why do you play animal crossing?

[Clock]

Its a relaxing game and I like interacting with my villagers, so that's the main reason why.

 

[Gunner]

I can't really think of a time when I didn't play AC. I remember getting a Wii for Christmas in 2008 and City Folk was one of the most recent releases iirc. The characters were all really colourful (even more so than new leaf imo) and it was nice for a game to not have an objective and have player freedom. City Folk gets a bad rep but it's not bad at all. Just not as innovative as Wild World was. (Which I would later play).

New Leaf came out and that was even better. It got me through the worst years of my life in all honesty.

I mainly enjoy the game because while it has some customisable elements it's also fairly structured and grounded in a somewhat reality. I love the idea of meeting all these characters and seeing their houses and just walking around a tiny village in the middle of nowhere (or in this case, a once uninhabited island). I really feel its hard to describe why I enjoy the series so much, but it's certainly very special. I'm glad to see so many others enjoy it too.

 

[d-002]

I don't think I have anything unique to say about the things that make me enjoying playing it, but I think it's super unique to have this little virtual world that you can always return to and relax in. I can't think of too many other games like it other than Stardew Valley, which has a very different vibe/setting to it. I think where New Horizons has gone wrong is allowing the player too much freedom to design the environment so it makes it harder to enjoy said environment. Something like Minecraft lacks a lot of rules when building, like having to plan out inclines, paying to build an incline, etc. It's not like if you haven't built a nice looking area it detracts from the fun like so many ACNH players talk about. I'm trying to terraform in small intervals but I find myself enjoying ACNL far more. ACNL also has more holidays, in-game events, better dialogue, and all the little things that are supposed to come out with future releases for ACNH. While I don't have VR, I think it would be interesting to see when VR becomes more accessible and mainstream because I think that games with concepts like AC, Stardew Valley, etc would gain a large following/popularity.

 

[moo_nieu]

I like having control and being able to create and enjoy my own space with lil animals. I always wanted to be able to talk to animals, so it’s like a mini dream come true for me haha. It’s an escape for me, but I try not to get too consumed by it (although it can be a challenge especially when real life is so cruel)

 

[Luxsama]

Relaxing and a great creative outlet!

 

[SweetDollFace]

It helps me relax, after playing it for a bit I always get sleepy, not because it’s boring but, because I manage to relax and release tension.

 

[Your Local Wild Child]

It’s one of my favorite video game series. I’ve played since CF (I’ve played all mainline games available to America). There’s just something so calming about it compared to other series. Also, I am in love with the home (and now island) decorating system.

 

[milktae]

I like customizing my island/town to a theme I really like and talking to my villagers

 

[TheodoreCottontail]

I've been playing since I was a kid and it helps me destress & lower my anxiety. The game has a calm nostalgic feeling so I keep coming back each time a new animal crossing game is released.

 

[Kattea]

I love landscaping and interior decorating. I didn't think I'd be very good at it, but the game makes it so easy and enjoyable to create your own little space. I'm also very goal oriented so I love that there's always little achievements to work towards, like obtaining all the DIY recipes for the mermaid furniture set which is currently what gets me excited to turn on the game.

 

[eggie_]

i play for the mood and relaxation. i think i play different entries of the series for different reasons though.
like nothing in NL is really new or fresh to me anymore because i have hundreds of hours in it (and also the game is EIGHT YEARS old at this point looolll) but its still the most relaxing. the villager dialogue is so cozy and reassuring and even though it may be a little blander than past games, it deffs doesnt have that almost sterile feel that ive been getting with NH (not hating NH though. it has some of the best lazy villager dialogue tbh). plus nostalgia factor, growing up with NL has made it a huge comfort which im sure many can relate to with their favorite animal crossing game!

NH i play because its a new and fresh game. theyre still releasing new content (some of which is just kind of adding in old stuff- but its still enjoyable) i feel like im still making new discoveries in NH and having those fun little 'a-ha!' moments that i dont really get with NL anymore. the terraforming is a huge aspect ive enjoyed as well.

NL for the slower life sim pace, NH for the customization/decoration.

 

[Pintuition]

I play because I find it relaxing! It's a far cry from the struggles of the outside world and usually it helps me unwind!

 

[AppleBitterCrumble]

I like the creative aspect of it since it really allows for you to think outside the box! I enjoy towns where it requires some thinking to get the hint but as for me I like a simple theme and I like trying to find patterns from other users that will really enhance my island's appearance. It's also a great game for me to play when im feeling overwhelmed or stressed out because it's a nice break from reality where I can just catch creatures for an hour or so and feel at peace.

 

[grayacnh]

Especially at the moment with the world situation, it's an amazing distraction and break from doing absolutely nothing. Just being able to play with friends, make trades, make my island and house pretty and then change it whenever I want to, endless possibilities really! I just love it Also interaction with villagers, having all your favourite buddies living with you on the island, especially the nostaligic ones that take you back to when you were a kid and really bonded with back then. Just awe

 

[Dashonthecob]

Coping with crusty reality bc I got no irl friends, also it's fun and cute

 

[xChives]

The series as a whole has been used as an escape and fun activity to break up the day/have something to look forward to in the morning.

NH specifically has provided an outlet to pass the time while I have nothing else to do (outside of work). It’s also been a creative outlet to implement ideas and themes I’ve had in my mind.

 

[ReanimatedSorceress]

Simple; it gives me the seratonin

 

[Jhine7]

I play AC because it is fun and gives me something to do during down-time.

 

[marshallows]

i honestly started playing because my bff kept telling me to play with her because she gets lonely playing by herself (lmao) but i wasn't really convinced until i saw marshal. i always say he's literally the main reason why i picked up the game (my first game was nl) and it's true. if it wasn't for him, i wouldn't have started playing. i'm glad i got into it though because it's been really fun and i also got a chance to join this forum where there's so many nice folks.

 

[CrestFallen]

For me it’s mostly just something to do and when I finish decorating my island I always like the lil dopamine rush lol. That and everyone in my family + friend group plays as well so I have people to show off my island to and talk to