Animal Crossing: New Horizons is finally here. The fifth instalment in the Nintendo series, the game offers players the chance to build their perfect island paradise and meet creative characters along the way. One of the franchise's big draws has always been its vibrant characters, and none more so than the lovely Isabelle — and we need her unique brand of positivity right now!
Wondering how to find the Super Smash Bros alum? Here's everything you need to know about unlocking Isabelle in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Read More: How To Get Perfect Fruit In Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Who Is Isabelle in Animal Crossing?
Isabelle is a short-sighted bright yellow dog who works for Nook Inc. Just as she did in Animal Crossings: New Leaf, she acts as a secretary to Tom Nook and will aid you with your islands progress. You'll often catch her often doing admin tasks, or admiring flowers, and ensuring that your island's kept in top shape!
She will appear in New Horizons depending on player progression.
How to Unlock Isabelle in Animal Crossing: New Horizons
It's pretty easy to unlock Isabelle, the process technically just takes waiting real-time more than anything. That is, unless, you make the decision to time travel!
You'll want to complete Tom Nook's various objectives each day, which will help lay the foundations of what your island will look like. These tasks help you to settle in as the Resident Representative and to get used to the game's mechanics and your responsibilities. Eventually, he'll stop issuing you tasks and focus on improving the Resident Services tent.
After this natural in-game progression over the course of a few days, the tent will be upgraded! One more night of sleep, and the tent will magically become the Town Hall. As you would expect, Tom Nook can't handle all this work on his own and nor can you, so the delightful Isabelle returns to Animal Crossing to lend a hand.
She can't beat other villagers up using her Smash Bros move set, but she can help change your island's flag, theme tune, and chat to other islanders on your behalf. She'll also be able to help you improve the rating of your island, and enact Island Ordinances on your behalf, to make your island as personal and unique to you as can be. Now and then, she also gets to take a break at The Roost!
If you want to learn more about making the most out of your island experience, and keeping Isabelle happy, we recommend looking at flower breeding and how to ultimately achieve a five-star island!
This article was updated on 1st November 2021 by Kelsey Raynor.