The first Animal Crossing: New Horizons summer update is now live and comes with a few features which veteran fans of the Nintendo life simulator may recognize, like swimming and diving, for example.
These mechanics were last seen in the series’ previous installment New Leaf back in 2013. Swimming and diving allow players to explore the oceans around their Animal Crossing town, opening up the map a considerable amount. Diving also lets you collect various underwater goodies such as ocean flora as well as creatures such as crabs.
The Animal Crossing: New Horizons summer update also saw the return of Pascal, a fan-favorite character. This philosophical otter has been in Animal Crossing since Wild World for the DS and is also featured in City Folk for the Wii as well as the previously mentioned New Leaf for the 3DS.
So now that you know what’s new with the update, how do these changes affect the game? Just how does one dive and where can Pascal be found in the series newest installment?
Well, first of all, having just booted up the game, make sure to check your mailbox for a free snorkel gift from Nintendo. While not needed to swim in-game it is a brand-new item of clothing and may compliment your swimming ensemble quite nicely. Next head to Timmy and Tommy’s shop to buy a wetsuit, which can be found in the cabinet alongside the tools and seeds. Now simply head to any section of beach and press A to wade into the water (note if you press A while on the rock or the small wooden pier you will instead cannonball into the ocean).
While in the sea you can press Y to dive underwater, if you do so while near a rising plume of bubbles in the water you’ll dive back up carrying something from under the sea such as a sea anemone of an octopus.
If you happen to find a rare Scallop while trawling the sea when you rise a bright pink otter will be treading water behind you. This is the aforementioned Pascal, and he will offer to trade your scallop in return for a new ocean-themed piece of furniture such as the Mermaid Vanity. He will also spout some new philosophical dialogue which is always a treat. The recipes from Pascal can be made with pearls, another rare underwater find.
Finally, don’t forget to show off your findings to Blathers at the museum who will decide to open a section for underwater creatures upon viewing your discoveries, giving you a nice place to show off all the undersea treasures you’ve found so far. The Animal Crossing: New Horizons summer update is now available in the game, happy hunting!
