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Animal Crossing: New Horizons seems like a perfectly wholesome video game. In general, it is pretty tame, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t a few creepy events worth seeking out. Those playing late in the evening may encounter a friendly ghost, early in their gameplay. A rare easter egg, an alien invasion, is harder to come by. To have a moment with aliens, a player will need to show up in-game at 3:33 am and will need to own a specific piece of loot.

What is Animal Crossing: New Horizons all about?

Animal Crossing: New Horizons, the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch offering, is the perfect game for casual gamers looking to escape the Coronavirus pandemic. In the game, players are gifted a private Island that they must help populate and develop. Players are invited to put their own stamp on their island by collecting items, purchasing furniture, and decorating their own virtual home.

Along the way, players have the chance to unlock new experiences and take part in special events. While not all of the events are entirely beloved, they are an exciting addition that has enamored some fans with the new take on a classic game. Chrissy Teigen, for example, has been playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons, but she does not love everything about it. She voiced her distaste for Zipper the Bunny, a special guest who appeared in-game around Easter, on Twitter.  

How can you get a visit from alien invaders?

Alien invasions, according to Screen Rant, seem to occur every Saturday at 3:33 in the morning. Players who wish to check out the one-minute long event will need to be online and playing at the time, and will also need to possess a TV set in their virtual home.

Players who don’t yet have a TV set won’t have the opportunity to experience a visit from aliens, as they don’t show up on the island. Instead, the invasion only happens when someone is tuned into their virtual TV set at precisely the right moment. Getting that television set, however, can be a little complicated.

How do you get a television set in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?

In order to check out the alien Easter egg, players will need to procure a TV and set it up inside their virtual home. While radios are easy enough to come by, televisions are a bit rarer, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be found. To get a TV, you can either purchase one from Nook’s Cranny or craft one. Crafting a television requires a player to find a DIY recipe first. To do so, you’ll need to either speak with your villagers or shoot down balloons. There is no guarantee that a TV recipe will fall into your hands, though. To purchase a TV set, you’ll need to check Nook’s Cranny daily to find new items. Items available in the store change daily. Players who aren’t interested in leaving their item ownership up to chance have taken to Reddit and other forums to trade with other players.

Some players may not see the point in purchasing a television set just to watch an alien invasion in the middle of the night, but the alien invasion isn’t the only exciting thing about the TV set. According to The Gamer, the TV set isn’t just a prop. It’s completely functional and can actually help players advance in the game. According to the publication, the TV set broadcasts shows and even weather reports. The weather report is particularly useful for players who like to create a gaming strategy a day or so in advance. Aside from knowing when a meteor shower is going to hit the island, the weather report can help players gauge how likely a rare insect or fish is to spawn.

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