What is Tarantula Farming in Animal Crossing
Tarantula farming in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a lucrative activity that involves strategically manipulating your island or visiting a mystery island to create a high-density tarantula spawn environment. The primary goal is to catch as many tarantulas as possible within a limited timeframe. Since tarantulas sell for a significant amount of Bells at Nook’s Cranny, or even more to Flick when he visits, this farming method provides a quick and efficient way to amass wealth in the game. It requires some preparation, timing, and a little bit of luck, but the rewards can be substantial. This guide will teach you the best ways to capitalize on this gameplay mechanic.
The Benefits of Tarantula Farming
The most obvious benefit of tarantula farming is the ability to quickly earn Bells. Each tarantula sells for 8,000 Bells at Nook’s Cranny, and even more if you sell to Flick, the special visitor who buys bugs at a premium. This allows players to pay off their home loans, buy furniture, and generally enjoy the game without the constant grind of other money-making activities. Additionally, tarantula farming is relatively straightforward once you understand the mechanics. It doesn’t require significant resources beyond a shovel and some patience. Finally, tarantula farming can be quite engaging, offering a unique gameplay loop different from the usual fishing or bug-catching experiences. The thrill of catching these elusive creatures makes it an exciting activity for many players.
How to Prepare Your Island for Tarantula Farming
Preparing your island is key to a successful tarantula farming session. The more you prepare, the easier and more efficient your farming will be. This preparation involves manipulating the environment to encourage tarantula spawns while minimizing the appearance of other insects that can interfere with your process. It takes a little while, but the investment upfront pays dividends later on. By controlling the variables, you are increasing your odds of success. You should take some time before diving right in, if you want to ensure that you maximize your Bell earnings.
Clearing Your Island
The first step involves clearing your island of anything that isn’t essential. This means removing all flowers, weeds, trees, rocks, and items. This is because other bugs can spawn on these objects, which can interrupt the tarantula spawn rate. The goal is to create an open space where only tarantulas can appear. This makes it much easier to spot and catch them. This step can take a considerable amount of time, depending on how developed your island is. It is generally recommended to clear at least one section of your island completely, or to visit a mystery island that has a good layout for this purpose.
Creating a Dedicated Tarantula Farm
If you want to optimize your tarantula farming, consider creating a dedicated farm area. This involves digging a series of holes in a pattern that allows you to trap the tarantulas, making them easy to catch. The pattern should be designed to prevent the tarantulas from escaping while also allowing you to maneuver around them safely. The standard method involves digging two parallel rows of holes, leaving a small gap at one end for you to enter and exit. This will enable you to catch multiple tarantulas in a short amount of time. If you are utilizing a mystery island, find an area with water around it to create the perfect layout.
Best Time and Location for Tarantula Spawns
Tarantulas are only active during certain times of the year and day. You need to know when the tarantulas will be present. In the Northern Hemisphere, tarantulas are most active from November to April, while in the Southern Hemisphere, they appear from May to October. In terms of time of day, they spawn primarily between 7 PM and 4 AM. To maximize your success, choose a clear night, as this will improve visibility and make it easier to spot the tarantulas. Be sure to know what hemisphere your game is set for, or else you will be waiting around for days on end!
Timing is Key
Once you’ve prepped your island or found a suitable mystery island, ensure you are farming during the correct time of day and year. This is a critical part of the process. If you are farming outside of these times, you’ll find that no tarantulas will appear. It is generally recommended that you farm on a mystery island to make things easier. The setup will already be in place, and you just have to worry about the actual catching. Be sure to also have a good amount of free inventory space, as this will fill up very quickly.
Finding the Right Island
Visiting a mystery island via a Nook Miles Ticket can be a great way to find the perfect location for tarantula farming, especially if you are early in the game and haven’t developed your island yet. Some islands have a natural layout that’s conducive to tarantula spawns, such as those with few trees and rocks. These islands offer a head start since less prep work is needed. If you find an island with a pond, you can even use it to create a perfect tarantula trap. Once you find an island with the right layout, you will be able to catch many tarantulas in a short amount of time.
Step-by-Step Guide to Tarantula Farming
Here’s a concise step-by-step guide to successfully farm tarantulas in Animal Crossing. Following these steps will allow you to maximize your Bell earnings, and allow you to experience tarantula farming in a fun and efficient way.
Catching Tarantulas
Approach the tarantula slowly with your net. When it raises its front legs, stop moving. Wait until the tarantula lowers its legs before moving again. Repeat this process until you’re close enough to swing your net. If the tarantula starts to chase you, immediately stop moving. Repeat this process until it lowers its legs and you can move toward it. Timing is everything. After many tries, it will become second nature. Be sure to also have your net equipped before you begin the process.
Selling Your Catch
Once you’ve filled your inventory, it’s time to sell your tarantulas. The easiest way is to sell them at Nook’s Cranny for 8,000 Bells each. If Flick is visiting your island, the tarantulas will sell for 12,000 Bells. It’s recommended to hold off and sell them to Flick if possible, but this is up to you. You can also create models of the tarantulas. It is highly recommended to make sure you have inventory space before you begin the farming process. The more you can catch, the more Bells you’ll receive!
Avoiding Tarantula Bites
Getting bit by a tarantula is a common occurrence. If a tarantula bites you, you will faint and wake up at your home. To avoid this, always approach tarantulas slowly and steadily. Watch their movements carefully and stop when they raise their legs. If you get surrounded by tarantulas, use the holes you dug to give yourself more time and space. Be patient and take your time to avoid these bites.
Tips and Tricks for Maximum Efficiency
To make your tarantula farming even more efficient, keep these tips in mind. These will give you the most Bells and maximize your time. After some practice, you’ll get the hang of things and begin to optimize your process.
Maximizing Your Inventory Space
You will want to make sure that you have a lot of free space to store your tarantulas. If you run out of space, you won’t be able to catch anymore. You may need to head back to your island and drop off items. Always empty your inventory before you begin your session, so you don’t have to run back to your island. This will make the process a lot smoother. It is important to always have a good amount of space to maximize the number of tarantulas you can catch during the session.
Dealing with Other Bugs
Other bugs can interfere with tarantula spawns. Be on the lookout for other bugs, such as tiger beetles. These can spawn on the ground, so you will want to eliminate them to increase your odds of a tarantula spawning. If any spawn, catch them immediately to keep the tarantula spawn rate high. You can also take a break to catch the bugs that spawn, then continue catching tarantulas. This is also something to keep in mind, as it is a common occurrence.
Conclusion
Tarantula farming is a rewarding activity in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can earn a significant amount of Bells and quickly progress in the game. Remember to prepare your island or find the right mystery island, understand the timing, and use the right techniques to catch tarantulas safely and efficiently. With a little practice, you’ll be a tarantula farming expert in no time! Good luck, and happy farming!