Animal Crossing: New Horizons will let you swim in the ocean this summer

Some of Japan’s beaches may be closed for the season but there’s no need for social distancing in the virtual world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Nintendo has announced that an update on July 3 will give gamers the ability to change into bathing suits and dive into the water surrounding their islands for the first time ever. The patch is just one of two free updates coming this summer – the second one is scheduled for early August. 

No longer will you be limited to standing on the shore and casting fishing lines out to sea. With this new update you can actually dive for sea creatures such as sea anemones and spotted garden eels, which you can donate to the museum if you’re not planning to take them home with you. 

The update also sees the return of our favourite sea otter, Pascal, who’ll pop up to give you 'recipes' in return for a couple of scallops. From Nintendo’s teaser, it looks as though some of these DIY 'recipes' will help you create a collection of pearly mermaid furniture – perfect for anyone who’d rather live under the sea.

Want to know how to gear up to go diving? Nintendo has revealed that users will receive a free pair of snorkels with the July 3 update. As for the rest of your swimwear, a wetsuit will be available to redeem with Nook Miles from the catalogue, or you can buy a standard striped bathing suit from Nook’s Cranny.

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