What is Tarantula Island in Animal Crossing?
Tarantula Island is a special mystery island in Animal Crossing New Horizons known for one thing tarantulas. It’s a player’s paradise for catching these valuable critters, which can then be sold for a significant profit. This makes it a popular destination for players looking to earn Bells (the in-game currency) quickly. The island itself is relatively simple, usually featuring a large, open area where tarantulas spawn. However, the island’s mechanics and the tarantulas’ behavior require a strategic approach to maximize your haul and avoid getting bitten, which causes you to wake up back at your home.
How to Get to Tarantula Island
Reaching Tarantula Island involves some preparation and a bit of luck. First, you’ll need to have unlocked the airport on your island. Once the airport is available, you can purchase a Nook Miles Ticket from the Nook Stop terminal in Resident Services. This ticket allows you to travel to a random mystery island. Keep in mind that the type of island you visit is entirely random; you might get Tarantula Island, or you could end up on an island with different resources, villagers, or other features. It may take a few attempts, so be patient. The time you visit the island matters as tarantulas only appear at certain times. Make sure the time is right before you leave for a trip. You should also empty your inventory as much as possible.
Understanding the Island’s Mechanics
Tarantula Island operates on a specific set of rules. The primary goal is to catch as many tarantulas as possible before filling up your inventory or getting bitten. Tarantulas are aggressive and will chase you if they spot you, so it’s crucial to understand their behavior. The island usually spawns tarantulas in abundance, making it an ideal place to catch a large number. Be aware of your surroundings, as they can appear suddenly. When tarantulas spot you, they will stand up on their hind legs and raise their front legs. If you move while they’re in this stance, they will chase you. However, if you stop moving, they will eventually lower their front legs and relax, allowing you to approach. Knowing these behaviors is essential for successful tarantula hunting.
Tip 1 Maximize Your Inventory Space
Before heading to Tarantula Island, empty your pockets as much as possible. Bring only the essentials you need, such as your net and possibly a shovel. A cluttered inventory means less space for tarantulas, which translates to fewer Bells earned. Consider selling off any unwanted items on your island before you go. If you have a workbench and some crafting materials, you might also bring those, but the primary focus should be on maximizing your inventory slots for catching tarantulas. Remember, every slot filled with a tarantula is a potential profit, so make every space count. This preparation is key to making the most of your trip to Tarantula Island.
Tip 2 Best Times to Visit
Tarantulas are only active during certain times of the day and year in Animal Crossing. The best time to find Tarantula Island is between 7 PM and 4 AM in the Northern Hemisphere during specific months. It’s crucial to ensure your game’s clock is set to the correct time, as this determines when tarantulas will appear. Make sure you adjust your game’s time settings if needed. Checking the in-game clock before you fly to a mystery island helps you avoid wasting a Nook Miles Ticket on an island with no tarantulas. Visiting at the correct time maximizes your chances of finding and catching these valuable creatures. If the time isn’t right, you’ll likely end up on a different type of island, which might not be as profitable.
Tip 3 Clear the Island of Obstacles
Tarantulas can spawn in many places, but they can be hindered by objects on the island, such as flowers, rocks, weeds, and tree stumps. To maximize the number of tarantulas that appear, clear the island of these obstacles. You can dig up flowers, break rocks with your shovel, remove weeds, and chop down trees. Doing this creates more open space for tarantulas to spawn. Be careful when swinging your shovel or axe, as you don’t want to accidentally scare the tarantulas. Clearing the island is a time-consuming process, but the effort pays off by increasing your chances of catching more tarantulas and, consequently, earning more Bells.
Tip 4 Mastering the Catching Technique
The key to catching tarantulas lies in mastering their behavior and using the correct technique. When you spot a tarantula, slowly approach it while holding your net. If the tarantula stands up on its hind legs, immediately stop moving. Wait for it to lower its legs before inching closer. Repeat this process until you are close enough to swing your net. The goal is to get within range to catch the tarantula without scaring it. A well-timed swing can be the difference between success and failure. Practice this technique, and you’ll significantly increase your tarantula-catching efficiency. Consider practicing on your own island or a friend’s island to get a feel for the timing and distance.
Tip 5 Selling Your Tarantulas
Once your inventory is full of tarantulas, it’s time to sell them. Head back to your island and sell them at Nook’s Cranny. Tarantulas sell for a significant amount of Bells, making it a highly profitable activity. The price of tarantulas can vary, but it’s generally a good return on your investment. Selling your catches is the final step in the process of earning Bells on Tarantula Island. Remember, the more tarantulas you catch, the more Bells you’ll earn, making your journey to Tarantula Island worthwhile. Consider saving up your earnings to pay off home loans, upgrade your home, or purchase essential items.
Tarantula Island Patch Updates
Animal Crossing New Horizons has received several updates since its launch, and some of these updates have impacted the availability and mechanics of Tarantula Island. One of the first things to note is the removal of the guaranteed Tarantula Island spawn. Originally, there was a specific island layout that always spawned tarantulas. However, Nintendo has since adjusted the island generation, making it less common to find a dedicated Tarantula Island. While the general concept of Tarantula Island is still present, finding a dedicated, tarantula-filled island has become rarer. The gameplay remains similar, but the frequency of the island appearance has changed, and players may now encounter other bug-focused islands, like the scorpion island. Players should stay informed about these patch changes to adjust their strategies accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tarantula Island
Many players have questions about Tarantula Island. Some common questions include how often it appears, what time of day to visit, and the best way to catch tarantulas. The answers to these questions are covered throughout this guide. Players often ask about the best strategies for maximizing catches, which primarily involves clearing the island of obstacles and mastering the catching technique. Another frequent question is about the impact of game updates on the island’s availability and mechanics. Many also wonder whether the island is worth the effort, and the answer is a resounding yes, given the potential for earning Bells. Keep an eye on the Animal Crossing community to stay up-to-date on the latest tips and information related to Tarantula Island.