No, you can't visit another player's island online without a subscription Nintendo Switch Online active.
But the rest of the game is fully accessible offline: exploring your own island, chatting with your neighbors, and working through your daily tasks—all of that is free.
And here's some good news: there are several ways to visit islands no subscription, including solo "Mystery Islands" and local multiplayer.
Is it possible to visit Animal Crossing Island without a subscription?
Yes, depending on the type of visit. The Mysterious Islands Randomly generated tracks are available in solo mode from the’airport Dodo when talking to Orville, with a simple ticket Nook Miles. No subscription required.
On the other hand, to connect to a friend’s island remotely via the Internet or to have friends visit yours, the’subscription Nintendo Switch Online is now required for both you and the host.
In what cases is a subscription truly required?
A subscription is required only for the online gaming via the Internet. Specifically, you need it for:
- Invite a friend who lives far away to your island via a Dodo Code ;
- Travel to another player's island remotely; ;
- Host online visitors.
the local multiplayer is a complete exception to this rule. Two consoles Switch devices that are close to each other are enough to play together over a local wireless connection, no subscription or an Internet connection.
A helpful note:
When creating a new game, you must wait until the second day in-game time for Dodo Airport to unlock. Once unlocked, online access is immediate upon subscribing. (The 2-day wait depends on when you start playing, not on when you purchase the NSO subscription.).
How much does a Nintendo Switch Online subscription cost?
For an account individual, the rates are as follows:
- 3,99 € for 1 month; ;
- 7,99 € for 3 months ;
- 19,99 € for 12 months; ;
- 39,99 € for 12 months with the Add-on Pack.
Subscription family-oriented, valid for up to 8 Nintendo accounts, is as follows:
- 34,99 € for a 12-month plan Nintendo Switch Online ;
- 69,99 € for 12 months with the Add-On Pack.
These rates are subject to change; be sure to check the latest information at nintendo.com before you subscribe.
How do you visit an island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
In Animal Crossing New Horizons, “visiting” encompasses several different experiences: connecting with a friend online, playing multiplayer games locally, or traveling in a dream.
Online tours and virtual trips require a subscription.
Visit a friend's island online with the Dodo Code
To join a player remotely or host visitors, go to the’airport Dodo and talk to Orville. To visit, select “I want to see someone,” then “Online.” You have two options:
- Search for a player from your list of’friends ;
- Enter the Dodo Code that the host gave you.
To host guests, select “I want to host someone”: you’ll get your Dodo Code and share it with whoever you want to invite. This code changes each time it reopens of your island.
Play with others locally, without a subscription
You can connect two nearby consoles by local wireless, without an Internet connection or Nintendo Switch Online.
Travel in Your Dreams with Serena
This feature requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription and an internet connection. Lie down in a bed at home, then talk to Serena who appears while you're sleeping. She asks you for a dream code to get to the island of your choice.
These dreamlike visits are purely contemplative: you explore freely, you can’t change anything, but you’ll leave with ideas for Decor in Animal Crossing all over my head.
These player-to-player visits are the best way to discover incredible islands in Animal Crossing New Horizons.
And if you want to as well Learn to Cook in Animal Crossing Once you get home, we have a guide for that.
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