What is Tarantula Island in New Leaf?
Tarantula Island is a special island in Animal Crossing New Leaf that players can visit to catch tarantulas. Known for being a lucrative way to earn bells, it’s a destination that many players seek out. The island’s layout and the behavior of its inhabitants (or, rather, the lack thereof) make it ideal for mass tarantula catching. However, getting there and maximizing your time requires knowledge of several key secrets. This guide will walk you through the top five secrets to make your Tarantula Island visits efficient and profitable.
How to Get to Tarantula Island
Accessing Tarantula Island is not as simple as wandering around the island. You must first meet some pre-requisites before you can even think about catching tarantulas. Following these steps ensures a smoother experience when the time comes for your big catching adventure.
Fulfilling the Island Requirements
Before you can set sail, make sure you have unlocked the ability to take tours. This typically happens after you’ve upgraded your house and paid off a certain amount of your initial debt to Tom Nook. You’ll also need to have the island’s shop, the Re-Tail, available to sell your catches. Without these, your trip to Tarantula Island would be a waste of time.
Taking the Boat Tour
Once the requirements are fulfilled, head to the dock and speak to Kapp’n, the boat captain. He’ll offer you a boat tour to a random island. Pray for the elusive Tarantula Island. If you don’t get it, you can always try again another day. The anticipation and the thrill of the random draw are part of the experience!
Top Secret 1 Perfect Preparation is Key
Success on Tarantula Island hinges on preparation. You can’t just waltz onto the island and expect to become a tarantula tycoon. Proper planning will make your tarantula catching a success, increasing both the amount of tarantulas caught and bells earned per trip.
Inventory Management
Before heading out, empty your pockets as much as possible. The more space you have, the more tarantulas you can catch. Remember, each tarantula takes up a slot in your inventory. Bringing too many items, like tools and furniture, can quickly fill up your limited space, cutting short your profitable venture. Prioritize empty space!
Tool Preparation
A sturdy net is your most important tool. Make sure you have at least one net, and consider bringing multiple nets. As you catch tarantulas your net will break. If it does, you will be stuck and unable to catch tarantulas until you are able to get another net. So, preparing your tools will guarantee a more productive trip to Tarantula Island.
Secret 2: Maximizing Your Catching Technique
Catching tarantulas is not just about swinging your net; it’s an art. Approach, timing, and strategy are vital. If you don’t know the techniques, the tarantulas can easily chase and bite you which will send you back home with nothing but an empty inventory and a bruised ego.
Approach and Net Timing
Tarantulas are skittish. They’ll stop and stand up on their hind legs if they see you, so approach slowly. When they stand, stop moving. Once they drop back down, slowly approach. When close enough, swing your net to catch them. Perfect timing is essential; miss, and they’ll attack.
The Stalking Method
The stalking method is all about patience. It’s a slow but safe way to catch tarantulas. Slowly move towards the tarantula, stopping whenever it raises its legs. Repeat this process until you’re in range, then swing your net. This approach reduces the risk of being bitten.
Secret 3 Best Time and Season
Timing is key to maximizing your tarantula-catching potential. Some times of year the tarantula can’t be found. So be sure to catch them while you can!
Seasonal Tarantula Spawns
Tarantulas appear during specific months in the Northern Hemisphere. Typically, you can find them from November to April. Check your local Animal Crossing weather reports or online resources to confirm the best months for tarantula hunting in your game.
Time of Day and Its Importance
Tarantulas are most active during the night, specifically from 7 PM to 4 AM. Plan your visits accordingly to maximize your catch rate. Visiting during these hours significantly increases your chances of encountering tarantulas.
Secret 4: The Fastest Way to Catch
If you want speed, there’s a technique to make the process much faster. While it might take some practice, mastering these tactics is essential if you want to become a tarantula catching master. So, read on to find out the best ways to catch your tarantulas.
The Trick to Run and Catch
This trick involves running towards the tarantula and quickly changing direction just before you reach it. This often throws off the tarantula, giving you a split second to swing your net. This method takes practice, but once mastered, it increases your catching speed significantly.
The Turning Method
The turning method is similar to the running technique but focuses on quick turns. Approach the tarantula, and as it gets close, rapidly turn and swing your net. The key is to anticipate the tarantula’s movements and position yourself to strike swiftly.
Secret 5: Maximizing Profit
Once you’ve caught those tarantulas, you need to know how to maximize your profits. Knowing where to sell and the best way to store them will greatly improve your bell count.
Selling Your Catch
Tarantulas sell for a high price at Re-Tail, making them a lucrative catch. Always check the daily buyback price, but you can usually expect around 8,000 Bells per tarantula. Ensure you have space in your inventory before you go to ensure maximum profit on your trip.
Storage and Transporting
If your pockets are full and you can’t sell right away, store the tarantulas in your house. Remember that if you get bitten, you’ll lose all the tarantulas in your inventory. So be very careful when traveling.
Tarantula Island is a thrilling and profitable experience. By following these top 5 secrets, you can significantly increase your chances of success and earn a fortune in bells. Happy hunting, and may your pockets be forever full of tarantulas!