Boxed Treats for Tarantula Fans

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How to Catch Tarantulas ACNH [Quick Guide]

12 mins

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What are Tarantulas in ACNH

Tarantulas are a rare and valuable insect found in Animal Crossing New Horizons (ACNH). These critters are a source of both profit and crafting materials, making them a sought-after catch for any aspiring island resident. They appear on your island during specific times and under particular conditions. Catching them requires patience, skill, and a little bit of luck. When they appear, they can be a bit intimidating, but with the right approach, you can successfully capture them. They can be sold for a high price at Nook’s Cranny or donated to Blathers at the museum. Understanding their value and the best way to acquire them is key to maximizing your gameplay experience and your in-game earnings. These creatures add an exciting element to the gameplay experience, offering both challenge and reward for players willing to brave their presence.

Where to Find Tarantulas

Tarantulas primarily appear on your own island and, more notably, on mystery island tours. On your home island, they spawn under specific conditions, typically at night. However, the best place to actively hunt for tarantulas is on a mystery island. To reach these islands, you need to purchase a Nook Miles Ticket from the Nook Stop terminal. These tickets allow you to visit a random island, which may or may not be suitable for tarantula hunting. When you land on a mystery island, it is your job to make it a tarantula island. It is worth noting that the spawn rates of tarantulas can vary depending on the island type and the time of day. Some islands naturally spawn more tarantulas than others, and this is the goal during your hunt. It’s also possible to encounter tarantulas on your home island, but it is much rarer and less efficient for hunting.

Tarantula Appearance and Behavior

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Tarantulas in ACNH have a distinct appearance. They are large, black spiders with hairy legs and a menacing stance. When you approach them, they will stand on their hind legs and raise their front legs in a threatening posture. They will then chase you if you get too close or move too quickly. They move relatively slowly, but they can easily catch up with you if you are not careful. Their behavior is critical to understanding how to catch them. Their aggression is a key part of the challenge of capturing them, but it also means you need to be prepared to manage their approach. During a hunt, you’ll need to learn their movements. Always keep a safe distance and keep an eye on them until you are ready to make your move. Understanding how they behave is the first step to a successful hunt.

Best Times and Places to Find Tarantulas

Tarantulas are most active during the night. They typically begin to spawn around 7 PM and continue to appear until 4 AM, which gives you ample time to hunt them. As for the best places, tarantulas thrive in open areas with limited clutter. On mystery islands, look for flat, clear spaces that are relatively free of trees, flowers, and other obstacles. Your home island can be manipulated to have these conditions, too. This makes it easier to spot them and gives you more room to maneuver while catching them. It is important to know when they are most active and how to create the right environment for them to appear. Weather also plays a role, as rain can temporarily stop tarantulas from spawning. Checking the weather forecast can also give you a clue about the best days to go hunting.

Preparing for Your Tarantula Hunt

Before you set out on your tarantula hunt, preparation is key. Start by ensuring you have enough inventory space. This means emptying your pockets as much as possible to make room for the tarantulas you intend to catch. Always bring a ladder and a vaulting pole, these can be crucial for navigating mystery islands. Also, craft or purchase multiple nets. Nets break, and you will need backups. Ensure you have a reliable net and maybe even bring some tools for crafting nets on the go, just in case. Clear a space in your inventory for all the tarantulas you intend to catch, too. This will ensure that you can catch as many as possible during your hunt and maximize your earnings. With this preparation, you will be ready for a productive tarantula hunt.

Necessary Tools and Items

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The primary tool you will need is a net. You will use it to catch the tarantulas. Bring multiples, because they break. You should also consider bringing the materials to craft a net. A shovel can be useful for removing any unwanted trees or flowers on the island. Make sure you have enough inventory space. This is important, as you’ll be collecting multiple tarantulas. It’s also a good idea to bring a trash can to dispose of unwanted items, such as weeds or rocks, which can clutter the island and slow down the spawning process. Be ready to craft additional nets as needed. Lastly, don’t forget your Nook Miles Ticket. Without it, you will be stuck at home. Being prepared will make your tarantula hunting experience much more efficient and enjoyable.

The Tarantula Catching Technique

The most effective method for catching tarantulas is to approach them slowly and deliberately. Hold your net out by pressing the A button. As you move towards the tarantula, watch its behavior. When the tarantula raises its front legs, it means it is about to attack. Stop moving immediately when it does this. If the tarantula starts to approach you, let it get closer, and then stop again, it should return to a neutral position. After it lowers its legs, carefully move closer, repeat the process until you are close enough. Once you are within range, quickly swing your net to catch it. Practice and patience are the key. This method requires you to control your movements and understand the tarantula’s behavior to successfully capture it.

Approaching a Tarantula

The approach is the most crucial part of the process. Start by locating a tarantula. Then, slowly approach the tarantula while holding your net. The key is to move slowly and stop moving the moment it raises its front legs. If it approaches you, slowly back up and wait until the tarantula returns to its normal stance. Repeat the process, inching closer each time. This method minimizes the risk of scaring off or being bitten by the tarantula. Avoid running or making sudden movements, which can cause the tarantula to attack. If a tarantula attacks, you will wake up at your house, and the tarantula will disappear. If you are patient and methodical, the approach phase is the most important step to success. Remember, this is not a race; it requires patience and precision.

The Net Swing

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Once you are close enough to the tarantula, it’s time to swing your net. Make sure you are within range; otherwise, you will miss and the tarantula will attack. Quickly release the A button to swing your net, aiming to capture the tarantula before it can react. Timing is critical. If you miss, the tarantula will chase you, and you will need to start over. If you succeed, the tarantula will be caught in your net, and you can add it to your inventory. A well-timed swing is the difference between success and failure. To improve your success rate, practice the approach. Aim and swing quickly, and with practice, you will master the net swing. It is very important to aim correctly, you don’t want to waste a net swing.

