Animal Crossing: 5 Villagers We’d Love To Be Friends With (& 5 We’d Rather Avoid)

The world of Nintendo’s Animal Crossing is full of whimsical fun, an emphasis on patience and planning, and, of course, a wide array of characters that embody a multitude of personalities. As with any cast of endearing characters, there are certain Villagers that speak to the hearts of fans and encourage an attachment and friendship—naturally, there are favorites that players often seek out and rejoice when found.

Unsurprisingly, there are Villagers with temperaments that, for one reason or another, annoy, torment, or simply don’t vibe with the community’s preferences. While taste in friends (and Villagers) is subjective, part of Animal Crossing‘s charm is the agency players have in identifying both the company they want to keep and keep away from.

10 Befriend: Bill

A sporty duck, Bill is just the type of pal to keep friends accountable while pursuing fitness goals. Basketball enthusiasts might be especially compelled to team up, as Bill seems ready to hit the court at any time in his purple and gold jersey.

Aside from his encouraging personality and athletic motivations, Bill’s home in New Horizons shows a more serene, aesthetic side that may sway those not particularly interested in “sportsball”; the interior of his house boasts a cherry blossom tree and, most appealingly, an Imperial Dining Table that offers all the delicious protein one might need to get swoll with friends.

9 Avoid: Tammi

Tammi, a yellow-furred red-eyed monkey, proves that an ebullient nature isn’t always uplifting. While preppy and ostensibly fun, there is something almost sardonic and offputting about her cheerful lines being delivered with a disconcerting countenance.

Through no fault of her own, players can’t help but feel unsettled when Tammi bounds up, a lurid inferno blazing in her eyes, and offers a chipper or flippant comment; one shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but Tammi’s penetrating gaze certainly makes it difficult not to read between the lines.

8 Befriend: Raymond

It’s no secret that the Internet loves cats, so perhaps it’s no surprise that fans of Animal Crossing: New Horizons are smitten with one so dapper and smug as Raymond. Peering at players from behind spectacles with his unique eyes on account of his iconic heteroglossia, Raymond’s gentlemanly disposition possesses a certain upper-class charm that has captivated the Animal Crossing community.

One might think Raymond a rich, idle playboy, but stepping into his literal home office dispels any notion that he is all play. As a poised and hard-working businessman, Raymond’s stock has risen meteorically as a Villager, which has led to many attempts by players to buy his favor.

7 Avoid: Cyd

As the resident punk-rock Villager, Cyd certainly delivers some vicious rebukes as he bucks social niceties. While cranky Villagers have their quirks, Cyd seems to take the curmudgeonly attitude to new heights—often causing players to see red at his critiques of furniture placement or his particularly cruel interactions with lazy Villagers.

Edgy and counter-cultural through and through, Cyd’s industrial style home features skull-print carpeting and a drumset, both of which are integral for marching to one’s own beat, though the music might not be appreciated by all.

6 Befriend: Stitches

Multi-colored and stitched together with childlike wonder, Stitches embodies the fantasy of a beloved teddy bear come to life. This desire for a nostalgic, childhood friend seems to have resonated with Animal Crossing players, and loafing about an idyllic island with a stuffed animal is their answer.

Stitches radiates a carefree attitude and facilitates the magic of play further with his toy-themed home. Considering the game’s motifs and its perfect use as a means for easy-going escapism, Stitches instills islands with a fantastical atmosphere of happiness that acts as a bulwark against the woes of the real world.

5 Avoid: Bonbon

Bonbon the bunny makes it clear upon meeting her that her goal is to be a pop star. There’s nothing wrong with having dreams, it can even be endearing to share goals with others, but supporting Bonbon’s artistic ambitions is made difficult when her peppy demeanor might be a facade.

Despite her attempts to play it off as a mere phase, many players have documented Bonbon’s heavy metal tendencies. These moments of hardcore “K. K. Metal” have sounded alarms among the playerbase, and have called into question the veracity of Bonbon’s cute aesthetic.

4 Befriend: Merry

Unique, distinguishing characteristics often win a Villager love or infamy, and Merry’s subtle double-chin has definitely contributed to the former. Fans of the series seem to adore Merry’s plump and perky design, and her penchant for smiling (even when she’s sad) may warm even the coldest of hearts; while some may consider this proclivity to grin and bear it disingenuous, Merry’s consistently effervescent personality speaks to her sincerity.

Regardless of opinions regarding emotional authenticity, Merry’s presence is radiant enough to make even the darkest days a little brighter.

3 Avoid: Tabby

A victim of the rule of “first impressions,” Tabby’s bizarre appearance has turned many a player off upon first meeting her. As a peppy Villager, the juxtaposition of her personality and visage convey a dissonance that is hard to surmount, even for the most veteran fans of the series.

Tabby’s home in New Horizons is piled high with books and manga, perhaps signifying a desire to stay inside and read. While one may choose their friends, strolling about in public with Tabby may significantly limit one’s choices.

2 Befriend: Marshal

Possessing what is arguably the smuggest neutral expression, the reason for Marshal the squirrel’s popularity in the Animal Crossing community is difficult to define. Adorable and a little petulant, Marshal’s combination of sweet and sour has earned him widespread appeal, and his presence is highly sought after. There is something childlike and precocious about his demeanor, which creates a sense of endearment that is difficult to deny; his home in New Horizons plays further into his theme of opposites, as the decor is mature and stately. There are many ways to spend the day, but sitting on Marshal’s couch while he plays piano and sneers at the player’s avatar might be one of the best.

1 Avoid: Limberg

Limberg is undoubtedly an interestingly designed character; he is a mouse with distinct five-o’clock-shadow facial hair who is prone to commenting on aromas, particularly unpleasant ones. Stench, especially when it’s emitting from living creatures, is a frequent cause for avoidance and disgust, and this seems to be one of Limberg’s prevailing characteristics. Appearances may be deceiving, but Limberg’s sloppy look and cranky personality don’t turn heads—at least not in a positive way. The interior of his house also raises eyebrows; composed of grass, leaves, and stone path, Limberg’s rough look may be a result of bringing the outdoors indoors.

About The Author

Christian Chapman
(30 Articles Published)

Christian Chapman is a writer residing in Las Vegas, Nevada. While earning his Masters of Arts in the Midwest, he primarily explored American Literature set within the 1950s-60s (specifically the Beat Generation). Christian, who has taught rhetoric at the university level and worked in-person and online as a writing tutor, is excited to bring his passion and experience to Screen Rant as a List Writer. When he isn’t working, Christian enjoys video games, running, reading, exploring note-taking systems, and, of course, watching anime.

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