Our author Larissa Then enjoys using her time in quarantine for Animal Crossing. And she doesn’t play it in single-player mode, but as an MMO.
In recent years, the line between “normal” games and MMOs has become blurrier. The genres are merging, and former single-player games are gaining features from multiplayer titles.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons also shows such traits. Right now, during the Corona times, I use the game to just “get out of it”, even if only virtually. One important MMO aspect is missing, though: the fights. What comes closest to that is hitting your residents with the net. But other MMOs can also do very well without fights.
The basics are there. I can craft, explore, decorate, trade, and there is a significant social aspect. Admittedly, one could debate the first “M” in MMO. My friends list isn’t really “massive” yet, but I’m working on it. I would still claim I play Animal Crossing as an MMO.
There is more MMO in Animal Crossing than you think
The social aspect is very important: When I log in online, my friends list on the Switch is checked first. I look to see who is around. When I enter the game, I open the chat for my “Best Friends” and say hello to everyone.
Through this feature, you can send friend requests to other players you meet on islands. In Animal Crossing, you can create a large pool of co-players. With “Best Friends,” you can even pull out your axe or shovel. With these tools, you can dig up or chop down trees, among other things.
To make chatting easier, I got the Switch app. It doesn’t do much else, but for Animal Crossing, it’s a blessing. Anyone who wants to chat there quickly gets annoyed by the in-game keyboard.
This is what trade in AC is about: Otherwise, I spend a lot of time on other islands. In Animal Crossing, there are different fruits and flowers. Each island has its native fruit, for instance, I have pears. However, other fruits earn me much more money. Therefore, it’s important to visit others as well.
Each player also has a changing daily selection of unique decorative items and outfits for the characters. Therefore, checking out the shops on other islands is always on my agenda.
This is how players connect: Player searches happen a lot through social media. Entire alliances gather here and share information on who has what fruits or which shops. Recently, for example, a friend posted that she was missing certain flowers. So, plans are made and meetings online are arranged.
With closer friends, we even meet in video conferences or voice chats. We spend the evening together visiting all islands, exchanging items, and just having a good time. There I can chat, express emotions through my character, and get into mischief, just like I do in other MMOs.
What else is in Animal Crossing: Otherwise, in Animal Crossing, it’s all about farming and crafting, crafting, crafting. The more you collect, the more things you can create. Your tools wear out and break. Therefore, it’s essential to trade raw materials. What one lacks, another may have in abundance.
Another significant aspect of Animal Crossing is decorating and housing. In Star Wars: The Old Republic or The Elder Scrolls Online, I can spend a lot of time on that. It’s no different with AC.
The museum also plays a significant role. You can donate fish, insects, and excavated fossils there. A dream for passionate collectors like me. When I think about how much time I’ve spent in WoW on mounts and pets.
Animal Crossing has a very active community
However, the Animal Crossing community is not limited to my friends list. There’s always something happening in the Animal Crossing Subreddit. It mainly revolves around decoration and styling ideas. You can browse, get inspirations, or tips:
With the changing days and seasons, there are always different insects and fish to catch. I try to stay up to date, and that works well through the community as well.
With Animal Crossing, I have found a relaxing and fun pastime. I like to alternate between the MMORPGs I play and AC. Of course, you can enjoy the game if you prefer solo MMOs. But for me, multiplayer is always a long-term motivation that luckily I don’t have to miss with Animal Crossing.