Dealing with Tarantulas

When you are bitten by a tarantula, you will be knocked out and transported back to your house. This is a minor inconvenience but can be avoided. If you find yourself surrounded by tarantulas, the best strategy is to run away. If you get bitten, simply accept the penalty and prepare to start again. The main goal is to avoid this scenario altogether. If you are bitten, then consider the hunt over. You should be able to find more tarantulas if you go back to your island and then to a mystery island. While it may seem intimidating, you will learn to deal with the tarantulas over time. Avoid getting bit, and keep your distance. With practice, you will be able to avoid being bitten entirely.

What to Do With Tarantulas

There are two primary uses for tarantulas in ACNH — selling them for Bells and using them in DIY recipes. Tarantulas are high-value creatures, selling for 8,000 Bells each at Nook’s Cranny, which makes them a lucrative source of income, especially if you can catch a full inventory. You can also donate them to Blathers at the museum. While this doesn’t give you any monetary reward, it helps complete your critter collection. They can also be used in some DIY recipes, though not many. Most players focus on the Bells from selling them. Whether you are looking to make a quick buck or expand your museum collection, tarantulas are a valuable resource.

Selling Tarantulas for Bells

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Selling tarantulas is the most common use. The selling price of 8,000 Bells per tarantula makes them a valuable commodity. To maximize your profits, fill your inventory with as many tarantulas as possible. You can store the tarantulas in your house. This is the best way to get a lot of money. If you dedicate some time to tarantula hunting, you can easily earn hundreds of thousands of Bells. Keep in mind that the price at Nook’s Cranny is fixed. You don’t need to wait for a special visitor like Flick to sell them; you can sell them any time the shop is open. Tarantula hunting is one of the most efficient ways to earn Bells in ACNH.

Using Tarantulas for DIY Recipes

Although tarantulas are primarily known for their value as a sellable item, they can also be used in a few DIY recipes. These recipes typically involve creating bug-themed furniture or decorations. While the recipes are limited, they can add a unique touch to your island. Most players don’t actively hunt tarantulas to create DIY items. However, if you are a completionist or enjoy customizing your island, then DIY recipes are an option. You can also display tarantulas in your home, which is something many players do to decorate. These decorations allow you to show off your success and add a unique element to your island’s aesthetic. Consider them as a way to make your island truly unique and personalized.

Tips for Efficient Tarantula Hunting

To improve your efficiency, first prepare your island. Clear out weeds, flowers, trees, and other items that might obstruct tarantula spawns. You can also create a dedicated tarantula island by removing all the trees and flowers, leaving only the basic elements needed for tarantula spawns. Ensure you have a good supply of nets and inventory space. Learn the tarantula’s behavior, practice your approach, and swing. You can also use the time of year to your advantage. During the times when tarantulas spawn, you have a better chance of getting them. If you are on a mystery island, consider the island type before you invest time in clearing the island. Focus on creating an environment that is conducive to tarantula spawning. Efficiency comes with preparation, patience, and practice.

Maximizing Your Island’s Potential

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To maximize your home island’s potential, create a dedicated tarantula island. Remove everything except the basic features. You can manipulate your island’s layout to maximize tarantula spawns. Clearing the island allows you to maximize the area where tarantulas can spawn. You should also check the time of day and the weather conditions. You should then be able to catch a lot more tarantulas. A well-prepared island can significantly increase your chances of finding and catching these valuable insects. Focus on creating an ideal environment for tarantulas to spawn. Then, you can earn many Bells and enhance your gameplay experience. Consider it as a long-term investment.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

One of the most common mistakes is running. Tarantulas will chase you down if you run, and they will attack. Another mistake is not paying attention to their behavior. Always monitor the tarantula and stop when it raises its legs. Avoid making sudden movements, which can startle the tarantula. Running is the quickest way to get bitten and wake up in your house. Another mistake is not having enough nets. Nets break and you should prepare in advance. Always ensure you have plenty of nets ready. Finally, don’t underestimate the importance of preparation. Plan your hunt, clear out space in your inventory, and have a strategy. Avoid these mistakes, and you will significantly improve your chances of success and maximize your profits.

Tarantulas vs. Other Bugs

Tarantulas are not the only valuable bugs in ACNH, but they are one of the most profitable. Some other bugs, like scorpions, can also be caught at night, but they can also be more aggressive. Tarantulas, when caught, provide a higher payout. They are also easier to hunt than some of the rarer bugs. Other bugs, such as the orchid mantis, may appear during the day and are often found on flowers, where tarantulas will not go. Compare the value of different bugs and then consider your hunting strategy accordingly. The best strategy depends on the time of year, the weather, and your personal preferences. Ultimately, tarantulas offer a great balance of profit and relative ease of capture, making them a popular choice for many players.

Conclusion

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Tarantula hunting can be a rewarding experience in Animal Crossing New Horizons, offering both financial gain and an exciting gameplay challenge. By understanding the tarantula’s behavior, preparing your island, and mastering the catching technique, you can significantly increase your success rate. Remember to be patient, approach slowly, and swing your net carefully. With practice, you’ll become an expert tarantula hunter, filling your pockets with Bells and enhancing your island experience. Whether you are a seasoned player or a beginner, you should be able to catch these valuable creatures with a bit of dedication. So, grab your net, head out at night, and start your tarantula hunt today.

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