Animal Crossingfans are on the verge of what could be the most exciting announcement yet: the successor toAnimal Crossing: New Horizonscoming to the Switch 2. The path is clear, the timelines line up, and it’s been half a decade since a newAnimal Crossinggame has appeared on gamers’ screens worldwide. The downside to all this excitement is that there’s no telling when the follow-up to 2020’s pandemic-hit game will be announced.

With the Nintendo Switch 2 lineup gradually adding major titles, it seems like anAnimal Crossingannouncement could happen at any moment. However, during this waiting period, many fans might lose enthusiasm or hope. Instead of falling into cycles of getting hopes up, waiting, and then feeling disappointed by the lack of news,Animal Crossing: New Horizonsfans can pass the time with another game. While many cozy gaming titles have appeared sinceNew Horizonslaunched, revisiting earlier entries in the franchise might be just what’s needed to regain some momentum lost in the wait.

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Animal Crossing: City Folk Was Crucial for a Change in the Animal Crossing Formula

The originalAnimal CrossingandWild Worldshared a similar structure: a human avatar arrives in a small town inhabited by a diverse cast ofvillagers with unique personalities, who cyclically move in and out. However,City Folkdared to be a little different.

A quick bus ride inCity Folkwould take players to something similar to a small-town square: filled with shops, events, andrareAnimal CrossingNPCsthat bring this little city to life. WhileCity Folkreceived mixed reviews from critics and fans alike, it was an important step for the franchise. It was the first game in the series to imagine a mainlineAnimal Crossingas something that could break the mold of traditional small-town life, with a key feature that made the game stand out.Animal Crossing: New Horizonsfans can thankAnimalCrossing: City Folkfor being the first title in the franchise to dare remix the usual formula.AnimalCrossing: City Folkis an important addition to theACfamily. And luckily, fans willing to give the title a try or revisit can experience it through a new lens.

Community Stretch with Various Animal Crossing Villagers

Animal Crossing: City Folk Deluxe Gives Animal Crossing: City Folk a New Life

For over a decade,Animal Crossing: City Folkhas been the quiet middle child of the series. It might have been fondly remembered, but it was often overshadowed by titles likeNew Leafand its player-mayor. But thanks to an ambitious and lovingly made fan project, that’s about to change.

Animal Crossing: City FolkDeluxeis a comprehensive mod made byover a dozen talented individualsthat reimagines the game from the ground up, adding new events, features, and even complete visual overhauls that breathe new life into the Wii classic. Below are some of the most notable features from this mod.

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Restored and Added Content

City FolkDeluxe turns the game into a treasure trove of content: some returning, some entirely new. Whether a player downloads the mods to find their favorite villagers, long-lost items, or simply for brand-new surprises, this mod makesAnimal Crossing: City Folkfeel rich, full, and endlessly replayable. It doesn’t just restore, it reinvents.

Gameplay Improvements & Balance Tweaks

City FolkDeluxe isn’t just about what’s new. It’s about what works best for the platform. From smarter item balancing to more inclusive character creation, this mod smooths out the game’s rougher edges while bringing in modern comforts. Subtle changes to item availability and online systems help the game feel less random and more rewarding over time. Beyond just new stuff,City FolkDeluxe smooths out frustrating systems and freshens up the game’s economy.

Villager Behavior Improvements

City FolkDeluxe brings a town’s residents to life in more dynamic and meaningful ways.Animal Crossingvillagers now reflect their hobbiesand personalities through actions that make the world feel more responsive, from little in-home details to full-blown events. Special visitors also behave more predictably, so fan-favorite characters don’t get lost in the shuffle.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

WHERE TO PLAY

Escape to a deserted island and create your own paradise as you explore, create, and customize in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game. Your island getaway has a wealth of natural resources that can be used to craft everything from tools to creature comforts. you’re able to hunt down insects at the crack of dawn, decorate your paradise throughout the day, or enjoy sunset on the beach while fishing in the ocean. The time of day and season match real life, so each day on your island is a chance to check in and find new surprises all year round.Show off your island utopia to family and friends—or pack your bags and visit theirs. Whether playing online** or with others beside you***, island living is even better when you can share it. Even without hopping on a flight, you’ll meet a cast of charming animal residents bursting with personality. Friendly faces like Tom Nook and Isabelle will lend their services and happily help you grow your budding community. Escape to your island getaway—however, whenever, and wherever you want.

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Gardening in Animal Crossing New Horizons

Animal Crossing: New Horizons Players Aren’t Happy About the Island Rating System

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Talking to Tom Nook in Animal Crossing New Horizons

New Horizons Isabelle

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