Dive into Fun: A Comprehensive Guide to Swimming in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossing: New Horizons has captivated players worldwide with its relaxing gameplay and endless customization options. One of the most exciting additions to the game is the ability to swim and explore the ocean surrounding your island. This guide will provide you with a detailed, step-by-step walkthrough on how to unlock swimming, how to dive, what you can find in the sea, and some helpful tips to make the most of your underwater adventures.

Unlocking the Ability to Swim: The Wet Suit is Your Key

Before you can even think about taking a dip in the ocean, you need to obtain a wet suit. This special piece of clothing is what allows your character to swim. Unlike regular clothes, which will simply cause your character to sink and be swept back to shore, the wet suit is essential for exploring the depths. Here’s how you can acquire one:

1. Purchasing a Wet Suit from Nook’s Cranny

The most straightforward way to get a wet suit is by purchasing one at Nook’s Cranny, the main shop on your island. Initially, you might not find it right away, as the availability of the wet suit is based on game progression. Typically, after you’ve upgraded Nook’s Cranny beyond its initial tent setup (to the full shop), you’ll eventually see a wet suit displayed in the cabinet, usually near the tools. The wet suit rotates in stock with other items, so check back daily if it’s not there on your first visit.

There are several designs of wet suits, but they function the same way. When available, the price is usually around 3000 Bells. Purchasing one for the first time will also unlock the option to purchase them through Nook Shopping in the Nook Stop terminal, located in the Resident Services building.

2. Buying a Wet Suit from Nook Shopping

After purchasing a wet suit at Nook’s Cranny for the first time, it becomes available for purchase through the Nook Shopping service located in the Nook Stop terminal inside Resident Services. This offers a convenient alternative if Nook’s Cranny doesn’t have one in stock on a particular day. To access it, simply interact with the Nook Stop terminal and choose “Nook Shopping.” Then navigate to the “Special Goods” tab, where the wet suit will be available for purchase at the same price (3000 Bells). This method is ideal if you need to buy multiple wet suits for friends or family on your island. They will arrive the next day via mail.

3. Special Nook Miles Rewards

Occasionally, Nintendo or special events may include Wet Suits as Nook Miles reward items. Always check for ongoing events and updated rewards from the Nook Stop to see if you can acquire a wet suit in this manner. If available, this is usually the cheapest option, as it usually only costs 800 Nook Miles.

Important Note About Wet Suits

• Unlike regular clothes, wet suits are a single-piece outfit. You cannot wear them over other clothing. You can choose from the various designs, but they don’t function as separate pieces of clothing.
• You can purchase multiple wet suits, which is useful if you play with friends or other users on the same Switch. Each player will need their own suit.
• You can change between wet suits in changing areas just like normal clothes.

How to Start Swimming: Diving In

Once you’ve acquired your wet suit, it’s time to jump in the ocean! Here’s how to get started:

1. Equip Your Wet Suit

Open your inventory and select the wet suit. Choose the “Wear” option to equip the suit. You’ll see your character change into the wet suit, ready to brave the waves. Your character can now enter the sea.

2. Find an Access Point

Locate an area of your island where you can easily enter the sea. The most common areas include the beach shore or the rocky ledges that jut out into the water. Walk your character up to the water’s edge.

3. Jumping into the Water

Once you are at the water’s edge, press the ‘A’ button to jump into the water. You can jump into the sea from most parts of the beach. You do not have to be directly in front of a slope, or a particularly open area. You can jump in from all along the shoreline. Your character will enter the water and you’re ready to start swimming!

4. Moving in the Water

Use the left joystick to move around in the water. Your character will naturally swim with the front facing forward. There are no movement controls in the water that you would need to learn, so intuitive movement is easy to pick up quickly. It is generally a slower form of transportation than walking, but faster than using your character’s swim. Make use of the motion to your advantage, and find the fastest speed you can achieve!

Diving: Exploring the Depths

Swimming in Animal Crossing: New Horizons isn’t just about paddling on the surface. It also allows you to dive and explore the underwater world. Here’s how to dive and what you can find:

1. Spotting Bubbles

While swimming on the surface, keep an eye out for small groups of bubbles rising from the sea floor. These bubbles are indicators of a sea creature hidden beneath the surface. These bubbles are only a clue of a possible catch nearby. They will not pinpoint the creature exactly. So make sure you keep your eyes peeled when you are under the sea.

