"Animal Crossing: New Horizons" is the Quarantine Escape We Need Right Now

Who knew a game could be so therapeutic.

Whether you’re self-isolating, stuck in strict quarantine or doing your bit by social distancing, you may be a going a little bit cray cray (yes, I did just say that) with boredom.

Now is the perfect time for you to give in to your childhood temptations and buy that game that everyone has been going on about.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is becoming one of the most popular games of 2020 and for good reason. Not only is the game extremely fun and creative, but it allows uses to have an escape and is, surprisingly, super relaxing. If 'rona has got you down, or so up that you can’t get any sleep, Animal Crossing can be a great way for you to de-stress during these tough times.

Unlike traditional and challenging games, the Animal Crossing series has always been calming.

Instead of intense battles, big bosses, time limits or fast paced game play, the aim of Animal Crossing is to create your own perfect little world at whatever pace you choose.

As you go about your day and build your town you will complete simple yet satisfying tasks to progress through the game.

Picking fruit, redecorating your home, catching bugs or fish, and building up your bells (the game's currency) are just a few of the things you could find yourself doing as you lose a few hours glued to the screen.

As you build your little world, you will meet loads of interesting characters, including Tom Nook, who will calmly guide you through the game, giving you helpful hints, DIY-recipes, gifts and even tasks.

The newest instalment in the series progresses in real time so you can be assured that its not something you will be able to get through before you’re out of quarantine.

What’s exciting about this is that when you turn your Nintendo Switch on the next morning, you may have new game progression, tasks and characters to interact with, giving you something to get excited about, now that all real life events are off the table.

If you’ve played previous versions of the game before you’ll be happy to notice a few new features that New Horizons has introduced.

The new game introduces the Tom Nook smartphone, giving you access to various apps including all of your 'nook miles'. You also get access to an in-game camera and DIY-recipes are reintroduced from Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp.

If you’ve gotten this far and you’re still not convinced, we’re about to throw a curve ball.

One of the best things about New Horizons and its good timing is the option to play online with your friends, so if you’re already sick of Houseparty trivia, this one’s for you.

That’s right, no social distancing here, your mates can hang out on your island, complete tasks and mess around with you for hours on end.

So, if you’re just a bit bored in iso or you are needing a little bit of stress relief, Animal Crossing: New Horizons has got the goods.

If you’re a little strapped for cash right now or can’t get out to buy yourself a brand-new Switch, consider revisiting an older Nintendo device and have another go at one of the previous Animal Crossing games. What’s the harm in trying out an old favorite?

If this isn’t an option for you either, the smartphone version of the series, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, is still available to download.

Pocket Camp is slightly different to the traditional games on Nintendo devices but it’s a great way to get the relaxation and distraction benefits without the cost.