Animal Crossing: New Horizons launches for the Nintendo Switch on March 20, 2020. Last week, Nintendo streamed a special direct to give fans a look into the game and see some things they can look forward to enjoying on release day. The direct introduced a lot of exciting additions to the Animal Crossing world, and here are six important things we learned from it.

1) Deserted Island Turned Bustling Community

While the game is all about the player’s Deserted Island Getaway Package, the vision for the land is to create a small, lively community to reside in. More residents will be invited to live on the island, but the game will be careful to allow the player the freedom of deciding where and when other’s can join the community.

2) New And Returning Characters

There will be plenty of new faces in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Some characters will have similarities to previously established characters such as Chip Junior who seems to be the new fisherman around, and there’s a new turnip character that looks to be a relative of Joan. Among the new, players can also look forward to seeing some of their old favorites like Isabelle, Celeste, Wisp, Sable, Labelle, Kicks, and many more.

3) Facilities

Facilities have been a part of previous Animal Crossing games, but it is a comfort to know that while the player may be on a deserted island, they will still be able to enjoy the luxuries of society. Upon arrival, the player will have access to Tom Nook’s base and the airport, but after progressing the game, they can look forward to enjoying a museum, general store, the Able Sisters’ Tailor shop, a campsite, and Nook’s Cranny.

 4) Construction Permits

The terrain in Animal Crossing can be tricky to traverse at times. In Animal Crossing: New Horizons players will have the ability to use poles to vault over water and ladders to climb up small cliffs. With a construction permit, players will be to make major changes to the land itself. Players can place bridges, slopes, and paths to make the island easier to navigate, and they also will be able to flex their creative muscles by editing rivers, cliffs, and more.

5) No Save Data Cloud

Animal Crossing: New Horizons will not support the save data cloud feature, however, they are planning to offer a service of backup save data from the server in certain circumstances such as console damage or loss.

6) Free Updates

There will be free updates for Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Seasonal events will take place throughout the year offering a variety of fun activities and special guest characters. The first free update for the game will be on launch day, March 20. Players can celebrate Bunny Day with a special event in April.

Make sure to grab your copy of Animal Crossing: New Horizons on March 20. I’ll see on launch day.