What is Tarantula Rain in Animal Crossing
Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers a unique and sometimes unpredictable weather phenomenon known as Tarantula Rain, where tarantulas spawn frequently on your island due to specific weather conditions. This event is highly sought after by players for its potential to earn Bells, complete the Critterpedia, and experience a thrilling in-game challenge. Understanding how to trigger and make the most of Tarantula Rain can significantly enhance your Animal Crossing gameplay experience, transforming your island into a lucrative hunting ground.
Understanding the Rarity of Tarantula Rain
Tarantula Rain isn’t an everyday occurrence in Animal Crossing; its rarity is part of what makes it so exciting. The frequency of this event depends on several factors, primarily weather patterns and the time of day. Knowing the factors that influence this phenomenon is crucial for planning and maximizing your chances of experiencing it. By being prepared and understanding the triggers, you can greatly increase your odds of encountering this profitable event.
Factors Influencing Tarantula Rain

Several elements contribute to the occurrence of Tarantula Rain. The type of your island plays a role, alongside specific weather patterns and the time you play. Players should pay close attention to the weather forecast within the game and the time of day for maximizing success.
Island Type and Its Effect
The layout of your island can indirectly influence the frequency and accessibility of Tarantula Rain. Islands with more open spaces might provide more spawn points for tarantulas, while heavily populated islands with numerous buildings and decorations may have fewer available spawn locations. Customizing your island to create open areas can potentially increase your chances of encountering this event.
Weather Conditions and Timing
Rain is the key weather condition associated with Tarantula Rain. It usually occurs during the evening hours. The precise timing can vary depending on your game settings, but generally, the best times to hunt tarantulas during rain are after the sun goes down and throughout the night. Regularly checking the in-game weather forecast is essential to identify ideal conditions.
How to Prepare for Tarantula Rain

Preparation is key to successfully catching tarantulas during rain. This involves several steps, from emptying your inventory to crafting essential tools. Proper preparation will allow you to maximize the number of tarantulas you can catch and make the most of this rare event. By following these steps, you’ll be well-equipped to handle the tarantula onslaught.
Empty Your Inventory
Before setting out, ensure your inventory has ample space. Tarantulas take up a slot each, so you’ll want to have as much room as possible to collect them. Selling unwanted items or storing them at home before the rain starts is a smart strategy.
Craft a Net and Gather Tools
A sturdy net is your most important tool. Make sure you have a reliable net to catch tarantulas efficiently. Also, consider bringing tools that can help clear the way, such as a shovel to remove any obstacles in your path. Having these essential tools prepared will make the process much smoother and safer.
Locating Tarantulas During Rain

When Tarantula Rain starts, the key is knowing where to look. Tarantulas can spawn in various locations, and understanding where they are most likely to appear is vital to maximizing your catches. Be mindful of spawn points and how to navigate your island during the event.
Identifying Tarantula Spawn Points
Tarantulas typically spawn on flat ground. Focus your search on open areas, beaches, and clearings on your island. Avoid areas cluttered with trees, flowers, or objects, as these can obstruct spawn points. Having an awareness of potential spawn locations will significantly increase your ability to spot them.
Best Locations on Your Island
Beaches and open fields are ideal locations. Beaches provide a flat surface with minimal obstacles, and open fields allow for greater visibility. Explore these areas first. Removing obstacles in other areas before the rain can also create more spawn opportunities, thus increasing the overall number of tarantulas that you can catch.
Effective Catching Techniques

Catching tarantulas can be challenging, as they will attack if you move too quickly. Mastering the right techniques is essential for success and safety during Tarantula Rain. Use stealth and precision to capture these valuable insects.
Approaching Tarantulas Carefully
Tarantulas react to your movements. Approach them slowly, and stop if they raise their front legs, signaling they’re about to attack. This careful approach is critical to prevent getting bitten. By pausing each time they raise their legs, you can get close enough to catch them.
Using the Net Strategically
Once you are close enough, quickly swing your net to catch the tarantula. Timing is important; you want to make sure they don’t have a chance to attack. Having your net ready and swinging precisely will increase your catch rate. Practice your timing to become more effective.
Dealing with Aggressive Tarantulas

If a tarantula bites you, you’ll be stunned and wake up in front of your house. This can be avoided by using the careful approach, but if you do get bitten, there is no penalty other than losing time. Avoid running and anticipate their movements to prevent being caught off guard. Being prepared and knowing what to expect can turn a potentially frustrating experience into a manageable one.
Benefits of Catching Tarantulas During Rain
The rewards of catching tarantulas during rain extend beyond the thrill of the hunt. These insects provide significant benefits in terms of in-game currency, collection, and crafting opportunities.
Selling Tarantulas for Bells
Tarantulas are a high-value catch, each selling for a substantial number of Bells. This makes Tarantula Rain an excellent way to earn Bells quickly, allowing you to fund island upgrades, purchase items from shops, and pay off your home loan. Gathering a full inventory of tarantulas can significantly boost your in-game wealth.
Collecting for Critterpedia

Catching tarantulas contributes to completing your Critterpedia, a compendium of all the creatures in Animal Crossing. This offers a sense of accomplishment and adds to your in-game achievements. Documenting your findings can be a rewarding experience.
Crafting with Tarantulas
While tarantulas themselves aren’t used in many recipes, they can be used to craft various items or are sometimes requested by villagers. Having a supply of tarantulas can prepare you for these opportunities.
Tips and Tricks for Maximizing Your Catch
Several strategies can help you optimize your tarantula-catching experience. These tips and tricks will help you make the most of the limited time during Tarantula Rain and increase your overall success rate.
Optimizing Inventory Space

Make sure you have enough space to hold your catch. Consider selling or storing any unwanted items beforehand. Managing your inventory efficiently allows you to catch more tarantulas before your bags fill up, maximizing your earning potential.
Using the Beach for Safety
Use the beach to your advantage. If a tarantula attacks you, running into the water will prevent it from biting you. This gives you a safe place to reset and prepare for your next attempt, preserving your progress and keeping you from being stunned.
Dealing with Other Bugs
While tarantulas are the primary focus, other bugs might also spawn during the rain. Be prepared to deal with these distractions. You may want to clear them out, to make sure you have a good tarantula spawn rate.
Conclusion
Experiencing Tarantula Rain in Animal Crossing can be a rewarding and exciting event, offering both financial benefits and in-game accomplishments. By understanding the conditions, preparing effectively, and employing strategic catching techniques, players can transform their islands into tarantula-hunting havens. Use these tips to take advantage of the next Tarantula Rain and make the most of your Animal Crossing adventures.