If you have only explored Animal Crossing: New Horizons, you might be unaware of a rich tapestry of characters from earlier titles that showcase an emotional depth not as pronounced in the latest game. The first-generation entries in the series introduced a variety of special characters, some of whom may seem familiar to newcomers, including beloved figures like Celeste, Harvey, and Kapp’n. Historically, these special characters represented rare town visitors, business owners, or government representatives.
Given the expansive roster of characters in Animal Crossing, many remarkable individuals might be overlooked by those unfamiliar with earlier games. This article aims to reintroduce players to the memorable characters that once played significant roles in gameplay. Perhaps this glimpse into nostalgia will inspire you to revisit your older consoles and reconnect with your townsfolk.
9 Beppe, Carlo, and Giovanni From Pocket Camp
Meet the Three Penguins
Let’s start with a familiar trio: Beppe, Carlo, and Giovanni, the penguin team behind OK Motors in Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp. Each bird has a distinct role, with Beppe flourishing as a painting prodigy, Carlo often forgetting his tasks, and Giovanni steering the group as its leader. These characters, inspired by Italian culture, add a unique essence to the game’s vehicular customization aspect.
Currently exclusive to Pocket Camp, this likeable trio is not available as Amiibo cards, and speculation suggests they may not feature in future Series 5 Amiibo releases due to the lesser emphasis on vehicles in other titles.
8 Chip Is From Multiple Animal Crossing Games
Your Friendly Neighborhood Police
Chip, a familiar face to players of New Horizons, is C.J.’s father and an avid fishing enthusiast. This character first appeared in the original game as the host of the Fishing Tourney, where players competed with different bass. Over time, Chip evolved into a key special event figure, notably bestowing the coveted golden fishing rod upon players who successfully caught all fish types in City Folk and New Leaf.
Although Chip ceased organizing the Fishing Tourney, he remains a notable character who can now be invited to the Roost in New Horizons through Amiibo cards. Additionally, if players invite him along with Nat via Amiibo, he’s likely to make an appearance.
7 Digby From New Leaf
The Postman Always Rings Twice
Digby, a lively Shih Tzu, serves as the representative for the Happy Home Showcase in New Leaf. As Isabelle’s twin brother, Digby is frequently mentioned in her morning announcements on New Horizons. He facilitated player interactions through the StreetPass feature in older titles. Although newer games initially excluded him, players can now invite Digby to the Roost using his Amiibo card.
His journey continues in Happy Home Designer, where he plays a pivotal role alongside the player at Nook’s Homes, and in Pocket Camp, where he hosts the gardening event, Digby’s Artful Retreat.
6 Gracie From City Folk & New Leaf
Fashion Icon of Animal Crossing
Gracie is as fabulous as her name suggests. This stylish giraffe has been a continual presence in the Animal Crossing universe, exuding a remarkable flair for fashion. Her tall stature enhances her distinctiveness among the characters. As a fashion designer, Gracie offers exclusive items to players who meet specific criteria. In City Folk and New Leaf, she operated GracieGrace, a luxury fashion and furniture boutique.
In various titles, players could earn a Fashionista Badge from Gracie by impressing her with their outfits. Players can still entice Gracie to New Horizons through her Amiibo card, while her antics continue in numerous earlier installments, often interacting with snooty villagers and creating humorous situations.
5 Katie Was Introduced In Wild World
The Friendly Face of the Able Sisters
Katie, a young kitten often seen separated from her mother, was first introduced in Wild World. Her storyline revolves around her desire to reunite with her mother, Kaitlin, utilizing the game’s Nintendo Wi-Fi connection feature for inter-town interactions. Unfortunately, due to discontinued services, her appearances in older titles have become rare, elevating her nostalgic value.
Katie’s design evolved to echo her growth into a style reminiscent of a Japanese kindergarten student, with her character becoming available in both New Leaf and New Horizons. Initially absent from New Horizons, she can now grace the Roost through her Amiibo card.
4 Pelly From Multiple Animal Crossing Games
Your Avian Airport Assistant
Pelly is a beloved pelican who has consistently appeared throughout the Animal Crossing series. Distinct from her sister Phyllis, Pelly works the day shift at various games’ town halls and post offices, always wearing her signature bangs and exuding a cheerful demeanor. She previously took on the role of event announcer and bulletin writer before Isabelle took over some of those duties, yet she remains a fan-favorite.
With her addition to New Horizons in the 2.0 update, players can invite Pelly to the Roost through her Amiibo. Her persistent presence in the franchise has allowed her character to evolve and grow, maintaining the charm and nostalgia she brings to classic gameplay.
3 Pete From Various Animal Crossing Games
The Nooklings’ Reliable Right Hand
In parallel to Pelly’s role, Pete has been the reliable postman delivering mail across the Animal Crossing series before New Horizons. He takes his responsibilities seriously, allowing players to interact with him while he deposits letters. A subtle love triangle emerges between him, Pelly, and the more mature Phyllis, demonstrating the delightful intricacies of Animal Crossing’s character interactions.
2 Blanca From New Leaf & Others
The Mysterious Fortune-Teller
Blanca is one of the more unusual and underappreciated characters that have graced the Animal Crossing series. Characterized by her unique appearance, she prompts players to draw her face, creating an interactive experience. Initially appearing with random frequency in the first title, Blanca has evolved to engage players in mini-games across various sequels, notably in New Leaf, where players had to guess her disguised identity among other villagers based on clues.
In New Horizons, Blanca can only be invited via her Amiibo, as her once-regular appearance mechanic was lost with the discontinuation of WiiConnect24 in City Folk. She offers a quirky, albeit eerie, addition to the roster of special characters.
1 Serena From City Folk & More
The Ultimate Animal Crossing Chef
Among the standout characters often forgotten in discussions of Animal Crossing’s history is Serena. This ethereal white Chihuahua embodies a goddess-like figure residing in the town fountain in City Folk. Players can interact with her to potentially receive a silver or golden axe when they toss a regular axe into the fountain, a decision fraught with risk as Serena’s responses can be unpredictable.
Serena has not appeared in any game aside from City Folk, solidifying her status as a character lost to time. Mentions of her legacy occasionally surface in New Leaf, where villagers reminisce about her past interactions. Notably, she lacks an Amiibo card, highlighting her unique status within the franchise.
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