Key Takeaway
From the hours of 7 PM to 4 AM from May to October, scorpions can spawn on your island. Approach slowly with your net raised by holding the A button. When the scorpion raises its claws, cease all movement. Continue approaching slowly, stopping when necessary, until you’re close enough to swing your net.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons introduces dozens of seasonal bug and fish varieties. After catching these creatures, you can either donate them to your island’s museum or sell them for a profit. Scorpions are rare and tricky to catch, but they’ll fetch you a hefty amount of Bells at Nook’s Cranny.
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When Do Scorpions Appear?
Scorpions will appear rarely on your island from May to October in the Northern hemisphere and November to April in the Southern hemisphere. You can find them crawling around between the hours of 7 PM and 4 AM. They make a rattling sound, which can be helpful in locating them.
Occasionally, your villagers may comment on the presence of scorpions nearby.
These creatures can be quite dangerous, so you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled while running around your island. Much like tarantulas, if you get too close too quickly, they’ll chase after you and attack. (Definitely one of the scariest moments in this cozy, feel-good game.)
Note: Scorpions won’t spawn if your gate is open to visitors.
How to Catch Scorpions
Most of the time, you can simply run up to a bug and swing your net in order to capture it. To snag a scorpion, you’ll need to be a bit more patient.
Once a scorpion catches sight of you, it will raise its front claws. Stop moving once you see this. If you approach while the scorpion is in this angry stance, it will lunge, and you’ll be knocked out.
Equip your net. When the scorpion puts its claws back down, hold the A button to ready your net and approach very slowly. Each time it raises its claws, stop moving immediately. Slowly, make your way toward the scorpion. Once you’re close enough, swing your net to snag your big catch.
Reasons to Catch Scorpions
To complete your museum’s collection, you’ll need to bring a scorpion to Blathers.
Additionally, for those aiming to line their pockets or settle their debt with Tom Nook, these creatures are worth a staggering 8,000 Bells.
The Mysterious Scorpion Island
By spending 2,000 Nook Miles at the airport on your island, you can embark on a Mystery Tour. As implied, you’ll land on a random island with unique properties. One of these islands has been dubbed ‘Scorpion Island’ by players, as it’s filled with dozens of these creepy critters.
Scorpion Island only spawns during nighttime, so only venture out while the sun’s down. Sadly, it’s impossible to force your way to Scorpion Island. You’ll have to rely on luck. If you do manage to find it, throw away any useless items in your inventory and try to snag as many scorpions as possible for the ultimate payday. If your net breaks, you can buy a new one from the pilot for 100 Nook Miles.
If you get stung on Scorpion Island, don’t stress–you’ll wake up beside the pilot with no damage!
Create a Scorpion Island
It’s possible to create your own Scorpion Island while on a Mystery Tour, though the process can be somewhat time-consuming.
First, be sure that it’s after 7 PM in your game. Any island will work except the three-tiered island type.
You’ll need to chop every tree, removing the stumps as well. You’ll also need to pick every flower and remove all rocks. Dump all of the resources you collect on the beach. It’s also vital that you get rid of any other bugs that may spawn, either by catching and releasing them or simply running around them until they leave.
After the island is clear, scorpions will begin to spawn. They won’t spawn as quickly as they would on the proper Scorpion Island, but if you’d like to increase your chances of catching a few of these spooky creatures, this is a great option.
