What is Tarantula Island in Animal Crossing
Tarantula Island, often referred to by players as ‘Tarantula Isle’ or ‘Tarantula Island,’ is a special island in Animal Crossing New Horizons, renowned for its unique environment and the opportunity it presents to players. This island is not a part of the standard island rotation that players encounter when using Nook Miles Tickets. Instead, it’s a procedurally generated island with a very specific ecosystem. Its primary draw is the abundant spawn rate of tarantulas, making it a lucrative location for players looking to catch and sell these creatures for a substantial profit. It’s a place where dedicated players can earn significant Bells in a relatively short amount of time. The island’s layout and the behavior of its inhabitants are critical to mastering the art of tarantula farming and maximizing your earnings.
Island Overview
The island typically features a central elevated area and a circular perimeter of land surrounded by a river. The island’s terrain is almost entirely flat, making it easier to navigate and control the tarantula spawns. The simplicity of the layout is a key factor in the success of farming tarantulas. The basic design includes a central elevated space. The presence of the river adds an element to your strategy, as tarantulas cannot cross it, thereby providing natural barriers during the catching process. The island’s flat terrain further simplifies movement and strategy.
How to Get to Tarantula Island
To reach Tarantula Island, you’ll need to have progressed far enough in the game to have unlocked the ability to use Nook Miles Tickets. Purchase a Nook Miles Ticket from the Nook Stop terminal in Resident Services for 2,000 Nook Miles. Once you have the ticket, head to the airport and speak to Orville. Choose the option to fly to a mystery island. When you arrive at the mystery island, you’ll need to assess whether it is Tarantula Island. While the island is no longer guaranteed to spawn, understanding the key characteristics, like the flat layout, is crucial to identifying it. Keep in mind, the island’s appearance might change slightly, depending on the season and time of day.
Preparing for Your Trip
Successfully farming tarantulas requires careful preparation before even setting foot on the island. This is not a casual endeavor, and the more prepared you are, the more efficient and profitable your trip will be. This will involve strategic choices, the correct tools, and an awareness of the tarantula’s behavior. The goal is to create a controlled environment on the island where you can safely and quickly catch tarantulas without being bitten and losing your progress. Being prepared means less time wasted and more Bells in your pocket.
Empty Your Inventory
Before embarking on your tarantula-hunting adventure, ensure your inventory is nearly empty. The most crucial item to have is your net, of course. Leaving space in your inventory is vital because you will need room to store the tarantulas you catch. The goal is to catch as many as possible. If your inventory is full, you’ll have to make multiple trips back to your island or sell the tarantulas on the spot, slowing down your process. Therefore, make sure you have at least 19 slots available for catching tarantulas.
Bring Tools
Besides your net, there are other tools that can be valuable on Tarantula Island. A flimsy shovel can be used to dig up trees or flowers, giving you more open space, which is essential for controlling the tarantula spawn rate. An axe can clear away any trees and stumps, which can get in the way. It’s also useful to have a ladder and a vaulting pole to navigate the island’s terrain. Also, always have a backup net, as it will break after a certain number of uses. Having more than one net will ensure you do not get stranded without the means to catch tarantulas.
Know the Spawn Mechanics
Understanding how creatures spawn on the island is fundamental to successful tarantula farming. The game has a limited number of spawn slots. To maximize the spawn rate of tarantulas, players must remove other possible spawns. This involves getting rid of the bugs and other creatures. By clearing the island of everything except tarantulas, you increase the likelihood of these creatures spawning. The aim is to create an ideal environment where tarantulas become the only creatures that can spawn. This will allow you to fill your inventory quickly.
Top 5 Tarantula Island Tips
These top tips will enhance your experience on Tarantula Island. The key is to optimize your strategy. This includes controlling the spawn rates, catching mechanics, and management of your resources. With a combination of careful preparation and execution, you can turn a trip to Tarantula Island into a profitable endeavor.
Clear Everything
Before you start catching tarantulas, clear the island of everything else. Remove flowers, weeds, rocks, and trees, or at least the stumps left behind after chopping down trees, as these can hinder tarantula spawns. By eliminating all other possible spawn locations, you increase the number of tarantulas that will appear. This is crucial for making the most of your trip to the island and maximizing your earnings. Without a clear island, your efforts will be significantly reduced.
Catching Tarantulas
Tarantulas can be tricky. The key is to approach them slowly. Hold down the ‘A’ button to equip your net, and move towards the tarantula. The tarantula will raise up its front legs. Stop moving whenever the tarantula does this, or it will attack. Wait until the tarantula lowers its legs. When it does, continue moving slowly, and then swing your net to catch it. This method requires patience and precision, but it’s the safest way to catch tarantulas without getting bitten. Keep practicing, and you’ll master this skill in no time.
Dig Holes
Digging strategically placed holes can be a great way to create a safe zone. Dig a series of holes in a line that you can retreat to when a tarantula approaches. When a tarantula charges, retreat behind the holes. The tarantula will be unable to reach you, and you can safely catch it. This method allows you to create a defensive perimeter. Make sure the holes are spaced far enough apart that you can move between them without getting attacked. This is a reliable strategy that helps prevent bites.
Slow and Steady
Patience is a virtue on Tarantula Island. Rushing will only lead to being bitten. Move slowly and deliberately, and always keep an eye on the tarantulas. When a tarantula raises its front legs, stop moving immediately. Wait for it to lower its legs before you take another step. This slow, deliberate approach might seem tedious, but it’s the safest and most effective way to catch tarantulas without getting bitten. Remember, the goal is to maximize your profit by catching as many tarantulas as possible.
Sell your Tarantulas
Once you’ve filled your inventory with tarantulas, it’s time to sell them. The best way to sell them is to wait for Flick, the bug enthusiast, to visit your island. Flick will buy bugs for 1.5 times their usual price, which means more Bells for you. If Flick isn’t available, sell them to Timmy and Tommy at Nook’s Cranny. While you won’t get the boosted price, you’ll still earn a substantial amount. Make sure to check for Flick regularly to optimize your profits.
Maximizing Your Earnings
The key to maximizing earnings on Tarantula Island is to employ strategies. Efficiency and awareness of the game mechanics will enhance your income. This goes beyond simply catching and selling tarantulas. The more you understand the island’s ecosystem and the game’s mechanics, the more Bells you’ll make. It is important to know the different scenarios that may come, because you may find other creatures. These tips will help you maximize your earnings.
Dealing with Other Bugs
While tarantulas are the main focus, you might encounter other bugs on the island. If any bugs spawn, like tiger beetles, you can chase them away to make space for more tarantulas. You can also try catching them and selling them at Nook’s Cranny or waiting for Flick to come and purchase them at a higher price. Keeping other bugs away will increase the number of tarantulas that can spawn. This will give you more time to catch the tarantulas.
Dealing with Scorpion
Scorpions can be as dangerous as tarantulas. If you encounter a scorpion, be careful. Use the same slow, steady approach as you would with tarantulas. If a scorpion charges you, run. Digging holes to create a safe zone can also be helpful when dealing with scorpions. Remember, scorpions can appear on the island at different times of the day. Knowing how to manage these creatures will help you focus on catching the tarantulas.