Animal Crossing New Horizons: Full Patch Notes And Version History

It's fair to say that Animal Crossing: New Horizons on Switch has changed quite a bit since it released for Nintendo's console in March 2020. The life sim has seen numerous updates in the many months since launch, with new seasonal events, new characters, new items and more added over time — not to mention various bug fixes and tweaks to the base game.

In order to help see how New Horizons has changed over time (and what elements and features were added when), we have collected below the patch notes for every update — large and small — since the release of the game: Animal Crossing: New Horizons version 1.0.

You'll find the main details and dates below if you're just browsing, and click on our linked patch note articles for exact dates and thorough details of what each update contained. Naturally, we'll update this article with new update information as it is released.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons Updates - Patch Notes and Version History

Here you'll find every Animal Crossing update listed from most recent to oldest. Minor updates are listed under each main update subheading:

Ver. 2.0.6 (Released November 14, 2022)

General

• Several issues have been addressed to improve the gameplay experience.

Ver. 2.0.5 (Released February 15, 2022)

Fixed Issues

• Fixed an issue where the player could not progress through the explanation about Photopia under specific conditions after moving to another island.
• Fixed an issue where the game would not progress after a message was displayed when a conversation had started and a lot of furniture items had been placed on the island.
• Fixed an issue where Luna would repeat the explanation related to the “Search by island name.” option over again.
• Fixed an issue where island residents would wear custom designs as a different pattern type than how the custom design was displayed in the tailor shop.
• Fixed an issue where an island resident visiting a player’s home would remain in the player’s home after the player used the Room Sketch app, the Happy Home Network app, or the Custom Designs Portal during the visit.
• Fixed an issue where a player would use a door decoration when remodeling the home of an island resident, but the door decoration would sometimes be removed when a new day started.
• Other adjustments and corrections were made to improve the game play experience.

Fixed Issues related to DLC

The following issues related to the paid DLC Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise have been fixed.

• Fixed an issue where the player could not progress past the loading screen when trying to revisit a vacation home if the player previously released an ant or fly in the yard of that vacation home while the conditions for ants or flies to appear were not met.
• Fixed an issue where subsequent events would not progress properly if the player closed the software during a specific point while working on a facility.
• Other adjustments and corrections were made to improve the game play experience.

Ver. 2.0.4 (Released December 15, 2021)

Fixed Issues

• Fixed an issue where the ”ladder set-up kit” could disappear when the game was saved with the “ladder set-up kit” placed on the diagonal cliff on the third tier of a cliff formation.
• Fixed an issue where under ”Seasonal Recipes” for DIY recipes, the ”maple-leaf rug” and “frozen floor tiles” were not being displayed under the appropriate seasons.
• Other fixes have also been made for more enjoyable gameplay.

Fixed Issues related to DLC

The following issues related to the paid DLC Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise have been fixed.

• Fixed an issue where facility members wearing clothing that uses Custom Designs appear to not be wearing any clothing.
• Fixed an issue in ”Showroom”, where uploading player’s facilities after visiting another player’s facilities resulted in members of player’s facilities appearing as island residents that visited the facilities.
• Other fixes have also been made for more enjoyable gameplay.

Ver. 2.0.3 (Released 24 November 2021)

Fixed Issues related to DLC

The following issues related to the paid DLC Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise have been fixed.

• Fixed an issue where items could be duplicated through a specific method.
• Fixed an issue where the same character could appear twice on the island where Paradise Planning is located.

Ver. 2.0.2 (Released November 18, 2021)

Fixed Issues

The following issues have been fixed.

• During one of Kapp’n’s boat tours, Brewster could overlap with the player and prevent the player from moving.
• Kapp’n’s song could stop playing and prevent the game from proceeding.
• Selecting the “How does this work?” option when starting a group-stretching session during a multiplayer session could prevent the game from proceeding.
• The poster for Orville would be available via Nook Shopping after inviting Wilbur to Photopia.
• The poster for Wilbur would be available via Nook Shopping after inviting Orville to Photopia.
• Placing certain furniture items on the pier could prevent the player from being able to speak with Kapp’n.
• The warp function of the pipe item would stop working after the player discussed buying furniture from a resident inside the resident’s home.
• The music for group stretching sometimes wouldn’t play if an audio device close to the plaza was playing music.
• The Nook Miles+ activity “Visit the Roost for a Coffee Break” could appear multiple times in the same day.

Fixed Issues related to DLC

The following issues related to the paid DLC Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise have been fixed.

