Do You Get Anything for Completing Fossils in Animal Crossing?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The short answer is: not directly, no. Unlike completing the fish, bug, sea creature, or art sections of the museum, there is no specific reward for completing the fossil exhibit in Animal Crossing: New Horizons beyond the satisfaction of a job well done. While it might be a little disappointing to not receive a special item or acknowledgment, the good news is that donating fossils is still a worthwhile endeavor with several indirect benefits and engaging aspects of the game.
The Joy of Discovery and a Full Museum
While you won’t get a specific item for completing your fossil collection, the primary reward is the visual satisfaction of a fully-fledged museum. The fossil exhibit is an impressive wing in Blathers’ museum, showcasing the skeletons of prehistoric creatures. Seeing each fossil you’ve diligently unearthed and donated displayed in its rightful place is a fulfilling accomplishment. It’s a testament to your dedication and exploration within the game.
Indirect Rewards and Benefits
Even though there isn’t a direct reward, the act of collecting fossils impacts the game in several positive ways:
- Completing the Museum: Collecting fossils is a key part of completing the overall museum, which DOES provide rewards. Once you’ve donated every bug, fish, sea creature, fossil, and piece of art, you’ll unlock a special Museum Poster, a tangible reward for all your hard work.
- Filling up Blathers’ Museum: The process of collecting fossils contributes to the overall completion of the museum, leading to an immersive and complete gaming experience. It’s satisfying to see your contributions enriching the game’s environment.
- Unlocking Nook Miles Achievements: Completing museum exhibits counts towards some Nook Miles achievements, which provide you with valuable Nook Miles to spend in the game.
- A Source of Income: Once your museum is full, duplicate fossils become a great source of income. They can be sold at Nook’s Cranny or traded online.
- Gift Giving: Fossils can make great gifts for your villagers, especially on their birthdays, boosting your friendship levels. Wrapping them up will give you even more points with your villagers.
- A Reason to Explore: The thrill of digging up fossils keeps the game exciting. Each day brings the possibility of discovering a new or missing fossil, motivating daily exploration of your island.
- Completing Miniature Models: Once a full fossil has been donated, you may then find that individual parts can be used in your home when crafting miniature models. These display nicely.
While the lack of a direct reward for the fossil collection alone might seem like a missed opportunity, these indirect advantages and the satisfaction of completing a collection contribute to the overall enjoyment of Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Why Donate When You Can Sell?
The debate between donating and selling is a common one in Animal Crossing. While selling your fossils can provide immediate bells, it’s generally considered more rewarding to donate them first. Here’s why:
- Completing the Museum: This is the primary goal of many players. The visual impact and personal satisfaction of a complete museum outweigh the immediate financial gain of selling the fossils.
- Long-Term Benefits: The Museum Poster, friendship bonuses with villagers, and Nook Miles rewards for museum completion make donating the preferred long-term option.
- Easy to Make Bells Later: Once your museum is complete, you can sell all the duplicates you find. By the time you’ve completed your fossil collection, you will probably be at a stage in the game where bells come quite easily anyway.
In the end, the optimal strategy is usually to donate each fossil at least once, then sell any duplicates you find. This allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions related to completing fossils in Animal Crossing, covering various aspects of fossil hunting and their role in the game:
1. What is the museum dig site wall?
The dig site wall is a wallpaper item you can obtain from the museum gift shop after your museum has been upgraded to have a gift shop. It is not related to fossil completion in and of itself.
2. How many fossils spawn daily?
You can dig up **four to five fossils** on your island every day.
3. Does the spawning of fossils stop if I complete the exhibit?
No, fossils will continue to spawn daily **even after you have completed the fossil exhibit** in the museum.
4. Should I sell or donate fossils first?
**Donate each fossil to Blathers first**, then sell any duplicates you find.
5. What is the most expensive fossil in Animal Crossing?
The **T. Rex Skull and Brachio Skull** are the most expensive fossils, selling for **6,000 bells** each.
6. Can I use duplicate fossils for anything?
Yes! Once you donate a full set of fossils, you can craft **miniature fossil models** using additional individual fossil parts. You can also sell duplicate fossils for bells.
7. What happens if I gift fossils to villagers?
Giving villagers expensive gifts like fossils on their birthday can give you **friendship points.** Wrapping the fossil adds to the bonus!
8. Do villagers know if I regift them a fossil?
Yes, villagers can remember items they've gifted you. They'll have unique dialogue if you give them the same item back, but there is some debate about whether it affects your friendship points.
9. How can I stop fossils from spawning if I don’t need them?
Burying **six fossils** in an out-of-the-way spot on your island will temporarily prevent new ones from spawning.
10. Why won’t Blathers accept my fossil?
Blathers won’t accept a fossil that he already has in the museum. This means you’ve already donated that particular fossil.
11. Do fossils I give to Tom Nook go to the museum?
No, when Tom Nook asks for specimens at the beginning of the game, the fossils and other creatures go directly to Blathers when he arrives to start the museum.
12. Why are some museum rooms locked?
The museum has multiple expansions that you have to unlock by giving enough donations to Blathers. Once he has had enough specimens he will then offer the upgrades.
13. How do I unlock the museum?
You need to donate fish and bugs to Tom Nook in the beginning of the game. This will prompt him to bring Blathers to your island to open the museum.
14. What is the overall reward for completing the entire museum?
Completing all exhibits – bugs, fish, sea creatures, fossils and art – will reward you with a special Museum Poster from Blathers.
15. What is the best way to make money to buy fossils from others?
The best way to get money in Animal Crossing involves playing the **Stalk Market**, catching high value bugs or fish and selling them to Flick and CJ when they visit your island, or selling non-native fruit.
In conclusion, while there isn’t a specific unique reward for completing the fossil collection in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, the indirect rewards, the joy of discovery, the completion of a full museum, and the satisfaction of a comprehensive collection are very rewarding in their own right. It’s a vital part of the overall game experience, and you should definitely dedicate time to exploring your island and filling up that exhibit!