Summer is coming to an end in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and unfortunately the warmer months have not been highlighted with the same unique updates released during 2020's summer season. While New Horizons has rehashed many events from last year, like Wedding Season and the 2021 Fireworks Show event, there has been a distinct lack of more expansive updates that add to base gameplay. However, there is still a chance a bigger update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons may be released in the near future, potentially offering the expansions players have been hoping for.
While summer events haven't included much in the way of new content, there is a chance that New Horizons' Fall updates could be more promising. Events during the spring, including May Day and International Museum Day, expanded original content from 2020 with new tasks, DIY recipes, and collectibles. While these updates were missing during the Summer season, it is possible they could be added to fall content from last year, introducing new crops besides pumpkins to be grown and picked, new ways to celebrate Halloween, or a new menu to cook for Turkey Day.
According to Nintendo, there are currently plans to release a large update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons in the coming months. While little is known about what this update could include, or when it will release, it is exciting news for fans wanting more to do while playing. The information, which was announced alongside Animal Crossing's 1.11.0 Firewords Show update, explained that the planned content will be "free" and is currently "in development for later this year." While there is a chance this update will come in tandem with another New Horizons seasonal event with small expansion to base gameplay, there is also a chance it could be the anticipated Animal Crossing 2.0 update many have been hoping for over the past months.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons Could Expand Player Homes & Stores
Currently, there are many areas Nintendo could expand in an Animal Crossing: New Horizons update. Allowing players new ways to build onto their homes would be beneficial to those who have already purchased and completed all the available upgrades. It would also allow further storage for new event items and open up new spaces for fans to decorate and design. Upgrades to Nook's Cranny and Able Sisters would also be a welcome addition, potentially adding more items to the daily available options players can shop. Allowing players to expand Animal Crossing: New Horizons' islands could also be beneficial, offering players more space to create elaborate island designs.
A big update could also be the opportunity to improve New Horizons' villager interactions. Currently, villagers are limited to basic personality traits and repetitive conversations, making relationships shallow and boring to some players over time. A large update could introduce new conversations, add villager-instigated puzzles and daily tasks, or even expand the number of villagers exclusive to Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Any of these options would help improve gameplay and create a fresh experience for fans.
Source: Nintendo