What Happens When You Catch All the Fish in Animal Crossing?
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Catching every fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a significant achievement, marking a considerable investment of time and effort. Unlike some games that offer grand, game-altering rewards for such feats, the rewards for completing your fish Critterpedia are more about personal satisfaction and unlocking specific in-game content rather than a dramatic shift in gameplay.
The most significant result of catching all the fish is the completion of the fish exhibit in Blathers’ Museum. This transforms a section of the museum into a vibrant display of aquatic life, showcasing the diversity of the fish you’ve painstakingly caught. It’s a tangible reward, a beautiful testament to your dedication, and a source of pride as you see your collection come to life.
Additionally, and perhaps more practically, achieving this goal contributes toward the completion of your entire Critterpedia, encompassing both fish and bugs. When your Critterpedia is fully completed, you unlock the DIY recipe for the Golden Fishing Rod. This golden tool is more durable than the regular fishing rod, making it a valuable asset for future fishing expeditions. This achievement also grants you the Golden Net DIY recipe once you’ve caught all the bugs.
While there isn’t an explicit end-game sequence or a massive in-game event upon catching your final fish, the feeling of accomplishment and the physical completion of the museum and Critterpedia are rewarding in themselves. It’s a testament to the core principles of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, where the joy lies in the journey, exploration, and collection, rather than a final, dramatic culmination.
Completion Benefits
- Complete Museum Fish Exhibit: Witness the stunning display of all fish you’ve caught.
- Critterpedia Completion: Contribute to the overall completion of the Critterpedia.
- Golden Fishing Rod DIY Recipe: Obtain the recipe for a more durable fishing tool.
- Golden Net DIY Recipe: Obtain the recipe for a more durable bug-catching tool.
- Personal Satisfaction: Feel a sense of accomplishment for completing a major in-game objective.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the rarest fish in Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
The title of rarest fish can be subjective, but some are certainly more difficult to catch than others. Among the most elusive are:
- Coelacanth: An ancient fish that only appears in rainy weather.
- Great White Shark: A large fish that only appears in the sea during certain months.
- Golden Trout: Found in clifftop rivers and requires specific conditions.
- Barreleye: Another rare find, also in the ocean.
Do I need to catch multiple of each fish?
No, you only need to catch one of each fish to complete the Critterpedia and contribute to the Museum. However, you can catch multiple to sell for Bells, use in DIY recipes, or for display around your island.
How do I know which fish I haven’t caught yet?
Your Critterpedia keeps track of all the fish and bugs you’ve caught. Any fish you haven’t caught will appear as a silhouette in the book, helping you identify what you still need to find.
Does the time of year or day affect which fish I can catch?
Yes, many fish are seasonal and only appear during certain times of the year. Additionally, some fish are only available during specific times of the day. You need to pay attention to these factors to complete your collection.
Are some fish harder to catch than others?
Yes, some fish have very small shadow sizes, making them hard to spot. They also have a more erratic biting pattern, requiring perfect timing to reel them in. The Coelacanth, Golden Trout, and Stringfish are commonly considered difficult.
What should I do with fish after donating them to the museum?
Once you’ve donated a fish to the museum, you can sell any duplicates for Bells. Alternatively, you can use them in DIY recipes or display them around your island.
Does the size of a fish shadow indicate its rarity?
While generally, larger shadows indicate larger and often more valuable fish, it’s not always a direct indicator of rarity. For example, the Stringfish has a medium-sized shadow but is considered rare, and the Dab has a large shadow but is quite common. The shadow size and type, however, can often help you identify what it is.
Is there a reward for catching all sea creatures?
Catching all the sea creatures also leads to museum completion in a specific section dedicated to these catches. Unfortunately, completing the sea creature section doesn’t unlock any special tools or rewards beyond the completion itself and words of gratitude from the game.
What is the best fish to sell for Bells?
Several fish fetch high prices, including:
- Coelacanth
- Great White Shark
- Golden Trout
- Barreleye
- Dorado
- Stringfish
These all sell for 15,000 Bells each at Nook’s Cranny. However, if you sell them to CJ, a visitor who comes to your island, you’ll get 150% of the normal selling price.
Does time traveling affect the availability of fish?
Time traveling allows you to change the date of your game, effectively changing the seasons and availability of fish. This can speed up the process of catching certain seasonal fish, but it also introduces drawbacks like weeds and the risk of villagers moving out.
Can I trade fish with other players?
Yes, you can trade fish with other players online or locally. This is particularly useful if you’re struggling to catch a specific fish or if you just want to help your friends complete their collections.
What is the hardest fish to catch in Animal Crossing?
The Coelacanth is often cited as one of the hardest fish to catch due to its rarity and the fact that it only appears in the rain, making it a challenge for many players. Other contenders include the Stringfish, Golden Trout, and Great White Shark.
What happens if I skip years in Animal Crossing?
Time-skipping large periods may cause your villagers to move out, weeds will grow more than usual, and you may get a few cockroaches in your home. You will also miss events or any in-game days that you’ve skipped. The benefits are also that you get to see many different fish and bugs from the year.
Is there a way to make catching fish easier?
Using fish bait, crafted from Manila clams, is the best way to increase your chances of encountering certain fish. Bait will cause a fish to spawn in any body of water within a small radius and helps streamline your fishing time rather than running around the island looking for shadows.
Is there an end to Animal Crossing: New Horizons?
Animal Crossing: New Horizons does not have a traditional “end”. The game is designed to be an ongoing, relaxing experience. While you can complete the museum and Critterpedia, there’s always more to explore, customize, and enjoy, even after achieving significant milestones. The goal is the ongoing journey of building your community and island, not necessarily a final end screen.