How to Swim in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossing: New Horizons has captured the hearts of millions of gamers around the world. With its immersive gameplay and charming characters, players find themselves engrossed in a world full of possibilities. One of the most exciting updates to the game introduced the ability to swim, allowing players to explore the depths of the surrounding seas. In this article, we will guide you on how to swim in Animal Crossing: New Horizons and make the most of this new feature.

To start your aquatic adventure, you will need a wetsuit. The Nook’s Cranny shop will occasionally have wetsuits available for purchase, but you can also visit the Able Sisters’ tailor shop and find a variety of stylish options. Once you acquire a wetsuit, you’re ready to dive in!

Head down to the beach, and equip your wetsuit from your inventory. Approach the water and press the ‘A’ button to jump in. You’ll be instantly transformed into a swimming enthusiast, ready to explore the wonders beneath the waves.

As you swim, keep an eye out for bubbles floating on the surface of the water. These bubbles indicate the presence of a creature, signaling an opportunity to collect new marine life for the museum or sell them for some extra Bells. Swim towards the bubbles and press ‘Y’ to dive down and catch the sea creature.

There are plenty of sea creatures to discover, each with its own unique appearance and rarity. From colorful fish to elegant sea stars, your collection will grow with each new dive. Make sure to keep an eye on your surroundings as well, as you might stumble upon valuable items like pearls or rare shells.

Swimming also allows you to reach previously inaccessible areas, such as small islands or isolated shores. Explore these areas to find hidden treasures, including DIY recipes or fossils buried in the sand.

While underwater, you can also encounter Pascal, the laid-back otter. Pascal loves scallops and, if you happen to find one during your swim, you can offer it to him in exchange for special DIY recipes that cannot be obtained elsewhere. These recipes often involve crafting unique underwater-themed furniture or clothing items, making them highly sought after by collectors.

However, be cautious while swimming in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Make sure to keep an eye on your character’s stamina gauge, which is represented by bubbles above their head. Your stamina drains as you swim, and if it depletes completely, your character will become fatigued and return to the shore. To replenish your stamina, swim to the surface and rest on the beach or on a floatie, which can be purchased from Nook’s Cranny.

Additionally, remember that swimming is only available in the summer season, from June to September, in the Northern Hemisphere, and from December to March in the Southern Hemisphere. During the off-season, the water becomes too cold for swimming, so you’ll have to wait patiently for the warmer months to continue your underwater explorations.

In conclusion, swimming is an exciting addition to Animal Crossing: New Horizons, allowing players to explore the depths of the seas and discover a wide variety of marine life and treasures. With a wetsuit, some curiosity, and a sense of adventure, you can dive into a whole new world within the game. So put on your wetsuit, take a deep breath, and get ready to explore the wonderful underwater realm of Animal Crossing: New Horizons.