My Hopes for the Next Animal Crossing Game
I’ve been playing Animal Crossing since before I could read via the GameCube version, but I’ll be honest I’m completely biased when it comes to New Leaf. It’s hands-down my favorite entry in the series, and most of my hopes and dreams for the next game come from what I loved about it.The Village
First off, I want to move away from the deserted island concept. Instead of building a town from scratch, I’d love to arrive in an already established village. As a new resident, you’d still earn the ability to customize the entire villager, but it should come gradually—maybe by working with Isabelle.For example, she could notice villagers asking for more seating or a park, and after helping out, she teaches you how to place furniture outside. Over time, you’d unlock more permits, eventually even terraforming, but it would be progression-based rather than starting with a blank slate. I want the town to feel lived-in from the beginning.
I also think Re-Tail should return, but with a fun addition—Reese and Cyrus now have a child. Yes, his fur is purple. He’d help out on weekends, selling unique furniture that he’s still learning to craft. This would be a new set/ theme of furniture that you can work towards collecting all of the pieces for. His designs would have a rough, handmade aesthetic, but after completing his full collection, he could start taking custom orders. Meanwhile, Reese continues selling furniture, and Cyrus sticks to customizations.
The Museum
If the rumors about a Switch 2 mouse feature are true, this would be the perfect opportunity to bring back Celeste and constellations! Designing your own constellations using a precise cursor would be perfect—this could be part of the museum’s second upgrade.
I also think the museum should get a gift shop that unlocks over time. It could sell themed items like fish hats, fossil shirts, or butterfly-wing backpacks. A small café could also be included, selling coffee to-go at first. Eventually, Brewster could move into his shop in the village, expanding into a full café with a bakery run by a new NPC. Players could buy baked goods like cakes or cupcakes to gift villagers on their birthdays or to boost friendships.
Nook’s Cranny & The Able Sisters
I don’t have any major changes in mind for these shops, but I’d love to hear what others would want.The City
I really want the city to make a comeback. It could start off desolate, with only a few small shops and empty lots, and gradually grow as you progress.- Kicks should start by shining shoes like he used to and selling a small variety of shoes eventually opening a shop where you can customize and buy shoes/socks/ rollerblades.
- A flower shop run by a skunk named Fleur could sell bouquets, which players can give to villagers to boost friendships. There could also be a small job system—Fleur might request certain flowers each week, and after completing enough tasks, she’d reward you with ornate flower-themed furniture.
- Shampoodle returns, but this time, Harriet also sells hair products. Maybe they add small perks, like a temporary shine effect or new styling options. She could share a building with Labelle, who now sells handmade hair accessories.
- Gracie could have another high-end clothing store, and players could work as stylists. Helping villagers pick outfits would earn you bells, and after completing enough requests, Gracie could reward you exclusive designer pieces.
- Tom Nook runs an apartment building, where random NPCs live. Players could help clean and decorate apartments, eventually unlocking the option to rent one themselves. You’d then have the ability to choose where you spawn when logging in—your village home, apartment, or even a camper which leads to the next idea.
OK Motors & Campsites
If vehicles are coming, I think campers make the most sense. OK Motors could sell and upgrade them, allowing players to drive to a secluded campsite. This area would feature “woodsy” villagers, exclusive bugs and fish, and resources like acorns and pinecones that can’t be found elsewhere. Harv is certainly involved, and there are special weather events that occur here too. I think this is where you find Wisp eventually too.Travel & Multiplayer
- The airport should be strictly for visiting friends’ towns.
- Bring back trains, just for the pure nostalgia.
- Kapp’n returns to take players to a tropical island with New Leaf-style mini-games. (If you haven’t played New Leaf, check out any video where it shows the mini-games.) No notes—just bring it back)
- The island could also have special villagers, like in the GameCube version, and a cute little bungalow that players can decorate and also spawn-in at. I don’t know how waking up in different locations would work logistically, but it’s a game about talking animals—I think we can handle it.
I want comments, questions, concerns, complaints, or—most importantly—your own ideas for the next Animal Crossing game? I am so ready for a new game and love hearing new ideas. Thanks
