How to Get Sea Creatures in Animal Crossing: A Comprehensive Guide

Animal Crossing: New Horizons has captivated players worldwide with its charming gameplay and endless possibilities. One of the most exciting aspects of the game is the ability to collect various sea creatures, which can be donated to the museum, sold for bells, or used in crafting. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how to get sea creatures in Animal Crossing, along with some quirky tips and tricks to enhance your experience.

Understanding Sea Creatures in Animal Crossing

Sea creatures in Animal Crossing: New Horizons are a unique category of collectibles that were introduced in the summer 2020 update. Unlike fish and bugs, sea creatures are found by diving in the ocean. To start your underwater adventure, you’ll need a wet suit, which can be purchased from the Nook’s Cranny or the Nook Shopping app.

How to Dive for Sea Creatures

Equip a Wet Suit: Before you can dive, you need to wear a wet suit. Head to Nook’s Cranny or use the Nook Shopping app to purchase one. Once you have it, equip it from your inventory.
Head to the Ocean: Find a spot along the beach where you can enter the water. Press the “A” button to start swimming.
Look for Bubbles: As you swim, keep an eye out for bubbles rising to the surface. These bubbles indicate the presence of a sea creature below.
Dive Down: When you see bubbles, press the “Y” button to dive down and catch the sea creature. Timing is key, so make sure to dive when you’re directly above the bubbles.
Collect Your Catch: Once you’ve caught the sea creature, it will be added to your inventory. You can then decide whether to donate it, sell it, or use it in crafting.

Types of Sea Creatures

There are over 40 different sea creatures to collect in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, each with its own unique characteristics and rarity. Some of the most sought-after sea creatures include:

Giant Isopod: A rare deep-sea creature that can be found during the evening and night.
Sea Pig: A small, pink creature that is relatively common but only appears during specific months.
Vampire Squid: A mysterious creature that can be found in the ocean depths during the evening and night.
Pearl Oyster: A valuable creature that can be used to craft the coveted pearl furniture items.

Seasonal and Time-Based Availability

Just like fish and bugs, sea creatures have specific seasons and times when they are available. Some sea creatures are only available during certain months or times of the day, so it’s essential to keep track of the in-game calendar and clock.

Northern Hemisphere: Sea creatures like the Sea Star and Sea Urchin are more common during the summer months.
Southern Hemisphere: Players in the Southern Hemisphere will find different sea creatures available during their summer months, such as the Abalone and Lobster.

Tips for Efficient Sea Creature Hunting

Check the Weather: Some sea creatures are more likely to appear during specific weather conditions. For example, the Sea Anemone is more common on rainy days.
Use the Right Tools: While diving, make sure you have enough space in your inventory to collect multiple sea creatures. You can also use the “quick select” feature to switch between tools quickly.
Visit Mystery Islands: Mystery Islands can sometimes have different sea creatures available than your home island. Use Nook Miles Tickets to visit these islands and expand your collection.
Donate to the Museum: Blathers, the museum curator, will be thrilled to receive your sea creature donations. Donating to the museum not only helps complete your collection but also adds to the overall experience of the game.
Sell for Bells: If you’re in need of bells, selling sea creatures can be a lucrative option. Some rare sea creatures, like the Gigas Giant Clam, can fetch a high price at Nook’s Cranny.

Crafting with Sea Creatures

In addition to donating and selling, some sea creatures can be used in crafting. For example, the Pearl Oyster can be used to craft pearl furniture items, which are highly sought after by players. Keep an eye out for DIY recipes that require sea creatures as ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I catch sea creatures at any time of the day? A: While some sea creatures are available throughout the day, others have specific time windows. For example, the Vampire Squid is only available during the evening and night.

Q: How do I know which sea creatures are available during a specific month? A: You can check the in-game Critterpedia or use online resources to see which sea creatures are available during each month.

Q: Can I trade sea creatures with other players? A: Yes, you can trade sea creatures with other players either locally or online. This is a great way to complete your collection or obtain rare creatures.

Q: Are there any sea creatures that are particularly rare? A: Yes, some sea creatures, like the Giant Isopod and Gigas Giant Clam, are considered rare and can be challenging to find. Patience and persistence are key!

Q: Can I display sea creatures in my home? A: While you can’t place sea creatures directly in your home, you can display them in the museum or use them in crafting to create unique furniture items.

By following this guide, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a master sea creature collector in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Happy diving!