Can You Get Pets in Animal Crossing? Exploring the Animal Companionship in the Series
Animal Crossing games are renowned for their charming villagers, the anthropomorphic animals who become your neighbors and friends. But a common question among players is: can you actually get pets in Animal Crossing? The answer is nuanced, and depends on what you consider a "pet." While you can't have traditional dogs or cats as companions in the same way you might in other games, there are definitely ways to interact with and care for animals in the series. Let's delve into the details.
Can you have dogs and cats in Animal Crossing?
No, you can't have traditional domesticated dogs or cats as pets in the main Animal Crossing games (New Horizons, New Leaf, etc.). The animals you interact with are the villagers themselves—they are the main focus of the game's social aspect and gameplay. You befriend them, give them gifts, and build relationships. They are not pets in the traditional sense of needing constant care like feeding and walking.
What about other animals? Bugs and Fish?
You can catch and collect bugs and fish in Animal Crossing, but these aren't considered pets. You can donate them to the museum or sell them for bells, but you don't interact with them in the same way you do with the villagers. They're more like collectibles or resources within the game's economy.
Are there any animal companions in Animal Crossing?
While not traditional pets, several elements in Animal Crossing games offer a sense of animal companionship:
- Your own character's clothing: While not a pet itself, you can dress your character in animal-themed outfits, giving the sense of having a companion through visual representation.
- Villagers: The anthropomorphic villagers act as companions in the game, offering friendship and a sense of community within your island or town.
- DIY crafting: Crafting items related to animals, like animal-themed furniture or clothing, allows for creative expression of your love for animals within your game world.
- The pets of other characters: In some Animal Crossing games, some of the villagers might be seen with their own pets, which is more of a visual treat than something you can interact with directly.
Are there any planned future additions of pets?
Currently, there are no official announcements from Nintendo regarding adding traditional pets like dogs and cats to future Animal Crossing games. However, the developers continuously update and add content, so future possibilities remain open. The focus continues to be on building relationships with the animal villagers, rather than having direct control over traditional pet animals.
Can you adopt animals in Animal Crossing?
No, there is no adoption system for traditional pets in Animal Crossing. The closest equivalent would be the interaction and relationship-building with the animal villagers.
What animals are available in Animal Crossing New Horizons?
Animal Crossing: New Horizons features a diverse range of animal villagers, each with unique personalities and appearances. There's a wide variety of species represented, ensuring a diverse community on your island. The fun is in discovering and befriending these unique characters.
Ultimately, while you can't get traditional pets in Animal Crossing, the game offers unique ways to interact with and care for its inhabitants. The focus is on building relationships with the animal villagers, creating a charming and engaging social experience, rather than the direct care and responsibility associated with conventional pet ownership.
