The Animal Crossing: New Horizons 3.0 update added some of the most exciting crossover content the series has ever seen, bringing Zelda and Splatoon villagers into the world of Animal Crossing through Amiibo support. While the system itself isn’t new, the way these special villagers are unlocked has confused a lot of players. That’s where our complete ACNH 3.0 Amiibo guide comes in.
ACNH 3.0 Amiibo Guide - How to Unlock Amiibo in Animal Crossing 3.0
Amiibo are physical collectible figures and cards made by Nintendo that interact with games when scanned on a compatible console. They contain a small NFC (Near Field Communication) chip. When you tap an Amiibo on your controller or console, the game reads that chip and unlocks exclusive content. This Animal Crossing New Horizons 3.0 amiibo guide breaks down exactly how Amiibo work, which figures unlock which villagers, and how to successfully invite them to live on your island. If you want to unlock Tulin, Mineru, Cece, or Viché without trial and error, this is everything you need to know.
How Amiibo Work in Animal Crossing New Horizons 3.0
Amiibo allow players to invite specific characters directly to their island’s campsite. Once scanned, these characters can eventually move in permanently, even letting you choose which existing villager to replace if your island is already full. To use Amiibo, you must have the campsite unlocked. Access the Nook Stop in Resident Services. Select Invite Amiibo Camper. Scan the Amiibo using your controller. Each Amiibo character requires a three-day invitation process, which ensures you can’t rush villagers instantly but gives you full control over the outcome.
How to Unlock Tulin in ACNH 3.0
Tulin is unlocked through Zelda series Amiibo closely tied to Link or the Rito/Goron characters. Scanning any of the following will bring Tulin to your campsite:
Any version of Link (Classic, Toon, Young, Majora’s Mask, Skyward Sword, Tears of the Kingdom)
Zelda & Loftwing
Revali
Daruk
Yunobo
Bokoblin
Tulin’s own Amiibo, if available
If the Amiibo is Link-centric or Rito-related, it will reliably summon Tulin.
How to Unlock Mineru in ACNH 3.0
Mineru is unlocked through a broader selection of Zelda and Tears of the Kingdom-focused Amiibo, particularly characters tied to Zelda herself and key story figures.
Compatible Amiibo include:
Princess Zelda (any version)
Ganondorf
Wolf Link
Ocarina of Time Link
Twilight Princess Link
Rider Link
Guardian
Mipha
Urbosa
Revali
Sidon
Scanning any of these will invite Mineru to your campsite instead of Tulin.
How to Unlock Cece (Splatoon Villager) in ACNH 3.0
Cece is unlocked through specific Splatoon Amiibo tied to the Octoling and idol side of the series.
Scan any of the following:
Callie
Marina
Octoling Girl
Octoling Boy
Octoling Octopus
Small Fry
Shiver
Any of these Amiibo will cause Cece to appear at your campsite.
How to Unlock Viché in ACNH 3.0
Viché is unlocked through a different group of Splatoon Amiibo, mainly Inkling-focused characters. Compatible Amiibo include:
Inkling Girl (any color)
Inkling Boy
Inkling Squid
Marie
Pearl
Fry
Scanning these will bring Viché instead of Cece.
Animal Crossing 3.0 Big Man Amiibo
The Big Man Amiibo is a special case and one of the most useful Amiibo in the entire crossover lineup.
When you scan Big Man:
The game lets you choose between Cece or Viché
No other Amiibo offers this level of flexibility
This makes Big Man perfect if you only own one Splatoon Amiibo or haven’t decided which villager you want yet.
The 3-Day Amiibo Move-In Process in ACNH 3.0
No matter which villager you’re inviting, the process is always the same:
Day 1
Scan the Amiibo. The villager appears at the campsite. Craft and deliver their requested item.
Day 2
Scan the same Amiibo again. Craft a second requested item.
Day 3
Scan the Amiibo one final time. Craft the last item. Talk to the villager again to trigger the move-in option. If your island is full, you’ll be able to choose exactly which villager gets replaced, giving you total control over your island’s population.