Animal Crossing: New Horizons How to Catch Scorpions

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Animal Crossing: New Horizons How to Catch Scorpions

In this guide, I will go over how to catch Scorpions in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Because let’s face it: catching Scorpions in this game is both a test of patience and a potential heart attack waiting to happen.

One minute you’re minding your business, shaking trees for Bells, and the next – a set of glowing red eyes and pincers are coming for your ankles. But don’t worry. With a little finesse (and maybe a deep breath or two), you can turn these creepy crawlies into an 8,000 Bell payday.

To catch a Scorpion successfully, approach slowly with the net held up, which you can do by holding down the A button. Continue doing this until you’re standing quite close to the Scorpion and, when the time is right, swing down your net to catch it.

Be wary though that if you continue moving when these claws are raised, the Scorpion will lunge at you and attack.

Now let’s get a bit more in-depth with the process of capturing scorpions, but also to learn more about them!

Everything You Should Know About Scorpions in Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Scorpions are nasty and creepy, and unfortunately for my insectophobia, they are considered a rare bug, and worth quite a lot in Nook’s Cranny. They can also be donated to the museum for your collection.

When and Where to Find Them:

Scorpions spawn on your island between 7 PM and 4 AM during the months of May to October in the Northern Hemisphere.

They replace Tarantulas as the most dangerous bug in those months. Lucky you.

If you’re feeling adventurous (or broke), Mystery Island tours can sometimes spawn Scorpion Islands – an entire paradise (or nightmare) of Scorpions waiting to be caught.

How Much Are They Worth?

Catching a single Scorpion nets you a sweet 8,000 Bells at Nook’s Cranny.

Want even more bang for your bug-catching buck? Flick, the wandering insect enthusiast, will buy them for 12,000 Bells each during his visits.

What to Do With Them:

Sell them, donate them to your museum, or keep one in your house to terrify your friends when they visit.

Also read: Animal Crossing Villagers Tier List

Catching Scorpions in Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Two Methods

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There are two known methods to catch scorpions in Animal Crossing: New Horizons.

Method One

This is the most basic method, and this also works on tarantulas. All you have to do for this method is creep toward the scorpion while holding the “A” button. 

  1. Hold “A” and creep towards the scorpion.
  2. Move towards it, still holding “A,” until it goes into defensive mode.
  3. Stand still until it relaxes, still holding the “A” button.
  4. Move a bit more toward it until rears up again, still holding “A.”
  5. Stand still until it relaxes, still holding the “A” button.
  6. Keep doing this until you’re just close enough to swing your net down onto the scorpion.

Method Two

This method relies on the fact that you can jump, but scorpions cannot.

  1. See scorpion.
  2. Dig three holes in a row, either horizontally or vertically depending on your position from the scorpion.
  3. Walk up to the scorpion and provoke it to chase you.
  4. Run to the holes and hop over one.
  5. Swing your net and catch the scorpion.

This method is more time-consuming and isn’t an option if you run into one in some decorated areas.

You should definitely be really good at using the first method before going into this one.

Extra Tips and Tricks

  • Pack Light: Bring only the essentials (net, shovel, and maybe some medicine if you’re clumsy). Leave space for your Scorpion haul.
  • Buy Backup Nets: If your net breaks, you can purchase a replacement from Wilbur for 100 Nook Miles.
  • Don’t Panic: Scorpions are intimidating, but staying calm is key. Sudden movements will have you respawning at the airport faster than you can say “Bells.”

How to Maximize Scorpion Hunting on Mystery Islands

Scorpion hunting on your own island can be slow, but Mystery Islands are where the real magic happens.

Scorpion Island:

  • Use a Nook Miles Ticket to travel to a Mystery Island at night (between 7 PM and 4 AM).
  • With a bit of luck, you’ll land on a Scorpion Island, where the only thing that spawns are Scorpions.
  • Bring an empty inventory, so you can carry as many Scorpions as possible.

How to Create Your Own Scorpion Island:

If you don’t find a Scorpion Island, you can “force spawn” Scorpions on any Mystery Island.

Clear the Island:

Chop down trees, remove stumps, pick all flowers, and eliminate other bugs. This makes room for Scorpions to spawn.

Wait and Watch:

Scorpions will spawn in the cleared areas. Keep an eye out and follow either Method One or Two to catch them.

Final Thoughts

Creepy crawlies in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, unfortunately for players, can raise a massive amount of funds. Especially if you can catch a lot of them.

Even though I hate to admit it, if you catch a bunch of them using the tricks I gave you, and if you are really lucky to find the Scorpion Island you will amass quite the fortune.

If you want to know about more games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, check out our list of the best city-building games on the Nintendo Switch.

Now that you know a little more about the game, and how to catch Scorpions in Animal Crossing: New Horizons happy hunting. Let us all know in the comments down below which method you use, and do you have any other tips to share?

Nikiforos
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