With the eternally comforting allure of Animal Crossing: New Horizons always tough to resist, we don't blame you if you're heading back into this cozy life sim in search of another dose of delight.

Fans of Animal Crossing: New Horizons can meet their favorite characters and learn about conservation work at Birch Aquarium in San Diego through March 26.

However, some of these additions aren’t early-game, meaning anyone who has recently restarted their island or picked the game up for the first time will want to tackle a few important preparations.

Krista McCay is a writer specializing in video game guides and walkthroughs. She first entered the industry in 2022 while studying English at UC Santa Barbara and working part-time as an editor. It ...