After years away, revisiting my abandoned Animal Crossing: New Horizons island uncovers a wealth of new features and old memories, offering the quiet reassurance that one can indeed go home again. The game’s recent major update, coupled with a £5 Switch 2 upgrade, has breathed new life into this pandemic-era hit, reviving the soothing escapism it provided during the depths of lockdown.
Stepping out of my avatar’s now massive house, I half-expected to find Alba, my island, in ruin. Yet, aside from a few weeds and cockroaches, everything remains as I left it – the paths I laid out still lead me to familiar shops and the museum, where curator Blathers tasks me with a new mission. “It’s been four years and eight months!” exclaims one of my longtime residents, a penguin named Aurora, a testament to just how long I’ve been away.
With over 2 million bells in my bank account, I quickly pay off the final instalment of my home loan, freeing myself from the grip of the Tom Nook financial empire. The update has also brought a host of new features, including a hotel run by a family of pirate kappas and the ability to terraform my island more easily. I discover that Animal Crossing now even has farming and food recipes, much to my surprise.
Falling back into the game’s soothing rhythm is a surprisingly quick process. While the new update caters to those with more time to spare, what has always made Animal Crossing great is its ability to provide a peaceful sanctuary, whether you spend a quick half-hour or many hours customising your island to perfection.
It’s been a long journey, but returning to Alba has been a heartening experience. The game that once saved me from the monotony of lockdown is now better than ever, offering a comforting reminder that even in the most uncertain times, you can always come home.
