q: What happens if someone steals my items? A: Unfortunately, there’s no way to retrieve stolen items. Always be cautious when inviting strangers to your island.

Q: Can I visit a friend’s island if they’re not online? A: No, the host must be online and have their gates open for you to visit.

Q: Is there a way to communicate with other players in-game? A: Yes, you can use the in-game chat feature or the Nintendo Switch Online app for voice chat.

By following these tips and exploring the various multiplayer options, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a social butterfly in the world of Animal Crossing. Happy island-hopping!