Animal Crossing New Horizons: when the Fall update comes out for Nintendo Switch and new Halloween features

One of the biggest new additions to the game is the ability to grow yourself a pumpkin patch
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As we barrel into October and the start of the holiday season, Nintendo are keeping Animal Crossing: New Horizons fresh with a new season update.

The game’s Fall update injects some Halloween fun into proceedings, and introduces a number of new features to make life on your virtual island all the more sweet.

Here’s everything you need to know.

(Image: Nintendo)(Image: Nintendo)
(Image: Nintendo)

How does growing pumpkins work?

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One of the biggest new additions to the game is the ability to grow yourself a pumpkin patch.

To do this, you’ll need to get hold of some pumpkin starts, which you can do either by speaking to Leif when he visits your island, or buying them directly from the Nook’s Cranny shop.

Bear in mind that the starts will only be available from Nook’s Cranny during the month of October, though Leif will be able to sell them to you year-round.

(Image: Nintendo)(Image: Nintendo)
(Image: Nintendo)

Once your pumpkins have grown, you’ll be able to harvest them to use in pumpkin-based DIY projects.

How can I celebrate Halloween?

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For many, Halloween is one of the most exciting nights of the year, and Animal Crossing will allow you to celebrate the holiday in a typically adorable way.

Ahead of the big day, you’ll be able to assemble the perfect costume for your character by purchasing one of the new clothing options, which include a mystical mage’s dress.

The update is also adding body paint and coloured eye contacts to the game, which can be procured by exchanging Nook Miles to give your outfit that extra spooky edge.

You'll also be able to learn Halloween DIY projects from your fellow residents, and stock up on candy and sweets found scattered around your island.

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On the night itself, your islanders will be getting in the holiday spirit with costumes of their own, and will gather in the plaza, which will be adorned with Halloween decorations.

"Be sure to save some candy for your neighbours,” say Nintendo, “or you might get pranked.” You’ll also be able to learn a couple of new Reactions to “properly express your feelings of fear.”

Who is Jack?

On Halloween night (from 5pm to midnight), you’ll also receive a visit from Jack, the self-proclaimed “czar of Halloween.”

By giving him generous helpings of the candy you’ve accrued, Jack will give you spooky in-game rewards in return.

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Jack has appeared in every Animal Crossing game, barring 2005's Wild World, and wears a pumpkin on his head which makes him indistinguishable from other villagers during Halloween celebrations.

What's changing with dreams?

The ability to take a nap and visit other players’ islands through ‘dreams’ was introduced to Animal Crossing earlier in the year.

The Fall update introduces a new feature that will let you more easily revisit dreams from a list.

When is the update released?

The Fall update for Animal Crossing: New Horizons will go live on Wednesday 30 September.

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If your Nintendo Switch console is set to automatically download updates, there is nothing more you need to do.

If it’s not, ensure the Nintendo Switch console is connected to the Internet, and from the HOME Menu select Animal Crossing's icon without starting the game.

Press the + or - Button on your controller, then select Software Update followed by Via the Internet.

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