Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a game filled with delightful surprises, from quirky villagers to seasonal events. Among the many creatures you can find are insects, and one of the most intriguing and potentially terrifying is the tarantula. These eight-legged critters are a significant part of the gameplay, providing opportunities for both profit and a bit of adventure. This article provides the top 5 facts that will make you a tarantula-catching expert.
What are Tarantulas in Animal Crossing
Tarantulas in Animal Crossing are a type of insect that can be found on your island and mystery islands. They are most active during certain times of the year, making them a seasonal catch. These creatures can be valuable, not only as collectibles for your Critterpedia but also as a source of income. Unlike some other insects, tarantulas are generally solitary. They roam the island at night, which means players need to be well prepared for the encounter, or risk a bite and a fainting spell. Understanding how to find and catch these creatures is key to mastering Animal Crossing.
Appearance and Behavior
Tarantulas in Animal Crossing are realistically designed, with a dark, hairy appearance that mirrors their real-world counterparts. They are generally brown and black and quite large. They roam your island or mystery islands at night and will begin to chase you if you get too close. Their behavior is quite aggressive; they are not shy, and will actively pursue you once they spot you. Because of their aggression, it’s important to approach tarantulas slowly and carefully, as one wrong move can lead to a bite. Being aware of their behavior is crucial to successful tarantula hunting.
Where to Find Tarantulas
Tarantulas primarily appear on your island and on mystery islands. On your island, they spawn randomly. However, the spawn rate can be increased by removing any objects that can be used as spawns for other insects. Mystery islands, accessible through Nook Miles Tickets, can also be hotspots for tarantulas. Sometimes, you might even find islands that are specifically designed to be tarantula islands, providing you with a high concentration of these creatures. Keep in mind that the availability of tarantulas is seasonal and time-dependent. They are mainly found during the evening hours.
How to Catch a Tarantula
Catching a tarantula in Animal Crossing requires patience and a strategic approach. You must equip your net, and slowly approach the tarantula. If it raises its legs, stop moving immediately. Wait for it to lower its legs before taking another step. Once you are close enough, swing your net to catch it. The timing and your speed are crucial. If you are too slow, the tarantula will bite you, and you will faint. Practice makes perfect when it comes to catching these fast-moving creatures, and learning the proper technique will significantly increase your success rate. Remember, your goal is to get the tarantula inside your net without getting bitten.
What Time do Tarantulas Appear
Tarantulas in Animal Crossing are nocturnal insects, meaning they are most active at night. Typically, they start appearing around 7 PM and remain active until 4 AM. This time frame is when you’ll have the highest chances of encountering them on your island or mystery islands. You will need to adjust your playtime to maximize your hunting efficiency, and to take advantage of the opportunity to find and catch these valuable insects. Keep in mind that the exact times can vary depending on the season and the hemisphere you are playing in, so be sure to check the game’s information for precise timings.
Why Tarantulas are Valuable
Tarantulas are valuable for a couple of key reasons. Firstly, they are a sought-after insect for your Critterpedia. Completing your Critterpedia is a significant goal for many players. Secondly, they can be sold for a good amount of Bells, making them a valuable source of income. Catching and selling tarantulas can contribute significantly to your island’s development by providing you with the means to purchase furniture, expand your home, and customize your island. This makes tarantulas a must-catch insect for both completionists and those looking to improve their island life.
Selling Price
The selling price of a tarantula is quite high compared to many other insects. They can be sold for 8,000 Bells each at Nook’s Cranny, making them a very profitable catch. Selling a large number of tarantulas can quickly fill your pockets with Bells, allowing you to invest in various improvements for your island. Moreover, if Flick, the insect-loving special visitor, is present on your island, he will offer you an even higher price for each tarantula. Knowing their selling price and how to find them makes tarantulas a great way to make money.
How to Avoid Being Bitten
Being bitten by a tarantula results in a fainting spell, causing you to lose any items you may have had. To avoid this, a patient and careful approach is essential. When you spot a tarantula, equip your net but don’t run towards it. Instead, slowly approach, and pay close attention to its behavior. If the tarantula raises its legs, freeze! Stop moving immediately until it lowers its legs. Take one step at a time, and repeat this process until you are close enough to swing your net. Avoid sudden movements, as they will trigger the tarantula to attack. Practicing this method will significantly reduce your chances of being bitten and help you catch these insects more efficiently.
Tarantula Island Guide
A tarantula island is a mystery island that is heavily populated by tarantulas. These islands offer the best environment for catching many tarantulas in a single trip. They are typically flat islands with few resources other than trees and rocks. Creating your own tarantula island involves preparing a mystery island by clearing it of everything except the essential resources, and waiting for tarantulas to spawn.
Creating a Tarantula Island
To create a tarantula island, you must first visit a mystery island using a Nook Miles Ticket. Once there, clear the island of all flowers, trees, rocks, and weeds. This will remove potential spawning locations for other insects, increasing the likelihood that tarantulas will appear. Removing the environment will help increase spawn rates, and the flat, open space will make it easier for you to spot and catch them. This process takes time, but is the most efficient way to harvest tarantulas.
Benefits of a Tarantula Island
The primary benefit of visiting or creating a tarantula island is the ability to catch a large number of tarantulas in a short period. This leads to significant profits by selling them to Nook’s Cranny. Furthermore, a tarantula island provides a great environment for completing your Critterpedia. The consistent spawning of tarantulas allows you to capture and sell them until you have as many as you need. Whether you’re aiming to boost your Bells or complete your insect collection, a tarantula island is an ideal destination.
Tarantula vs Scorpion
While tarantulas are exclusive to the Northern Hemisphere, scorpions will take their place on the Southern Hemisphere islands. Both creatures share similar behaviors, such as being aggressive, and attacking the player when approached. The methods used to catch them are also very similar. They both appear at night and have high selling prices. Because they occupy a similar ecological niche, you will find that if you are in the Northern Hemisphere, you can find tarantulas, while those in the Southern Hemisphere can catch scorpions. For collectors, both insects are valuable to have on their Critterpedia.
In conclusion, tarantulas are a thrilling aspect of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Their appearance, behavior, and value make them an exciting part of the gameplay. Whether you’re aiming to expand your Critterpedia, earn Bells, or simply experience the variety of creatures in the game, understanding how to find, catch, and profit from tarantulas is essential. So grab your net, and get ready for an adventure!