Animal Crossing: New Horizons, released in 2020 for the Nintendo Switch, contains many hidden features and intricate mechanics that are not obvious at first glance. From tools to talk to animals to crafting secret recipes, there is more depth to this relaxing life sim than meets the eye. Players who invest more time into their islands will discover numerous secretly added complexities to the game. Here are some of the more obscure hidden elements in ACNH that many gamers might not be aware of.

Players can communicate with animal villagers beyond just talking by using emotes and reactions. Villagers will sometimes use emotes themselves that can start conversations if the player uses matching emotes back. There are also secret reactions like pointing that cause animals to tell you where gifts are hidden around the island. Taking the time to experiment with emotes can improve islander relationships and unlock new dialogue options.

Not all DIY recipes are found regularly through bottles, balloons or villagers. Talking to villagers with certain personalities or gifting them their favorite items can sometimes cause them to craft and gift rare DIY cards like gold tools in return. Players should give special attention to cranky, sisterly, smug and sibling villagers who are more likely to craft secret items as gifts after several successful interactions.

Shaking trees in the wrong season or weather will not produce extra items. They are also most likely to drop extra items like furniture, clothes or tools when fully grown with five leaf slots visible. But shaking at the right time of day like early morning also boosts chances of rare drops. Players who buy ACNH items should experiment with different tree-shaking times to discover more hidden fruit.

Furniture, fences, and other crafty items for the home or island can be customized at workbenches in many different color or style variations beyond what their DIY recipe calls for. This adds a layer of unpredictability to item crafting. Sea creatures caught and assessed can also sometimes be used as customization parts to modify items in surprising ways. Players who experiment at workbenches gain more value from their island decorating.

The bodies of water and structures crafted through terraforming attract new bugs, fish and deep sea creatures not normally seen. Creating lakes, ponds, rivers and waterfalls in strategic spots can add variety to an island's ecosystem. Some animals also require certain terrain types like rocks, trees or flowers nearby to spawn. Terraforming expands the critter catching experience.

Meeting the shy hedgehog Sable every day at the Able Sisters' shop and having short conversations will cause her dialogue to get more personal over time. Continuing to talk and build that bond unlocks new fashion selections at the shop and even Sable's picture for the home later on. Players who spend quiet time with Sable daily can uncover extra rewards for their dedication.