How to Visit Other Islands in Animal Crossing: A Journey Beyond the Shores

blog 2025-01-15 0Browse 0

Animal Crossing: New Horizons has captivated millions of players worldwide with its charming gameplay, relaxing atmosphere, and endless customization options. One of the most exciting aspects of the game is the ability to visit other players’ islands, allowing you to explore new landscapes, trade items, and socialize with friends. But how exactly do you visit other islands in Animal Crossing? And what can you do once you’re there? In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the various methods of visiting other islands, the benefits of doing so, and some tips to make the most out of your island-hopping adventures.

1. Understanding the Basics of Island Visits

Before you can set sail to another island, it’s essential to understand the basic mechanics of island visits in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The game offers two primary ways to visit other islands: local play and online play.

Local Play: This method allows you to visit islands that are within the same physical location as you, such as a friend’s island in the same room. Local play doesn’t require an internet connection, making it a convenient option for players who are in close proximity to each other.
Online Play: Online play, on the other hand, enables you to visit islands from players all around the world. This method requires an active internet connection and a Nintendo Switch Online subscription. Online play opens up a vast network of islands, giving you access to a diverse range of player-created worlds.

2. Preparing for Your Island Adventure

Before you embark on your journey to another island, there are a few things you should prepare to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Check Your Inventory: Make sure you have enough space in your inventory to carry any items you might acquire during your visit. It’s also a good idea to bring some essential items, such as tools, fruit, or crafting materials, in case you need them on the other island.
Set Your Goals: Decide what you want to achieve during your visit. Are you looking to trade items, gather inspiration for your own island, or simply hang out with friends? Having a clear goal in mind will help you make the most of your time on the other island.
Communicate with the Host: If you’re visiting a friend’s island, it’s courteous to communicate with them beforehand. Let them know when you plan to visit and what you hope to do while you’re there. This will help avoid any misunderstandings and ensure that both of you have a pleasant experience.

3. Visiting Islands via Local Play

Local play is a straightforward way to visit other islands, especially if you’re in the same physical location as the person you’re visiting. Here’s how to do it:

Open the Airport: Head to the airport on your island and speak to Orville, the dodo bird at the front desk. Select the “I want to visit someone” option.
Choose Local Play: When prompted, select the “Local play” option. This will allow you to connect with other players who are nearby.
Search for Islands: Orville will search for nearby islands that are open for visitors. Once he finds one, you’ll be able to select it and begin your journey.
Enjoy Your Visit: Once you arrive on the other island, you’re free to explore, interact with the environment, and socialize with the host and other visitors.

4. Visiting Islands via Online Play

Online play is the more versatile option, allowing you to visit islands from players all over the world. Here’s how to get started:

Open the Airport: As with local play, head to the airport and speak to Orville. Select the “I want to visit someone” option.
Choose Online Play: This time, select the “Online play” option. You’ll need an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription to proceed.
Enter the Dodo Code: If you’re visiting a specific island, the host will provide you with a Dodo Code. Enter this code when prompted, and Orville will connect you to the island.
Search for Friends: If you’re visiting a friend’s island, you can also search for their island by selecting the “Search for a friend” option. This will allow you to connect to any of your friends’ islands that are currently open for visitors.
Enjoy Your Visit: Once you arrive, you can explore the island, trade items, and interact with the host and other visitors.

5. What to Do on Other Islands

Visiting other islands in Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers a wealth of opportunities for exploration, creativity, and social interaction. Here are some activities you can engage in during your visit:

Explore the Island: Take a stroll around the island and admire the host’s creativity. You might discover new design ideas, unique layouts, or rare items that you can bring back to your own island.
Trade Items: Trading is a popular activity in Animal Crossing. You can exchange items, DIY recipes, or even villagers with the host or other visitors. Make sure to communicate with the host beforehand to agree on the terms of the trade.
Participate in Events: Some players host special events on their islands, such as treasure hunts, fashion shows, or fishing tournaments. Participating in these events can be a fun way to socialize and earn rewards.
Gather Resources: If you’re running low on certain resources, such as fruit, wood, or fish, you can gather them on the other island. Just make sure to ask the host for permission before taking anything.
Socialize: Animal Crossing is a social game at its core. Use the in-game chat feature to communicate with the host and other visitors. You can exchange tips, share stories, or simply enjoy each other’s company.

6. Etiquette for Visiting Other Islands

When visiting other islands, it’s important to follow proper etiquette to ensure a positive experience for everyone involved. Here are some guidelines to keep in mind:

Ask for Permission: Always ask the host for permission before taking any items, shaking trees, or picking flowers. Respect their island and their rules.
Be Polite: Use the in-game chat feature to communicate politely with the host and other visitors. Avoid spamming or using inappropriate language.
Don’t Overstay Your Welcome: While it’s tempting to spend hours exploring a new island, be mindful of the host’s time. If they need to close their island, respect their decision and leave promptly.
Leave a Gift: It’s a nice gesture to leave a small gift for the host as a token of appreciation. This could be a rare item, a DIY recipe, or even just a piece of fruit.

7. Troubleshooting Common Issues

While visiting other islands is generally a smooth experience, you may encounter some issues along the way. Here are some common problems and how to resolve them:

Connection Issues: If you’re having trouble connecting to another island, make sure your internet connection is stable. You can also try restarting your Nintendo Switch or the game itself.
Full Island: Some islands may have a limit on the number of visitors they can accommodate. If you’re unable to join an island because it’s full, try again later or ask the host to let you know when a spot opens up.
Incompatible Versions: If you’re unable to visit an island because of version differences, make sure both you and the host are using the latest version of the game. You can update the game through the Nintendo eShop.
Communication Errors: If you experience communication errors during your visit, try moving closer to your Wi-Fi router or using a wired connection. You can also try visiting a different island to see if the issue persists.

8. Conclusion

Visiting other islands in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a rewarding experience that allows you to explore new worlds, connect with friends, and expand your horizons. Whether you’re visiting via local play or online play, there’s always something new to discover and enjoy. By following the tips and guidelines outlined in this guide, you’ll be well-prepared to embark on your island-hopping adventures and make the most out of your time in the game.

Q: Can I visit random islands without a Dodo Code? A: No, you need a Dodo Code or an invitation from a friend to visit their island. Random island visits are not possible in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Q: How many players can visit an island at the same time? A: Up to eight players can visit an island simultaneously, including the host. However, the host may choose to limit the number of visitors.

Q: Can I bring items back from another island? A: Yes, you can bring items back from another island, but make sure to ask the host for permission before taking anything.

Q: What happens if I disconnect while visiting another island? A: If you disconnect while visiting another island, you’ll be returned to your own island. Any unsaved progress may be lost, so it’s a good idea to save your game frequently.

Q: Can I visit islands from players in different regions? A: Yes, you can visit islands from players in different regions as long as you have an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription and a stable internet connection.

Q: Is there a limit to how many islands I can visit in a day? A: There is no limit to how many islands you can visit in a day, but keep in mind that each visit requires a Dodo Code or an invitation from the host.