• The software would close when the player tried to lead Leif to the school and the placement of the furniture items in the school met certain requirements.
• Using amiibo multiple times to change the members used in a facility could cause the software to close.
• The software could close when the player repeatedly used amiibo at a finished vacation home to add or remove guests.
• The Y Button could stop removing guests when the player repeatedly used amiibo to add a guest and then remove the guest using the Y Button.
• While working, a design portfolio photo could continue to display in the upper-left of the screen after speaking to a client on the north beach.
• Bells would be spent in addition to Poki when the player ordered a present for another resident through Wardell.
• The message card regarding refunding miles for the Pro Decorating License could be sent multiple times.
• The roommates would not appear in a follow-up scene if their shared vacation home situation was ended while in the yard of their vacation home.

Ver. 2.0.1 (Released November 11, 2021)

Fixed Issues

• Fixed an issue that could occur if a player asks to remodel a resident’s home while the airport gate is open.
• Fixed an issue where the Kiki & Lala wand item was mistakenly appearing in Nook Shopping as “Not for sale.”
• Fixed an issue where the coconut juice and frozen-treat set items would not appear under the Miscellaneous tab for DIY Recipes.
• Fixed an issue where the flowing-river flooring item would not display properly in Photopia or expanded player homes when placed horizontally.
• Fixed an issue where some residents would try to cook using something other than a kitchen item in their home.
• Fixed an issue where residents visiting a player’s home would talk as if they were in the café.

Fixed Issues related to DLC

The following issues related to the paid DLC Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise have been fixed.

• Fixed an issue that would allow players to proceed with the game without designing the school when normally the school would need to be designed. If you have save data where you proceeded without designing the school, you can use the following methods to restore your save data to proper conditions.

  For Players that have not remodeled the school

  After completing 1 or 2 other jobs, and no other events trigger at that time, the event to design the school will trigger.

  For players that have remodeled the school

  The event for designing the school will not trigger, but the features that normally unlock from the event to design the school (such as furniture items and room size) will become useable when you start your next job.

• Fixed an issue causing an error to occur when using amiibo to change members at a facility.
• Fixed an issue where you could obtain turnips countless times from Joan in the hospital.
• Fixed an issue where the ripe sugarcane plant item would unlock by obtaining tomatoes.

Ver. 2.0.0 (Released November 3, 2021)

The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 2.0.0” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.

General updates

• Brewster can now open a café in the museum.
• Kapp’n can now offer boat tours.
• Gyroids can now be unearthed.
• Harv’s Island can now be upgraded with an open-air market.
• Cooking has been added to the game.
• Group-stretching sessions can be started in the plaza.
• The Resident Representative can now establish ordinances to further customize the island.
• Seasonal events can now occur every year.
  • The limited-time seasonal items from Nook Shopping will continue to be available every year as well.
• The software now supports Animal Crossing amiibo cards Series 5.
• It’s now possible to use all of the Animal Crossing series amiibo to invite characters to Photopia.
• The maximum number of designs that can be uploaded to the Custom Designs Portal has been increased to 200.
• When dreaming, it’s now possible to search for a destination by island name.
• It’s now possible to store recipe cards in your home storage.
• When using the catalog at Photopia, it’s now possible to select different variations of an item by using the X Button if you have obtained different variations of the same item.
• A new feature has been added to make it easier to search for stored items when using “Sort: Type” in Decorating Mode while in your home or other locations.
  • As part of this change, adjustments have also been made to the order in which items are sorted.
• The following content has also been added:
  • Additional items are available for purchase from various retailers like Nook’s Cranny and the Able Sisters.
  • Additional redemption items are available as part of the Nook Mileage program.
  • Additional limited-time seasonal items will be available from Nook Shopping.
  • K.K. Slider has more music tracks to share.
  • New hairstyles and Reactions have been added.
  • New message-card options have been added.
  • New activities have been added to the Nook Mileage/Nook Miles+ program.
  • Home storage can be expanded.

Support for downloadable content (DLC)

This update adds support for the paid downloadable content Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise.

• Please note the following conditions must be met in order to play content from Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Happy Home Paradise.
  • The building for Resident Services must be built.
  • You must have your own house.
  • You must have finished the DIY workshop.

Adjustments and fixed issues

• Some item names have been changed.
• An issue where only trash or stones could be obtained from created water features with a certain shape has been fixed.
• Other adjustments and corrections were made to improve the gameplay experience.

Version 1.11.1 (Released August 10th, 2021)

If the version notation on the upper right of the software title screen is "Ver. 1.11.1", it has been updated.

Bug fixes

The following bugs that occurred in Ver. 1.11.0 have been fixed.

