Understanding Tarantulas in Animal Crossing
Tarantulas in Animal Crossing New Horizons are a valuable, yet slightly terrifying, addition to your island’s ecosystem. These nocturnal creatures can be caught for profit, and for the completion of your museum’s critter collection. Catching them requires patience, skill, and a good understanding of their behavior. They are most active during certain times of the year and day, making them a seasonal challenge for many players. Knowing how to approach them, when to strike, and how to react to their aggressive behavior is crucial for a successful hunt.
Tarantula Behavior and Spawning
Tarantulas primarily spawn during the nighttime hours, usually between 7 PM and 4 AM local time. They roam your island’s surface and will actively chase you if you get too close. Their behavior is predictable, however, allowing you to develop strategies to capture them safely. They will stop moving if you’re holding your net and will stand still. They will attempt to attack if you approach them too quickly or if you run. They are attracted to empty spaces where they can easily spawn. Understanding these nuances in behavior is key to mastering the art of tarantula catching.
Where to Find Tarantulas
Tarantulas spawn on the surface of your island. On your own island, they can spawn anywhere with a suitable surface, but they are less likely to appear if your island is cluttered with items, flowers, or trees. The best place to hunt for them is on a Mystery Island, specifically those islands that have few or no natural resources to clutter the terrain. The Bamboo Island and the islands with many cliffs often have the best spawn rates for tarantulas. These islands create optimal conditions for tarantulas, making them the ideal hunting ground. When you arrive at the Mystery Island, remove all the trees, rocks, and flowers, to allow tarantulas to spawn more frequently.
The Best Times for Tarantula Hunting
Tarantula spawning is seasonal. In the Northern Hemisphere, tarantulas are most active from November to April. In the Southern Hemisphere, they are most active from May to October. Within this season, the best time to hunt is at night, as mentioned previously, when their spawn rate is at its highest. Keep an eye on the in-game time and weather. Clear, dark nights are ideal for tarantula hunting. Avoid rainy nights as the spawn rates may be lower, and the visibility will be decreased, making it harder to spot the tarantulas.
Preparing for Your Tarantula Hunt
Before you set out on your tarantula hunting adventure, preparation is key. Planning ahead will increase your chances of success and make the process much smoother. This involves gathering the right tools, preparing the environment, and mentally preparing yourself for the challenge ahead. By taking a few moments to get ready, you’ll avoid any unnecessary setbacks and have a far better chance of catching as many tarantulas as possible.
Gathering Necessary Tools
The most important tool for tarantula hunting is your net. Make sure you have a durable net ready and available. It’s wise to have a few nets on hand, in case one breaks during your hunt. Additionally, bringing a ladder can be useful if you plan on hunting on a Mystery Island that features cliffs. Having a shovel to remove any obstacles and a vaulting pole to cross rivers may also be helpful. Keep your inventory space clear so you have room to collect the tarantulas. Ensure you have room to carry at least ten tarantulas to maximize the profits from each island run.
Clearing Your Island
On your own island, clearing space is the most effective strategy to maximize tarantula spawning. This means removing all flowers, weeds, and trees. You may also choose to destroy the rocks on the island, too. You can use the time to reshape the landscape and create a better environment to encourage tarantula spawns. On a Mystery Island, you can do the same, but it is more important to clear any obstacles such as rocks or trees before starting your hunt. This will make it easier to spot the tarantulas and maneuver around the island safely.
How to Catch a Tarantula Step by Step
Catching a tarantula requires a delicate balance of patience and quick reflexes. The key is to approach them slowly and strategically, anticipating their movements. The following steps will guide you through the process. Practicing these techniques will quickly make you a tarantula catching expert, allowing you to gather many bells and enrich your museum at the same time.
Approaching Tarantulas Carefully
When you spot a tarantula, the first step is to approach it slowly. Hold down the ‘A’ button to equip your net and walk towards the tarantula. If it notices you, it will stand still and prepare to attack. If the tarantula is not facing you, approach at an angle to avoid scaring it away. The key is to maintain a safe distance and observe its behavior before making your move. If the tarantula starts to raise its legs, stop moving immediately, and wait for it to calm down.
The Net Swinging Technique
Once you’ve approached the tarantula to a reasonable distance, and it is calm, begin the final approach. When the tarantula is close enough, release the ‘A’ button to swing your net and attempt to catch it. Timing is critical here – you want to catch it before it attacks. Aim slightly ahead of the tarantula to account for its movement. Be prepared to react quickly. If you miss, the tarantula will chase you. Repeat the process as necessary. With practice, you’ll master the timing and consistently catch these elusive creatures.
Dealing with Aggression
If a tarantula senses danger, it will raise its front legs and prepare to attack. If this happens, stop moving immediately. If you move, the tarantula will pursue and bite you, causing you to faint and wake up back at your house. Wait until the tarantula calms down and lowers its legs before attempting to approach again. If the tarantula starts chasing you, make sure you don’t run to avoid getting bitten. Keep a safe distance, and prepare to repeat the approach steps, or swing your net to try to catch the tarantula before it can attack you.
Making the Most of Tarantulas
Tarantulas are not just a thrilling catch; they also offer practical benefits in Animal Crossing. Knowing how to utilize them effectively will maximize your profits and enhance your island experience. From earning bells to decorating your island, tarantulas are an essential resource for any player. Their versatility makes them a valuable asset in your Animal Crossing journey.
Selling Tarantulas for Bells
Tarantulas are valuable critters, and you can sell them for a considerable amount of bells. Each tarantula sells for 8,000 bells at Nook’s Cranny, making them a profitable catch, especially if you catch many during each hunting session. Alternatively, you can sell them to Flick, the bug enthusiast, who will buy them for 12,000 bells each. This can be an efficient way to quickly earn bells. Make sure you have enough inventory space before you start hunting to maximize your profits.
Using Tarantulas for Island Decoration
If you’re looking to add a unique touch to your island, you can donate tarantulas to the museum. You can also place them in your home as decorations, but you can’t release them. Creating a themed room or display with other insects will add a distinctive flair to your home. Consider building a terrarium or a bug-themed garden to show off your collection. This will not only add to the aesthetic appeal of your island but also showcase your accomplishments as a tarantula hunter.
Avoiding Tarantula Attacks
While tarantula hunting can be rewarding, it’s important to prioritize your safety. Understanding how to avoid attacks will keep you from fainting and losing any valuable items. By being vigilant and following these guidelines, you can minimize the risk of attacks and enjoy the thrill of the hunt with minimal setbacks.
Recognizing Warning Signs
Tarantulas have a clear warning sign that indicates an impending attack. When they spot you, they will stand still, raise their front legs, and point them towards you. This is your cue to stop moving. If you continue to move or run, the tarantula will chase you and attack. Keeping a close eye on their behavior is key to avoiding any unwanted encounters. This gives you a crucial moment to react and adjust your approach.
What to Do if You Get Bitten
If a tarantula bites you, you will faint and wake up back at your house. If you get bitten on a Mystery Island, you will wake up at the airport. All items in your inventory will remain safe, but you will lose the time spent hunting. After being bitten, take a moment to re-evaluate your strategy and adjust your approach. Once you are back on your feet, you can resume your hunting expedition.
Catching tarantulas in Animal Crossing can be a fun and profitable activity. With the right approach, knowledge, and a little practice, anyone can master this skill and enjoy the rewards. From earning bells to completing your museum’s collection, tarantula hunting provides an exciting element to the game. So, grab your net, head out to the island, and get ready to catch some tarantulas. Happy hunting!