Restarting Animal Crossing: A Guide

Animal Crossing: New Horizons has captured the hearts of millions worldwide since its release in March 2020. With its charming gameplay, customizable island, and adorable animal villagers, it’s no wonder why it has become a popular choice for gamers of all ages. But what happens when you feel like starting fresh? Restarting your island can be a daunting task, but with this guide, you’ll navigate the process smoothly and ensure a successful restart.

The first step in restarting Animal Crossing is saving your progress and deleting your current island. Before wiping all your hard work away, make sure to save your favorite items, patterns, and designs to the Dodo Airlines app on your in-game smartphone. This way, you won’t lose everything you’ve cultivated during your playthrough.

Once your progress is safely stored, it’s time to erase your current island. Head to the home screen of your Nintendo Switch and select the “Settings” option. From there, locate and select the “Data Management” tab. Scroll down to “Delete Save Data” and choose Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Confirm your decision and bid farewell to your island and its residents.

With your island successfully wiped clean, it’s time to start anew. Launch Animal Crossing: New Horizons from the Nintendo Switch menu and create a new character. This time, you’ll have the chance to redesign your appearance, name, and gender, so feel free to experiment and try something different.

After creating your character, you’ll find yourself on a deserted island with two other residents. This marks the beginning of your new journey. Explore your surroundings, collect resources, and set up your tent. The initial steps may feel familiar, but remember that the next phase of your adventure will bring new challenges and opportunities.

As you progress in the game, it’s essential to plan your island layout strategically. Take inspiration from fellow players on social media and design your island with a specific theme in mind. Whether it’s a zen garden or a bustling cityscape, a clear vision will guide your decisions and make your island unique.

Building relationships with the animal villagers is an integral part of Animal Crossing. Remember to chat with them daily, complete tasks, and send letters to show your appreciation. By doing so, you’ll foster friendships and create a thriving community on your new island.

While cultivating your island, keep an eye out for special characters and events. Throughout the year, various visitors, such as Redd the fox or Celeste the owl, will arrive on your island. Meeting and interacting with them adds depth to the game and allows you to collect rare items and artwork.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to reach out to the thriving Animal Crossing community. Join online forums, participate in trading groups, and visit other players’ islands. Sharing ideas, experiences, and items enhances the overall gameplay and provides endless inspiration for your island.

As you embark on your new journey in Animal Crossing, remember to have fun and savor every moment. From catching bugs and fishing to decorating your island with themed furniture, the possibilities are limitless. So, pick up your virtual shovel and embark on the adventure of a lifetime. Happy island hopping!