Animal Crossing: The 10 Best Starting Villagers In New Horizons

The latest Animal Crossing installment for the Nintendo Switch is packed with a variety of villagers who can move to your island. While there are 397 different villagers overall, there is only a limited selection of animals who can join your new tropical destination when you start the game.

Two villagers move to your island when you begin your New Horizons journey. One of these is always a male villager with a Jock personality and the other is a female with an Uchi (sisterly) personality. Jock villagers are sporty and love to go outside and make friendly chitchat. Uchi villagers, on the other hand, are cheerful and love to be caring toward you whenever they find the opportunity.

Though every player will have their own favorite starting villagers, some of them are definitely more appealing than others. It’s time to purchase the Nook Inc. Deserted Island Getaway Package and meet your new friends; Here are our picks for the ten best starting villagers.

10 Pashmina

Pashmina is an Uchi goat who was first introduced in New Leaf. Her name comes from a type of cashmere scarf, which is made from goat hair.

Though Pashmina might at first be mistaken for a Snooty personality due to her elegant look, she’s down-to-earth and is easy to befriend. Though she knows how to style, she also knows how to be sweet.

9 Rudy

Like Pashmina, Rudy got his start in New Leaf. The cat has a red nose, like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Many fans have suggested that this is his namesake.

Like most Jock villagers, Rudy enjoys staying active. His bright, warm colors reflect his engaging personality.

8 Kody

Kody is a Jock cub who has been there since the beginning; He was first introduced the Japanese N64 game Animal Forrest and has appeared in every installment since.

Kody is based on the Kodiak Bear. Though he might look like a Lazy villager due to his droopy eyes, he’s actually bursting with energy. His blue coloration is just as vibrant as a sports drink.

7 Reneigh

Though Reneigh previously showed up in the mobile app Pocket Camp, New Horizons is her first mainline appearance. Her name is a mix of the human name “Renee” and the sound horses make, “neigh.”

The Uchi horse is very stylish, wearing a double piercing, pink hair, and a patterned dress. Her house is also fancy yet laidback by featuring many items from the Cabana series.

6 Axel

Axel first showed up in Animal Forest. Though he hasn’t appeared in every game in the Animal Crossing series, he made sure to come back for New Horizons.

Fans have suggested that the Jock elephant’s name is a reference to car axels, due to his large size. His bright teal coloration contrasted by his green-white shirt helps him stand-out. Axel’s big goofy smile simply adds to his charm.

Though Axel’s home has often been chaotic throughout the series featuring kiddie items and gyroids, the elephant’s New Horizons‘ room is basic.

5 Flo

Though this Uchi penguin first showed up in New Leaf, she decided to stick around for the Switch’s Animal Crossing installment.

Her name, “Flo,” is taken from the ice floes (icy blocks) that can be found in cold waters where penguins live.

Flo has big, welcoming eyes and a cute orange beak. Her adorableness level is off-the-charts.

4 Tank

First introduced in Animal Forest, Tank is a rhino who was likely named after a type of military tank known as a Rhino Tank.

Tank’s Jock personality is reflected in his initial red No. 1 T-shirt; He definitely likes to win.

His soft blue fur is accented by pink ears, tan hooves, and a green leaf on the back of his head.

3 Iggly

Flo isn’t the only adorable penguin you can score in New Horizons. Iggly, who debuted in City Folk, has returned to the latest Animal Crossing game.

The Jock’s name is a combination of the words “igloo” and “waddling.” While igloos are found in cold environments (like penguins), waddling is how these birds get around.

Flo can be seen wandering the town in a pink striped shirt when you first meet him. Other defining characteristics include his green wings, giant pink cheeks, and dark eyes.

2 Agnes

Agnes has shown up in New Leaf, Happy Home Designer, Pocket Camp, and now, New Horizons.

Though her North American namesake is a mystery, her initial catchphrase, “snuffle,” is based on one of the many sounds that pigs make.

While Agnes’ coloration is primarily black, she has a pink nose and feet that are accented by a similarly colored dress.

1 Poncho

Topping off the list is this cute bear, who has managed to sneak into every Animal Crossing game in the series. Nope, there’s no need to complain about it.

Poncho’s title is based on the garment of the same name. He’s dark blue with round eyes and a sweet smile. When you first meet him, he’ll be sporting a Blue Grid Shirt.

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