Understanding Tarantulas in ACNH
Tarantulas are a highly sought-after creature in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, prized for their high sell value and the thrill of the hunt. However, these eight-legged predators can also be quite intimidating. This guide provides the top 5 tips for successfully catching tarantulas in ACNH, turning you from a fearful player into a tarantula-catching expert. Whether you’re looking to fill your pockets with Bells, complete your Critterpedia, or simply enjoy the challenge, mastering the art of tarantula catching is a rewarding experience. Knowing the ins and outs of tarantula behavior, when and where they appear, and the best catching techniques will significantly increase your chances of success.
Tarantula Behavior
Understanding tarantula behavior is the first step to becoming a successful hunter. Tarantulas in ACNH are easily startled and will attack if they perceive a threat. They react to movement, and if you run or swing your net too quickly, they will immediately chase and bite you. This leads to a fainting spell, and you’ll wake up back at your home. They tend to patrol a small area, and their movement is relatively predictable. Recognizing their behavior allows you to anticipate their actions, approach cautiously, and minimize the risk of being bitten, ultimately leading to a higher catch rate.
When and Where to Find Tarantulas
Tarantulas appear on your island and Mystery Islands. They spawn during specific times of the day and year (primarily from 7 PM to 4 AM, and certain months in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere). They prefer open spaces, making it easier to spot and chase them on Mystery Islands. Their spawn rate can vary, but being prepared for the prime hunting hours is key to maximizing your chances of finding these valuable critters. Note that tarantulas don’t spawn when other bugs are present, and this can be leveraged to your advantage.
Tarantula Catching Tip 1: Slow and Steady
The most important tip for catching tarantulas is to approach them slowly and steadily. Avoid running or making any sudden movements that might startle them. This means walking with your net held out, staying alert, and paying attention to their movements. Patience is key. The more time you spend observing their movements, the better chance you have of getting close enough to make a successful catch. This tip is crucial because it allows you to maintain a safe distance while setting up your strategy.
The Importance of Approach
The way you approach a tarantula is critical to your success. Always move slowly, and stop moving when the tarantula raises its front legs. The raised legs indicate that the tarantula is aware of your presence and is ready to attack if you move too quickly. Once you stop, the tarantula will eventually lower its legs, allowing you to take another small step forward. This careful, calculated approach minimizes the risk of being chased and bitten.
Using Your Net Effectively
Swinging your net at the right time is essential. When you’ve gotten close enough, raise your net and make a swift but controlled swing. Aim to catch the tarantula as soon as it lowers its front legs. If your timing is off, the tarantula will likely hop away. It might take a few tries to get the timing right, but with practice, you’ll improve your accuracy. Remember to always be mindful of your surroundings to make sure you don’t accidentally trap yourself or miss your target.
Tarantula Catching Tip 2: Prep Your Island
Before you start hunting tarantulas, it’s a good idea to prepare your island. This will make it easier to spot tarantulas and prevent other bugs from spawning, increasing your chances of success. Clearing out flowers, trees, weeds, and other items will give tarantulas more space to spawn and move around freely. Preparation is key, especially when creating a tarantula farm on a Mystery Island.
Clearing Resources
Clear your island of any trees, flowers, weeds, and rocks. This creates open space that tarantulas prefer, and prevents other insects from spawning, like wharf roaches on the beach. Cutting down trees eliminates obstacles and makes it easier to spot tarantulas from a distance. Clearing the ground creates a flat, open area to chase them. This preparation reduces the clutter, gives the tarantulas more space to move around, and increases the odds of a successful catch.
Creating a Tarantula Farm
Many players choose to create a tarantula farm on a Mystery Island to maximize their catching opportunities. Once you have cleared all the resources, tarantulas will be more likely to spawn. By digging holes, you can create a holding area that the tarantulas can’t escape from, and you can then safely capture them. This increases your yield significantly, allowing you to collect multiple tarantulas per visit. Carefully planning your farm layout, and creating strategic pathways is a great approach.
Tarantula Catching Tip 3: Timing is Everything
Knowing the prime time for tarantula spawns and planning your hunting trips accordingly is crucial. Tarantulas become active during specific hours of the day. Focusing your efforts during these periods will dramatically increase the number of tarantulas you encounter. This knowledge helps you plan your gameplay and make the most of your time, resulting in greater success and rewards. This tip combined with island preparation will greatly increase your chances to catch tarantulas.
Knowing the Spawn Times
Tarantulas typically spawn from 7 PM to 4 AM. Set aside time during these hours, and be ready to start your hunt. Some players find it helpful to set a timer to remind them when tarantulas are most active. Also, remember that the months tarantulas spawn vary by hemisphere. Check online resources for the most accurate information on your island’s current situation and plan accordingly. If it’s not nighttime on your island, you can adjust the time on your Switch to fit the spawning hours.
Nighttime Hunting Strategies
Hunting at night brings its own set of challenges, especially with the limited visibility on your island. Using a torch can help you see better. Before heading out, ensure you have enough nets, and be prepared for multiple trips if necessary. A well-lit area will help you see the tarantulas and navigate your island safely. Try using different camera angles to improve your visibility and track tarantula movements. If you are on a Mystery Island, consider the overall island layout.
Tarantula Catching Tip 4: Mastering the Stalk
The ‘stalk’ is a strategic method where you slowly move towards a tarantula while it is unaware of you. Mastering the stalk is one of the most effective ways to catch tarantulas. This involves a mix of patience, precision, and understanding the tarantula’s reaction. The goal is to get close enough to swing your net without triggering an attack. Practice this technique to improve your chances of catching them.
The Angle of Approach
When approaching a tarantula, try to approach it from a slight angle rather than directly head-on. This can sometimes give you a better chance of catching it, as the tarantula may not react as aggressively. Be mindful of your surroundings to ensure you have room to move, and keep an eye on the tarantula’s behavior. A slight angle often gives you more control over the situation.
Preventing Panic
Don’t panic if a tarantula notices you. If the tarantula starts to chase you, stay calm and move back slowly. Keep a distance. The most common mistake is running, which triggers an attack. If you are bitten, you’ll be knocked out and lose your progress. If you create a tarantula farm, you will have more chances to catch the tarantulas.
Tarantula Catching Tip 5: Dealing with Bites
Even the most experienced players get bitten sometimes. Knowing how to deal with a bite minimizes the consequences and keeps your hunting session productive. It’s important to have a plan in place to minimize the impact of a bite, and the most essential step is knowing what to do after you’ve been bitten.
First Aid Procedures
If you get bitten by a tarantula, you’ll faint and wake up outside your home. This is not a major setback, but it can interrupt your progress. Keep your nets in your inventory. Have a plan, and take precautions. Be ready to start again once you wake up. Before your hunt, you may want to prepare by crafting several nets.
Avoiding the Trap
If you find yourself in a difficult position or are being chased by a tarantula, you can try different strategies to escape. Keep an eye on the tarantula’s movements, and try to avoid any obstacles. If you are on a Mystery Island, you can use the terrain to your advantage and run to higher ground. If you’ve prepared your island effectively, this is less likely to be a problem. By avoiding common mistakes, you increase the chances of a successful hunting trip.
By following these five tips, you will significantly improve your chances of catching tarantulas in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t succeed immediately. With patience and a good strategy, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a tarantula-catching expert. Happy hunting!