What is Tarantula Hunting in ACNH (Overview)
Tarantula hunting in Animal Crossing New Horizons (ACNH) is a popular activity that involves catching these elusive and valuable creatures. It’s a lucrative endeavor, allowing players to earn a significant amount of Bells (the in-game currency) by selling tarantulas to either Nook’s Cranny or the special bug-collecting character, Flick. Tarantulas appear on your island and others, particularly at night, and they pose a unique challenge, as they can attack if approached carelessly. Mastering the art of tarantula hunting requires knowledge of their behavior, the best times and locations to find them, and the proper techniques for catching them safely. The rewards, however, make the effort worthwhile for any dedicated Animal Crossing player.
Preparing for the Hunt (Essential Tips)
Before embarking on your tarantula hunting expedition, several preparations are crucial. First, clear your inventory space to ensure you have room for the caught tarantulas. You don’t want to be caught off guard with a full inventory. Also, make sure you have a sturdy net, as it’s the primary tool for catching them. Another tip is to be patient and move slowly when approaching a tarantula. Avoid running or making sudden movements, as these can scare them away or provoke an attack. Finally, familiarize yourself with the tarantula’s behavior and the best strategies for catching them, which will greatly increase your success rate and efficiency in the process. Preparation is key to a successful hunt.
Tools and Equipment
The most important tool is the net. Ensure you have a durable net with a long reach, as tarantulas can be surprisingly quick. You can craft nets or purchase them from Nook’s Cranny. Another useful item to have is a shovel, which can be used to clear away any obstacles like flowers or weeds that might be obstructing your path. Also, consider carrying medicine, as you’ll need it if you get bitten by a tarantula. If you plan to spend a long time hunting, bring food like fruits or snacks to replenish your energy. Finally, a ladder is essential to traverse different levels of your island if the tarantulas are located on higher cliffs.
Best Time and Location to Find Tarantulas
Tarantulas are most active between 7 PM and 4 AM in ACNH, so it’s best to go hunting during these hours. As for the best location, tarantulas primarily spawn on your island or on Mystery Islands accessible via Nook Miles Tickets. Mystery Islands provide a higher chance of tarantula spawns, particularly if you alter the island’s landscape to remove potential spawn locations for other bugs. During the specific seasons, the spawn rate may vary, so keep an eye on the in-game calendar and adjust your hunting times as necessary. In some months, the chance of tarantula spawning is much higher than others, so it’s worth doing some research beforehand.
Island Selection & Preparation
If you are looking for a dedicated tarantula island, you can either use your own island or travel to a Mystery Island using a Nook Miles Ticket. For your island, clear away all flowers, trees, weeds, and any other items that might serve as a potential spawn point for other bugs. These non-tarantula bugs will reduce the overall spawn rate of tarantulas. For Mystery Islands, choose an island with minimal elevation changes to make it easier to navigate. Also, remove any potential spawn points like trees and flowers. Digging holes around your island can also help control the tarantulas’ movement, making them easier to catch, and provide safe zones. By preparing your island, you significantly increase your chances of encountering and catching these valuable creatures.
The Tarantula Catching Technique (Step-by-Step)
Approaching the Tarantula
The key to catching tarantulas is a careful approach. When you spot a tarantula, equip your net and approach slowly. Hold down the A button to keep your net raised, and move slowly, one step at a time. If the tarantula raises its front legs, stop moving immediately and wait for it to lower them. This is a sign that it’s about to attack, and moving will trigger it. Once the tarantula lowers its legs, continue moving slowly, keeping your net raised. Repeat this process until you are within striking distance.
Catching the Tarantula
Once you are close enough, quickly release the A button to swing your net. If you time it right, you will catch the tarantula. If you miss, be prepared to get bitten. If a tarantula bites you, you will be sent back to your home and lose some progress, so be careful. This approach allows you to safely catch tarantulas without getting attacked. If you do get bitten, remember that it’s a learning experience, and adjust your strategy accordingly. After catching the tarantula, quickly collect it and repeat the process.
