The Obvious Solution to Time Traveling in Animal Crossing

The Animal Crossing series has long been beloved for allowing players to enjoy their in-game world at their own pace. With the freedom to participate in activities or improve their island when they please, it’s no surprise that these games are considered some of the best in the social simulation genre.

However, a recurring issue arises from players manipulating their system’s clock to time travel, gaining access to events and rewards ahead of schedule. This has sparked debate over whether it undermines the game’s intended real-time progression. Fortunately, there is a solution that could satisfy both types of players—those who enjoy the real-time experience and those who prefer speeding things up. If implemented, this feature could make the next Animal Crossing game the most replayable yet.

Time traveling, a popular practice among Animal Crossing players, allows them to jump forward or backward by days, hours, or even years. While some appreciate the flexibility, others feel it compromises the game’s integrity, which is designed to unfold in real-time.

The ideal solution is to introduce two distinct modes: one that locks events to real-time progression and another that offers greater freedom for time travelers. Although adding such modes might present challenges, this approach could appeal to a wide range of players.

Why Animal Crossing Should Offer Separate Modes for Regular and Time-Travelling Play

In Animal Crossing: New Horizons and its predecessors, time traveling has been a common tactic for many players, and it’s likely to remain popular in future installments. While some view it as cheating—arguing that it diminishes the sense of accomplishment from earning rewards on time—offering separate modes could resolve this concern. By giving players the choice to either play in real-time or use time travel, everyone can enjoy the game in their preferred way without disrupting others. This structure could be a major improvement for the franchise:

Versatile Gameplay: The two modes would let players experience both time travel and real-time play without compromising either. Those who want to progress quickly can do so, while those who prefer a slower pace can stick to real-time.

Tailored to Different Playstyles: The time-travel mode would be ideal for players who may not have much time to play but still want to make progress, while the real-time mode would suit those who enjoy a more leisurely approach.

Though there may still be challenges in implementing such features, this approach is something Nintendo should seriously consider. It has the potential to draw in new fans while giving longtime players an improved experience.

Why Animal Crossing’s Two Modes Should Have Separate Save Files

Traditionally, Animal Crossing games have operated with a single save file, but introducing two modes with their own separate files could open up exciting possibilities. One benefit would be the reduced fear of restarting. Players could create different worlds in each mode, allowing them to experiment with island designs or decorations without worrying about losing progress if they decide to start over.

Additionally, this separation would ensure fair play. For instance, those who choose the time-traveling mode could be restricted from using online features or trading items with players in the real-time mode. This safeguard would prevent time travelers from gaining unfair advantages over players sticking to the intended pace of the game.

By offering both a time-traveling mode and a regular play mode, Nintendo has a golden opportunity to enhance the next Animal Crossing game. While there may be some hurdles, the potential benefits are significant. Not only would this attract new players, but it would also give existing fans an even richer and more flexible gaming experience with each playthrough.