How To Make Money in Animal Crossing

Finding and Selling Bugs

One of the most profitable activities in Animal Crossing is finding and selling bugs. Bugs can be found all over your island, especially during specific seasons and times of the day. Here are some tips to maximize your earnings:

Get a bug net: The first step is to obtain a bug net, which can be purchased from Nook’s Cranny or crafted using tree branches and iron nuggets.
Explore different areas: Bugs can be found in various locations, such as trees, flowers, and even by the riverside. Visit different parts of your island to increase your chances of finding rare and valuable bugs.
Check for rare species: Keep an eye out for special or rare bug species, as they tend to sell for higher prices. Some examples include the Atlas Moth, Blue Emperor Butterfly, and Golden Stag.
Time of day matters: Certain bugs only appear during specific times of the day. Experiment with different hours to discover new bug species and increase your profits.
Use the Critterpedia: The Critterpedia is a valuable resource that tracks all the bugs you have caught. It provides information on when and where each bug can be found, helping you plan your bug hunting trips more effectively.
Visit Mystery Islands: Using Nook Miles Tickets, you can travel to Mystery Islands where you may encounter different bug species not found on your island. This can be a great way to expand your bug collection and earn some extra bells.
Sell at Nook’s Cranny: Once you have caught a variety of bugs, head to Nook’s Cranny to sell them. The prices offered will vary each day, so keep an eye on the in-game market to sell your bugs at the best prices.

By diligently searching for bugs and focusing on catching rare species, you can build up a steady income in Animal Crossing. Remember to check in daily for new bug species and take advantage of the different seasons and times of day to maximize your profits.

Fishing for Profit

Fishing is another lucrative activity in Animal Crossing that can help you make a profit. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned angler, here are some tips to boost your earnings:

Get a fishing rod: To start fishing, you’ll need a fishing rod. You can purchase one from Nook’s Cranny or craft it using tree branches and iron nuggets.
Fish at different locations: Explore various areas of your island, including rivers, ponds, and the ocean. Different fish can be found in different habitats, so casting your line in different spots will increase your chances of finding rare and valuable fish.
Pay attention to fish shadows: When fishing, keep an eye out for fish shadows in the water. The size and shape of the shadow can give you a clue about the type of fish you’re about to catch. Bigger shadows often indicate larger, more valuable fish.
Time of year matters: Just like bugs, certain fish can only be caught during specific months and times of the day. Check the in-game critterpedia or ask your animal neighbors to get information about the fish availability throughout the year.
Collect different fish species: Aim to catch a variety of fish species, including rare and seasonal ones. This will not only add diversity to your critterpedia but also increase your chances of selling for higher prices.
Use bait: Craft bait using Manila Clams to attract fish instantly. This can be helpful when trying to catch elusive or rare fish species.
Sell at Nook’s Cranny: Visit Nook’s Cranny to sell your catches. Check the daily prices to get the best deals for your fish. Consider waiting for C.J., the traveling fish enthusiast, who visits your island occasionally and offers even higher prices for fish.

By casting your line in different locations, keeping track of the fish availability, and targeting rare and valuable species, you can make a tidy profit from fishing in Animal Crossing. Don’t forget to check the daily prices at Nook’s Cranny and take advantage of C.J.’s visits to maximize your earnings.

Collecting and Selling Fossils

In Animal Crossing, collecting fossils can be not only a fascinating hobby but also a profitable endeavor. Fossils are buried underground and can be uncovered by using a shovel. Here’s how you can maximize your earnings through collecting and selling fossils:

