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In games beforeAnimal Crossing: New Horizons, most players were subjected to the whims of fate when it came to having villagers randomly move in and out of their towns. Back then, towns were not carefully curated constructions of a player’s aesthetic muses, but more so chaotic neighborhoods governed by RNG. Players would often have to cross their fingers that they would not get stuck with a villager they disliked. That changed whenAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsallowed players to more easily seek out new neighbors.
Thanks to features like amiibo cards, Nook Miles Island tours, and villager trading communities online,New Horizonsgave players unprecedented control over who they share their island with. A player’s dream roster was now within reach, provided they had the bells, luck, or patience to track them down. Witheight distinct villager personality types inAnimal Crossing(four male, four female), players began to figure out which types they clicked with and which ones would receive the silent treatment.
Most notably,Animal Crossing: New Horizonschanged the way many players thought about “desirable” and “undesirable” villagers. The game introduced an internet economy centered on finding, trading, and evenselling specificAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsvillagers for real-world money. Out of this economy, clear popular picks emerged, leaving some villagers to wallow in their unpopularity. Interestingly enough, many of the most popular villagers in theAnimal Crossingfandom share the same villager types, guaranteeing that players will have similar interactions with the characters that make up their island. Admittedly, the personality types inNew Horizonswere mellowed down to avoid some of the sharper edges of villagers inclined toward rudeness. However, a villager’s type still greatly influences how an NPC will interact with the player. That’s why, perhaps, some villager types are more popular in the fandom than others.
S-Tier: Won’t You Be My Neighbor?
Smug Villagers
Smug villagers are the charming little weirdos of the Animal Crossing universe that bring with them ingenious wit and endless style. They’re posh, a little dramatic, and surprisingly wholesome. Smug villagers like Marshal and Julian quickly became fan favorites because they feel distinct and entertaining without crossing into annoying. Their flirtatious undertones and unexpected quirks make them memorable and engaging, and they tend to get along with most other types. In fact, one smug villager caused quite a stir:Raymond is the most popular villager inAnimal Crossing: New Horizons.
Normal Villagers
Normal villagers are sweet, kind, and endlessly polite. They bake, garden, and always ask how a player is doing. It’s no wonder that normal villagers are amongthe bestAnimal Crossingvillagers. While some might call them “boring,” their serene energy makes them a peaceful anchor for the more chaotic side of island life. They’re also incredibly likable across the board, think villagers like Fauna or Molly, who exude comfort and classicAnimal Crossingvibes.
A-Tier: Solid Vibes, Would Hang Out Again
Lazy Villagers
Lazy villagers are goofy, food-loving critters who will never take things too seriously. They love bugs, snacks, and naps, and they say things that border on nonsensical in the best way. These villagers bring a calming, if slightly silly, energy to an island, and they’re easy to befriend. Players love characters like Bob or Zucker for their eccentric charm and meme potential.The most popular lazy villagers inAnimal Crossingstand out because of their unique appearances and adorable catchphrases.
Peppy Villagers
Peppy villagers are rays of unrelenting sunshine. Sometimes a bit much, their boundless enthusiasm can wear a player out, but there’s something endearing about their passion for pop stardom and fashion. Often seen singing or practicing yoga around the island, some of thebest peppy villagers inAnimal Crossinginclude Audie, Bluebear, and Ketchup. While their energy can clash with more low-key islanders, they add sparkle and joy, and tend to be favorites among players who like bubbly personalities.
B-Tier: Love ‘Em Or Leave ‘Em
Snooty Villagers
Snooty villagers have style, sass, and strong opinions, sometimes to a fault. They often come across as condescending, but becoming their friend and favorite neighbor can be rewarding. Once befriended, they drop the snark and can even reveal surprisingly thoughtful dialogue. They’re not everyone’s cup of tea, but fans of fashion and drama will enjoy what villagers like Diana, Ankha, and Freya bring to the table. Players nervous about having snooty villagers join their island should be happy to know thatsnootyAnimal Crossingvillagers used to be a lot meaner.
Jock Villagers
Jocks are relentlessly upbeat and obsessed with fitness. Whether it’s gains, cardio, or protein shakes, they bring a single-minded enthusiasm to every conversation. While some players find their one-track dialogue exhausting, others appreciate their high-energy optimism. Still, their personality lacks depth compared to others, which can make them feel repetitive over time. Although they are somewhat unpopular without many most-wanted villagers in their repertoire,jocks are the most represented village type inAnimal Crossingwith 70 villagers. Among that long list of villagers are Genji, Kid Cat, and Dom.
C-Tier: To Whack or Not To Whack With a Net, That is The Question…
Cranky Villagers
Cranky villagers are gruff, sarcastic, and usually a little standoffish at first. For players who enjoy a slow burn, they can be surprisingly sweet once befriended. But in early interactions, their rude comments and constant complaints can make them a hard sell. They’re definitely an acquired taste—and sometimes just an acquired taste.The best cranky villagers inAnimal Crossingare just waiting to have their hearts defrosted in the right village.
Sisterly Villagers
Also called “uchi,” sisterly villagers are meant to feel like protective big sisters. They’ll give you medicine when you get stung and offer surprisingly grounded advice. Unfortunately, their dialogue pool is one of the smallest, and they can come off a bit too serious or prickly for the tone of most islands. They are useful companions, particularly in theearly stages of building an island inNew Horizons, but they are often replaced when players encounter more engaging villagers.
