Animal Crossing Spring Update – What’s Coming To New Horizons

Animal Crossing New Horizons is a major hit for Nintendo in a robust games library on an already popular console. In short, the company is killing it in the gaming world right now. I spend about 2-3 hours a day playing New Horizons and that’s not counting more time on the weekends. I’m far from the only one totally obsessed with this adorable series, and there’s soon to be even more to love. In an upcoming Animal Crossing spring update, we’re going to see familiar faces and new friends and items as well.

Breaking down the Animal Crossing Spring Update

Image Credit: Nintendo

Okay, so Bunny Day was a flop. The excessive amount of eggs scattered on your island is still probably giving you nightmares. Never fear, because the upcoming Animal Crossing spring update seems to be egg-free and totally exciting. 

Lief and New Greenery to Plant Around Your Island

Image Credit: Nintendo

Fans familiar with the history of Animal Crossing will remember Lief, the sloth who sells plants. Well, he’s returning with something new to the series: shrubs! We see a glimpse at some of the options available at Lief’s pop-up Garden Shop in the update video, including pink and white azaleas plus yellow and orange tea olive options. They appear to take up the same amount of space as flowers and should help diversify the look of your island. 

Jolly Redd’s Treasure Trove and the Art Museum Expansion

Image Credit: Nintendo

Okay, so if you are someone thinking “I wish art crimes were in Animal Crossing,” do I have good news for you or what. Every now and then the Animal Crossing spring update will make it so Jolly Redd stops by your island. His boat is full of fine art you can purchase. Here’s the hilarious kicker, according to Nintendo’s Twitter: not all of the art is authentic. It’s up to you to observe the artworks first to make sure they’re the real deal before buying them. Then, you can add them to a new extension of the island museum dedicated to paintings and sculptures. The idea of a counterfeit art ring in New Horizons still has me cracking up.

Upcoming Events in the Animal Crossing Spring Update

A few special events are on the way as well! Here’s what you can look forward to in April, May and June.

Nature Day (April 23 – May 4) and May Day (May 1 – 7)

Image Credit: Nintendo

Nature Day is going to feature special limited time activities to earn Nook Miles+ centered on adding and caring for plant life. These Nook Miles+ tasks are a great way to stock up on these essential in-game resources for visiting mystery islands and buying items. It doesn’t appear that this event features any special items, but who knows what might show up on your paradise island. May Day is going to feature special islands you can explore from the Dodo Airport. These islands appear to feature things like new villagers to meet (and possibly invite to your island) as well as hedge mazes and other fun elements. Hopefully we get plenty of chances to explore these fun places!

International Museum Day (May 18 – 31) and Wedding Season (June 1 – 30)

Image Credit: Nintendo

For International Museum Day, you’ll have over two weeks to collect stamps in your museum for in-game rewards. Hopefully some of these rewards include new features to show off in the museum itself! Stamps seem to vary by exhibit, including different sections of the bugs, fish, and fossil areas. With the addition of the art section, there may even be stamps for that area as well. Wedding season is also going to provide an opportunity to help happy couples celebrate their big day. From the video, it appears that married couples will be able to get their pictures taken at Harv’s photo island. Here, you’ll be asked to arrange a picture perfect scene for the couples to renew their love in front of the camera (and Harv, I guess). 

When Does the Animal Crossing Spring Update Start?

The update should begin April 23 with the launch of Nature Day and Lief’s Garden Shop. It’s unclear the days in which other updates like events and Jolly Redd’s Treasure Trove will come to players, but we’ll keep you updated here! If you’re excited about the new Animal Crossing spring update, then let us know in the comments! Thanks for reading Comic Years for all things gaming, comics, and pop culture!

Featured Image Credit: Nintendo

Taylor is the Gaming Editor of Comic Years and a lifelong fan of video games. He holds two degrees in Political Communication and wrote a Master's Thesis on resistance movements, race, and the exploitation of college athletes. His wife and two Toy Australian Sheppards keep him sane.