When Animal Crossing New Horizons arrived on the Nintendo Switch I knew it was going to be the best launch this year, and I’ve spent countless hours on it building my town up and I’m finally at a 5* island. It is quite literally so addictive, and not only that you can share your island with friends, and grow together. There is a reason that it is the most popular games of the year, so if you’re looking for reasons to play Animal Crossing, look no further.
01. It is relaxing
I’ve got to be honest, the thing that I love the most is the planting. I can’t keep normal plants alive in my house, even cacti give up in my house, that is how bad I am, but on Animal Crossing, it makes life easy. And I also really love to mix my plants, I’ve finally got a deep purple rose and a black rose, they’re gorgeous!
02. It helps my mental health
As most people will know over the last few months, I’ve really struggled with my anxiety, but every time I feel slightly anxious or I’m going to have a panic attack, I turn on the Switch, and I start to garden, talk to my islanders and build items for my house.
03. It is very social
I have a few friends on my Switch that play Animal Crossing, and honestly I love it. I love being able to visit their island, see what they have done with their space, and share tips, tricks, recipes & ideas. I’ve watched lots of YouTube videos too on how people have grown their islands, and I’ve met lots of amazing people through that.
04. Daily tasks & accomplishments
Everyday you get new tasks which allow you to earn Nook Miles, a currency to buy certain items and tickets, recipes etc, however, when you’re really struggling mentally, having these daily tasks pop up and doing something so simple gives you a sense of accomplishment.
05. The ability to personalise your experience
Everything within the game allows you to personalise your experience. You can change your clothes, the way you look, the way your island is laid out, the way your house looks, everything is very personal, and you can make your island feel like your own. It allows you to have this safe space where you can be creative without the pressure.
06. It is an escape
Over the last few months with the current pandemic, Animal Crossing has allowed me to escape from the world, from what is currently going on, the scary news and just do my tasks and having a quiet moment to breathe. Even though you can’t control what is going on outside with the virus, you can control your tasks and what you are doing and it is so helpful.
07. It is a happy space
Even though you will have multiple loans to pay off on your house, quite like everyday life and a constant mortgage, you are surrounded with amazing people on your island, every one having a different personality but nonetheless kind and caring – or at least that is what I’ve found with my islanders.
08. It never ends
On your island even when you do eventually get to a 5* island, there are always things that need to be done, always things you can do to make it better, to improve and to learn. That is the beauty of the game.
Animal crossing has given me so much lately, it has given me one of the greatest escapes that I’ve so desperately needed, and even though it wasn’t cheap, it has given me so much more than any price can be put on it.
Have you played Animal Crossing – New Horizons yet? Want to be friends? Let me know!
Find Animal Crossing on the Nintendo Switch here.
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This game got me through the beginning of Lockdown! I love it, and any game on the switch is already a winner for its portability and ease. One game I massively recommend (it helped me with my mental health and is similar) is Stardew Valley! It’s available on switch too.
Viki – http://www.ohsoviki.com
I’ve been on the fence about Animal Crossing because it’s a lot of money and I have a tendency to get bored with games quickly but this has sold it to me! I love that it’s been a relaxing outlet and beneficial for your mental health. Could definitely do with some of that myself! 🙂
I love this post! I still play ACNH religiously every day and I’m still loving it, it really does cheer me up a lot!
🌿 Marissa Belle × marsybun.com 🌿
I remember playing Animal Crossing on my Nintendo DS many, many years ago and absolutely fell in love with the game! It’s quite nice to see it so popular once again during lockdown! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
I really wanted to get Animal Crossing when I saw that everyone was getting it, I see to play it years ago when I had my old ds. I really need to get myself a switch to play this on! It’s on my birthday list x
I’ve never played Animal Crossing, not even the older version but I’ve seen so many people talking about it since the start of lockdown that I’m really starting to feel like I’m missing out. It’s great that it’s a distraction and relaxing though, I can see why people are loving it so much at the minute x
Sophie
Amie, this was a sweet & informational post. I’ve never played Animal Crossing, but it sounds nice. I do play Candy Crush, I’ve been playing it for years, and I enjoy it for the same reasons that you enjoy Animal Crossing. Glad that this helps you a lot with your anxiety. Stay safe & enjoy your summer 🙂
https://www.chicnpink.com
I’d never heard of this before, but it sounds fun. I have to say my favourite reason you listed was escaping from the pandemic! Could definitely use some time away from the real world right now 🙂
I love this post – they are some great reasons for playing it. I must admit I haven’t but I’m definitely tempted to get it myself.
I hadn’t really heard of animal crossing before it was re-released on the switch (I know…where have I been?). Sounds like a nice game to keep coming back to. It’s great that it has helped you too, I think games can be such a welcome distraction. I know its not the same, but I used to love the Sims for the fact of building a house etc.
Thanks for sharing!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
I’ve heard about so many people playing Animal Crossing but I’ve never played it! Feel like I need to give it a try!
Tash // A Girl with a View
I really want to play Animal Crossing but I think I need to save up for a Switch first! Haha! I’m glad that it’s helped you so much! That’s great to know!
Daisy xoxo | According To Daisy
I really want to play this game! It’s just buying the Switch that’s the problem, they’re so expensive haha! Lovely post and photo 🙂
Anika | chaptersofmay.com
I haven’t got New Horizons but New Leaf was something I played at the beginning of lockdown. It’s such a calming game – so good for mindfulness x
https://www.femaleoriginal.com
I’ve been playing Animal Crossing on my old DS since the release! The new games looks amazing and it’s definitely a good way to relax and take a while out to yourself. It’s so true what you say, it’s good for your mental health.
Everyone I know plays Animal Crossing and this has persuaded me to get the game! I didn’t realise there were so many benefits, so thank you for sharing!
Em | http://www.loveemblog.com