Animal Crossing: New Horizons has almost 400 villagers that could potentially take up residence on a player's island, and a new collection of data confirms which are the most popular. While every Animal Crossing fan most likely has a favorite or two, this list will look at the top five most beloved villagers, revealed by search data.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of Animal Crossing is having an island filled with endearing villagers for a player to befriend. With Animal Crossing's eight personality types and 35 animal species, there are certainly lots of options for fans to choose from. Some players even spend multiple hours hopping from one mystery island to the next in search of their perfect dream villagers, or "dreamies," but which ones out of 391 animal friends are the most sought after?
Data collected by goofy lazy-type villagers appear to be the most attractive to players.
#5 Most Popular Animal Crossing: New Horizons Villager - Zucker
Starting off the list is the octopus villager, Zucker. Based off the popular Japanese snack takoyaki - a fried octopus ball - this lazy villager comes from slightly morbid origins. Still, he's become a fan favorite since he was introduced in Animal Crossing: New Leaf in 2012. Known for his adorable catchphrase, "bloop," Zucker is the fifth most searched-for villager by fans.
#4 Most Popular Animal Crossing: New Horizons Villagers - Marina
With only three octopus villagers in New Horizons, it's surprising that two have made it on this list. However, Marina's rarity in species and sweet demeanor makes for an obvious choice. This normal-type's initial catchphrase, "blurp," may sound a little silly coming from such a cutie, but it also arguably adds to her charm. Marina seems well-placed as the fourth most adored villager.
#3 Most Popular Animal Crossing: New Horizons Villager - Coco
"Boing!," as she's known to say. Coco comes in at third place and is the only rabbit villager with a normal personality type. Sweet as she is, some fans find Coco's eyeless stare a bit unnerving. Her appearance, similar to gyroids, resembles haniwas - clay funerary sculptures that were traditionally buried with the dead in ancient Japan. Despite her eerie facade, Coco's warm personality and distinct look have earned her a place in the hearts of many Animal Crossing fans.
#2 Most Popular Animal Crossing: New Horizons Villager - Bob
Bob is a cat villager who has appeared in every Animal Crossing game so far. After nearly two decades, fans continue to enjoy this loveable purple kitty. Believed to be the first Animal Crossing villager ever created due to his ID number and birthday of January 1, Bob's silly face and lazy personality are two great ingredients for a delightful recipe. His goofy catchphrase, "pthhpth," is just icing on the cake.
#1 Most Popular Animal Crossing: New Horizons Villager - Marshal
The most preferred Animal Crossing villager shouldn't come as much surprise. The only smug-type squirrel, Marshal was also introduced in New Leaf, and fans can't seem to get enough of him. His "sulky" catchphrase matches his emo-esque exterior. Placing such a devious look on his marshmallow-like body makes him irresistible to many players. Averaging over 246,000 monthly Google searches, this cutie-pie's popularity largely derives from his sassy yet charming attitude. Marshal has maintained a high status among Animal Crossing: New Horizons fans since the game released in March 2020.
Source: Blue Planet Aquarium