Understanding Tarantula Farming in Animal Crossing
Tarantula farming in Animal Crossing New Horizons is a lucrative method to earn Bells quickly. This strategy involves creating a specific environment on your island or a Mystery Island to encourage tarantulas to spawn, then catching and selling them. The best time to do this is during specific hours and seasons, making April a prime month. Mastering this technique can significantly boost your island’s economy, allowing you to pay off loans, buy furniture, and customize your island to your heart’s content. It’s a blend of preparation, patience, and quick reflexes.
The Ideal Island for Tarantula Farming
While you can technically farm tarantulas on your own island, Mystery Islands offer a cleaner slate and more consistent results. Look for islands with a flat layout, minimal rivers, and no cliffs. The best islands will also have few to no flowers, as these can impede tarantula spawning. If you’re using your own island, you’ll need to alter it to meet these conditions. This preparation is key to maximizing your tarantula yield and your Bell earnings.
Preparing Your Island Environment
Transforming your island into a tarantula-farming paradise involves significant landscaping. The goal is to eliminate anything that could spawn other bugs, leaving only space for tarantulas to appear. This means removing all flowers (or keeping a very small number), chopping down trees (leaving the stumps), and getting rid of any weeds. It’s a time-consuming process, but the investment pays off in the long run. Consider the island design as a temporary setup for efficiency.
Removing Obstacles for Tarantula Spawns
Beyond removing flowers and trees, you need to clear away anything else that could spawn bugs. This includes rocks, which can spawn various insects. Break them all with your shovel. If you’re on your own island, carefully consider any water bodies; they can sometimes attract unwanted bugs. The more open space, the better. This strategic clearing maximizes the chances of tarantulas appearing and boosts your profit potential. Remember to leave a small area for the spawn.
How to Clear Your Island
Clearing an island is a meticulous process. Start by removing all flowers; either dig them up entirely or pick them. Next, chop down all trees using your axe; stumps do not prevent tarantula spawning, so leave them. Break all rocks by eating fruit and then hitting them with your shovel. Finally, remove any weeds and ensure there are no items lying on the ground. This will create a vast, open area perfect for tarantula spawning. Keep in mind that this preparation is also essential to maximize the yield of the spiders.
Essential Tools for Tarantula Farming
The most critical tool is, of course, your net. Make sure you have a durable net to avoid breakage during extended farming sessions. Bring a shovel for digging up flowers and breaking rocks. A ladder is also beneficial if the Mystery Island has cliffs. Consider a vaulting pole if you need to cross a river. It is also a good idea to eat fruit before you begin the process. Having fruit ensures you can destroy any rocks that get in your way.
The Perfect Inventory Setup
Maximize your inventory space. You’ll want to catch as many tarantulas as possible before having to return to sell them. Prioritize space for tarantulas and leave a few slots open for essential items such as your net, shovel and any fruit you might need. Remember that you cannot carry any items from the island, so selling is the best way to free up space. Knowing how much space you have will allow you to formulate a strategy to be profitable.
The Best Times to Farm Tarantulas in April
Tarantulas spawn between 7 PM and 4 AM in the Northern Hemisphere during April. This makes the late evenings and early mornings the prime farming hours. Ensure you are available during these periods to maximize your tarantula-catching sessions. Pay attention to the in-game time and plan accordingly. This time frame is crucial for ensuring you catch the maximum number of tarantulas and, therefore, the maximum amount of Bells. This is the best part of the year to maximize your earnings.
Maximizing Your Bell Earnings
Each tarantula sells for 8,000 Bells, so every tarantula caught is a direct boost to your earnings. To maximize profits, focus on catching as many as possible within the spawning time. Empty your inventory as soon as it fills up. Consider crafting a second net, just in case your main one breaks during your farming session. You can also use the Nook Miles Tickets to visit Mystery Islands. Make sure you have the space to hold as many spiders as possible.
Catching and Selling Tarantulas
Approach tarantulas slowly and carefully. Hold down the ‘A’ button to ready your net. When a tarantula stands on its hind legs to attack, stop moving. Once it lowers its legs, move forward and swing your net. If successful, you’ve caught a tarantula! Sell your tarantulas at Nook’s Cranny or to Flick (if he’s visiting your island) for maximum profit. Be sure to sell all of your tarantulas to maximize your earnings.
Avoiding Tarantula Bites
Tarantulas can be aggressive. If you get too close or move too quickly, they will attack. When a tarantula raises its legs, stop moving immediately. Wait until it lowers its legs before inching closer. If you get bitten, you will wake up back on your island. If it is a Mystery Island, you lose everything. Practice this approach to minimize bites and maximize your farming time. Patience is key!
Dealing with Scorpions and Other Critters
While tarantula farming, you might encounter scorpions, especially in the Southern Hemisphere. The same techniques apply; approach slowly and cautiously. Be aware that other bugs can spawn as well, although less frequently if you’ve cleared the island properly. If other bugs appear, try to catch them. These can sometimes reduce the frequency of tarantula spawns. Having an open inventory spot for these bugs can also be profitable.
Tips for Long-Term Tarantula Farming Success
Consistency is key to long-term success. Regularly check for tarantula-spawning times and prepare your island accordingly. Maintain a clean environment to encourage spawning. Remember to sell your tarantulas frequently to avoid wasting inventory space. With practice, tarantula farming can become a reliable source of Bells, helping you achieve your island goals. This can become an effective and consistent strategy to obtain currency in the game.