• Fixed a bug that the order was not correct when rearranging in "Obtained order" in the "DIY recipe" app.
• Fixed a bug where the color variations of certain items were not displayed in the catalog at the shooting studio of "Panny Island".
• Fixed a bug that the closing BGM of "Tanuki Shoten" did not flow.
• Fixed a bug where clouds did not appear in some seasons.

*Local communication is not compatible with Ver. 1.11.0 or earlier. Make sure you have the same version of the update data with the people you play with.

*Sufficient free space is required in the main memory or microSD card to download the update data.

*You can continue to use the save data even after downloading the update data.

Version 1.11.0 (Released July 28, 2021)

The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.11.0” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.

General updates

• Seasonal events have been updated.
• The following content has also been added:
  • Additional limited-time seasonal items from Nook Shopping.

Fixed issues

• Adjustments and corrections were made to improve the game play experience.

Version 1.10.0 (Released April 27, 2021)

The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.10.0” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.

General updates

• The May Day, International Museum Day, and “wedding season” seasonal events have been updated.
• It’s now possible to wake up from a dream by using the – Button.
• The following content has also been added:
  • Additional limited-time seasonal items from Nook Shopping.

Fixed issues

• Fixed an issue where the player could build a fence on the pier when standing on top of a custom design placed on the ground.
• Other adjustments and corrections were made to improve the game play experience.

Version 1.9.0 (Released March 17, 2021)

The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.9.0” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.

General updates

• The Bunny Day seasonal event has been updated.
• Additional support for the Sanrio® Collaboration amiibo cards has been added.
• New miles redemption options have been added to the Nook Stop.
  • Custom Design Pro Editor+
    • Adds additional custom design slots and new pattern options.
  • Custom Designs Portal*
    • Adds access to the Custom Designs Portal from the Custom Designs app.
• The following content has also been added:
  • Additional limited-time seasonal items from Nook Shopping.
  • Nintendo Switch Online membership item*.

*A Nintendo Switch Online membership (paid service) is required to use the Custom Designs Portal and obtain the Nintendo Switch Online membership item.

Fixed issues

• Fixed an issue from Ver. 1.4.0 where if a player used a wand to transform, then swapped their wand for another item while their pockets are full, the player would no longer be able to remove the transformation outfit.
• Fixed an issue from Ver. 1.7.0 involving kits where a player could dig where they normally shouldn’t be able to if they change their mind after using the “Let me imagine it...” option.
• Other adjustments and corrections were made to improve the game play experience.

Version 1.8.0 (Released February 25, 2021)

The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.8.0” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.

General updates

• Collaboration items have been added as part of the Super Mario Bros. 35th anniversary. These items can be ordered from Nook Shopping starting March 1, 2021.
• The following content has also been added:
  • Additional limited-time seasonal items from Nook Shopping.

Fixed issues

• Fixed an issue from Ver. 1.7.0 where if a User selected their own User icon from the HOME Menu followed by “Search for Users You Played With” in the “Add Friend” Menu after an online or local wireless multiplayer session, the Nintendo Switch User Nickname of the other player would be displayed under “In-Game Name” when that player was selected from “Users You Have Played With”.
• Other adjustments and corrections were made to improve the game play experience.

Version 1.7.0 (Released January 27, 2021)

The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.7.0” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.

General updates

• A seasonal event, Festivale, has been added.
• The following content has also been added:
  • Additional limited-time seasonal items from Nook Shopping.

Fixed issues

• Fixed an issue preventing players from receiving the mermaid fence recipe from Pascal.
• Other adjustments and corrections were made to improve the game play experience.

Version 1.6.0 (Released November 19, 2020)

The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.6.0” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.

General updates

• Two seasonal events, Turkey Day and Toy Day, have been added.
• Residents can visit Resident Services to put in a request to increase the capacity of their home storage.
• Luna can now offer random dream destinations by selecting the “Surprise me” option.
• A new feature for transferring save data between different systems has been added.
  • This feature only transfers save data for Animal Crossing: New Horizons. When necessary, please use the Nintendo Switch “Transfer Your User Data” feature as well. Learn more about save data transfer here.
• The following content has also been added:
  • Additional Nook Miles redemption items.
  • Additional limited-time seasonal items from Nook Shopping.
  • Additional DIY recipes that use seasonal materials.
  • Additional Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp collaboration item.

Fixed issues

• Other adjustments and corrections were made to improve the game play experience.

Version 1.5.1 (Released October 8, 2020)

The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.5.1” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.