2. Diving Down

When you spot a group of bubbles, swim directly over them. When your character is positioned above the bubbles, press the ‘Y’ button to dive down into the sea. Your character will perform a quick dive animation to swim under the sea surface. This will allow you to be positioned directly in the same place as the hidden item.

3. Catching Sea Creatures

Once you’re underwater, you’ll see the shadow of the creature. It will usually be swimming around the immediate area of where the bubbles were. The speed and direction of the shadow will depend on what sort of creature you have dived for. Use the left joystick to move around and position yourself close to the shadow, then press ‘A’ to reach and catch the sea creature. You will see your character rise to the surface with the creature or item in hand. It will now be in your inventory, and you can donate them to the museum or sell them at Nook’s Cranny.

4. Resurfacing

After catching a sea creature or when you’re ready to return to the surface, your character will automatically resurface on the water, ready to dive again or return to shore. There is no ‘surface’ button you need to press. After catching a creature, your character will quickly bob up to the surface.

What You Can Find While Swimming and Diving

The underwater world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons is full of treasures. Here’s a list of the types of items and creatures you can discover:

Sea Creatures

Just like bugs and fish, sea creatures can be donated to Blathers in the museum, and they also make up a big part of the collection aspect of the game. You can also sell these creatures to Nook’s Cranny for some quick bells. The sea creatures come in various shapes, sizes, and rarity. Some are quick moving, while others swim slowly. There are a lot of different sea creatures, such as:

• Sea Anemone
• Spotted Garden Eel
• Sea Cucumber
• Sea Urchin
• Horseshoe Crab
• Lobster
• Octopus
• Snow Crab
• Giant Isopod
• Vampire Squid
• And Many More!

Pearls

Pearls are special items that can be found randomly while diving. They can be used in crafting certain DIY recipes, making them a valuable find. They are also very rare, so make sure to dive regularly if you want to find these hidden treasures.

DIY Recipes

Occasionally, you may find special DIY recipes inside sea shells, similar to how you can find them from a message in a bottle. These recipes will provide special items that can only be crafted through using items found while swimming.

Other Items

On rare occasions, you might find other random items while diving, including other items not readily available for purchase in Nook’s Cranny. This may include clothing, crafting items, or even pieces of furniture. Always make sure to dive in all the bubble areas, you never know what you might find!

Tips for Successful Swimming and Diving

Here are some useful tips to help you make the most of your underwater expeditions:

1. Timing is Key

Some sea creatures are more common at certain times of the day and year. Just like fish and bugs, sea creatures have a season and time of day. Be sure to check online or in the game guide to learn the availability of each sea creature. Keep an eye out for creatures that are unique to your current season.

2. Be Patient

Diving can be a bit of a treasure hunt. Some sea creatures are rare, and it might take some time and patience to find all of them. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find something new right away. Just keep diving, and the patience will pay off!

3. Listen to the Sounds

Pay attention to the subtle audio cues in the game. The sound of bubbles rising can give you a hint of where to dive. You can also hear the movement of creatures swimming under water, giving you a hint as to how fast they are moving.

4. Explore the Entire Island

Don’t limit your diving to one area. Sea creatures can be found all around your island’s coastline, and even in the river mouth where it meets the sea. Be sure to check all available areas so that you can find all the different creatures.

5. Use the Sea Critterpedia

The Critterpedia app on your Nook Phone is an invaluable tool. It tracks all the sea creatures you’ve caught, and provides information about their availability. Use it to determine what you are still missing, and what time of year to hunt for it.

6. Dive With Friends

Playing with friends can make diving even more fun! You can explore together, race to the bubbles, and trade creatures you’ve caught. It is also more fun to find DIY recipes, special items, or pearls together!

7. Don’t Forget To Sell

Once you have explored and caught a lot of sea creatures, don’t forget to sell them! You can sell them to Nook’s Cranny to collect more bells. This is a great way to earn the bells you will need to further build out your island.

Conclusion

Swimming and diving in Animal Crossing: New Horizons adds a whole new dimension to the game. It’s a fun, relaxing way to explore your island’s surroundings and discover hidden treasures. By following this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to unlock the underwater world and catch all the amazing sea creatures. So, put on your wet suit, jump in, and enjoy the deep blue sea! Have fun, and Happy Diving!