Digging for fossils: Once a day, there will be several spots on your island where fossils are buried underground. Look out for cracks in the ground and use your shovel to dig up the fossils. Each day, you can find up to four fossils.
Identifying fossils: After collecting the fossils, you’ll need to identify them. Take your finds to Blathers, the owl who runs the museum, and he will gladly assess them for you. Some fossils might be complete, while others may require multiple pieces to form a complete skeleton.
Building the museum collection: Consider donating one of each fossil to the museum. By doing so, you’ll help build a comprehensive fossil exhibit and earn rewards, such as new exhibits, fossils, or even new species for your island ecosystem.
Selling duplicate fossils: Once you’ve identified all the fossils, you can sell any duplicates to Nook’s Cranny. Duplicate fossils won’t contribute to the museum collection, so it’s a great opportunity to make some extra bells.
Price variations for fossils: The prices for fossils vary, with some being more valuable than others. Rare or complete fossils often sell for higher prices, so keep an eye out for those when selling to Nook’s Cranny.
Trading with other players: Another way to profit from fossils is by trading with other players. You can set up an online marketplace or visit other players’ islands to trade fossils. Some players might be looking for specific fossils to complete their collections and are willing to pay a premium for them.
Keep an eye out for special events: During certain events, like the Fossil Hunt hosted by Blathers or special events like the Archaeology Day, there might be additional opportunities to earn extra rewards or sell fossils at higher prices.

By diligently digging for fossils, completing the museum collection, selling duplicates, and potentially trading with other players, you can turn your love for fossils into a profitable venture in Animal Crossing.

Planting and Harvesting Fruit

Planting and harvesting fruit is not only a fun and interactive aspect of Animal Crossing but can also be a lucrative way to make money. Each island has its native fruit, but you can also obtain different fruit varieties by visiting other players’ islands or Mystery Islands. Here’s how you can maximize your earnings through planting and harvesting fruit:

Get different fruit varieties: Obtain fruit varieties like apples, cherries, pears, peaches, or oranges by visiting other players’ islands or using Nook Miles Tickets to travel to Mystery Islands. These fruits can be sold for higher prices on your native island.
Plant and grow fruit trees: Once you have different fruit varieties, start planting them to grow fruit trees on your island. Ensure that you leave enough space around each tree to allow them to grow properly.
Water and fertilize the trees: To ensure healthy and abundant fruit production, regularly water your fruit trees using your watering can. You can also use fertilizer, such as manure or fertilizer bags, to speed up growth and increase the amount of fruit harvested.
Harvest and sell the fruit: Once the fruit trees are matured, shake them to collect the ripe fruit. Remember to sell the fruit at Nook’s Cranny for maximum profit. Native fruit sells for lower prices compared to non-native fruits, so prioritize selling non-native fruits for better profits.
Consider growing a fruit orchard: To maximize your fruit production, create an orchard by dedicating a designated area for fruit trees. This will allow you to efficiently harvest and keep track of your fruit for selling purposes.
Utilize Fruits as crafting materials: Besides selling the harvested fruits, you can also use them as crafting materials to create various DIY recipes. Some fruit-based DIY recipes can fetch higher prices when sold, making it an additional way to profit from fruits.
Collaborate with other players: Collaborate with other players to exchange fruit varieties. By sharing your native fruit with players whose islands have different native fruits, you can earn higher profits by selling unfamiliar fruits on your island.

By planting various fruit varieties, taking care of your fruit trees, and strategically selling the harvested fruit, you can create a fruitful business venture within Animal Crossing. Don’t forget to utilize non-native fruit varieties and collaborate with other players to maximize your earnings.

Crafting and Selling Items

Crafting and selling items in Animal Crossing is a rewarding way to both express your creativity and make a profit. With a wide range of DIY recipes available, you can create various items using materials found on your island. Here’s how you can maximize your earnings through crafting and selling items:

