What are Tarantulas
Tarantulas, the fearsome yet fascinating creatures, make a thrilling appearance in Animal Crossing Wild World. These eight-legged arthropods, known for their large size and hairy bodies, are highly sought after by players. They can be caught and sold for a significant amount of Bells, making them a valuable asset in the game. Recognizing and catching these creatures is an essential skill for any aspiring Animal Crossing Wild World player. This guide will take you through all the steps to successfully catch tarantulas, from understanding their behavior to mastering the sneaking technique.
Tarantula Behavior in Animal Crossing Wild World
Understanding a tarantula’s behavior is crucial to catching it. In Animal Crossing Wild World, tarantulas are generally nocturnal, meaning they are most active during the evening and nighttime hours. They roam freely on your island, but they are also easily startled. When they spot you, they will raise their front legs and stand in a threatening stance. If you get too close or run, they will attack, resulting in a knockout. Therefore, a careful and patient approach is vital to capture them successfully. Knowing how they move and react will increase your chances of capturing these elusive creatures.
Spawning Locations

Tarantulas in Animal Crossing Wild World can spawn on any of the grass tiles of your island. They often appear in open areas, but they can also be found near cliffs, rivers, and other features. However, the chances of tarantulas spawning are significantly higher on islands with fewer elements. For example, removing all flowers, weeds, and trees can greatly increase your chances of finding tarantulas. This is a common strategy used by players looking to farm tarantulas. Understanding the preferred spawning locations allows you to optimize your hunting strategy and maximize your catching opportunities.
How to Prepare to Catch a Tarantula
Before you start your tarantula hunt, it’s important to be well-prepared. Having the right tools and strategies can significantly increase your chances of success. Proper preparation is key to avoiding those pesky knockouts and maximizing your haul. Taking the time to set up your inventory and practice your approach will help you become a tarantula-catching pro. Here’s what you need to do before you start catching tarantulas to ensure a smooth and successful hunt. Making sure you have enough space and the right tools is critical.
Essential Tools
The most important tool you will need is a net. Make sure you have a sturdy net in your inventory. It’s also a good idea to carry a spare net or two, especially if you are planning a long hunting session. In addition to the net, you might consider bringing other items to manage your inventory, like tools. It is also helpful to have a shovel to remove any unwanted trees or flowers that may be in your way. Having the correct tools and being prepared for any obstacle will help you during your hunt.
Emptying Your Inventory

Before embarking on your tarantula hunt, it’s a good idea to empty your pockets. Tarantulas are worth a lot of Bells, and you want to be able to collect as many as possible. Therefore, make sure you have plenty of empty slots in your inventory. You can either sell the other items in your inventory or store them at your house. Clearing your inventory will prevent you from having to make multiple trips back to sell your catches. More space means more tarantulas and more Bells!
Sneaking Technique to Catch
The key to catching tarantulas lies in the sneaking technique. Approaching a tarantula directly or running towards it will cause it to attack. The best strategy is to move slowly and deliberately. Mastering the sneaking technique is essential to catching tarantulas without getting knocked out. By practicing your movements and learning to predict the tarantula’s reactions, you can significantly increase your catching success.
Approach Slowly
When you spot a tarantula, approach it slowly. Hold down the ‘A’ button to slowly creep towards it. Make sure you are always facing the tarantula and keep a close eye on its movements. If the tarantula raises its front legs, stop immediately and wait for it to lower them before continuing your approach. Patience is the name of the game. Rushing or making sudden movements will only lead to a chase. The slower, the better.
Net Swinging Timing

Once you are close enough, it’s time to swing your net. The timing is important. When you are a short distance away from the tarantula, release the ‘A’ button to swing your net. Aim carefully, as a miss will give the tarantula time to attack. A well-timed swing will capture the tarantula instantly. With practice, you will get a feel for the correct distance and timing, increasing your catching rate. Perfecting your net-swinging technique is a must for any aspiring tarantula hunter.
Dealing with Mistakes
It is likely that you will get bitten by a tarantula at some point. Don’t worry, it happens. If a tarantula attacks you, you will be knocked out and wake up in front of your house. You won’t lose any items, but it will be a minor inconvenience. If you get bitten, brush yourself off, take a deep breath, and try again. Learn from your mistakes, adjust your strategy, and keep practicing. Every unsuccessful attempt is an opportunity to learn. Do not be discouraged. With each attempt, you’ll become better at sneaking up on the tarantulas. The more you play, the more you’ll improve!
What to Do After Catching a Tarantula
Once you’ve successfully caught a tarantula, you have a couple of options. You can either sell it for a good amount of Bells or display it in your home. Your choice will depend on your personal preferences and financial goals. Knowing what to do with the tarantulas will help you maximize your profits and enhance your gameplay experience. Both options are beneficial and offer different rewards.
Selling or Displaying Tarantulas

The most common option is to sell tarantulas. They fetch a high price at Nook’s Cranny, providing a good source of income. Selling tarantulas is the easiest way to earn Bells. Alternatively, you can display them in your home. You can place them in a terrarium or a display case. Displaying the tarantulas allows you to showcase your success as a tarantula hunter and add a unique touch to your home decor. Both options offer their own benefits.
Tarantula Farming
If you are serious about making money, consider tarantula farming. This involves modifying your island to maximize tarantula spawning. Clear your island of all flowers, trees, weeds, and other items that could prevent tarantulas from spawning. This creates an ideal environment for tarantulas to appear. Once you have created your tarantula farm, the next step is to wait for the tarantulas to spawn and begin catching them. Tarantula farming can be a very lucrative strategy, as you can quickly collect many tarantulas and sell them for a profit.
Additional Tips
Beyond the basics, there are a few additional tips that can help you become a successful tarantula hunter. Being aware of the time of day, the time of year, and any island modifications you might want to make can greatly affect your chances of finding tarantulas. These advanced tips will give you an edge and maximize your tarantula-catching potential.
Time of Day and Year

Tarantulas are most active during the evening and nighttime hours. They typically appear between 7 PM and 4 AM. Also, certain times of the year may affect their appearance rate. Make sure you are hunting tarantulas during the correct time and the correct season. The combination of these factors will maximize your opportunity to catch tarantulas.
Island Modifications
As mentioned earlier, modifying your island can significantly improve your tarantula-catching success. Removing flowers, trees, and other items will give tarantulas more space to spawn. This tactic is especially useful if you’re planning to farm tarantulas for profit. Modifying your island and creating an ideal environment is a key strategy to efficiently catch tarantulas in Animal Crossing Wild World. This will increase your chances of encountering and catching tarantulas.
In conclusion, mastering the art of catching tarantulas in Animal Crossing Wild World is a rewarding endeavor. By understanding their behavior, preparing properly, perfecting your sneaking technique, and utilizing helpful tips, you can successfully catch these creatures. Whether you’re aiming to sell them for Bells or display them in your home, becoming a tarantula hunter will enrich your Animal Crossing experience. So, grab your net, and start your hunt today!
