Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Your Essential Day One Checklist for the Massive 2.0 Update!

Oh, island dwellers, remember that exhilarating day when Animal Crossing: New Horizons received its truly monumental 2.0 update? It felt like a whole new game, didn't it? If you're anything like me, you probably logged in, blinked at the sheer amount of newness, and thought, "Okay, where do I even begin?" Well, fear not! I've been there, fumbled through it, and now I'm here to give you the lowdown on the absolute must-dos to make the most of that glorious first day.

First things first, and this is crucial: make sure your game is actually updated! Sometimes we forget the basics in our excitement. Once that's sorted, fire up your Switch and head straight to your island's museum. Blathers, our beloved, sleepy curator, has some important news for you. He'll be buzzing (well, as much as Blathers can buzz) about a certain pigeon with a passion for coffee – none other than Brewster! He'll ask for your help in tracking him down, and trust me, you want to help him. This quest kicks off one of the update's most anticipated features, The Roost coffee shop.

Now, how do you find Brewster? Ah, this brings us to another fantastic new addition: Kapp'n's boat tours! Head down to your island's pier – you know, where you usually go fishing or just stare at the sea. There, you'll spot Kapp'n in his charming little boat, ready to whisk you away for a mere 1,000 Nook Miles. Hop aboard for a soulful sea shanty and a trip to a mysterious, usually unique island. It could be one with different flora, a strange time of day, or even a different season entirely! And, as luck would have it, this is precisely where you'll find Brewster chilling out, probably contemplating his next brew. Talk to him, convince him to come home, and boom – The Roost is on its way!

But wait, there's so much more! After you've got Brewster's return sorted, take a moment to explore. Head to Nook Stop in Resident Services. You'll find a bunch of new Nook Miles redemption options, including the invaluable Pro Decorating License, which unlocks ceiling decor and accent walls. Oh, and definitely grab any new fence DIYs that catch your eye – they’re a game-changer for island aesthetics. Don't forget to swing by Nook's Cranny too; they often have new items or even cooking recipe books available!

Speaking of cooking, that's another big one. Keep an eye out for new vegetable starts like carrots, potatoes, wheat, and tomatoes. Leif, if he's visiting, often has them, or you might find them in your shop. Buy them, plant them, and start gathering ingredients for a whole new culinary adventure! You'll find recipes from villagers, message bottles, and even Nook's Cranny. It's surprisingly satisfying to whip up a delicious meal for your island friends.

Finally, and this is a huge long-term investment, consider a trip to Harv's Island. Remember that quirky photo studio? Well, it's gotten a major upgrade! Harv is now looking to establish a communal plaza for various special characters. You can donate Bells at Lloid gyroids to help set up permanent shops for characters like Leif, Kicks, Saharah, and even the invaluable Reese & Cyrus for custom furniture work. Katrina the fortune teller and Tortimer with his storage access are also must-haves. It’s a wonderful way to always have access to these useful visitors. This takes time and Bells, but starting those donations on Day One is a fantastic move.

The 2.0 update truly revitalized Animal Crossing: New Horizons, giving us so much to discover and enjoy. Don't feel overwhelmed; just pick a few things to tackle first. Enjoy the journey, chat with your villagers, and savor the expanded island life. Happy playing!