If you’ve only experienced Animal Crossing: New Horizons, you may be missing out on a rich tapestry of characters that embody a remarkable depth of personality and humanity, which isn’t as evident in the latest installment of the Animal Crossing series. The franchise’s special characters first made their appearance in earlier generations, and some familiar faces, such as Celeste, Harvey, and Kapp’n, have become beloved staples. In past games, these special characters were often distinguished as rare visitors to your town, local business owners, or governmental figures, each contributing to the charm and dynamics of the game world.

Given the extensive universe of Animal Crossing characters, many gems may have slipped under the radar if you’re not well-versed in the entire franchise. This overview highlights characters who played pivotal roles in earlier games but may now be largely forgotten. Reconnecting with these nostalgic figures may just be the perfect motivation to dust off your old console and revisit your cherished town.

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Discover Beppe, Carlo, and Giovanni from Pocket Camp

Get to Know the Trio of Penguins

Beginning our exploration with a recognizable trio, Beppe, Carlo, and Giovanni are the faces behind OK Motors, the camper customization shop in Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp. Each character brings their own flair to the shop: Beppe is a talented painter, Giovanni leads the group with charisma, and Carlo, the often forgetful mechanic, adds a comedic touch. The Italian heritage embedded in these characters adds a delightful twist, especially when it comes to their fascination with vehicles.

This adorable trio is exclusively found in Pocket Camp and is not available as Amiibo cards. Due to the minimal role of vehicles in other Animal Crossing titles, it is speculated that these charming blackbird brothers will not be included in the Series 5 Amiibo cards either.

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Uncover Chip’s Legacy Across Multiple Animal Crossing Titles

Meet Your Friendly Neighborhood Fishing Expert

Chip is a familiar face for New Horizons players, serving as the proud father of C.J. and a dedicated fisherman. He made his debut in the original game as the host of the Fishing Tourney, where players could give him various types of bass. Throughout his evolution, Chip has become a prominent special event character who frequently visits towns. The Fishing Tourney in both City Folk and New Leaf served as the exclusive opportunity for players to earn the coveted golden fishing rod, which Chip would graciously award upon successfully catching every fish type.

While he has retired from hosting the Fishing Tourney in recent games, Chip’s legacy continues. He was involved in Pocket Camp‘s fishing tournament until November 2020. Players can still invite him to the Roost in New Horizons using his amiibo. There’s also a chance he may appear alongside Nat if they are both invited to the Roost via amiibo.

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Revisit Digby, the Iconic Character from New Leaf

Meet the Trusty Spokesdog of the HH Showcase

Digby, an intense Shih Tzu, serves as the spokesperson for the Happy Home Showcase in New Leaf. One interesting fact about Digby is that he is the twin brother of Isabelle, often mentioned during her morning announcements in New Horizons. In New Leaf, Digby facilitated players’ visits to other homes through the StreetPass feature on the Nintendo 3DS. Though he may not have been around as long as some other special characters, he played a crucial role in enhancing the multiplayer experience.

Although Digby wasn’t initially part of New Horizons, players can now invite him to the Roost using his Amiibo card. In Happy Home Designer, Digby was promoted to a position at Nook’s Homes alongside the player, further showcasing his versatility. He also participates in Pocket Camp as the host of the gardening event, known as Digby’s Artful Retreat.

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Explore Gracie, the Fashion Icon of Animal Crossing

Discover the Stylish Giraffe of the Franchise

Gracie truly lives up to her fashionable name. This stylish giraffe goes above and beyond to maintain her chic image, appearing in every game of the Animal Crossing series. Her long neck sets her apart, making her one of the tallest characters in the game. Gracie is a prominent fashion designer throughout the series, offering unique items to players who accomplish specific tasks. In both City Folk and New Leaf, she runs GracieGrace, an upscale fashion and furniture boutique.

Gracie’s presence extends through every installment of the Animal Crossing franchise, including New Horizons, where players can invite her using her Amiibo card. These cards allow players to bring Gracie to the Roost in New Horizons, while she frequently interacts with snooty villagers in various titles, perpetually capturing their attention.

