What is Tarantula Farming in ACNH?
Tarantula farming in Animal Crossing New Horizons (ACNH) is a highly lucrative activity where players intentionally create an environment conducive to the spawning of tarantulas. These spiders, known for their high selling price, can be caught and sold to Timmy and Tommy at Nook’s Cranny or to Flick, who pays even more. By strategically manipulating the island’s landscape, time of day, and weather conditions, players can significantly increase the number of tarantulas that appear, thereby maximizing their profits. It’s a popular method for rapidly accumulating Bells, the in-game currency.
Why Farm Tarantulas
The primary reason to engage in tarantula farming is to make Bells quickly. Each tarantula sells for 8,000 Bells at Nook’s Cranny, and a whopping 12,000 Bells when sold to Flick. This makes tarantula farming one of the most efficient ways to earn money in ACNH, allowing players to pay off home loans, purchase expensive items, and customize their island without excessive grinding. Furthermore, it provides a satisfying gameplay loop, as players can fine-tune their farming strategies and watch their Bell count soar.
Best Island for Tarantula Farming
While you can attempt tarantula farming on any island, certain island layouts are more advantageous. Islands with cliffs, water features, and limited natural resources tend to be ideal. A flat island is easier to clear and maneuver around. However, any island can be modified to work. The key is to minimize the spawn points of other bugs to increase the likelihood of tarantulas appearing. The absence of flowers and trees will also help as these are also other potential bug spawning locations. Look for an island that provides ample space to set up your farming area.
Preparing Your Island for Tarantula Farming
Preparation is crucial for successful tarantula farming. The goal is to create a controlled environment where tarantulas are the primary spawn. This involves significant landscaping and resource management. Before you start, ensure you have enough storage space for your tools and any items you may need during the process. Also, have a plan for where you want to execute your farming. Consider the location of your resident services, shops, and your house and how they will factor into the design.
Clearing the Island
Begin by removing all flowers, trees, and weeds from the designated farming area. Dig up the flowers and transplant them, or discard them. Chop down all the trees, and either sell the wood or store it for later use. Removing these items eliminates potential spawn points for other insects, which can interfere with tarantula spawns. The more bare the landscape, the better your chances of seeing tarantulas appear. Ensure you clear the area thoroughly, even removing any loose items like sticks or stones.
Digging the Moat
Creating a moat around your farming area is a highly effective strategy. This prevents tarantulas from escaping, as they are unable to cross water. A simple moat, one or two spaces wide, will suffice. However, make sure there are no gaps in the moat, as tarantulas can sometimes glitch and escape. Consider your island’s layout and incorporate the moat into your overall design, to ensure easy access. To ensure there aren’t any tarantulas that can spawn outside the moat, remove all the flowers outside the moated area, and all the trees too.
Essential Tools for Tarantula Farming
You’ll need a few essential tools to effectively farm tarantulas. Having these tools readily available will make the process much smoother and prevent interruptions. Investing in durability is often a good idea, as broken tools can disrupt your farming session.
The Net
The net is, of course, the most critical tool. Ensure you have a durable net, as you’ll be using it frequently. Having a flimsy net might result in breaking during a session. Consider crafting or purchasing multiple nets to avoid running out. The larger the net, the better your chances of successfully catching tarantulas.
How to Catch a Tarantula in ACNH
Catching tarantulas requires patience and a strategic approach. Tarantulas are aggressive and will attack if they sense any sudden movement. Understanding their behavior is key to safely capturing them without getting bitten. Timing and precision are everything.
Approaching a Tarantula
When you spot a tarantula, approach it slowly. Hold down the A button to ready your net, but do not move the control stick. Slowly inch closer to the tarantula, watching its behavior carefully. If the tarantula raises its legs, stop moving immediately. Wait for it to lower its legs before continuing your approach. Patience is key; rushing will result in a bite.
The Catching Technique
Once you’re close enough, quickly flick the control stick forward to swing your net and catch the tarantula. If done correctly, you’ll successfully capture the spider. If you miss, the tarantula will bite you, causing you to wake up back at your house. If the tarantula attacks, you’ll need to start over again. If the tarantula has despawned, then restart your search.
Farming Tarantulas Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare your island by clearing the chosen area of all trees, flowers, weeds, and items.
- Dig a moat around the farming area to contain the tarantulas.
- Wait until the time is between 7 PM and 4 AM in your game to trigger tarantula spawns.
- Patrol the area, watching for tarantulas to appear.
- Approach tarantulas slowly and carefully, readying your net.
- Swing your net when you’re close enough, without being detected.
- Continue catching and selling tarantulas until your inventory is full or you decide to stop.
Time and Weather Considerations
Tarantulas only spawn between 7 PM and 4 AM in ACNH. Therefore, the ideal time to farm tarantulas is during these hours. Also, be aware that tarantulas do not spawn when it is raining. Adjust your farming schedule to coincide with these conditions for maximum efficiency. Sometimes, the weather will change during the farming process. Keep an eye on the weather forecast.
Dealing with Aggression
If a tarantula detects you and raises its legs, stop moving immediately. If it attacks, you will be bitten and wake up at your house. If this happens, you can immediately return to your farming area. To avoid bites, practice your approach and be patient. If you get bit repeatedly, consider taking a break and resuming later. Getting bitten can get frustrating.
Selling Your Tarantulas for Maximum Profit
The selling price of tarantulas varies depending on where you sell them. Sell them to Nook’s Cranny for 8,000 Bells each. Alternatively, if Flick is visiting your island, he will buy tarantulas for 12,000 Bells each. Wait for Flick’s visit to maximize your profits. It is highly recommended to wait for Flick to show up and buy your tarantulas as it is the most efficient and profitable method.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Tarantula Farming
- Rushing your approach, leading to bites.
- Not clearing the island thoroughly of other potential bug spawns.
- Farming during the day or in the rain.
- Ignoring the tarantula’s warning signs.
- Not bringing enough nets or having them break.
Conclusion
Tarantula farming is a highly rewarding activity in ACNH, offering a quick and efficient way to earn Bells. By following these steps and refining your strategy, you can easily maximize your profits and enjoy the thrill of catching these valuable creatures. Remember, patience, preparation, and careful observation are key to successful tarantula farming. With practice, you’ll become a Bell-making master in no time. Happy farming!