The ability to swim is one of the many gameplay mechanics available to players in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Swimming was first introduced in New Leaf for the Nintendo 3DS. The mechanic returned to New Horizons in July 2020 as part of the 1.3.0 Free Summer Update. Swimming enhances island exploration and offers unique rewards. This guide will explain how to obtain a wetsuit and start swimming.
Gear Up With a Wet Suit
As previously mentioned, swimming was not featured in Animal Crossing: New Horizons at launch. The 1.3.0 Free Summer Update reintroduced the mechanic to the series. This update also included the return of Pascal—an important NPC related to swimming—and the introduction of Gullivarrr, the pirate alter ego of fan-favorite NPC Gulliver. If you’re new to the game, swimming should already be unlocked. Swimming is only applicable to the waters surrounding your island. You cannot, for instance, leap off of a bridge and freestyle down the rivers.
In order to swim, you must first procure a wet suit. Wet suits can be purchased from Nook’s Cranny and will be located in the tool cabinet. There are multiple suits spanning a gamut of colors, but the stock for sale will change daily. Purchasing the diving garment will set you back 3,000 bells. Another option for acquiring a wet suit is through the Nook Stop terminal in Resident Services or the Nook App on your phone. Just like the shop, the suits on rotation will alternate daily. Also offered via the Nook Stop kiosk and app is a special Nook Inc. wet suit. This alternative attire can be bought in exchange for 800 Nook Miles.
Start Swimming
Once you’ve obtained a wet suit, it’s time to swim. The wet suit is worn like a clothing item; you need to open your inventory, select it, and then choose the “Wear” option. One thing to note is that you are unable to wear it if you are currently donning a wand outfit. You will have to revert to your normal outfit if you want to wear the wet suit. Likewise, wet suits cannot be used when making wand outfits nor can they be equipped from your wardrobe. Although wet suits appear to be clothing, they function more like tools. There are related items you can wear, such as scuba masks, but these are not a requisite to swim.
Once you are garbed in the wet suit, you can explore the sea around your island. To start, approach the ocean from your beach and press the A button. When successful, your character will slowly enter the water. Ensure you’re not wielding any tools, as they take precedence when you press the A button. Another fun option for entering the ocean is through dive bombing. Dive bombs can be performed from beach rocks or the pier where Kapp’n is located by running and pressing A near an edge. Once in the water, you can begin wading around. Pressing A repeatedly will cause you to swim faster while the Y button allows you to dive.
Things Are Going Swimmingly
Swimming is not just an enjoyable pastime in New Horizons; the ability to do so also unlocks the ability to perform diving. You may encounter small shadows as you investigate the waters surrounding your island. These shadows belong to deep sea creatures that can be captured and sold, sometimes for great profit. Like other aquatic critters and artwork, sea creatures can be donated to the Museum. The activity is also a welcome break from the monotony of land activity and reflects the depth of the game’s worlds and mechanics. If you are eager to explore these depths, rush headlong into the water and see what you can discover.
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