In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, to cross rivers, you will need a Vaulting Pole. This tool allows you to jump over rivers, accessing new areas of the island. Craft it using a DIY recipe or purchase it from Nook's Cranny once it becomes available.
Swimming
In the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game, crossing rivers can be accomplished through swimming. In the summer update released in July 2020, players were given the ability to swim and dive in the ocean. To cross rivers, you need to first acquire a wet suit from Nook's Cranny or the Nook Stop in Resident Services.
Preparing to Swim
When you have your wet suit, you can head to the edge of the river. Press the A button when you are near the river to jump in. Once in the water, press the A button again to start swimming. You can navigate through the river by using the control stick on your controller. Pressing the Y button will allow you to dive underwater.
Swimming Tips
It's important to note that you can only cross rivers that are one square wide when swimming. If you encounter a wider river, you will need to build a bridge to cross it. Additionally, be mindful of your stamina while swimming. Your character has a limited amount of stamina, which is represented by bubbles on the screen. If your bubbles deplete, you will be pulled back to shore.
Risks and Dangers
While crossing rivers by swimming is a fun and convenient way to explore your island and access different areas, there are risks involved. Make sure to watch out for river currents, which can push you in a certain direction. Be cautious of not drifting too far away from the shore, as running out of stamina can result in being rescued by a helpful NPC like a turtle named Kapp'n.
Alternative Methods
If swimming across rivers is not your preferred method, there are other ways to navigate your island. One common way to cross rivers earlier in the game is by using a vaulting pole. By crafting and using a vaulting pole, you can easily hop across narrow stretches of water. Later in the game, you can construct bridges to cross rivers, avoiding the need for swimming entirely.
Exploration and Rewards
Crossing rivers in Animal Crossing: New Horizons opens up new possibilities for exploration. By visiting different parts of your island, you can discover hidden treasures, new wildlife, and unique scenery. You may also come across special items or resources while swimming in the river, adding to the excitement and rewards of this mode of transportation.