Doubutsu no Mori e+ delivers a polished museum simulation experience that brings rare specimens and vibrant ecosystems to your Nintendo Switch. This enhanced edition refines the core loop of cataloging animals, decorating exhibits, and sharing your island paradise with friends.
From rare seasonal creatures to spacious exhibit designs, the game rewards careful planning and daily play. Whether you are a returning visitor or exploring the animal village for the first time, the upgrade showcases thoughtful improvements across visuals, comfort, and community features.
| Category | Base Game (2016) | Doubutsu no Mori (Switch, 2018) | Doubutsu no Mori e+ (Upgrade) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Platform | Nintendo 3DS | Nintendo Switch | Nintendo Switch |
| Animal Villagers | 8 | 8 | 236+ |
| Local Multiplayer | 4 players | 4 players | 8 players |
| Network Play | Local only | Online via friend codes | Online via friend codes and island tour |
| Furniture Customization | Limited | Expanded selection | Full customization, more recipes, patterns |
Daily Museum Life and Animal Interactions
Each morning in Doubutsu no Mori e+ begins with simple routines that quickly deepen your connection to the island. You wake up your character, check messages, and plan tasks around weather, visitor patterns, and seasonal events.
Animal Behavior and Friendship
Villagers display unique schedules, moods, and dialogue that evolve as you complete favors and visit regularly. Building up friendship levels unlocks new conversations, items, and occasional photo opportunities that capture memorable moments.
Exhibit Design and Habitat Management
Designing exhibits is more than placing fences and signage; it is about balancing terrain, foliage, and visitor flow. Thoughtful layouts improve animal happiness, encourage natural roaming, and create visually appealing spaces for photography.
Terrain Tools and Customization
Elevated cliffs, shallow ponds, and winding paths allow you to sculpt landscapes that match real-world biomes. Layered flooring, rock arrangements, and irrigation systems give you fine control over how each habitat feels and functions.
Social Features and Online Engagement
Doubutsu no Mori e+ shines when you invite friends to collaborate or simply observe each other’s progress. Public island tours and local gatherings turn solitary museum work into shared celebrations of discovery.
Island Tour and Communication
Island tours let friends explore your creations while you guide them through highlights, trade rare specimens, and showcase design techniques. Voice chat, message customization, and flexible visiting hours make coordination seamless for busy players.
Key Takeaways and Recommended Practices
- Visit your island daily to maintain animal happiness and complete timing-sensitive tasks.
- Plan exhibit layouts with terrain and foliage to create comfortable habitats and visitor-friendly viewing paths.
- Use pattern design tools to personalize clothing, flags, and furniture for a unique island identity.
- Coordinate online visits with friends to trade rare items, complete collaborative projects, and share design inspiration.
- Leverage museum tasks and seasonal events to steadily expand your catalog and optimize your exhibition strategy.
FAQ
Reader questions
How does the upgrade from Doubutsu no Mori to Doubutsu no Mori e+ work?
Existing Doubutsu no Mori owners on Switch can download the e+ upgrade at a significantly reduced price, gaining new villagers, furniture, and features while preserving their current island progress.
Can I transfer my island between Switch consoles?
Yes, you can transfer your island data between consoles linked to the same Nintendo Account, and online island tours let you share your layout without moving saves.
What changes make the museum more accessible in e+?
The upgrade introduces more camera controls, faster sprinting, better text scaling, and streamlined menus, reducing friction when arranging exhibits or browsing large catalogs of items.
Are there new fish, fossils, and art in Doubutsu no Mori e+?
The e+ version adds new fish, fossils, bugs, furniture, and paintings over time through updates, giving long-term players fresh goals and exhibition possibilities.