Some Animal Crossing: New Horizons players feel guilty for abandonment

Look, I get it. It’s been a weird past year. Although things are starting to improve, the pandemic continues. Animal Crossing – New HorizonsIn those first months, it was comforting to be able to do things that were not permitted. As the months went by, it became more difficult to tend to the islands. Many players lost interest in the game and abandoned our islands, leaving behind no trace of our villager villagers.

It is a huge deal New Horizons update and its premium DLC was a much needed surprise for players, and for many, it’s the thing that’s bringing us back to the game. But if you’re like me, you’re probably feeling some guilt for leaving you villagers alone for a year — maybe more. You’re dreading the inevitable cheeky responses from the folks left alone on the island.

While I can’t make that go away — your islanders will still rib you for leaving them — I can help with the guilt. That’s why I’m officially and legally minting this day as Dilapidated Animal Crossing Island Forgiveness Day. I’m inspired, of course, by ReplyAll’s Email Debt Forgiveness Day, a day in which you can reply to any email you’ve been needing to send — even if its months past due — without acknowledging how much time has passed.

No one’s judging you today. Heck, you don’t even have to talk to your villagers. You can just dust off the Nintendo Switch, and then return to your island. You don’t have to abandon your island. Grab a couple of branches. Pull up some weeds, if that’s your thing. When a villager comes up to you, just close your eyes — press buttons without reading until the interaction is over. You don’t need that negativity in your life. You don’t need that negativity in your life today.

You can trust me. I am sorry. Go now and garden to your hearts’ content, guilt free.