Advantages and Disadvantages of Increasing Villager Count in the Next Animal Crossing Game

Over the years, Animal Crossing has introduced a delightful array of villagers, making many players fans of collecting these lovable critters. While the charm of these animal companions is undeniable, there’s a debate on whether too many might not be the best thing for the series.

The journey began back in 2001 with the original Animal Crossing game, which launched exclusively in Japan, featuring 215 villagers. With each new version, this number has significantly grown, except for the exceptions in Wild World and City Folk. Today, we’ve seen the roster of villagers nearly double since those early days, providing players with old favorites and intriguing new faces to meet and bond with.

Unveiling new villagers is a major draw for any fresh Animal Crossing game, akin to the “Catch ‘em all!” sentiment found in Pokémon. With every new installment, fans eagerly anticipate which fresh characters will win their hearts—or maybe even become their pet peeves.

It’s expected that future Animal Crossing titles will bring in new species of villagers. Currently, the game boasts thirty-five species, dominated by mammals and birds like rabbits, dogs, and cats. But there are also some unique ones like octopi and frogs. Perhaps it’s about time we saw some reptiles or fish added to the mix, expanding the animal kingdom within our virtual villages.

And while we’re on the subject, how about spicing up the personalities? Currently, there are only eight personality types in the game. Introducing additional personality traits, ranging from quirky “crybaby” types to more understated “shy” ones, could offer players a fresh set of character dynamics to enjoy. Every villager has their own peculiarities, and expanding personality options would only amplify the game’s charm.

Such updates could give a potential new Animal Crossing entry the distinctive flair it needs. A perfect example of this was Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, which had players focus on decorating a campsite instead of the usual island or town setup. Adding new villager species and personalities could be the unique feature that sets the next game apart.

However, as with any new feature, there are potential downsides to consider. Some players might relish the quest to collect every single villager, but others have specific favorites they hope to welcome to their island. An ever-growing roster means the chances of encountering a favorite villager might decrease, leading to a repeat of the trend seen in New Horizons, where players engaged in villager trades and hunts.

Quantity doesn’t always equate to quality either. If the game doesn’t introduce new species or personality types, it risks recycling the same types of villagers repeatedly. Take, for example, Jock-type cats—names like Stinky, Rudy, and Kid Cat might start sounding a bit too familiar if we’re not careful.

Ultimately, the benefits and drawbacks of increasing the number of villagers will only become clear once a new installment is released and fans can assess how these new faces integrate into the game. But until then, enthusiasts of the series can keep on hunting and collecting their favorite villagers in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, cherishing each quirky interaction and heartfelt connection.