Summary
Aside from the plentiful amount of unique-looking villagers, one of the biggest reasonsAnimal Crossingis so popular is the vast number of items to collect. Players can gather and use any of them however they see fit, and they’re responsible for making one’s home and residential area feel more alive. Whilethe nextAnimal Crossinghas a big choice with its setting, there’s no doubt it will still have numerous collectibles for players to gawk at or have fun with. However, there is one item in particular that, while already a staple in the franchise, could benefit from some changes in a future title.
EveryAnimal Crossinggame is full of items that are either purely decorative or interactable by players and the villagers. The museum, a structure that has become synonymous with the franchise, is where players can submit special collectibles to gather as a form of in-game and personal achievement. Of all the special items, fossils are the easiest to acquire and offer as all one has to do to get them is dig in marked spots where they could potentially be. However, the next game could change how they are obtained or presented so that they’ll have more value and meaning than in previous titles.
How Animal Crossing’s Fossils Could Be Changed
The nextAnimal Crossinghas a golden opportunityto turn a collectible that some might see as an afterthought into one that’s fun to obtain and offer to the museum. While there are many different ways to change the game’s fossil mechanic, a few that could be easy for Nintendo to implement include:
If there’s any way to makeBlathers a secret weapon in the nextAnimal Crossing, it’s by giving the fossils these changes. The modifications may not appeal to those who are used to how the collectible is handled, but they can at least guarantee a fresh new experience for players. If properly executed, altering how fossils work in future titles could make many appreciate the item more than ever before.
If Nintendo sees that the fossil changes are well-received by fans, the company might consider updating other museum collectibles. For example, the numerous types of fish that players can donate might include an activity where players can feed what they’ve managed to catch. Other museum-related items such as those belonging to the art and bug department can also have unique activities that make gathering them more beneficial. Evenif the nextAnimal Crossingwere to go the opposite direction afterNew Horizons, such changes would be relevant and groundbreaking to the franchise, regardless of where the games go.
Modifications to the fossil mechanics can also influence updates to other aspects that tie into the changes. For example, the villagers could be given the ability to help players with fossils or other museum-based item activities to speed up the process. While having other aspects involved with the museum collectible process might feel intrusive, it does at least offer something different to the franchise. If Nintendo decides thatthe nextAnimal Crossingshould have changes to one of its important features, it’s possible that the fossils could be the first step to many major updates.
There’s still no tellingwhat’s next forAnimal CrossingafterNew Horizons. While many quality-of-life changes, mechanics, and features will likely be carried over to the next title, there’s still room for many improvements. Implementing an update to how fossils are handled could be what the future mainline entry needs to distinguish itself from its predecessors while improving the collectible’s value and status for players.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
WHERE TO PLAY
Escape to a deserted island and create your own paradise as you explore, create, and customize in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game. Your island getaway has a wealth of natural resources that can be used to craft everything from tools to creature comforts. You can hunt down insects at the crack of dawn, decorate your paradise throughout the day, or enjoy sunset on the beach while fishing in the ocean. The time of day and season match real life, so each day on your island is a chance to check in and find new surprises all year round.Show off your island utopia to family and friends—or pack your bags and visit theirs. Whether playing online** or with others beside you***, island living is even better when you can share it. Even without hopping on a flight, you’ll meet a cast of charming animal residents bursting with personality. Friendly faces like Tom Nook and Isabelle will lend their services and happily help you grow your budding community. Escape to your island getaway—however, whenever, and wherever you want.