General updates

The following issues occurring in Ver. 1.5.0 have been fixed:

• Fixed an issue where some title keywords obtained via Nook Miles would not appear within the Passport.
• Fixed an issue where certain messages would display in English for users playing in French, Spanish, German, Italian, Dutch, or Russian.
• Fixed an issue where animal residents would talk about pumpkins when given a bamboo shoot.
• Fixed an issue where it was no longer possible to jump over a river based on the location of certain furniture.

Version 1.5.0 (Released 30 September 2020)

The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.5.0” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.

General updates

• A new seasonal event, Halloween, has been added.
• Pumpkins (produce item) and DIY projects that use pumpkins have been added.
• Added new features for visiting dream islands with Luna: the ability to choose your destination from a list of previously visited dream islands and the ability to favorite previously visited dream islands.
• It is now possible to hide items that are not for sale by pressing the Y Button when viewing the catalog via Nook Shopping.

Fixed issues
Other adjustments were made to improve the gameplay experience.

Version 1.4.2 (Released August 20, 2020)

The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.4.2” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.

General updates
The following issues have been addressed:

• From Ver. 1.4.1:
  • Fixed issue where the “sumo ring” would not display properly.
• From Ver. 1.4.0:
  • Fixed issue where the game would shut down under certain conditions when dreaming.
  • Fixed issue where shining soil would improperly appear behind buildings and other places.
  • Fixed issue where specific message cards sent from animal residents the player is close friends with would not arrive in the player’s mailbox as intended.
• From Ver. 1.3.0:
  • Changed the MTU when playing with others from 1364 to 1240 in order to investigate an issue where players cannot play with others in certain network environments.

Version 1.4.1 (Released August 5, 2020)

The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.4.1” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.

General updates
The following issues that occurred in Ver. 1.4.0 have been fixed:

• Fixed an issue where trees could mature and contain things other than the normal fruit, etc.
• Fixed an issue where shining soil disappears after returning to your own island after a dream and buried Bells appear in that location instead.
• Fixed an issue where the player swings their shovel through the air when attempting to hit a rock placed at a certain location.

Version 1.4.0 (Released July 30, 2020)

The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.4.0” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.

• General updates
  • A new seasonal event, Fireworks Shows, has been added.
  • New limited-time seasonal items have been added to Nook Shopping.
  • A new feature was added to the NookPhone Camera app, allowing you to turn off the guide information by pressing in the R Stick.
  • The “funny glasses” item now matches up with player skin color variations.
• Online connectivity features
  • A new feature allows you to sleep in a bed and meet Luna. You can upload a dream of your island via the internet or visit other uploaded dream islands.
  • New features have been added to the Custom Designs Portal. You can now search by design name or type. You can now create a list of favorite creators.
  • A new feature has been added for backing up save data to Nintendo’s servers via the internet. You can use backed up save data with the island backup restoration service if your Nintendo Switch system is lost or broken.
    • You must be a member of Nintendo Switch Online and enable backups within Animal Crossing: New Horizons to use this new feature.
    • Save data cannot be restored at a customer’s discretionary timing. If your system is broken, you must contact Nintendo Support to start a repair request. If you have lost your system, you must contact Nintendo Support.
    • This feature does not allow save data (island data) to be transferred to a different system. We currently plan on adding a save data transfer feature within 2020. Information on the feature and timing will be announced at a future time.
  • Learn more about the island backup restoration service.
• Fixed issues
  • Other adjustments were made to improve the game play experience.

Version 1.3.1 (Released July 9, 2020)

The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.3.1” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.

• Fixed the following issues:
  • Addressed issue where players could not properly use a zen bridge or red zen bridge placed on top of a cliff (third tier).
  • Addressed issue where a wet suit would not be available for sale within Nook’s Cranny.
  • Addressed issue where hermit crabs would appear in places other than the beach.
  • Addressed issue where a dialogue bubble would improperly appear after speaking with island residents.

Version 1.3.0 (Released July 2, 2020)

The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.3.0” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.

• General Updates
  • Players can now wear a wet suit and go diving in the ocean.
  • Players can now catch sea creatures while diving, which they can then donate to the museum.
  • Players can now encounter new visiting characters somewhere on the island.
  • Nook Miles can now be traded for new items.
  • New seasonal items have been added to the Nook Shopping catalog, available for limited time only.
• Fixed the following issues:
  • The names of several fish have been fixed in Korean and Simplified Chinese.
  • Addressed issues to further ensure an enjoyable gaming experience.

Version 1.2.1 (Released May 21, 2020)

The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.2.1” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.

• General Updates:
  • Addressed issues to further ensure an enjoyable gaming experience.

Version 1.2.0 (Released April 22, 2020)

The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.2.0” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.