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Reconnect with Katie, the Beloved Character from Wild World

Discover the Kind-Hearted Face of the Able Sisters

Katie is a young kitten known for her heartwarming story of separation from her mother. First introduced in Wild World, she was often seen alongside her mother, Katilin, as she yearned to reunite with her. This poignant narrative utilized the Nintendo Wi-Fi connection, allowing players to visit towns they had previously explored. However, due to the discontinuation of this feature, finding Katie in older titles is no longer possible, making her presence even more special.

Katie’s design evolved throughout the series, particularly from City Folk to New Leaf, reflecting her growth as she began to resemble a Japanese kindergarten student. Although she initially appeared to be absent in New Horizons, players can invite her to the Roost using her Amiibo and obtain her poster as well.

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Meet Pelly, the Charming Pelican from the Animal Crossing Universe

Your Friendly Avian Assistant at the Airport

Pelly is one of three pelican characters that have been integral to the Animal Crossing series. Distinct from her sister Phyllis, Pelly works the day shift at both the post office and town hall, depending on the game. She’s a cheerful white pelican with bangs who seems to have a bit of a crush on Pete, the mail-pelican. Pelly initially held the roles of event announcer and bulletin writer before transitioning these responsibilities to Isabelle in later games, yet she has always maintained her upbeat demeanor when interacting with players.

Pelly appears in every game within the Animal Crossing franchise, with her story continuously developing as players advance through generations. She became part of New Horizons in the 2.0 update and can be invited to the Roost through her amiibo. Outside of this, she diligently manages the mail desk, often sighing over her crush on Pete.

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Reconnect with Pete, the Reliable Postman of Animal Crossing

Discover the Nooklings’ Trusty Delivery Expert

Much like Pelly, Pete serves as the diligent postman delivering mail throughout the Animal Crossing series, particularly before New Horizons. He takes his responsibilities very seriously and players can interact with him while he’s busy delivering letters. Aware of Pelly’s affection for him, he is more captivated by her sister, Phyllis. This subtle love triangle adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, showcasing Animal Crossing‘s attention to detail.

Pete is a ubiquitous character, appearing in every installment of the series, including the film and Pocket Camp. His voice was previously associated with the cranky villagers, even though he has a polite demeanor. Players can engage with Pete using both a Series 3 Amiibo card and a Series 4 Animal Crossing e-Reader card.

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Meet Blanca, the Enigmatic Character from New Leaf and Beyond

Unravel the Mystique of the Fortune-Telling Character

Blanca is an often-overlooked random visitor in the Animal Crossing series. She boasts a unique appearance and has the quirky request for players to draw her face. Players encounter her with a 50% chance in the first game, but she has transitioned into a random villager across the series. In New Leaf, Blanca engaged players in a game, requiring them to identify which villager she was disguised as based on clues.

Blanca is currently only available to invite to your island in New Horizons through her amiibo. With the discontinuation of WiiConnect24, players can no longer encounter Blanca in City Folk. Despite her somewhat eerie charm, she remains a delightful addition to the roster of Animal Crossing‘s special characters.

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Discover Serena, the Enigmatic Character from City Folk & More

The Ultimate Culinary Goddess of Animal Crossing

Among the most remarkable yet often forgotten Animal Crossing characters is undoubtedly Serena. A white Chihuahua with striking purple eyes, she is a goddess residing in the fountain of City Folk. Serena is one of the few ways to obtain a silver or golden axe in the game. Players can toss their axe into the fountain, and with a bit of luck, Serena may return it as an upgraded version, much to her chagrin. Despite her divine status, she exhibits a playful and unpredictable personality, making her interactions memorable.

Serena is exclusively featured in City Folk, solidifying her status as a character that many might overlook. However, she is referenced in New Leaf, with peppy villagers occasionally reminiscing about the older methods of obtaining a silver or gold axe. To date, she lacks an amiibo card in any <em>Animal Crossing</em> game, further adding to her allure as a hidden gem.