Unlock the Full Potential of Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Without Microtransactions
The Past, Present, and Future of Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp
A More Relaxed Experience
I recently returned to Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, a game that initially seemed so chill, but over time, it became overwhelming with monetization. My screen was filled with notifications, almost all of them trying to get me to spend money. But the new paid version of the app, Pocket Camp Complete, is intriguing. The original Pocket Camp has shut down, replaced by Pocket Camp Complete, which removes in-app purchases in exchange for a one-time fee ($9.99 on iOS and Android, increasing to $19.99 in January).
Without the constant pressure to spend real money, this version of Pocket Camp is much more relaxing. You can transfer your saves from the original version by linking a Nintendo account, which I found seamless. My old campground, accumulated over seven years, was still waiting for me.
The Basics Remain the Same
The game is still about running a campground for friendly animals, designing spots for them to hang out, and engaging in activities like fishing and bug-catching. You can still collect resources, collect fruit, and decorate your campsite. The key difference is the removal of in-app purchases, which made the game so appealing to me.
A More Enjoyable Experience
In the original version, you could buy currency called Leaf Tickets to speed up crafting, plant growth, or unlock additional treasures from the seafaring Gulliver. The most infamous add-on was the fortune cookies, essentially loot boxes that awarded a random item tied to a themed set. But you never knew what you’d get, making it easy to spend a lot on cookies. In Pocket Camp Complete, Leaf Tickets have been replaced by Leaf Tokens, which you can earn through in-game quests or buy with in-game currency. This switch in mechanics makes a significant difference, as it never feels like the game is trying to swindle you out of money.
Other features, like the loot box cookies, still exist, but they don’t feel as intrusive. You can also now assign a caretaker animal to manage your campsite when you’re away, and friend cards make it easier to find and play with others.
Connecting with New Horizons
Perhaps most interesting, Pocket Camp Complete now connects with Animal Crossing: New Horizons, allowing you to import custom designs from the Switch game, which greatly expands clothing options. I’ve spent too much time browsing creator codes to find clothes to wear. While not perfect, with some designs not compatible and others appearing pixelated, I can finally wear a Montreal Expos cap when grabbing coffee from Brewster.
A Glimpse into a Different Mobile Future
Nintendo’s mobile aspirations didn’t quite live up to expectations, with Super Mario Run and other titles struggling to find success. Pocket Camp Complete offers a brief glimpse into an alternate timeline where Nintendo’s smartphone games aren’t always trying to make a quick buck.
