Should You Trust Redd the Fox in Animal Crossing?
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The short answer? No, you absolutely should not blindly trust Redd, also known as Jolly Redd, Cousin Redd, or even Crazy Redd. This sly fox is a notorious con artist in the Animal Crossing series, and his primary goal is to make a quick buck at your expense. He specializes in selling forgeries of famous artworks, hoping you’ll mistake them for the real deal. While he does occasionally offer genuine masterpieces, buying from Redd always comes with a considerable risk. It’s a gamble, a test of your art knowledge and your willingness to potentially waste your hard-earned bells. But is that risk worth it? Let’s dive deeper into the world of Redd and his dodgy dealings.
The Perils of Purchasing from Redd
Forgeries Galore
Redd’s signature move is selling fake art. These forgeries are indistinguishable from the real thing at a glance, making it easy to be duped. A keen eye and a little research are essential if you want to avoid purchasing a counterfeit. These forgeries cannot be donated to Blathers at the museum and they cannot be resold to the Nook twins, leaving you with a worthless piece that can only be trashed or displayed in your home as a reminder of your mistake.
High Prices
Even before you discover that an art piece is a fake, Redd’s prices are far from reasonable. He charges exorbitant amounts for his wares, knowing that the allure of owning a masterpiece will drive players to spend. Whether it’s real or fake, he’s always looking to profit. This makes every purchase from Redd a financial risk, adding another layer of complexity to the decision-making process.
Random Appearance
Redd doesn’t appear on your island regularly. He arrives randomly, sometimes announced by Isabelle as a “suspicious character” in her morning announcements but sometimes popping up without any warning. This unpredictable schedule can make it frustrating for players who are trying to complete their museum’s art gallery and are waiting for him to show up.
Limited Selection
Redd’s boat, Jolly Redd’s Treasure Trawler, only carries a limited selection of art pieces at a time, and he may only have one or two pieces you haven’t seen or purchased before. You are limited to buying only one piece per visit, making the process of collecting all of the genuine pieces even longer and more of a gamble.
The “Haunted” Paintings
Some of Redd’s paintings are known to be “haunted.” At certain times of the day, these paintings have distinct changes, adding a quirky element to the game. While these changes don’t affect the authenticity of the artwork, they add another layer to the mystery of Redd’s treasures. However, there is no guarantee that a “haunted” painting is real.
How to Spot a Fake and Make Smart Purchases
So, how do you navigate the treacherous waters of Redd’s art gallery? The most important tool you have is your own research. You have to learn how to tell the difference between the real art and the fake. There are various guides and resources online that provide detailed comparisons of genuine and forged versions of each painting and statue. Pay close attention to minor details like the colors, poses, and added accessories in the art piece.
Use a Checklist
Utilize an art checklist or an interactive guide while shopping at Redd’s. These lists will detail the differences between the real and fake artwork, allowing you to quickly compare and identify the counterfeit.
Don’t Rush
Take your time when inspecting the artwork. Redd will not go anywhere and if you are not sure, come back later or do more research before making your purchase. Remember, there are no time limits once you are on his boat.
Don’t Be Afraid to Say No
If you’re unsure about the authenticity of a piece, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and not buy anything. You are not obligated to buy anything from Redd. There’s always a chance he’ll show up again with a better selection.
The Value of Real Art
The genuine artwork that Redd sometimes offers is essential for completing the art wing of your museum. Each authentic piece that you donate will be displayed prominently and add to the prestige of your museum. Completing the museum is a significant achievement in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, giving you a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.
Furthermore, owning real art is a rewarding experience, especially when compared to the counterfeit versions which simply serve as a costly and embarrassing mementos. These legitimate works of art are a prized item that can add significant visual appeal to your home as well.
FAQs About Redd
1. How do I unlock Redd’s arrival on my island?
You must first upgrade your museum and have donated at least 60 items. After that, Blathers will discuss his desire to add a fine art gallery to the museum. This will trigger Redd’s eventual arrival on your island.
2. Does Redd always sell forgeries?
No. Redd sometimes sells genuine artworks alongside the forgeries. The key is knowing how to distinguish between the real and fake.
3. Can I get more than one piece of art from Redd per visit?
No, you can only buy one piece of art per visit. Even if there are multiple pieces you want to buy, you must choose only one.
4. What happens if I donate a fake painting to Blathers?
Blathers will politely but firmly refuse the fake painting. You cannot donate forgeries to the museum.
5. Can I sell fake art?
No. The Nook twins will not buy forgeries. The only thing you can do is throw it in the trash, keep it in your inventory, or display it in your home.
6. Does time traveling affect Redd’s appearance?
Yes, you can time travel to potentially force Redd to appear. Time traveling one day at a time might be necessary to make him appear on your island.
7. How often does Redd visit my island?
Redd’s visits are random, he can show up as little as once or twice a month, sometimes more often or less often, making his visits unpredictable.
8. What is Redd’s raffle?
Redd also has a raffle that you can participate in at his boat, costing 500 bells per ticket. You will be guaranteed to win a prize.
9. Is it worth buying from Redd at Harv’s Island?
Yes, the principle is the same, Redd offers real and fake art at Harv’s Island. The same rules of comparing the art to a reference apply.
10. What does Redd look like?
Redd is an orange-yellow fox with brown eyes and nose and has pink inside his ears. He has a white abdomen, white ear tips, white paws, and a white tail tip.
11. Can Redd live on my island?
No, Redd is a special visitor, not a villager who can live on your island permanently.
12. Which villager is the rarest?
The octopus villagers are considered the rarest in the game.
13. Who is the kindest villager?
Normal villagers are often considered the kindest, with Marina being a popular choice.
14. What is the scariest villager?
Some of the spookiest villagers include Coco, Lucky, and Rodeo.
15. What is the rarest fish?
The Coelacanth is often regarded as the rarest fish, requiring rainy weather to catch.
Conclusion
Redd is a complex character in the world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. He is an antagonist, a trickster, and yet, a necessary evil to add those prized pieces of art to your museum. Should you trust him? Absolutely not blindly. But with research, careful observation, and a little bit of patience, you can use Redd to your advantage. Always remember to check the fine details and be prepared to lose some bells, and remember that completing your museum is worth all the effort, whether that is a real art piece or not. So approach his boat with caution, and let the thrill of the chase begin!