Tarantula Island Your Animal Crossing Adventure
Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers a vast world of experiences, and among the most thrilling is a trip to Tarantula Island. This unique destination provides a chance to fill your pockets with Bells, but it also comes with the risk of encountering the island’s many aggressive residents. In this guide, we’ll delve into the top 5 facts you need to know to make the most of your Tarantula Island adventure. From the best times to visit to proven catching strategies, prepare to become a Tarantula Island expert and maximize your earnings, all while avoiding those nasty bites.
What is Tarantula Island?
Tarantula Island is a special island in Animal Crossing: New Horizons that appears randomly when you use a Nook Miles Ticket to visit a Mystery Island. What sets it apart from other islands is its high spawn rate of tarantulas, making it a prime location for catching these valuable insects. However, this also means the island is very dangerous. The island is characterized by its desolate landscape, with few trees or natural resources, designed to maximize tarantula spawning. Understanding the island’s layout and mechanics is the first step towards a successful visit.
The Goal of Tarantula Island

The primary goal when visiting Tarantula Island is to catch as many tarantulas as possible. These insects can be sold at Nook’s Cranny for a significant amount of Bells. Many players visit this island to quickly amass wealth in the game. The island is also a great place to gather resources and other creatures if you are feeling brave enough. The island provides a unique opportunity to test your skills and strategies in catching these elusive creatures. The key is to optimize your approach to avoid getting bitten and maximize your profit margin.
Top Fact 1: The Perfect Time to Visit
The optimal time to visit Tarantula Island depends on your hemisphere and the time of year. Generally, tarantulas are most active during the evening and nighttime hours, typically between 7 PM and 4 AM local time. However, the exact spawn times and availability may vary with seasonal events or updates. Therefore, always check your in-game calendar and the island’s environment. This will allow you to avoid wasted trips during the day. Visiting at the right time dramatically increases your chances of a successful tarantula-catching session.
Top Fact 2: The Importance of Preparation
Preparing for a trip to Tarantula Island is crucial for your success. It is better to be safe than sorry. This means bringing the right tools, clearing space on your island, and having a game plan ready. Planning will save you precious time on the island. Proper preparation can significantly improve your experience. Remember that this trip can be dangerous. Make sure you are ready for anything!
Preparing for Your Tarantula Island Trip

Before embarking on your tarantula-catching adventure, ensure you have the essentials. Empty your inventory of any items you don’t need, as you’ll want plenty of space to store your catches. Pack a sturdy net, as you’ll be using it extensively. A vaulting pole and a shovel are also useful for navigating the island and clearing obstacles. Consider bringing a ladder, as some islands may have multiple levels. Ensure that you have a clear strategy to maximize the efficiency of your visit, so you can make the most out of your trip.
What to Bring
Essential items include a net to catch tarantulas, a shovel to clear out any resources that might interfere with tarantula spawning, and a vaulting pole to move around. It’s a good idea to bring a ladder, as you might encounter multiple-tiered islands. Make sure you have enough empty inventory space to collect as many tarantulas as possible. A good strategy is to bring less items at first, clear the island, and return for a second trip. Proper preparation allows you to avoid any unnecessary inconveniences. Without proper preparation, your trip may be fruitless.
Top Fact 3: How to Catch Tarantulas
Catching tarantulas requires a delicate balance of patience and precision. Approach the tarantulas slowly, holding down the A button to ready your net. When the tarantula stands on its hind legs, stop moving. Once it lowers its front legs, approach again. Repeat this process until you are close enough to swing your net and capture it. Timing is key; a misstep can result in a bite, forcing you to restart.
Effective Catching Strategies

One effective strategy involves clearing the island of all obstacles to encourage tarantula spawning. Remove all flowers, weeds, and rocks to create a vast, open space where tarantulas can freely appear. Another effective strategy is to dig holes around yourself to create a safe zone. This prevents the tarantulas from sneaking up on you. By implementing these techniques, you can greatly increase your catching efficiency and minimize the risk of being bitten.
What to do if you get bitten
If a tarantula bites you, you will be knocked out and respawn back on your island. This resets your progress on Tarantula Island. You’ll lose all the items in your inventory, so it’s important to be extra careful. The best solution is to avoid getting bitten in the first place. Always be mindful of your surroundings. Remember that running or moving too quickly can spook them. Practice patience and maintain a slow, steady pace. Being careful will allow you to have a successful, lucrative visit.
Top Fact 4: Making Bells on Tarantula Island
Tarantulas sell for a high price at Nook’s Cranny, making Tarantula Island a lucrative venture. Each tarantula nets you a significant number of Bells. This is an excellent way to quickly build up your wealth in the game. The more tarantulas you catch, the more Bells you earn, making it one of the most efficient ways to earn money. This can be used to pay off debts, buy items, and customize your island. Proper planning ensures that you will succeed in your money-making venture.
Maximizing Your Earnings

To maximize your earnings, focus on catching as many tarantulas as possible within the time you are on the island. Empty your inventory periodically by selling your catches at Nook’s Cranny. Avoid letting the tarantulas bite you. By maximizing your catching rate and minimizing downtime, you can quickly accumulate a substantial amount of Bells. Make sure you plan out your trip so you can make the most money possible. Bring enough tools and space so you can carry all the items to sell.
Top Fact 5: The Mystery of the Island
While Tarantula Island is known for its abundance of tarantulas, the island itself holds a certain mystery. The island environment is very bland. The only inhabitants are the tarantulas. Other mystery islands will have different features and occupants. It is unknown why these islands exist, and why the tarantulas spawn so often. Despite its simple appearance, the island offers a unique and exciting challenge. Every visit is different. Embrace the thrill and enjoy the adventure.
Unveiling the Island’s Secrets
Although the island appears straightforward, there might be more to discover. The lack of resources suggests that its primary purpose is to serve as a tarantula-catching ground. Perhaps there are hidden features or interactions yet to be discovered. However, the main focus remains on the central goal: to catch tarantulas and make a profit. Enjoy the challenge of navigating the island. Become the best tarantula catcher in your friend group!
