Animal Crossings: New Horizons — What are gyroids and what do they do?

Animal Crossing Gyroids Only
Animal Crossing Gyroids Only (Image credit: Nintendo)

Animal Crossings: New Horizons — What are gyroids and what do they do?

Best answer: Gyroids are a fan-favorite decor item from the Animal Crossing series. Players can find them buried in the ground after it rains or snows. You can place them in or outside your home, and each unique gyroid will have its own sound. In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, gyroids will be customizable.

What is a gyroid?

Animal Crossing New Horizons Gyroids

Animal Crossing New Horizons Gyroids (Image credit: iMore)

From the very first Animal Crossing game to Animal Crossing: New Horizons, gyroids have been a thing. They are unique statues that take on a variety of shapes and colors, and they function like other furniture or decor. What makes these little guys unique is their sound effects and how you find them.

In previous games, you could find gyroids buried in the ground following a rainy or snowy day. Much like fossils or other buried items, players could discover dig spots around the town, and you could use a shovel to unearth them. Like furniture, there isn't just one type of gyroid. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. The best thing about these little guys is finding a bunch, turning them on, and seeing how they sound together. Gyroids each have a unique sound, and you could easily mix and match your collection to play some unique beats.

Gyroids in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossing New Horizons Gyroids Customization

Animal Crossing New Horizons Gyroids Customization (Image credit: iMore)

After its launch, Animal Crossing: New Horizons was easily one of the best games on Nintendo Switch. However, the musically little decor pieces were nowhere to be found in the new title, which was a little disappointing for long-time fans. Aside from Lloid, who showed up only when community funding was needed, there was a distinct lack of gyroids.

Fortunately, during the October Animal Crossing direct, it was announced that gyroids would finally be added to New Horizons in a massive update. Much like past games, players will be able to dig up these musical statues, but this time, you'll be able to customize your gyroids to match your decor. That's pretty exciting! There's nothing worse than finding a gyroid that has the perfect sound by just doesn't match your aesthetic.

Gyroids, customization, and a whole lot more are coming to Animal Crossing: New Horizons on Nov. 5 in the last big, free update.

Sara Gitkos

Sara is the Freelance Coordinator, writer, and editor at iMore. When not editing or writing away, she's glued to her Nintendo Switch, Xbox, or PS5, though she's a retro gamer at heart.