Tarantula Island: Top 7 Island Odds
Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers a unique opportunity for players to earn Bells by catching and selling insects, with the most lucrative being the elusive tarantula. Tarantula Island, a mystery island with a high tarantula spawn rate, has become a popular destination for players looking to amass a fortune. However, maximizing your profits on Tarantula Island requires understanding the mechanics behind island odds and implementing strategic techniques. This guide delves into the top 7 factors that influence your odds of success on Tarantula Island, providing essential tips and strategies to optimize your tarantula-farming expeditions and significantly boost your Bell income.
Understanding Tarantula Island
Tarantula Island is a special mystery island that players can visit using Nook Miles Tickets. These islands are characterized by their high tarantula spawn rates, allowing players to capture multiple tarantulas in a single trip. However, the success of your visit is not guaranteed and depends on several factors, including island type, time of day, and weather conditions. Understanding these elements is crucial to making the most of your time and resources on Tarantula Island, and we will explore them in detail in the following sections.
The Basics of Tarantula Island

To get to Tarantula Island, you need to purchase a Nook Miles Ticket from the Nook Stop terminal in Resident Services for 2,000 Nook Miles. Once you have the ticket, head to the airport and speak to Orville. Select the option to use a Nook Miles Ticket, and you’ll be taken to a randomly generated mystery island. If you’re lucky, you’ll land on a Tarantula Island. These islands usually have a specific layout with a central body of water and elevated landmasses, and they are teeming with tarantulas, ready to be caught.
How Island Odds Work
The odds of finding a Tarantula Island are not fixed and can vary. Several factors influence the probability, including the specific island type generated when you use a Nook Miles Ticket. Some island types have a higher likelihood of spawning tarantulas than others. Additionally, the game’s internal clock and the environmental conditions can also influence the spawn rates of insects, including tarantulas. Knowing how these factors interact is essential for increasing your chances of successfully finding and exploiting a Tarantula Island.
Factors Affecting Island Odds
Island Type and Spawn Rates

The layout and features of the mystery island you land on play a significant role in determining tarantula spawn rates. Some islands have a natural advantage, with specific terrain that facilitates tarantula spawns. Flat, open areas with minimal obstacles are ideal. You can increase your chances by identifying islands with favorable layouts. If you don’t like the island, it’s best to leave immediately to preserve your Nook Miles Ticket and try again.
Time of Day and Tarantula Spawn
Tarantulas are nocturnal creatures, meaning they are most active during the nighttime hours. In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, tarantulas typically spawn from 7 PM to 4 AM. Visiting Tarantula Island during these hours significantly increases your chances of encountering these valuable insects. Pay close attention to the in-game clock, and plan your trips accordingly for maximum efficiency. Ensure you have enough time to gather as many tarantulas as possible before the spawn window closes.
Island Weather Conditions
The weather on the mystery island can also influence the spawn rates of insects, including tarantulas. Rainy weather generally decreases the spawn rates of tarantulas, as they tend to hide during rain. Therefore, it’s best to avoid visiting Tarantula Island during rainy conditions. If it starts raining while you’re on the island, it might be more efficient to return home and try again later when the weather clears up.
7 Factors to Boost Island Odds

Clear Your Island of Bugs
Before you start your tarantula-farming session, it’s important to clear the island of any existing bugs. Other insects can interfere with tarantula spawns, reducing the overall number of tarantulas you encounter. Walk around the island and catch or scare away any other bugs, like wharf roaches and tiger beetles. This will help to maximize the space available for tarantulas to spawn. Ensure every corner of the island is clear before focusing on catching the tarantulas.
Remove Flowers and Trees
Flowers and trees can also reduce tarantula spawn rates by providing habitats for other insects. Removing these obstacles will create more open space, allowing for more tarantulas to appear. You can dig up the flowers and chop down trees to clear the area. After clearing the island, the tarantulas will have a higher probability of spawning. This process requires a little time, but the rewards are worth the effort.
Prepare Your Inventory

Before heading to Tarantula Island, make sure you have enough space in your inventory to collect as many tarantulas as possible. You’ll need to sell the tarantulas to make a profit, so the more you can catch, the better. Also, make sure your net is in good condition and that you have enough space to hold other items. Consider bringing tools for clearing the island, such as a shovel and an axe, if needed. Planning your inventory is crucial for maximizing your profits.
Time Travel Strategy
If you’re impatient or have a specific schedule, you can use time travel to manipulate the game’s clock and control when you visit Tarantula Island. Time travel allows you to skip ahead to the ideal time for tarantula spawning, typically the nighttime hours. Be aware that time-traveling may have unintended consequences. You might miss out on seasonal events. You must plan accordingly, but it can be a very effective strategy.
Use of a Nook Miles Ticket
The most important factor in finding a Tarantula Island is using a Nook Miles Ticket. This is your gateway to mystery islands, and the more tickets you use, the higher your chances of finding a Tarantula Island. Keep earning Nook Miles and redeeming them for tickets. Be patient and persistent. You will eventually find the right island. Also, be prepared to use multiple tickets to optimize your Bell income.
Understanding Tarantula Behavior

Tarantulas can be dangerous if you’re not careful. They will chase you if they spot you, and if they catch you, they’ll bite you. To catch them safely, approach them slowly with your net raised. When they lift their front legs in a threatening pose, stop moving. Wait for them to calm down before inching closer. Repeat this process until you’re close enough to swing your net. This careful approach will allow you to capture multiple tarantulas safely and efficiently.
Maximize Your Trip
Optimal Island Preparation
Proper preparation is key to a successful trip to Tarantula Island. Before you go, ensure you have a clear understanding of the island’s layout and have a strategy for catching tarantulas. Clear the island of any interfering elements. Have enough inventory space for your catch, and be mindful of the time of day and weather conditions. This will allow you to maximize your tarantula haul and Bell earnings.
Selling Your Catch

Once your inventory is full of tarantulas, return to your island and sell them to Timmy and Tommy at Nook’s Cranny. Each tarantula sells for 8,000 Bells, making it one of the most profitable insects in the game. You can also store your tarantulas and sell them to Flick, a special visitor who buys insects at a premium price, for 12,000 Bells each. This can significantly boost your income. Managing your inventory and selling your tarantulas effectively is key to financial success.
By understanding the factors that influence tarantula spawn rates and implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can greatly enhance your odds of success on Tarantula Island. From selecting the right island to preparing your inventory and mastering tarantula behavior, every step contributes to maximizing your earnings. So, equip your net, grab a Nook Miles Ticket, and get ready to embark on a profitable tarantula-farming adventure. With dedication and the right approach, you’ll be swimming in Bells in no time.
