Hi, fiction lover! So, I’m sure you heard of this little game called Animal Crossing. Well, it certainly felt like a little game when I discovered it in 2013. Back then, though, it had a thriving and dedicated fan base. I felt like a total newbie diving into Animal Crossing: New Leaf. But even though I didn’t know what to expect, I did not anticipate it being one of my favorite games of all time. The effect is truly relaxing, just roaming around the town, managing your villagers, and decorating your home. But… why is Animal Crossing so popular? Today, I want to explore that with you. And maybe you can share some of your memories with the game—or if you haven’t played yet, maybe you’ll be motivated to start.
Why Is Animal Crossing So Popular? Really!
The farming and lifestyle type of game is not a new thing, but Animal Crossing found a way to perfect this style. When I first started New Leaf, I thought I was going to be growing some fruit, talking to villagers, and just decorating for a few months before getting tired of the game. And yes, even though Animal Crossing includes all of that, it’s so much more. The detail in the game is so magnificent, how you could just be strolling around town, and then the soundtrack will change and your little footsteps will fall against the grass or snow… and then a villager will turn your way and beckon you to talk to them.
Other simulation games require your detailed attention, but for me, Animal Crossing requires your personality and care. It encourages you to decorate to your unique style, find villagers that speak to you, and customize to your delight. New Leaf gave me a feeling of endless growth. The town was something that I was immensely proud of.
A lot of people got their start with New Horizons. It’s a stunning game! During lockdown, people were finding an escape in the island life. It was a delight to see people fall in love with the charm of Animal Crossing. Obviously, the sales of the game prove just how much of a smash hit it was. I mean, it’s sold almost fifty million units as of today! One thing I heard about the game really stuck with me—I can’t find the comment, but it went something like this: “In Animal Crossing, it’s totally okay to be doing nothing. Other games force you to act and progress. But in this game, I can just roam around on my own terms. It’s a game of freedom. Doing what you like and just resting.”
Creating Your Own Story — On Your Own Terms
So, Animal Crossing gives you a little bit of guidance in the beginning. You’re the new mayor or island resident, and you’re supposed to accomplish some basic tasks. Tom Nook or Isabelle gives you guidance, but then you’re largely left on your own.
But where does the motivation come in?
I believe it comes when you realize just how many things you can do to improve your island. Not only can you upgrade your own home and make sure the villagers are happy, you can curate your own fruit collection, collect rare items, place buildings where you like, and plan a getaway to other locations like deserted islands with rare fish and other surprises. Later on, the game gives an option for terraforming. That’s a whole other beast that people have a lot of fun with. Some players like to change up every part of the island, while others like to keep it as close to the natural landscape.
I spent many hours trying to decide on a cute outfit for my character. Taking in-game selfies with my favorite villagers was a delight. Decorating my home was a challenge since I wanted to include every single item that I obtained, so I eventually settled for a messy house with a few charming things scattered around.
Maintaining the island by pulling weeds was my least favorite part of Animal Crossing. But there is a satisfaction in knowing your island is well taken care of. Nothing feels better than looking at a clean living space for you and the innocent yet quirky animals.
The customization is endless when there’s the ability to download patterns from other players! I never got totally into this, but a lot of people have fun making items that resemble real-life clothing and art. Even pictures of their dog or their favorite celebrities can make it into the game.
Why Is Animal Crossing So Popular? Looking Ahead
Now, on July 9 of 2025, there hasn’t been an announcement for a new Animal Crossing just yet. A part of me wonders what the developers can do to bring a unique yet classic experience to players. New Horizons did so many things right, and in a sense, it brought so many things from old Animal Crossing games to make a masterpiece.
Still, my favorite is New Leaf. It has a unique charm. And a surprising depth that many people believe New Horizons to be lacking. So, maybe the next game will have a different setting with more options for co-op playing, more of a community feel with being able to visit others, and even more customization!
What do you want in the next Animal Crossing? I would love it to be something like New Leaf, but maybe with a twist. Maybe with going back to a city setting rather than an island. I would also love to see some MMO elements like a shared space where you can collect items with other players—and not just limited to visiting their homes and not being able to do much together.
Did you enjoy finding out the answer to our question, why is Animal Crossing so popular? I’m so excited for the next game in the line. I feel inspired to go back to my old Animal Crossing games now! I hope you had fun exploring this classic game with me! Follow me on my blog for more posts about fiction and fandom.