How Rare is the Tarantula in Animal Crossing?
The tarantula in Animal Crossing: New Horizons (ACNH) is undeniably one of the most sought-after insects, primarily due to its high selling price and elusive nature. To answer the core question directly: tarantulas are a rare insect in ACNH. They are not something you’ll stumble upon regularly, demanding specific timing, effort, and a touch of luck to encounter, making the quest for these eight-legged creatures a challenge that many players enjoy, and often struggle with.
The Elusive Nature of Tarantulas in ACNH
Several factors contribute to the rarity of the tarantula in the game. Unlike common bugs that pop up throughout the day, the tarantula has a very limited window of appearance. They only emerge during the evening hours, specifically between 7 PM and 4 AM, making it necessary to play during these late hours for a chance to encounter one. Additionally, they are only present during specific months of the year, from November to April. This seasonal restriction further narrows the window for players to find them.
Furthermore, even within these specified times and months, tarantulas don’t spawn frequently. They appear at rare intervals, often leaving players to wander their islands for long stretches of time without seeing one. This unpredictability is a big part of what makes them so elusive. Unlike some other bugs, tarantulas don’t follow a predictable pattern; their appearance is random, so you’re dependent on both luck and an understanding of the game’s mechanics.
Recognizing a Tarantula
When a tarantula does spawn, it’s essential to recognize its unique behavior. When it detects a player approaching, it will face you and raise its legs in a defensive posture. This is a clear sign that you’ve encountered a tarantula and must proceed with caution while attempting to catch it. This behavior, similar to the scorpion, adds a dramatic element to the hunt.
Tarantula Farming: Turning Rarity into Riches
Given the rarity and value of the tarantula (8,000 bells each), some players have resorted to creating “tarantula farms” to maximize their profit. This usually involves taking advantage of Mystery Islands, specifically those with favorable layouts, like the bamboo island or the island with the spiraled stream. The goal is to manipulate the island’s environment to encourage tarantula spawns by eliminating all other possible bug spawns.
Creating a Tarantula Farm
Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved in turning a Mystery Island into a tarantula farm:
- Clear the Island: This involves chopping down all trees, removing stumps, plucking all flowers (without digging them up), and breaking all rocks. You must completely rid the island of any resources that might harbor other insects.
- Eliminate Other Bugs: During the clearing process, any bugs that appear should be chased away. This reduces the available spawn slots for other bugs and increases the likelihood of a tarantula appearing.
- The Waiting Game: After preparing the island, you have to patiently patrol the area, waiting for the elusive tarantulas to spawn. The method can be time-consuming, requiring a commitment to clear a space of the entire island.
Understanding the Risk
It’s important to note that tarantula farming isn’t guaranteed. Even with a completely cleared island, there’s still an element of chance in how often they spawn. And as time goes on, other insect types may spawn, requiring continued clearing and managing the spawn mechanics. Also, not every mystery island is conducive to tarantula farming; some have layouts that make it hard to control spawns.
The Economic and Symbolic Value of Tarantulas
The tarantula isn’t just a rare insect; it’s a symbol of wealth in ACNH. Each one can be sold for 8,000 Bells at Nook’s Cranny. However, the value increases to 12,000 Bells when sold to Flick, the visiting chameleon who buys insects. This significant price makes them extremely attractive to players looking to boost their income and fund island upgrades or other in-game purchases.
Is Tarantula Farming Still Viable?
There have been changes to the game’s mechanics that make tarantula farming less reliable than in the early days of ACNH. However, the method is not entirely broken; it’s just more challenging. Players must be prepared to spend more time clearing islands and be patient with the sometimes infrequent tarantula spawns. Additionally, other insects like wharf roaches and mole crickets can take up spawn slots, complicating the process. To counteract wharf roaches, you should place fencing to prevent spawning on rocks. And note that mole crickets do not spawn in the rain.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tarantulas in Animal Crossing
Here are some frequently asked questions about tarantulas in ACNH to help players navigate the complexities of tarantula hunting:
1. When can I find tarantulas in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
Tarantulas are available between 7 PM and 4 AM, and only during the months of November to April.
2. What is the best island for tarantula farming?
The bamboo island and the island with the spiraled stream are often cited as the best for tarantula farming due to their relatively flat layouts.
3. How do I prepare an island for tarantula farming?
You must chop down all trees, remove stumps, pluck all flowers, break all rocks, and clear all other bugs.
4. How much are tarantulas worth?
Tarantulas are worth 8,000 Bells at Nook’s Cranny and 12,000 Bells when sold to Flick.
5. Can I still farm tarantulas in 2024?
Yes, but it’s more challenging due to changes in game mechanics. You will need more effort and patience, but it is still viable.
6. Are tarantula islands rare?
Yes, while they require only night time to spawn, they are rare and do not appear consistently, even at night.
7. What should I do when a tarantula spots me?
The tarantula will raise its legs in a defensive position. Stop moving and wait for it to return to its normal stance before slowly approaching it to catch it.
8. Why are tarantulas not spawning on my island?
Tarantulas require the correct time (7 PM – 4 AM), month (November to April), and the absence of other insects in the area. You might also be having issues with wharf roaches or mole crickets using spawn slots.
9. What are the rarest insects besides tarantulas?
Other rare insects include the Scorpion, Golden Stag, Horned Elephant, Horned Hercules, Goliath Beetle, Scarab Beetle, and Giraffe Stag.
10. Can you turn any island into a tarantula island?
While you can attempt to create tarantula farms on any island, some islands (such as bamboo island) are better suited due to their layout, allowing for better control of bug spawns.
11. How do you get rid of mole crickets to improve tarantula spawns?
Mole crickets will not spawn if it is raining, so consider hunting tarantulas on clear nights or making use of fencing.
12. How can I get rid of wharf roaches when trying to farm tarantulas?
Placing fencing along the rocks can prevent wharf roaches from spawning.
13. Can spiders drop from trees in ACNH?
Yes, spiders can be found in fruit trees and cedar trees between 7 PM and 8 AM. This is a separate spawn from tarantulas.
14. How do you catch spiders in trees?
Shake the trees, then equip your net and time your catch.
15. Are there any new bugs replacing the tarantula after it leaves?
No, when tarantulas leave for the year, they do not have a specific replacement.
Final Thoughts
The tarantula in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a creature that perfectly balances rarity with reward. Though challenging to find, the thrill of the hunt and the potential for financial gain make it one of the most sought-after bugs in the game. Whether you choose to rely on luck or meticulously create a tarantula farm, the journey to catch these elusive spiders is always an exciting one. By understanding their spawning conditions and implementing strategic farming techniques, you can increase your chances of finding these eight-legged wonders and boosting your island’s economy.