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How to Edit Your Animal Crossing Character: A Comprehensive Guide

So, you’re not vibing with your Animal Crossing avatar? Maybe that initial haircut seemed cute at 3 AM, or perhaps you’re just ready for a fresh new look. Fear not, fellow islander! Changing your character’s appearance in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is surprisingly easy and a regular part of the game’s charm.

The primary way to edit your Animal Crossing character’s appearance is by using a mirror or vanity. Once you have one, simply interact with it, and you’ll access the character customization menu. From there, you can change your hairstyle, hair color, facial features, and even your gender. In Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, you can edit through the in-game menu. Older titles, like Animal Crossing: New Leaf, utilized services like Shampoodle.

Delving Deeper into Character Customization

Let’s break down the process and explore the nuances of altering your virtual self in the Animal Crossing universe. The methods vary slightly depending on the specific game, but the core concept remains consistent: you have the power to shape your digital identity.

New Horizons: The Mirror is Your Magic Wand

Animal Crossing: New Horizons has streamlined character customization. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Acquire a Mirror or Vanity: These items can be purchased from Nook’s Cranny or crafted if you have the DIY recipe. Keep an eye out for them in bottles on the beach, or as gifts from your villagers! The full-length mirror is available at Nook’s Cranny for 3,600 Bells or at the Paradise Planning office for 3,200 Poki.
Place the Mirror: Position the mirror inside your house or anywhere on your island.
Interact with the Mirror: Stand in front of the mirror and press the ‘A’ button.
Customize Away! The character customization screen will appear, allowing you to modify your:
- Hairstyle: Choose from a variety of trendy and classic styles.
- Hair Color: Experiment with a rainbow of hues.
- Eyes: Alter the shape and color of your eyes.
- Mouth: Select a different mouth shape to express your personality.
- Nose: Fine-tune your character’s nose.
- Skin Tone: Adjust your skin tone for the perfect look.
- Gender: Seamlessly switch between male and female presentations.

Pocket Camp: Mobile Makeovers

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, the mobile version, provides easy access to character customization via the menu:

Tap the Menu: Locate the menu button at the bottom right of the screen.
Navigate to Settings: Find the ‘Settings’ option.
Edit Character: Select ‘Edit Character’ to open the customization menu.
Make Your Changes: Adjust your character’s appearance to your liking. Pocket Camp also allows for changes via wigs and other costume head accessories.

New Leaf: Stepping into Shampoodle

In Animal Crossing: New Leaf, the process is slightly different and requires unlocking a special shop:

Unlock Shampoodle: Spend at least 10,000 Bells cumulatively at the Able Sisters clothing store and Kicks shoe store. This unlocks the Shampoodle salon.
Visit Shampoodle: Head to Shampoodle, located on Main Street.
Consult Harriet: Talk to Harriet, the poodle stylist, to change your hairstyle and hair color for a fee. In New Leaf, you can also change your eye color at Shampoodle.

Older Titles: A Touch of Nostalgia

In older Animal Crossing games, customization options were generally more limited. In Animal Crossing: Wild World, for instance, you could change your hairstyle at Shampoodle for 3,000 Bells. The face style, however, was unchangeable.

FAQs: All Your Animal Crossing Character Customization Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you further navigate the world of Animal Crossing character customization:

Can I change my character’s name in Animal Crossing: New Horizons? No, you cannot change your character’s name after you’ve created them in New Horizons. However, you can add another user to your Nintendo Switch and create a second villager on the same island.
Is there a cost associated with changing my appearance in Animal Crossing: New Horizons? No, there is no cost to change your appearance using a mirror or vanity in New Horizons. You can change your look as many times as you want without spending any Bells.
Can I change my skin tone in Animal Crossing: New Horizons? Yes, you can change your skin tone freely using a mirror or vanity in New Horizons.
Are there limited customization options in Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp? While Pocket Camp offers a good range of customization options, some hairstyles and features may be unlocked through events or in-app purchases.
Do I need a Nintendo Online subscription to customize my character? No, you do not need a Nintendo Online subscription to customize your character in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Character customization is a local feature.
Can I customize my character’s clothes? Absolutely! You can purchase clothing from Able Sisters, receive them as gifts from villagers, or even design your own using the Custom Designs app on your NookPhone.
How do I unlock more hairstyles in Animal Crossing: New Horizons? You can unlock more hairstyles by purchasing them with Nook Miles at the Nook Stop in Resident Services.
Can I change my character’s gender in Animal Crossing: New Horizons? Yes, you can change your character’s gender at any time using a mirror or vanity. The game does not restrict clothing or hairstyles based on gender.
Can I edit custom designs that I downloaded from other players? No, you cannot edit custom designs that you did not create yourself. You can only edit designs that you made.
What happens if I don’t like my initial character appearance in Animal Crossing: New Horizons? If you’re truly unhappy with your initial appearance, you can restart your island. You’re free to do this as many times as you wish until after you finish the first-day tutorial.
How does the season affect character customization in Animal Crossing? Seasonal events often bring new clothing items, accessories, and even hairstyles to the game. Keep an eye out for limited-time items during holidays and special occasions.
Are there any special customization options for reaching certain milestones in the game? Yes, achieving certain milestones, such as reaching a 5-star island rating, can unlock unique items and features that can enhance your character’s appearance. The Lily of the Valley flower grows when you have a 5-star rating.
How do I get more furniture to decorate my house and island? Furniture can be obtained from Nook’s Cranny, DIY recipes, balloon presents, and as gifts from villagers. Participating in events and completing tasks can also reward you with furniture.
What role does education play in enjoying Animal Crossing? Although often overlooked, games like Animal Crossing provide valuable lessons. They promote creativity, problem-solving, and social interaction. Organizations like the Games Learning Society – GamesLearningSociety.org – are dedicated to exploring the educational potential of games.
How do I keep up with the latest Animal Crossing updates and customization options? Follow official Nintendo social media channels and Animal Crossing fan communities to stay informed about new updates, events, and customization options.

Final Thoughts

Editing your character in Animal Crossing is a simple yet rewarding aspect of the game. It allows you to express your creativity, adapt to new trends, and truly make your virtual world your own. So, go ahead, experiment with different styles, and have fun crafting the perfect islander look!

How do I edit my Animal Crossing character?