
Animal Crossing: New Horizons has captivated players with its charming gameplay, allowing them to create their own island paradise. One of the most exciting features is the ability to dive for sea creatures, adding a new layer of exploration and collection to the game. But how exactly can you get sea creatures in Animal Crossing? Let’s dive deep into the mechanics, tips, and tricks to make the most of this underwater adventure.
Understanding the Basics of Sea Creatures
Before you start your underwater journey, it’s essential to understand what sea creatures are and how they fit into the game. Sea creatures are a category of collectibles that can be found while diving in the ocean surrounding your island. They range from common creatures like sea anemones to rare finds like the giant isopod. Each sea creature has its own unique characteristics, including size, speed, and the time of day or year it appears.
How to Start Diving
To begin your quest for sea creatures, you’ll need a wetsuit. The wetsuit is a special piece of clothing that allows your character to swim and dive in the ocean. You can purchase a wetsuit from the Nook’s Cranny store or the Nook Shopping app. Once you have your wetsuit, equip it and head to the beach.
To dive, simply walk into the ocean until your character starts swimming. Press the A button to dive underwater. While underwater, you’ll see shadows moving around—these are the sea creatures. Swim towards them and press A again to catch them.
Timing and Seasons Matter
Just like fish and bugs, sea creatures are affected by the time of day and the season. Some sea creatures only appear during specific months or times of the day. For example, the vampire squid can only be found during the evening hours in the winter months. To maximize your chances of finding rare sea creatures, it’s important to play at different times and throughout the year.
The Role of Weather
Weather can also impact the availability of certain sea creatures. Rainy days, for instance, might increase the chances of finding certain species. Pay attention to the weather forecast on your island and plan your diving sessions accordingly.
Tips for Efficient Sea Creature Hunting
1. Know Your Sea Creatures
Familiarize yourself with the list of sea creatures available in the game. Knowing which creatures are rare and when they appear will help you prioritize your diving efforts.
2. Use the Right Tools
While the wetsuit is essential, having a good pair of swim fins can also help you move faster in the water. Although swim fins don’t directly affect your ability to catch sea creatures, they can make your diving sessions more efficient.
3. Be Patient and Persistent
Some sea creatures are elusive and may require multiple attempts to catch. Don’t get discouraged if you miss a few—persistence is key.
4. Check the Ocean Regularly
Sea creatures respawn over time, so make it a habit to check the ocean frequently. This will increase your chances of encountering rare species.
5. Trade with Friends
If you’re having trouble finding a specific sea creature, consider trading with friends or other players. Online communities and forums are great places to connect with others who might have what you’re looking for.
The Importance of Sea Creatures in the Game
Sea creatures are more than just collectibles; they play a significant role in the game’s ecosystem. Donating sea creatures to the museum helps complete the aquarium section, providing valuable information about marine life. Additionally, selling sea creatures can be a lucrative way to earn Bells, the in-game currency.
Donating to the Museum
Blathers, the owl who runs the museum, is always eager to accept new donations. Donating sea creatures not only enriches the museum but also contributes to your overall progress in the game. Each donation comes with a brief description from Blathers, adding an educational element to the game.
Selling for Profit
Some sea creatures are worth a significant amount of Bells. For example, the giant isopod can fetch a high price at Nook’s Cranny. Selling sea creatures can be a great way to save up for expensive items or island upgrades.
Rare Sea Creatures and How to Find Them
1. Giant Isopod
- Availability: November to April
- Time: 9 AM to 4 PM, 9 PM to 4 AM
- Location: Ocean floor
- Tips: This creature is fast and can be tricky to catch. Approach it slowly and dive when you’re close.
2. Vampire Squid
- Availability: May to August
- Time: 4 PM to 9 AM
- Location: Deep ocean
- Tips: The vampire squid is nocturnal, so you’ll need to dive during the evening or early morning hours.
3. Sea Pig
- Availability: November to February
- Time: All day
- Location: Ocean floor
- Tips: The sea pig is relatively slow, making it easier to catch. However, it’s only available during the winter months.
4. Spider Crab
- Availability: March to April
- Time: All day
- Location: Ocean floor
- Tips: The spider crab is one of the largest sea creatures in the game. It’s slow-moving but can be challenging to spot due to its size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I catch sea creatures at any time of the year?
A1: No, sea creatures are seasonal, and some are only available during specific months. Make sure to check the in-game critterpedia for details on each creature’s availability.
Q2: Do I need a special tool to catch sea creatures?
A2: Yes, you’ll need a wetsuit to dive and catch sea creatures. You can purchase a wetsuit from Nook’s Cranny or the Nook Shopping app.
Q3: Are sea creatures worth more Bells than fish?
A3: It depends on the creature. Some sea creatures, like the giant isopod, are worth a significant amount of Bells, while others are more common and less valuable.
Q4: Can I donate sea creatures to the museum?
A4: Yes, you can donate sea creatures to Blathers at the museum. Donating sea creatures helps complete the aquarium section and provides interesting information about marine life.
Q5: How do I know if I’ve caught all the sea creatures?
A5: You can check your progress in the critterpedia, which tracks all the sea creatures you’ve caught. The museum will also display the creatures you’ve donated.
By following these tips and strategies, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a master sea creature collector in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Happy diving!