What is Tarantula Island
Tarantula Island, a mysterious destination within the world of Animal Crossing, is a haven for arachnophobes and a goldmine for enterprising players. This island, also known as a Mystery Island, is teeming with one of the most valuable creatures in the game: the tarantula. Visiting this island offers a unique opportunity to amass Bells (the in-game currency) quickly. The island’s landscape, typically a flat expanse, provides the ideal environment for tarantulas to spawn, making it a lucrative venture for those prepared to face these eight-legged creatures. However, reaching and navigating Tarantula Island requires preparation, strategy, and a bit of luck.
How to Prepare for Tarantula Island
Before embarking on your quest to Tarantula Island, careful preparation is essential. The island’s layout and the behavior of tarantulas demand a strategic approach. Being ill-equipped can quickly turn a profitable trip into a series of painful encounters. Planning ahead will significantly increase your chances of a successful and rewarding visit.
Gathering Essential Tools
The most important tool for your Tarantula Island adventure is a sturdy net. You’ll need at least one, and ideally, several nets to ensure you can catch as many tarantulas as possible before your tools break. Also, clearing the island of anything a tarantula can spawn on is key, which includes flowers, trees, weeds, and rocks. You will also need a shovel to dig up any holes on the island.
Crafting Your Tools
Crafting multiple nets is crucial because they break with use. Having materials to craft additional nets on hand will prevent you from getting stranded. The standard net requires a flimsy net and five iron nuggets. Make sure to have a good supply of both before you go. You can also bring a ladder and a vaulting pole to navigate the island landscape effectively.
Finding the Right Time and Place
Tarantula Island isn’t always accessible. You need to understand when it is most likely to appear and how to increase your chances of finding it. This includes knowing the best times of year and day to find the island, as well as any special requirements.
When to Visit Tarantula Island
Tarantula Island isn’t always available. The best time to find it is during the late hours of the night, typically between 7 PM and 4 AM. Keep in mind that the spawn rates of tarantulas vary depending on the season and your hemisphere, so researching the optimal months for your location will increase your chances.
How to Find Tarantula Island
Tarantula Island is a Mystery Island, meaning you can only reach it by purchasing a Nook Miles Ticket from the Nook Stop terminal. Once you have the ticket, head to the airport and speak to Orville. Select the option to use a Nook Miles Ticket, and you’ll be flown to a random Mystery Island. There’s no guarantee you’ll find Tarantula Island on your first try; it might take several attempts, so be prepared for some island hopping.
Navigating to Tarantula Island
The journey to Tarantula Island involves using Dodo Airlines and understanding the layout of the island itself. Proper navigation is key to maximizing your time and efficiency while on the island.
Using the Dodo Airlines
After purchasing a Nook Miles Ticket, head to the Dodo Airlines airport. Talk to Orville, the dodo at the counter. Choose the option to use a Nook Miles Ticket. He will ask where you want to go, and after a brief flight sequence, you’ll arrive at a random Mystery Island, which, with luck, will be Tarantula Island. Be patient, as it might take a few attempts to find the island.
Understanding the Island Layout
Tarantula Island typically has a distinctive flat layout, making it easy to navigate. The goal is to clear the island of everything but the tarantulas. Remove all flowers, trees, rocks, and weeds to ensure only tarantulas spawn. This will maximize the number of tarantulas that appear, allowing you to catch more and earn more Bells.
Catching Tarantulas
Catching tarantulas requires patience, precision, and the right techniques. Tarantulas are easily startled, so you need to approach them cautiously. Understanding their behavior is critical to successfully catching them. Mastering these techniques will allow you to fill your inventory with these valuable creatures.
Tarantula Behavior and Spawning
Tarantulas are most active at night. They are solitary creatures and will attack if they feel threatened. When they spot you, they will raise their front legs and begin to hop toward you. If you run or make sudden movements, they will attack. When tarantulas spawn, they will appear randomly across the island, so constant vigilance is necessary to locate them.
Effective Catching Techniques
Approach tarantulas slowly and deliberately. Hold your net out and walk towards them. When they start to raise their legs, stop moving. Once they lower their legs, you can take a few more steps closer. Repeat this process until you are within catching range. When close enough, quickly swing your net to catch them. If you mess up, run away and repeat the process or risk getting bit and waking up back on your island.
Making the Most of Your Trip
Once you’ve mastered the art of catching tarantulas, it’s time to focus on maximizing your earnings. This involves efficient inventory management and making the most of your time on the island.
Maximizing Inventory Space
Before you go to the island, ensure you have an empty inventory. Since you will be filling up your pockets with tarantulas, every slot counts. You can also visit a friend’s island to sell the tarantulas and make more trips. Also, be sure to craft enough nets to last the duration of your visit.
Selling Your Catch
Once your inventory is full, return to your island and sell the tarantulas to Timmy and Tommy at Nook’s Cranny. Each tarantula sells for 8,000 Bells, making it a highly profitable activity. Alternatively, you can save them to use as decorations or give them to Blathers at the museum.
Avoiding Tarantula Bites
Tarantulas will attack if you move too quickly or get too close while they are in attack mode. If bitten, you will be transported back to your island, and your progress will be interrupted. To avoid bites, approach tarantulas slowly, and stop when they raise their legs. If you do get bitten, make sure to re-enter the island and try again.