• General Updates:
  • The following visiting merchants can now visit the island.
    • Leif (gardening shop)
    • Redd (Jolly Redd’s Treasure Trawler)
  • Added seasonal events.
  • Addressed issues to further ensure an enjoyable gaming experience.

Version 1.1.4 (Released April 6, 2020)

The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.1.4” or “Ver. 1.1.4a” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.

• General Updates:
  • Fixed an issue where, when Flick is on your island, if you give him the number of scarab beetles required for a model, the model you receive is of a different insect.
    • How this issue will be resolved in affected save data:
      After the software is updated to Ver. 1.1.4, if you give Flick the required number of scarab beetles again, you will receive the correct model.
  • Adjusted the appearance rate of some Bunny Day eggs through 11.04.2020.

    Note

    Eggs will be easier to find on Bunny Day itself, which takes place on 12.04.2020.

Version 1.1.3 (Released April 3, 2020)

The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.1.3” or “Ver. 1.1.3a” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.

• General Updates:
  • Addressed an issue where balloons would no longer fly over the island under certain circumstances.

Version 1.1.2 (Released April 2, 2020)

The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.1.2” or “Ver. 1.1.2a” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.

• General Updates:
  • Fixed an issue where an animal you’ve invited to move from another island doesn’t actually move, leaving the plot of land allocated for them to move to sold and unoccupied.
    • How this issue will be resolved in affected save data:
      After the software is updated to Ver. 1.1.2, the sold plot of land will revert to being available, and a new animal will become able to move there again.
    • Note: Unfortunately, the animal that was originally invited to move to your island when the issue occurred will not return to their original island, nor will their plan to move to your island be carried out.
  • Fixed an issue where a request from Tom Nook for the Resident Representative to find a plot of land for new residents disappears.
    • How this issue will be resolved in affected save data:
      After the software is updated to Ver. 1.1.2, if the island is developed to a certain point (Nook’s Cranny is either under construction or completed), the next time the Resident Representative plays the game, a special event will trigger during the island-wide broadcast and the story will move forward.
  • Fixed an issue where, after deleting a resident, it becomes impossible to move their house and/or other structures.
    • How this issue will be resolved in affected save data:
      After the software is updated to Ver. 1.1.2, it will once more become possible to request that these structures be moved.
  • Fixed an issue where both Nook Miles and Bells are subtracted when you use Nook Miles Tickets to go on a Mystery Tour and purchase an item from Wilbur.
  • Other issues are now resolved.

Version 1.1.1 (Released March 26, 2020)

The software has been updated if you see “Ver. 1.1.1” or “Ver. 1.1.1a” in the upper-right corner of the title screen.

• General Updates:
  • Fixed a serious issue that affected game balance.
  • In order to experience an upcoming seasonal event, after downloading Ver. 1.1.1 and once the event starts (real-world time), you will need to launch the software while connected to the internet to update to Ver. 1.1.1a.
  • Please note that a user with a linked Nintendo Account must launch the software to update to Ver. 1.1.1a.

Version 1.1 (Released March 20, 2020)

• Online connectivity features:
  • It's now possible to visit other islands through online play via the internet.
  • Added features related to NookLink, a Nintendo Switch Online smart device app game-specific service.
  • Added functionality for Best Friends.
  • Message cards can now be sent to friends or received from friends.
• General Updates:
  • Added a seasonal event.
  • Other adjustments were made to improve the game play experience.

This article is part of our Animal Crossing: New Horizons walkthrough, which includes a Complete Fish List, Complete Bug List and Complete Sea Creatures List. If you're looking for specific fish or bug, we can tell you how to catch the elusive Coelacanth, Mahi-Mahi, Giant Trevally, Stringfish, Golden Trout and all the Sharks and Beetles, along with a full list of Critters leaving at the end of the month. We've also compiled a Complete Villager List and a Complete List of K.K. Slider Songs, as well as the Best Custom Design Codes and Islands we've found so far, and the best islands to visit using Dream Address Codes.

We can also help with How to Spot Redd's Fake Paintings and Statues, How to Make Bells Fast, How to Breed Flowers, How to Get more DIY Recipes, How to Upgrade Nook's Cranny, where and when to find special characters like Gulliver, Sable, Label, Wisp, Celeste, Pirate Gulliver and Jack, plus tips on using the Star Wand, Tool Ring, Rock Trick, Cutting Down and Moving Trees, using amiibo on Harv's Island, How to Back Up Your Island Data, How to Time Travel, How to Get a 5-Star Island Rating and a whole lot more.

And finally Where to Buy Animal Crossing: New Horizons on Nintendo Switch if for some reason you haven't yet picked up the game.