Obtain DIY recipes: DIY recipes can be obtained from various sources, including balloons floating around your island, messages in bottles, from villagers, seasonal events, or by visiting other players’ islands. The more recipes you have, the more items you can craft and sell.
Gather materials: Explore your island to collect materials like wood, stones, iron nuggets, and branches, which are essential for crafting items. Shake trees, hit rocks with your shovel, and check your beaches for resources.
Craft popular or high-demand items: Focus on crafting items that are in high demand or rare. Seasonal items or furniture that is part of a popular theme tend to sell for higher prices. Keep an eye on the trends by observing what other players are showcasing on social media or by checking the in-game marketplace.
Customize your items: Some DIY recipes allow you to customize the appearance or colors of the crafted item. By offering customization options, you can cater to different buyer preferences and potentially increase the value of your crafted items.
Sell at Nook’s Cranny: Once you’ve crafted your items, head over to Nook’s Cranny to sell them. Prices will vary each day, so consider timing your sales to get the best prices. Don’t forget to check the “hot item” of the day, as selling that specific item can yield higher profits.
Trade with other players: Consider organizing trades with other players, either through online marketplaces or by visiting each other’s islands. Some players might be looking for specific crafted items, and offering them in exchange for bells or other sought-after items can be a profitable venture.
Create customized orders: If you have a keen eye for design and enjoy personalizing items, offer customized orders to other players. You can advertise your services and charge a premium for creating custom versions of furniture or clothing items to suit their preferences.

By obtaining DIY recipes, gathering materials, crafting desirable items, and strategically selling them, you can turn your crafting skills into a profitable business in Animal Crossing. Remember to keep up with the latest trends, offer customization options, and explore opportunities for trading with other players to maximize your earnings.

Buying and Selling Turnips

One of the most engaging and speculative activities in Animal Crossing is buying and selling turnips. Each Sunday morning, a special visitor named Daisy Mae arrives on your island to sell turnips at a fluctuating price. Here’s how you can maximize your profits by buying and selling turnips:

Purchase turnips from Daisy Mae: On Sunday mornings, find Daisy Mae on your island and buy turnips from her. The price she offers will vary from week to week, so consider buying in bulk if the price seems reasonable.
Track turnip prices: After buying turnips, keep an eye on the in-game turnip market at Nook’s Cranny. The turnip prices will fluctuate twice a day—once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Keep a note of the trends, such as when the prices are on an upward trend or hitting a peak.
Sell at a high price: The goal is to sell your turnips at a higher price than what you bought them for. Look for days when the turnip prices are significantly higher than your purchase price. It’s advised to sell as soon as the price is favorable, as prices can change during the week.
Use online turnip communities: Utilize online communities or social media platforms to find other players with high turnip prices. Some players may open their islands to allow visitors to sell their turnips at better prices. Keep an eye out for players sharing their island’s “turnip prices of the day” to find profitable opportunities.
Mind the turnip spoilage: Turnips will spoil if not sold within a week. Once spoiled, turnips become worthless, leaving you with a loss. It’s crucial to sell your turnips before the following Sunday to avoid spoilage.
Consider storage and time management: Turnips take up inventory space, so ensure you have enough storage for a large turnip haul. Additionally, buying turnips requires consistent gameplay to monitor prices and make timely sales. Plan accordingly and ensure you have the time to manage your turnip investments.
Participate in the Stalk Market subreddit: Join the Animal Crossing Stalk Market subreddit, a dedicated community where players share and discuss turnip prices, visit each other’s islands for turnip selling, and offer tips and advice for maximizing profits.

Buying and selling turnips can be a risky yet rewarding investment in Animal Crossing. By monitoring turnip prices, seeking out better prices from other players, and making timely sales, you can potentially earn a significant profit to boost your island’s economy.

