Who Is the Primary Player in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?

The core of the Animal Crossing: New Horizons experience revolves around the player-controlled character, a customizable villager who embarks on a journey to a deserted island. However, within the framework of shared island living, a crucial distinction exists: the role of the Resident Representative. The Resident Representative is the first player to initiate the game on a particular Nintendo Switch console and establishes their residence on the island. While all players contribute to the island’s development and community, the Resident Representative holds a unique position of authority and responsibility, acting as the primary player in terms of plot progression and island infrastructure development.

This distinction is crucial because while multiple players can reside on a single island, only the Resident Representative can unlock key milestones in the game’s story. They are the ones who first interact with Tom Nook to begin the island’s development, build crucial structures like the museum and Nook’s Cranny, and attract new villagers to the community. They are also responsible for large-scale changes to the island, such as constructing bridges and inclines, as well as relocating buildings.

Essentially, all players can enjoy aspects of the game, gathering materials, crafting items, and socializing with villagers. However, the Resident Representative is the driving force behind the island’s progression, shaping its future and steering its development. All players help out, but the Resident Representative is the boss!

Understanding the Roles: Resident Representative vs. Other Residents

The dynamic between the Resident Representative and other residents can sometimes lead to confusion, especially for newcomers to the game or those playing with multiple users on a single console. Here’s a breakdown to clarify the roles and responsibilities:

• Resident Representative:

  • The first player to begin the game on the island.
  • Responsible for the initial setup and development of the island.
  • Unlocks key features and structures, such as the museum, Nook’s Cranny, and airport upgrades.
  • Can initiate major infrastructure projects like building bridges and inclines.
  • Can relocate other residents’ houses.
  • Drives the main storyline.

• Other Residents:

  • Subsequent players who join the island community.
  • Can gather resources, craft items, decorate their homes, and interact with villagers.
  • Contribute to the island’s economy and overall aesthetic.
  • Limited in their ability to advance the main storyline or initiate large-scale construction projects.
  • In multiplayer mode, they can be designated as “Followers” with limited functionality.
  • Can use tools and move furniture in multi player mode, but can’t chat, use the NookPhone, or access their pockets. Items they collect are sent to the Resident Services recycle box.

While all residents are vital to the island’s vibrant community, the Resident Representative’s role is undeniably more impactful in terms of shaping the island’s physical landscape and unlocking its potential. The Resident Representative is basically the main protagonist.

The Power of Customization and Choice

Despite the hierarchical structure of the roles, Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers remarkable freedom in character customization and island design. This freedom extends to both the Resident Representative and other residents, allowing players to express their creativity and personalize their experience.

• Character Customization:

  • Players can customize their appearance, clothing, and accessories at any time.
  • No restrictions are placed on gender or appearance options.
  • Constant updates provide new clothing and accessory options, encouraging ongoing personalization.
  • Players can change their physical appearance using mirrors.

• Island Design:

  • The Resident Representative can terraform the island, reshaping the land and creating new waterways.
  • Players can place furniture, plants, and other decorations throughout the island.
  • Players can craft unique items and customize their appearance.
  • Custom design slots allow players to create and share their own patterns.

This high degree of customization empowers players to create a unique and personalized island experience, regardless of their role. As the Games Learning Society emphasizes, games can be powerful tools for self-expression and creativity. Learn more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to the primary player and roles in Animal Crossing: New Horizons:

1. Can I change the Resident Representative in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?

No, the Resident Representative cannot be transferred to another player. This role is permanently assigned to the first player who starts the game on the island.

2. What happens if the Resident Representative stops playing the game?

The island will remain intact, but no further progress can be made on main story milestones that require the Resident Representative’s actions. Other residents can continue to play and enjoy the game, but they will be unable to unlock new features.

3. Can other residents build bridges and inclines?

No, only the Resident Representative has the authority to initiate and construct bridges and inclines.

4. Can other residents relocate buildings?

No, only the Resident Representative can relocate the homes of other residents and certain structures.

5. How do I designate a “Leader” in multiplayer mode?

The “Leader” in multiplayer mode can be changed by accessing the NookPhone, selecting “Call Resident,” and then selecting “Change Leader.” This role is temporary and only applies to the current multiplayer session.

6. What limitations do “Followers” have in multiplayer mode?

Followers can use tools and move furniture, but they cannot chat, use the NookPhone, or access their pockets. Items they collect are sent to the Resident Services recycle box.

7. Can I choose who moves into my island?

You have some control over who moves into your island. You can invite villagers you meet on mystery island tours or at the campsite. However, the game will sometimes automatically populate vacant houses with random villagers.

8. What are the rarest villager types in Animal Crossing?

Octopi are the rarest species of villagers, with only a few in the entire game. The “Uchi” or “Sisterly” personality type is also relatively rare.

9. How can I get rid of a villager I don’t want on my island?

There are several methods to encourage a villager to move out, including ignoring them, complaining about them to Isabelle, or using Amiibo cards. However, there’s no guaranteed method to force a specific villager to leave.

10. Who is Resetti and what does he do?

Resetti is a character who appears if you reset the game without saving. He lectures you about the importance of saving your progress.

11. Can villagers fall in love in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?

No, there are no romantic relationships between villagers in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The closest relationship is that of best friends.

12. Can I get a girlfriend or boyfriend in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?

No, player characters cannot form romantic relationships with villagers.

13. Who is Gulliver and what is his role in the game?

Gulliver is a character who washes up on the beach. You need to wake him up and help him find the communicator parts for his phone. He then awards you with special items the next day.

14. Who are Don and Sonny Resetti?

Don Resetti reappears in Animal Crossing: City Folk after his absence in Animal Crossing: Wild World, and his personality has not changed since Animal Crossing. He appears after the player resets five times. He is mild mannered, and tells the player that his brother (who he refers to as “Sonny”) is a good guy.

15. Is Bob the cat the first villager created in Animal Crossing?

Yes, according to series co-creator Hisashi Nogami, Bob was the first villager created.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Animal Crossing: New Horizons fosters a sense of community and shared island living, the Resident Representative undoubtedly holds a position of primary influence. This role is essential for progressing the game’s storyline, developing the island’s infrastructure, and unlocking its full potential. Understanding the nuances of the Resident Representative’s role versus other residents empowers players to navigate the game effectively and fully appreciate the unique blend of collaboration and individual expression that defines Animal Crossing: New Horizons.