Should I Give All My Fossils to Blathers in Animal Crossing: New Horizons? A Comprehensive Guide
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The short answer is a resounding yes, with a few caveats. Donating at least one of every unique fossil to Blathers at the Museum in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is crucial for completing the museum’s fossil exhibit, a significant achievement in the game. However, once your exhibit is complete, deciding what to do with duplicate fossils is a different story, and depends on your in-game goals. Let’s delve into the reasons why, and explore the best strategies for managing your fossil finds.
The Allure of the Museum: Completing the Fossil Exhibit
The main reason to donate your fossils to Blathers is to complete the fossil exhibit in the museum. This sprawling display is a visual testament to your dedication and hard work, offering a satisfying sense of accomplishment. Imagine the pride in seeing all those magnificent skeletons reconstructed and showcased! It also contributes to the overall completion of the Museum, including fish, bugs and art.
- The Completionist Dream: For players who strive for 100% completion, donating every fossil is non-negotiable. The museum provides tangible proof of your collecting prowess.
- A Beautiful Display: Beyond the practical aspect, the fossil exhibit is simply stunning. It’s a great place to bring visiting friends or simply wander around and admire your hard work.
- Dialogue and Learning: Interacting with the fossil exhibit provides informative snippets about each species, enriching your understanding of paleontology (albeit a simplified, Animal Crossing version). You can engage with knowledge beyond just the surface level of gameplay, echoing the principles supported by organizations like the Games Learning Society.
What To Do With Duplicate Fossils
Once you’ve filled the museum, the question becomes: what should you do with all those extra fossils you dig up every day? You have several options:
- Selling to Nook’s Cranny: This is the most straightforward option. Fossils fetch a decent price, providing a reliable source of Bells. Some fossils are worth over 5,000 Bells each, so the profits can add up quickly.
- Decorating Your Island: Fossils can be surprisingly effective as outdoor decorations. A strategically placed T. Rex skull can create a dramatic focal point in your garden, and smaller fossils can be used to add detail to pathways or create a “dig site” area.
- Trading with Other Players: If you’re connected to the online community, you can trade duplicate fossils with other players who may be missing specific pieces. This is a great way to help each other complete the exhibit and foster a sense of community.
- Customization Projects: A particularly creative option is to use duplicate fossils to create custom designs. Some players have assembled fantastical hybrid creatures, combining different fossil parts to build bizarre and imaginative dinosaurs.
- Gifting to Villagers: While not always the most appreciated gift, giving fossils to your villagers can increase your friendship level. Wrapping the fossil before giving it further boosts the friendship points earned.
Prioritizing Your Decisions
Ultimately, the decision of what to do with your fossils comes down to your personal play style. If your goal is to amass Bells, then selling them is the most efficient choice. If you’re more interested in aesthetics and creative expression, using them for decoration or customization projects might be more appealing. And if you enjoy interacting with other players, trading fossils can be a rewarding experience.
No matter your approach, remember that fossils are a valuable resource in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. They offer multiple avenues for progress and enjoyment, making them a worthwhile investment of your time and effort. They can also provide more than just entertainment; they can spark an interest in paleontology and science, reflecting the educational potential of gaming as explored by GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Fossils in Animal Crossing: New Horizons
1. How many fossils are there to collect in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
There are 73 unique fossils to collect in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. These range from individual pieces to multi-part dinosaurs.
2. How many fossils appear on my island each day?
You can find between four and five fossil spots on your island each day. These appear as star-shaped cracks in the ground.
3. How do I identify fossils?
After digging up a fossil, take it to Blathers at the Museum. He will identify it for you and, if it’s a new one, he’ll accept it as a donation.
4. What happens if Blathers won’t take a fossil?
If Blathers refuses a fossil, it means you’ve already donated that particular fossil to the museum.
5. What are the most valuable fossils to sell?
The most valuable fossils are typically the T. Rex skull and Brachio skull, which sell for 6,000 Bells each. Other valuable fossils include the Right Megalo Side, Brachio Tail, Dimetrodon Skull, Brachio Chest, and Tricera Skull which sell for 5,500 Bells each.
6. Can I influence which fossils appear on my island?
Unfortunately, the fossils that appear on your island each day are random. There’s no way to predict or influence which ones you’ll find.
7. Is it better to sell fossils to Timmy and Tommy or to villagers?
It’s generally best to sell fossils to Timmy and Tommy at Nook’s Cranny. Villagers won’t offer as much money for them.
8. Can I display fossils in my house?
Yes, you can display fossils in your house, just like any other piece of furniture.
9. Can I use fossils to customize furniture?
No, fossils cannot be used to customize furniture in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
10. How do I know if a fossil is part of a larger set?
When Blathers identifies a fossil, he’ll tell you if it’s part of a larger set and which other fossils you need to complete the dinosaur. You can also check online guides or the Animal Crossing community for information on completing fossil sets.
11. What happens when I complete the fossil exhibit?
While Blathers doesn’t give a special reward specifically for completing the fossil exhibit, completing all exhibits at the museum will prompt him to give you a Museum Model to celebrate your hard work.
12. Do fossils despawn if I don’t dig them up?
Yes, fossils will remain where they are until you dig them up. However, that spot will then not generate a fossil the next day, so it is advisable to dig up fossils daily.
13. Can I bury fossils after digging them up?
Yes, you can rebury fossils after digging them up. However, there’s no real benefit to doing so, other than aesthetic purposes.
14. What if I accidentally sell a fossil I haven’t donated yet?
Don’t worry! Fossils will continue to spawn on your island each day. Just keep digging and you’ll eventually find the one you need to donate.
15. Are there any secrets or Easter eggs related to fossils in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
While there aren’t any major secrets, some players enjoy creating their own “fossil displays” outside the museum, arranging fossils in interesting and creative ways. Experiment with different layouts and see what you can come up with!