A Nintendo Switch Online is not required to play Animal Crossing: New Horizons (ACNH). For more information about Nintendo Switch online, be sure to read this guide!

Do You Need Nintendo Switch Online to Play ACNH?

Not Required to Play ACNH

A Nintendo Switch Online subscription is not required to play Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

The game is playable offline but a subscription will give you access to extra features. Some of these are very nice, but not essential to the core experience of ACNH.

However, we do recommend it if you want to play with friends!

Nintendo Switch Online Features

Here is a list of the features in ACNH that are only accessible if you have an online subscription:

Online Multiplayer Use the Custom Designs Portal Use the Dream Suite Nintendo Online Exclusive Items

Online Multiplayer

Visit your friends' islands and have your friends visit yours! All you need is their friend codes and you will get notified.

If you are looking for activities to do and games to play with friends, check out our guide!
What Can You Do Online?

Use the Custom Designs Portal

Share and download custom designs for clothes and accessories using the Custom Designs Portal.

Spice up your wardrobe and island by downloading some designs shared by other players, or upload your own designs for the world to see!

Custom Designs Portal

Use the Dream Suite

Introduced in the 1.4 update, Dream Islands are a way to explore other people's islands without affecting the island itself. Players have been very creative in creating unique islands! Get sparkling ideas for your island, or enjoy a unique experience by visiting Dream Islands!

Dream Suite Guide

Nintendo Online Exclusive Items

The Nook Inc. Silk Rug is the only item that is exclusive to NSO subscribers so far. It is possible that future items may be added.

Can You Play ACNH Offline?

While there are some features that require you to be connected to the internet, you can still get the full Animal Crossing experience even without an online connection!

Local Multiplayer

A Nintendo Switch Online account is not needed for local multiplayer. If your friend has a Nintendo Switch and is close by, Local Play will be available. It has the same features as Oneline Play.

Playing on the same Switch console is also allowed with Party Play!
Party Play Guide: Playing on One Switch

Online Updates

A subscription is not needed for downloading updates and DLC. A stable internet connection is all that's needed for you to be able to download the latest updates for Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Patch Notes and How to Update

How to Get Nintendo Switch Online

If you wish to discover how to get a Nintendo Switch Online Subscription, be sure to click on our guide below!

How to Get a Nintendo Switch Online Subscription

Related Guides

All Tips & Tricks

System Info

System Info
Server Maintenance | How to Fix Errors	Island Backup and Restoration | How to Recover Save Data
How to Delete and Transfer Save Data	How to Add or Delete Players
How to Restart Your Game	Can You Transfer Data From Pocket Camp?
NookLink Features	List of amiibos and Compatibility
List of Controls	The Language Setting
System Requirements	Do You Need Nintendo Switch Online?
Island Transfer Tool Guide