Animal Crossing: New Horizons introduced swimming to the game in a summer update, giving players the ability to dive and explore the waters around their islands. If you’re new to swimming in Animal Crossing or looking to improve your swimming skills, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to dive into the deep sea adventures.
Getting Started
Before you can start swimming in Animal Crossing, you’ll need to make sure you have the necessary equipment and meet the requirements to access the feature. Here’s what you need to do:
- Update Your Game: Make sure your game is updated to version 1.3.0 or higher to access the swimming feature.
- Have a Wetsuit: You will need a wetsuit to swim in the ocean. You can purchase wetsuits at Nook’s Cranny or through Nook Shopping.
- Wait for Summer: Swimming is a summer-exclusive activity in Animal Crossing, so make sure it’s summer on your island before diving into the water.
Swimming Mechanics
Once you have everything you need, it’s time to hit the water and start swimming. Here’s how swimming works in Animal Crossing:
- Equipping the Wetsuit: To swim, you’ll need to equip the wetsuit like any other piece of clothing. Press the ‘X’ button to access your inventory and select the wetsuit to wear it.
- Entering the Water: Head to the beach and walk into the water to take the plunge. Your character will automatically start swimming when you enter the water.
- Diving: To dive underwater, press the ‘Y’ button while swimming. This will make your character dive down and start looking for sea creatures.
- Swimming Controls: Move your character around using the left joystick while swimming. Press ‘A’ to swim faster and ‘B’ to spin in place. Use the camera controls to look around underwater.
Sea Creatures and Diving
When swimming in Animal Crossing, you have the opportunity to discover various sea creatures that can be donated to the museum, sold for Bells, or displayed in your home. Here are some tips for diving and collecting sea creatures:
- Diving Spotting: Keep an eye out for bubbles rising to the surface as they indicate the presence of a sea creature. Dive towards the bubbles to catch the creature before it swims away.
- Sea Creature Shadows: Some sea creatures will cast shadows on the ocean floor, making them easier to spot. Look for these shadows to locate creatures more efficiently.
- Identifying Sea Creatures: Each sea creature has its own unique appearance, so pay attention to details when diving to identify and catch different types of creatures.
- Blowing Bubbles: Certain sea creatures will blow bubbles to try and distract you. Stay focused and try to catch them before they get away.
Progress and Rewards
Swimming in Animal Crossing not only provides a fun and relaxing experience but also offers rewards and progress opportunities. Here’s what you can expect when swimming in the game:
- Completing the Critterpedia: Catching sea creatures adds them to your Critterpedia, allowing you to track and complete your collection of underwater creatures.
- Donating to the Museum: Donate new sea creatures to Blathers at the museum to expand the sea life exhibit and learn more about the creatures you discover.
- Earning Bells: You can sell sea creatures to Timmy and Tommy at Nook’s Cranny for Bells, providing you with a new source of income in the game.
- DIY Crafting Materials: Some sea creatures can be used as DIY crafting materials, allowing you to create new items and decorations for your island.
Tips and Tricks
To make the most of your swimming experience in Animal Crossing, here are some tips and tricks to enhance your gameplay:
- Time Travel: If you’re eager to swim but it’s not summer on your island, consider time traveling to access the swimming feature and enjoy the activities during the off-season.
- Utilize Diving Patterns: Develop diving patterns to cover more ground and increase your chances of finding rare sea creatures. Dive in a zigzag pattern or circle areas to explore thoroughly.
- Check Your Critterpedia: Use your Critterpedia to track which sea creatures you’ve caught and which ones you still need to find. This way, you can focus on completing your collection.
- Sell Duplicates: If you catch duplicates of sea creatures you’ve already donated or sold, consider selling them for extra Bells to maximize your profits.
- Multiplayer Swimming: Invite friends to swim with you on your island or visit others to swim together and explore the ocean. It’s a fun way to enjoy swimming and socialize with other players.
Conclusion
Swimming in Animal Crossing adds a new dimension to the game, allowing players to explore the ocean, discover sea creatures, and expand their island experience. By following the steps and tips provided in this guide, you can dive into the waters with confidence and make the most of your swimming adventures in the game.
Whether you’re a seasoned Animal Crossing player or a newcomer to the series, swimming offers an engaging and enjoyable activity that can enhance your gameplay and provide new opportunities for creativity and exploration. So grab your wetsuit, dive in, and enjoy the underwater wonders of Animal Crossing!
