Animal Crossing: New Horizons Version 3.0 Free Update – What is Coming

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is set to receive a free 3.0 update on January 15, 2026. This major update brings exciting new features and quality-of-life improvements, expanding island creativity, social interaction, and island management tools for all players.

New Gameplay Highlights

This update introduces two exciting new features for players to explore on their islands:

Slumber Islands: Players can enter a dream mode to freely create and edit up to three new islands. Island sizes can be chosen, and players can adjust terrain, build structures, and invite friends to collaborate.
Resort Hotel: A new on-island facility run by Kapp'n and family. Players can decorate rooms and welcome visiting characters, offering a fresh island tourism experience.

Island Management and Convenience

Managing your island has never been easier with these new tools:

Expanded Storage: Home storage capacity has been significantly increased, allowing players to store more items and furniture for easier island organization.
Reset Service: Led by Resetti, this feature helps players quickly tidy up island areas and items, improving the layout and island management experience.

Social and Multiplayer Features

Slumber Islands Multiplayer: Friends can collaborate to design islands together for a shared creative experience.
Community Interaction: Players can engage with other villagers and friends on the island through existing gameplay features.

Additional Updates and Changes

In addition to new gameplay features, the 3.0 update also introduces several smaller but meaningful changes:

New Characters via Amiibo: Amiibo support, allowing players to invite additional special characters. These characters require compatible amiibo to access.
Existing Character Updates: Returning NPCs may appear in new roles or locations with updated appearances and interactions tied to newly added facilities. Core villager personalities remain unchanged.
Improved Storage and Controls: Storage capacity and island organization tools have been refined for easier management and large-scale redesigns.

These changes complement the main features of the 3.0 update and will be explored in more detail in future guides.

Update Details

Version: 3.0
Release Date: January 15, 2026
Platform: Nintendo Switch (free update for all players)
Note for Switch 2 Edition players: This new edition will include enhanced graphics, higher multiplayer limits, and additional control options exclusive to the hardware.

This 3.0 update marks the first major free release of the year, bringing new creative opportunities, social interactions, and improved island management tools. Stay tuned to ACItemsBuy for detailed guides and special feature articles on Slumber Islands, Resort Hotel, and other new systems.