How to Play Multiplayer on Animal Crossing: A Guide to Building Bridges and Breaking Turnips

Animal Crossing: New Horizons has taken the gaming world by storm, offering players a serene escape to a customizable island paradise. One of the most exciting features of the game is the ability to play with friends and family in multiplayer mode. Whether you’re looking to trade rare items, visit each other’s islands, or simply hang out, multiplayer in Animal Crossing opens up a world of possibilities. In this article, we’ll explore how to play multiplayer on Animal Crossing, discuss the different modes available, and provide tips for making the most of your multiplayer experience.

Understanding Multiplayer Modes in Animal Crossing

Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers two main multiplayer modes: Local Play and Online Play. Each mode has its own unique benefits and requirements, so it’s important to understand the differences before diving in.

Local Play

Local Play allows you to connect with other players who are physically near you, using the same Wi-Fi network. This mode is perfect for playing with friends or family members in the same household. To start a Local Play session, follow these steps:

1. Ensure All Players Have a Nintendo Switch and a Copy of the Game: Each player must have their own Nintendo Switch console and a copy of Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
2. Open the Game and Select “Local Play”: From the main menu, choose the “Local Play” option.
3. Choose “Search for Players”: The game will search for other players nearby who are also in Local Play mode.
4. Select the Player You Want to Visit: Once the game finds other players, you can choose to visit their island or invite them to yours.

Local Play is a great way to share the Animal Crossing experience with those around you, but it does have its limitations. For example, you can only play with people who are within range of your Wi-Fi network, and the number of players is limited to eight per session.

Online Play

Online Play, on the other hand, allows you to connect with players from all over the world. This mode is ideal for those who want to visit friends’ islands, participate in online events, or trade items with a broader community. To start an Online Play session, follow these steps:

1. Ensure You Have a Nintendo Switch Online Subscription: Online Play requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, which can be purchased individually or as part of a family plan.
2. Open the Game and Select “Online Play”: From the main menu, choose the “Online Play” option.
3. Choose “Search for Friends” or “Enter Dodo Code”: You can either search for friends who are currently online or enter a Dodo Code provided by the host of the island you want to visit.
4. Select the Island You Want to Visit: Once you’ve found the island you want to visit, you can travel there and start playing with others.

Online Play offers more flexibility than Local Play, as you can connect with players from anywhere in the world. However, it does require a stable internet connection, and you may encounter some latency issues depending on your connection speed.

Tips for a Great Multiplayer Experience

Now that you know how to play multiplayer on Animal Crossing, here are some tips to help you make the most of your experience:

1. Set Clear Goals for Your Session

Before starting a multiplayer session, it’s a good idea to set clear goals for what you want to achieve. Whether you’re looking to trade items, visit each other’s islands, or simply hang out, having a plan in place will help ensure that everyone has a good time.

2. Communicate with Other Players

Communication is key when playing multiplayer in Animal Crossing. If you’re playing with friends, consider using a voice chat app like Discord to stay in touch. If you’re playing with strangers, the in-game chat feature can be a useful tool for coordinating activities.

3. Respect Other Players’ Islands

When visiting someone else’s island, it’s important to be respectful of their space. Avoid running through flowers, shaking trees without permission, or taking items that don’t belong to you. Remember, you’re a guest on their island, so treat it with care.

4. Take Advantage of Multiplayer-Only Features

Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers several features that are only available in multiplayer mode. For example, you can participate in group activities like fishing tournaments or bug-catching contests, which can be a lot of fun when played with others. Additionally, some items and DIY recipes can only be obtained through multiplayer interactions, so be sure to take advantage of these opportunities.

5. Be Mindful of Time Zones

If you’re playing with friends or family members in different time zones, be mindful of the time when scheduling multiplayer sessions. It’s important to find a time that works for everyone, so no one feels left out.

6. Use Dodo Codes Wisely

Dodo Codes are a great way to invite specific players to your island, but they can also be shared publicly, allowing anyone to join. If you’re hosting a private session, be sure to share your Dodo Code only with the people you want to invite. If you’re hosting a public event, consider setting some ground rules to ensure that everyone has a positive experience.

7. Have Fun!

At the end of the day, Animal Crossing is all about having fun and enjoying the experience. Whether you’re playing solo or with others, the most important thing is to relax, unwind, and enjoy the game.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I play multiplayer on Animal Crossing with only one Nintendo Switch?

A: No, each player must have their own Nintendo Switch console and a copy of Animal Crossing: New Horizons to play multiplayer.

Q: How many players can join a multiplayer session in Animal Crossing?

A: Up to eight players can join a multiplayer session in Animal Crossing, whether you’re playing locally or online.

Q: Do I need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play multiplayer?

A: Yes, you need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription to play multiplayer online. However, Local Play does not require a subscription.

Q: Can I visit a random player’s island in Animal Crossing?

A: Yes, you can visit a random player’s island by using a Dodo Code. However, it’s important to be cautious when visiting islands hosted by strangers, as not all players may have good intentions.

Q: Can I trade items with other players in Animal Crossing?

A: Yes, you can trade items with other players in Animal Crossing. Simply drop the item you want to trade on the ground, and the other player can pick it up. Be sure to agree on the terms of the trade beforehand to avoid any misunderstandings.

Q: Can I play multiplayer with players from different regions?

A: Yes, you can play multiplayer with players from different regions, as long as you have a stable internet connection and a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

By following these tips and guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying a rich and rewarding multiplayer experience in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Whether you’re trading turnips, visiting friends, or simply exploring new islands, multiplayer mode offers endless opportunities for fun and creativity. So grab your Nintendo Switch, connect with friends, and start building your dream island today!