Have You Seen This Cat?

Chances are, you might not have, at least, not in Animal Crossing: New Horizons (ACNH). But if you’ve played the older Animal Crossing games, you’ve definitely crossed paths with him before.

Meet Rover, the friendly blue cat whose Japanese name literally translates to “Unknown Cat.” He used to be the first face you’d see in past games, striking up a conversation with you on the train at the very beginning of the game. But in ACNH, he's nowhere to be found... or so it seems.

So, where did Rover go?

If you’ve stumbled upon him in ACNH, you’ve likely already conquered the May Day Maze, a limited-time event that Tom Nook invites you to. At the very end of the maze, you meet Rover, who appears to have been navigating the maze himself. His dialogue suggests he’s just passing through, which feels oddly casual for a character who once played a major role in the series.

Interestingly, Rover wasn’t in ACNH at launch. He was added in an update, leading many to wonder... was he an afterthought? Did the developers forget about him? Who knows. But one thing is certain: Rover hints at meeting again in the future, giving us hope that he’ll have a bigger role in the next Animal Crossing game.

Now, let’s talk about the event he’s tied to. May Day celebrates workers and their contributions, similar to Labor Day in the U.S. So... why is Rover, a seemingly carefree traveler, the reward for completing the maze? No clue. Sorry. BUT, your prize for solving it is his poster and a briefcase. Yay? I guess?

It’s also a somewhat peculiar event, you run through a maze filled with tools, obstacles, and bell vouchers, but here’s the catch: you don’t get to bring any of it back with you. Instead, the bell vouchers, along with your Rover-themed prizes, are mailed to you the next day via Dodo Airlines. A little strange, but hey, it’s all in the name of tradition... or something.

It doesn't make much sense, but it doesn't have to! Rover’s presence in ACNH keeps the door open for his future adventures—hopefully on a train near you.