Back in March, Nintendo announced an update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons due for late April. Today, they’ve announced when the update is dropping as well as what it entails. The update contains some great additions, with returning characters and a multitude of events. The new Animal Crossing: New Horizons update will be available on Thursday, April 23rd. Here’s what’s coming in the next couple of months.
Leif Returns with Bushes in Tow
Plant-loving sloth Leif returns in the new update. Similar to merchants like Kicks, Leif will be found at the Resident Services on a random day each week. As well as selling flower seeds, Leif will be selling bush saplings, too. Bushes were sorely missing when Animal Crossing: New Horizons launched, after previously being introduced in Animal Crossing: New Leaf. The update video shows azalea and sweet olive bushes, though we can probably expect hydrangea, hibiscus, and holly bushes to also return.
There are also some hedge-style fences seen in the video, which will likely be a DIY recipe sold either through the Nook Stop or Leif himself.
Crazy Redd and His Artwork Are Back
Data for Redd’s shop was data-mined a few days ago, giving fans hope for his return. Now, we can confirm that sly fox Redd is back in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. He’s now taking on the name Jolly Redd, perhaps to make him seem less… crazy. You can find him docked on your secret beach, located at the back of the map. Much like previous games, Redd will be selling famous pieces of art. It also seems like he’ll still be selling fakes, too. Players can closely observe paintings and statues to ensure their authenticity.
An Upgrade for the Museum
With Redd returning to sell his wares, the museum is being upgraded accordingly. The museum upgrade adds a room for artwork, likely located on the suspiciously empty upper floor. Just like fish, bugs, and fossils, players can donate their paintings and statues purchased from Redd to the museum. If it’s anything like previous games, Blathers will refuse to accept those dastardly forgeries.
It’s unknown yet whether the museum will automatically be upgraded, or whether we’ll have to hit a milestone similar to Nook’s Cranny.
A Plethora of Events
Nintendo has announced a handful of events taking place from now until June. The first event is Nature Day, previously announced in the March Nintendo Direct. The Nature Day event will take place from April 23rd to May 4th. Nature Day will add seasonal Nook Miles goals, such as planting bushes or watering flowers.
The May Day event takes place from May 1st to May 7th. The event adds an extra Nook Miles Ticket – the May Day Ticket. This ticket gives players access to special mystery island tours. The tours seem to be a maze, with various prizes located around the island. There’s also a very familiar face lurking in the background… (we’ll get to that!)
International Museum Day will run from May 16th to May 31st. Blathers will be holding a Stamp Rally, with rewards for the player. It looks like the event will be making use of donations players have made to the museum. If you’ve been putting off donating bugs and fish to your collection, now may be the time to start.
Finally, Wedding Season will be held from June 1st to June 30th. Wedding Season makes use of Harvey’s Photopia island, and we also see the return of characters like Reese and Cyrus. It’s possible that they may only be obtainable with Amiibo figures, however. There’s a variety of wedding-themed furniture the player can place, as well as wedding clothing items. While it seems to be more of a cosmetic event, the furniture and clothing items should be available outside of Photopia.
The Return of Rover?
Eagle-eyed fans have spotted a familiar face in the background of the May Day mystery island tour. Fan-favourite Rover is seen roaming around the island. Why he’s, there is unknown. In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, characters roaming around island tours are usually recruitable to move to your island. It could mean that Rover can live on your island for the first time in Animal Crossing history. It could also simply mean he’s a special character for May Day, though we’re sure to find out soon.
Still on the fence about buying the game? Read our Animal Crossing: New Horizons review here.
