Should I Assess Fossils Before Selling? A Comprehensive Guide
The short answer is a resounding YES, you should absolutely assess your fossils before selling them. In the world of Animal Crossing, and indeed in the real world, assessed fossils are significantly more valuable than unassessed ones. This article will delve into why assessment is crucial, what to do with your assessed fossils, and answer some common questions that players have about these prehistoric treasures.
The Value of Assessing Fossils
In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, unassessed fossils are practically worthless, selling for a meager 100 Bells each at Nook’s Cranny. That’s barely enough to buy a single piece of candy! However, once you have a fossil assessed by Blathers, the museum curator, its value increases exponentially. Assessed fossils can be sold for anywhere from 2,000 to 6,000 Bells, depending on their type and rarity.
Why the Difference?
The difference in value comes down to identification. Unassessed fossils are essentially just rocks until Blathers identifies them. Once he’s determined the species, the fossil is no longer a mystery, and its scientific (and monetary) value is established. This is similar to how real-world fossils are often more valuable once they’ve been properly identified and cataloged by paleontologists.
More Than Just Bells
Assessing your fossils also opens up other valuable opportunities in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, including:
- Completing the Museum: Donating assessed fossils to Blathers for your museum is a key component of completing the game. Once you donate one of each species, you get closer to having a fully completed museum that you can enjoy and show off.
- Gifting to Villagers: Once assessed, fossils make great gifts for your villagers. It’s a high-value gift that can increase your friendship levels, and the villagers seem to appreciate the prehistoric nature of your present.
- Creating Unique Displays: You can use assessed fossils to create eye-catching displays around your island or in your home. Arrange them to build a mini-museum in your house or decorate your garden with fossils found on your island.
What to Do with Assessed Fossils
Once Blathers has given his paleontological seal of approval to your fossil finds, you’ll have a few options.
Donate to the Museum
If you want a fully stocked museum, you will need to donate at least one of each kind of fossil. If you are a collector, this will always be your primary concern. The reward for a fully completed museum is the ability to proudly display your accomplishments to other players. It is the primary goal for most Animal Crossing players.
Sell at Nook’s Cranny
If you have duplicate fossils or you’ve completed your museum, selling at Nook’s Cranny is an excellent way to make money. Certain fossils are more valuable than others. For example, the T. Rex Skull and Brachio Skull fetch the highest prices at 6,000 Bells each. Even the lower valued ones make a significant profit over selling an unassessed fossil.
Create Your Own Displays
You can also use assessed fossils to decorate your house or island. They’re unique and eye-catching, and they add a touch of prehistoric flair to your landscape. Get creative with how you place them, and your house and/or island will stand out from the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some commonly asked questions about fossils in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, to further clarify the topic.
1. How do I get fossils in Animal Crossing?
Fossils are found buried in the ground. Look for the star-shaped cracks in the ground each day, and you will find up to four fossils each day. You may also find more fossils if you are playing online.
2. Where do I go to assess my fossils?
You need to speak to Blathers at the museum. He will identify your fossils for free, but it may take a moment, since he’ll need time to examine them.
3. Can I sell unassessed fossils at all?
Yes, you can sell unassessed fossils, but they are only worth 100 Bells each. It’s always better to assess them first.
4. What is the most valuable fossil to sell?
The T. Rex Skull and Brachio Skull are the most valuable, both selling for 6,000 Bells.
5. Are all fossils worth the same amount when assessed?
No. Different fossils have different values, and this is where knowing the fossil types is important for any serious player. Most sell for several thousand bells, but some go for more than others.
6. Is it worth it to complete the museum fossil collection?
Absolutely! Completing the museum is a major goal for many players. Plus, it’s a great way to learn about the different types of dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures that lived long ago.
7. Do I need to donate every duplicate fossil to the museum?
No, you only need to donate one of each type. You can sell or use duplicates for decorations.
8. Can I sell fossils to other players?
Yes! You can sell fossils to other players in online play, and they can be a valuable trading commodity.
9. Can I buy fossils from Nook’s Cranny?
No, Nook’s Cranny doesn’t sell fossils. The only ways to get them are by digging them up yourself or trading with other players.
10. Do villagers want fossils as gifts?
Yes, villagers appreciate receiving assessed fossils as gifts. It’s a high-value present that can improve your friendship level with them. Plus, the villager will often put it on display in their house.
11. Can I use fossils for crafting recipes?
No, fossils are not used in any crafting recipes. They are solely for display, selling, and donating.
12. What is the best way to make money with fossils?
Assess all your fossils. Then, either complete your museum or sell the duplicates, especially the high-value ones like the T. Rex Skull and Brachio Skull.
13. What happens if I bury a fossil again after assessing it?
Burying an assessed fossil just turns it back into a regular digging spot. When dug up again, it will be the same assessed fossil.
14. Are some fossils rarer than others?
While the game does not state this outright, it can appear that some fossils appear more often than others. There is no hard data, so it is up to each player to track the frequency.
15. Should I hold onto unassessed fossils?
There’s no real reason to hold onto unassessed fossils. It is always better to assess them so that you get the highest value.
Conclusion
The decision to assess your fossils before selling them is a no-brainer. Assessing fossils significantly increases their value, allowing you to earn more Bells, complete your museum, and even improve your relationships with your island residents. Whether you are a seasoned player or a newbie just starting your island adventures, remember to always visit Blathers first before heading to Nook’s Cranny to sell your fossils! Your prehistoric friends will be worth a lot more!