Trading with Other Players

Trading with other players in Animal Crossing can be a mutually beneficial way to expand your furniture, clothing, and item collection while also earning some extra bells. Here’s how you can make the most of trading in the game:

Participate in online communities: Join online communities, forums, or social media groups dedicated to Animal Crossing to connect with other players who are interested in trading. These platforms can provide opportunities to find specific items, trade for rare or seasonal items, or even visit each other’s islands.
Create a wishlist and seek trades: Develop a wishlist of items you are looking for and actively seek trades with other players who possess those items. Often, players have duplicate furniture, clothing, or DIY recipes that they are willing to trade or sell for bells or other items on your wishlist.
Showcase your inventory: To attract potential trading partners, create a visually appealing inventory display on your island or through screenshots. Clearly showcase the items you are willing to trade to entice others to make offers.
Attend catalog parties: Catalog parties are gatherings where players bring multiple items from their inventory for others to pick up and catalog. By attending these parties, you can expand your catalog and have access to a wider range of items to trade.
Trade DIY recipes: Some players may have access to DIY recipes that you are missing or vice versa. Trading or sharing these recipes can be a great way to complete your collection and learn how to craft new items.
Organize island tours: Invite other players to visit your island or visit theirs. Island tours provide opportunities to explore different designs, orchards, gardens, or themed areas, and can often result in trades or gift exchanges.
Consider offering services or skills: If you have a particular talent or skill in the game, such as creating custom designs, terraforming, or rare flower breeding, consider offering your services in exchange for items or bells. This can add value to your trades and attract interest from other players.
Use secure trading methods: When trading with other players, it’s important to ensure the security of your items and investments. Use platforms or communities that have reputable systems in place, such as trusted middlemen or secure trading platforms, to avoid scams or unfair trades.

Trading with other players can be an exciting and dynamic aspect of Animal Crossing, allowing you to expand your collection, connect with fellow players, and acquire coveted items. By actively participating in trading communities, showcasing your inventory, and being open to fair negotiations, you can enhance your gaming experience and cultivate strong trading relationships.

Participating in Events and Activities

Animal Crossing is known for its exciting and diverse events and activities, which provide opportunities to earn unique rewards and experience special moments on your island. Here’s how you can make the most of these events and activities in the game:

Seasonal events: Animal Crossing hosts a variety of seasonal events throughout the year, such as Bunny Day, Halloween, and Toy Day. These events often involve special tasks, DIY recipes, and limited-time items. Participate in these events to earn exclusive rewards and immerse yourself in the festive spirit.
Daily routines: Engage in daily routines and interact with your island’s inhabitants to discover events happening on your island. Villagers might inform you about visitors, celebrations, or activities taking place. Explore your island regularly to find hidden surprises, sales, or special encounters that can lead to exciting opportunities.
Visiting NPCs: Keep an eye out for special visitors who arrive on your island. Characters like Saharah, Celeste, Redd, Kicks, and Leif offer unique items or services. Interact with them, purchase their items, or participate in their activities to unlock exclusive rewards and enhance your island’s appeal.
Tournament and competitions: Participate in fishing tournaments, bug-catching competitions, or other island-wide events organized by your villagers or local characters. These events often provide challenges or goals to reach, and rewards are given to participants based on their performance.
Turnip and stock market events: Keep track of weekly and monthly stock market events like the turnip market or the stock market fluctuations. Buy low and sell high to earn hefty profits. Be mindful of the trends and seek advice from online communities or friends to maximize your earnings.
Scheduled island events: Occasionally, special island events are scheduled, such as fireworks display shows or seasonal celebrations. These events offer unique experiences and provide opportunities to connect with other players online, participate in games or collect exclusive items.
Participate in online contests: Many online communities and websites host contests like custom design competitions, interior decorating challenges, or island design showcases. Participate in these events to show off your creativity and potentially win prizes or gain recognition within the Animal Crossing community.
Explore themed islands: Visit other players’ islands or online dream codes to explore creatively designed or themed areas. You can get inspiration for your own island, discover new furniture or clothing ideas, and even make connections with fellow players for future trading or collaboration opportunities.

Participating in events and activities is a fantastic way to engage with the evolving world of Animal Crossing. By staying informed, interacting with visitors and NPCs, and actively seeking out these events on your island and beyond, you can unlock unique rewards and create memorable experiences in your virtual paradise.