Summary
While new rumors suggesting the nextAnimal Crossinggame will not be released until 2026 might be disappointing for fans to hear, a longer development time could point toward the game taking a big step forward from its predecessor.Animal Crossing: New Horizonswas already a massive step forward for the franchise with its overhaul of customization options for players, but many took issue with the game’s pacing and lack of distinct activities for players to participate in at launch. In response, the nextAnimal Crossingcould completely revitalize the formula fromNew Horizonsby leaning on a familiar NPC as a focal point for the game’s activities.
A staple of every mainlineAnimal Crossinggame is the string of quests players are tasked with completing during the game’s opening hours. Traditionally, players would work forTom Nookin his shop to pay back some of the debt they owe on their home, butAnimal Crossing: New Horizonschanges things a bit and instead has players work towards building initial shelters on their island. The nextAnimal Crossingcould shake up the formula even more and let another NPC like Blathers be the central figure guiding the player throughout the game.
Blathers Could Play a Pivotal Role in the Next Animal Crossing Game
Aside from designing and decorating their island, one of the main activities for players inAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsis filling out their Critterpediawith fish, bugs, and sea creatures found around their island. Daily, weekly, or even seasonal tasks like collecting these critters, digging up fossils, and purchasing artwork from Redd all comprise the core gameplay loop of theAnimal Crossingseries. The main goal of these tasks is not only to fill out the Critterpedia, but also to complete the island’s museum at the behest of its caretaker, Blathers.
Blathers is already a fairly popular NPC and one that players will interact with frequently throughout mostAnimal Crossinggames. As the curator of the museum, players will be visiting Blathers anytime they donate a fish, bug, or fossil to the museum, giving this NPC an already crucial role in the franchise. However, while themuseum received a massive upgrade inAnimal Crossing: New Horizons, Blathers himself could do a lot more to engage with players throughout the game, potentially setting him up to take over Tom Nook’s role in the next game.
How Blathers Could Be Animal Crossing’s New Tom Nook
Given the important role Blathers already plays in theAnimal Crossingseries, it wouldn’t be too surprising to see him take over for Tom Nook as the primary force driving players' activities. In mostAnimal Crossinggames, the core gameplay loop runs through Tom Nook as players attempt to earn money to pay off their house to upgrade it and restart the cycle. However,Animal Crossing: New Horizonsintroduced a new addition to this gameplay loop with Nook Miles as a way to encourage players to complete mini-quests to earn this currency that could be exchanged for special items likeNook Miles Tickets.
The nextAnimal Crossingcould do something similar with Blathers and allow players to complete certain tasks for him, such as catching specific fish and bugs or answering trivia questions about the species in the museum’s collection. Players could even work at the museum and complete daily tasks there for bells or other rewards, similar to the classic feature of working at Nook’s Cranny at the start of pastAnimal Crossinggames. While these types of tasks don’t have to be anything too in-depth, building on the foundation of the gameplay loop centered onBlathers and the museumby offering players new activities to complete seems like a no-brainer.