Flick’s Role & Benefits
Flick is a special visitor who appears randomly on your island and buys bugs from you at a premium price. Selling tarantulas to Flick is one of the most lucrative ways to earn Bells in ACNH, as he will pay 1.5 times the standard selling price at Nook’s Cranny. Flick also offers to create unique bug models from any bug you give him. This allows you to decorate your island with your favorite insects. If Flick is on your island, prioritize selling your tarantulas to him to maximize your profits. Remember to have a substantial number of tarantulas ready to sell when he visits, since this will save you a great deal of time.
Who is Flick
Flick is a red chameleon who is passionate about bugs, especially the ones with cool designs. He comes to your island randomly and offers to buy bugs from you for a premium price. He also has a special interest in creating bug models. He is a unique character with a distinctive personality, and players are always excited to see him, as his arrival means more Bells. In addition to the financial benefit, Flick’s presence adds an extra layer of excitement and interaction to the game. He is truly a special character in Animal Crossing New Horizons.
Benefits of Selling Tarantulas to Flick
The primary benefit of selling tarantulas to Flick is the higher selling price. Flick pays 8,000 Bells for each tarantula, whereas Nook’s Cranny only offers 8000 Bells. This difference significantly increases your earnings and helps you achieve your in-game goals faster. Another benefit is the opportunity to commission bug models. By giving Flick three tarantulas, he will create a unique model that you can use to decorate your home or island. These models are a great way to showcase your bug-catching achievements. Finally, Flick provides a special interaction that makes Animal Crossing more exciting.
Other Bugs to Look Out For
While tarantulas are the primary target, be aware of other bugs that can appear on your island or Mystery Islands. Scorpions are the nighttime equivalent of tarantulas, behaving and attacking in the same manner. The same tactics apply. Also, various other bugs can spawn, such as wharf roaches on the beach rocks, tiger beetles on the ground, and various butterflies and beetles during the day. These bugs can impact your spawn rate, and you might want to avoid them by clearing away anything that can be a spawn point. Always be prepared for anything to ensure a successful hunting session.
Tips to Maximize Your Earnings
To maximize your earnings from tarantula hunting, focus on the nighttime hours, especially between 7 PM and 4 AM. Prepare your island or Mystery Island by removing obstacles. Catch as many tarantulas as possible and save them to sell to Flick for a higher price. Ensure you have enough space to store them to avoid wasted time. Consider inviting friends to your island or visiting theirs to maximize the number of tarantulas you can catch in a session. Finally, plan your hunting sessions strategically to align with Flick’s visits. This will result in the highest possible profit margin for each hunting run.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Common mistakes include running or making sudden movements near a tarantula, which will provoke an attack. Another mistake is not preparing your island by removing potential spawn points for other bugs, reducing the number of tarantulas. Also, forgetting to bring a net or not having enough space in your inventory can cause you to miss opportunities. Failing to be patient and rushing the catching process leads to mistakes. Finally, not checking the time and hunting during the wrong hours is a waste of time. Avoiding these mistakes will greatly enhance your tarantula hunting success.
Troubleshooting Catching Problems
If you’re struggling to catch tarantulas, start by practicing your approach and timing. Focus on moving slowly and watching the tarantula’s behavior. If you find yourself constantly getting bitten, try digging holes to create a safe zone or a defensive line. If the tarantulas are not spawning, double-check your island setup to ensure that all potential spawn points for other bugs have been cleared. Remember to adjust your strategy and make small changes based on your observations and experience. With a little practice, you will master the art of tarantula hunting and improve your catching rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What time do tarantulas spawn? A: Tarantulas spawn between 7 PM and 4 AM. Q: Where do tarantulas spawn? A: They spawn on your island and Mystery Islands. Q: How do I catch a tarantula? A: Approach slowly with your net raised and swing when close. Q: How much do tarantulas sell for? A: They sell for 8,000 Bells to Flick, and 8,000 to Nook’s Cranny. Q: What should I do if I get bitten? A: You will wake up at home. Take medicine if you have it. Adjust your approach and timing. Q: Can I make money by hunting tarantulas? A: Yes, tarantula hunting is a very lucrative activity in ACNH.