Animal Crossing: New Horizons appears to continue the series in offering players unique interactions with many returning characters of different animal types, and hopefully some new ones.Though the characters may appear simple at face value, there is something to be said for Animal Crossing: New Horizons' cozy world building and lovable character interactions which provide an enjoyable and immersive escape from the sometimes cynical elements of the real world.
Tom Nook
Of course,the raccoon Tom Nook will be returning to Animal Crossing: New Horizons, presumably to reclaim his usual role as the manager of a shop. In this game, it is rumored to be a travel company called New Horizons as well as develop the surrounding areas. Under his supervision, his rumored children, Timmy and Tommy will likely remain as employees of his shop, as they too are confirmed for the game.
Isabelle
In a recent interview, it was also revealed that the clumsy dog Isabelle will be making her return. In previous games, she was a secretary who assisted the player as town mayor. She is also the twin of Digby, who is not confirmed in this game yet, but worked at a shopping plaza in New Leaf. In New Horizons, Isabelle is likely to be working at New Horizons, as well as making appearances in other parts of the game.
Resetti
The cranky mole Mr. Resetti is also set to return with a new role in reminding players to save their progress as much as possible. His new role is due to unfortunate circumstances in which he has been laid off from his job at the Surveillance Center possibly.
K.K. Slider
The lovable musician, hobo and Jack Russel terrier dog K.K. Slider will be coming back with his guitar, presumably in search of a life free from financial profits and living up his freedom loving qualities, which is the reason he does not charge for his songs.
Wisp
Wisp, the happy spirit, will also be in New Horizons, though his role is unclear. In previous games, he rewards players for tasks by getting rid of weeds in the town, paints roofs, and rids houses of cockroaches. He is very much true to his ghost-form, only appearing randomly in town between the hours of midnight and 4:00am.
Blathers
Blathers is a very knowledgeable owl, confirmed for his return in New Horizons. He sleeps during the day, and is awake at night, and makes it known that he has a fear of insects. He is a fairly intricate character compared to most Animal Crossing characters, and has a long history in his past, having grown up in the city as a child, and eventually moving on to earn a number of university degrees.
It is not surprising that this scholarly owl works in the museum in past games, and because of his post, he has not been able to finish his doctorate degree. Perhaps in New Horizons, we will finally be introduced to Dr. Blathers and shows some character changes in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Celeste
Blathers sister, Celeste, is also returning, possibly to help assist players in the hobby of stargazing in allowing players to create, delete or view constellations. Or she may assist her brother at the museum, as is the case in New Leaf. She is also known for having particular affection for Tom Nook.
Kicks
Kicks, the poor skunk who shines shoes is set to return, and will hopefully be experiencing better luck in life this time around. In New Leaf, he ran his own shoe shop
Harvey
Harvey, a hippie-dog and vegan, is one of the newer characters in the series, who made his debut in Animal Crossing: New Leaf as the owner of the campground. He also sells players special furniture, loves feeding birds in his free time, and despises modern technology.
The three hedgehog sisters
The spiky hedgehog Sable returns, likely along with her younger sister Mabel, in offering tailoring of clothes to the locals. In previous games, they co-owned the local tailor shop. Sable obtained her skills in sewing because she had to raise Mabel herself, and made clothes for her. She grew up with Tom Nook and remain good friends with each other.
While Sable is a shy character, she will open up more about her past if the player takes the time to get to know her. Labelle is another hedgehog who will return to New Horizons. In previous games, she was the third sister, and an employee of Sable and Mabel at their shop, with ambitions to become a fashion designer herself. Perhaps in New Horizons, she will finally see that dream come true. There are plenty of backstories to enjoy among these characters if players put in many hours in Animal Crossing.
Saharah
Saharah is a camel who is male in the Japanese version of the games, but male in the other versions. Saharah normally sells rare carpets from different parts of the world, as well as other items which can not be found elsewhere.
Gulliver
Finally, Gulliver the Seagull is coming back, likely to reward players with artifacts from around the world and can be spotted in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons commercial. Though his purpose is simple, he has a fairly diverse background. Throughout the various Animal Crossing games, he's been a sailor and even an astronaut, with many stories about his adventures around the planet.
In addition to these special characters with their unique roles, there are many fan-favorite villagers also returning to New Horizons in various roles in the game, as well as new ones. Below is the complete list of villagers confirmed thus far:
- Agent S
- Agnes
- Alfonso
- Amelia
- Angus
- Antonio
- Apollo
- Apple
- Aurora
- Avery
- Baabara
- Bangle
- Beau
- Bettina
- Bianca
- Bill
- Blaire
- Blanche
- Bonbon
- Bud
- Bunnie
- Butch
- Buzz
- Cally
- Carmen
- Caroline
- Carrie
- Cashmere
- Celia
- Cesar
- Chadder
- Chevre
- Chief
- Chops
- Chrissy
- Claude
- Claudia
- Coco
- Cole
- Colton
- Cranston
- Cube
- Curlos
- Curt
- Dobie
- Doc
- Dotty
- Egbert
- Eunice
- Fang
- Fauna
- Filbert
- Flip
- Flora
- Frank
- Freya
- Friga
- Frita
- Fuchsia
- Francine
- Freya
- Gabi
- Gaston
- Genji
- Gladys
- Goldie
- Goose
- Greta
- Hamlet
- Hazel
- Hopkins
- Hopper
- Hornsby
- Iggly
- Jay
- Julia
- Julian Keaton
- Kevin
- Kid Cat
- Kiki
- Kitt
- Kyle
- Leonardo
- Lily
- Lobo
- Lolly
- Lopez
- Mallary
- Margie
- Marina
- Marshal
- Melba
- Merengue
- Mint
- Mira
- Molly
- Muffy
- Nibbles
- Octavian
- O'Hare
- Olivia
- Pancetti
- Peaches
- Peanut
- Pecan
- Peewee
- Pekoe
- Penelope
- Phil
- Phoebe
- Pierce
- Pietro
- Piper
- Pippy
- Poppy
- Queenie
- Renee
- Rhonda
- Ricky
- Roald
- Rocco
- Rod
- Rolf
- Rosie
- Rowan
- Ruby
- Sally
- Sandy
- Sheldon
- Skye
- Snake
- Spike
- Sprocket
- Static
- Stella
- Sterling
- Stitches
- Sylvana
- Tammy
- Tank
- T-Bone
- Tasha
- Teddy
- Tiffany
- Timbra
- Truffles
- Tybalt
- Vesta
- Vivian
- Wendy
- Whitney
- Willow
- Wolfgang
- Zucker
Fans will finally have the opportunity to play online together in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, while getting to know many of these characters and develop relationships with them when the game releases for Nintendo Switch this March. Animal Crossing has always been a game about relaxation and simulating the best aspects of daily life, and engaging with its many characters should prove to be a treat for those looking for some deep immersion in their gaming.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons releases on Nintendo Switch on March 20, 2020.
