What is Tarantula Island in Animal Crossing?
Tarantula Island, also known as Mystery Island or Tarantula Spawn Island, is a unique location in Animal Crossing New Horizons (ACNH) where players can encounter a high concentration of tarantulas. These islands offer a lucrative opportunity for players to catch numerous tarantulas, which can be sold for a substantial amount of Bells. It’s a popular destination for players looking to earn money quickly and efficiently. The appeal lies in the controlled environment, which, when managed correctly, allows for almost continuous tarantula spawning, maximizing the player’s earning potential. Understanding how to access and successfully navigate these islands is key to making the most of your visit.
How to Get to Tarantula Island
Reaching Tarantula Island involves a few steps. First, you’ll need to purchase a Nook Miles Ticket from the Nook Stop terminal in Resident Services. These tickets cost 2,000 Nook Miles each. Once you have a ticket, head to the airport and speak to Orville. Select the option to use a Nook Miles Ticket, and you’ll be transported to a random Mystery Island. While you can’t guarantee that you’ll land on Tarantula Island on your first try, it’s essential to be prepared for any island type. If you don’t land on the desired island, you can simply return to your island and try again until you find the coveted tarantula-filled paradise. Remember that the islands are randomly generated, so patience is a virtue.
Preparing for Your Tarantula Island Trip

Before embarking on your tarantula-hunting adventure, proper preparation is crucial for a successful trip. Ensure you have ample space in your inventory to store the tarantulas you catch. You will also need a sturdy net, as it’s your primary tool for catching the elusive creatures. It’s wise to bring multiple nets, since they can break with use. Furthermore, it’s advisable to clear your pockets of any unnecessary items to make room for the valuable tarantulas. Consider wearing a durable outfit that allows for quick movement and easy access to your tools. Being prepared minimizes the risk of losing your catch and maximizes your efficiency in earning Bells.
Crafting Essential Tools
The most essential tool for Tarantula Island farming is, without a doubt, a net. Make sure you have at least one net before setting off. You can craft a net using a flimsy net and then upgrading it using stronger materials, such as iron nuggets. While you can buy nets, crafting your own is more cost-effective. Given that your net might break, having spares ready in your inventory is highly recommended. Having a backup net can save you from losing potential catches. Additionally, bring a shovel to dig up holes. These can be useful for creating barriers against the tarantulas. It will help you manage their movement and increase your success rate.
Clearing the Island for Tarantulas
To maximize the tarantula spawn rate, it’s vital to clear the island of anything that might distract the tarantulas or prevent them from appearing. This includes flowers, weeds, rocks, and trees. You can remove these obstacles by using your shovel to dig up flowers and weeds and axe to cut down trees. This will significantly increase the rate at which tarantulas appear. Clearing the island also gives you more room to maneuver and avoid the tarantulas, increasing your chances of catching them. Make sure you leave a few trees, but it’s not essential as the main purpose is to remove any other spawning entity.
Top 5 Tips for Tarantula Island Farming

Tip 1 Master the Walk-and-Stop Technique
Tarantulas are easily startled and will attack if they sense danger. To catch them safely, use the walk-and-stop technique. When you spot a tarantula, approach it slowly while holding down the A button to keep your net raised. When the tarantula stands up on its legs, stop moving immediately. Hold your position until the tarantula lowers its legs and relaxes. Then, slowly advance again. Repeat this process until you are close enough to swing your net and catch the tarantula. This technique prevents you from startling the tarantulas, ensuring a safe and efficient hunt.
Tip 2 Know the Tarantula’s Behavior
Understanding the tarantula’s behavior is key to mastering the island. Tarantulas will only attack if they are startled or feel threatened. If you run or move too quickly, they will raise up on their legs and begin to chase you. They move relatively quickly, but you can easily escape if you’re not in a confined space. They will chase you until they can’t see you anymore. If they catch you, they will bite you. Watch their movements and react accordingly. With practice, you’ll be able to predict their behavior and avoid attacks. This knowledge is crucial for minimizing risks and maximizing your catch rate.
Tip 3 Optimize Your Inventory

Efficient inventory management is essential for maximizing your profits. Make sure you have enough space to collect all the tarantulas you intend to catch. It is a good idea to sell some of the tarantulas to make room. Bring a workbench to craft more nets if needed, as nets can break during your hunt. This will allow you to keep catching tarantulas without having to return to your island. Efficient inventory management minimizes downtime and lets you maximize your Bell earnings during your time on the island.
Tip 4 Manage Your Time Wisely
Tarantulas are only active during certain hours of the day and night. Knowing the time of day is vital to make the most of your trip. Keep an eye on your in-game clock to know when tarantulas are most active. You can adjust the game clock if needed to optimize your farming time. This strategy will ensure you’re making the most of your time on the island, and you won’t miss out on potential catches. Remember that tarantulas are most active at night and generally appear less frequently during the day.
Tip 5 Sell Your Catch Efficiently
Selling your catch is a crucial step in earning Bells. You can sell tarantulas to Timmy and Tommy at Nook’s Cranny or wait for Flick, the special visitor who buys insects for a higher price. Selling to Flick can significantly increase your profits, but it requires patience. You can also use the drop-off box at Nook’s Cranny at any time, but you will earn less money. It is important to choose the option that best suits your time and financial goals. Knowing when to sell and who to sell to can greatly impact your earnings and overall experience.
Maximizing Bells and Avoiding Failure

To ensure you earn the most Bells during your Tarantula Island trip, consider these strategies. Keep your inventory organized to avoid wasting time. Catch as many tarantulas as possible to maximize your earnings. Be patient and persistent. If you are having trouble, take a break, and then come back to it. Ensure you are not carrying any items that prevent tarantulas from spawning. Following these tips, you can significantly increase your chances of having a successful and lucrative trip to Tarantula Island.
Handling Aggressive Tarantulas
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, tarantulas may become aggressive. If a tarantula stands up and charges at you, immediately stop moving. If you get close, quickly swing your net to catch it. You can also run far enough away to cause the tarantula to lose interest. This requires practice, but it will help you deal with aggressive tarantulas without getting bitten. It is essential to stay calm and react quickly to protect yourself.
What to Do if Bitten
If a tarantula bites you, your character will faint, and you’ll respawn back at your island’s airport. You will lose any items you are carrying. However, the tarantulas you caught will still be in your inventory. The goal is to avoid getting bitten altogether, but if you get bitten, don’t panic. You’ll still retain your progress. Remember this is a game, and the goal is to have fun. Learning from your mistakes and trying again is part of the experience.
Avoiding Tarantula Attacks

The key to avoiding attacks is to move slowly and deliberately. Always pay attention to the tarantulas’ behavior and anticipate their movements. By practicing the walk-and-stop technique and keeping a safe distance, you can significantly reduce the risk of being bitten. Additionally, ensure the island is cleared of any objects that might obstruct your view or create a dangerous situation. By being cautious and mindful, you will have a more successful and enjoyable tarantula-hunting experience.
Conclusion
Tarantula Island offers a unique opportunity to earn Bells quickly in Animal Crossing New Horizons. By understanding how to get there, preparing effectively, and employing the right strategies, you can maximize your success. Mastering the walk-and-stop technique, knowing tarantula behavior, optimizing your inventory, and managing your time wisely are essential tips. While it may take some practice, with dedication and patience, you can become a tarantula-farming expert. So, grab your net, prepare your inventory, and embark on your adventure to Tarantula Island. Happy hunting!
