Graphic by Maggie Chirdo.

Spooky Season and An “Animal Crossing” Update Are Just Around The Corner

Let the virtual trick-or-treats begin!

September 25, 2020

A change in the seasons is here, and something wicked this way comes. A spooky Animal Crossing: New Horizons update is finally arriving! Nintendo announced Friday that starting Sept. 30, Animal Crossing players will be getting a few new treats, including some Halloween themed DIY recipes, cute costumes, and a special spooky guest on Oct. 31.

Photo Credit: Nintendo

After downloading the free update, players will be able to grow pumpkins on their island to use in special spooky DIY recipes. Nintendo’s announcement showcased a few of these seasonal favorite veggies, including a variety of orange, yellow, and green pumpkins. Some of the DIY recipes seem to include outdoor props such as stacks of jack-o’-lanterns. Players will also be able to start collecting candy from Tom Nook’s store to give out to villagers on All Hallows’ Eve.

On Halloween night, players will get to see their friendly villagers dressed up in some scary costumes, and can dress up themselves! New customization features will include spooky varieties of eye colors and skin tones to get the perfect costume ready. Players will also get a special visit from Jack, otherwise known as the “reigning czar of Halloween.” In previous versions of the game, Jack would ask the player to wear a creepy mask while giving out candy and scaring their villagers. It seems that New Horizons will be taking a similar route, as players will be able to perform new “Haunt” and “Scare” reactions.

Photo Credit: Nintendo

Nintendo stated at the end of their announcement that new updates will also be coming to NookLink, the Animal Crossing service available on the NintendoSwitch app. Players can expect another seasonal update at the end of November featuring Thanksgiving and Christmas-themed goodies. In the meantime, it seems that islanders will have more than enough spooky content to hold them over. Happy haunting!

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