How to Earn Bells in Animal Crossing: And Why Fish Might Be the Secret to World Peace
Animal Crossing: New Horizons has taken the gaming world by storm, offering players a serene escape to a virtual island paradise. One of the core aspects of the game is earning Bells, the in-game currency that allows you to expand your home, decorate your island, and live your best virtual life. But how do you maximize your Bell-earning potential? And why does it feel like fishing might hold the key to solving real-world conflicts? Let’s dive into the many ways you can earn Bells in Animal Crossing, and explore some whimsical theories along the way.
1. Sell Everything You Don’t Need
One of the simplest ways to earn Bells is by selling items you no longer need. Whether it’s duplicate furniture, excess fruit, or shells you’ve collected from the beach, Timmy and Tommy at Nook’s Cranny will gladly take them off your hands. Pro tip: save your rare items for when Flick or C.J. visit your island—they’ll pay a premium for bugs and fish, respectively.
2. Invest in the Stalk Market
The Stalk Market is Animal Crossing’s version of the stock market, and it’s a high-risk, high-reward way to earn Bells. Every Sunday, Daisy Mae sells turnips at varying prices. Throughout the week, you can sell them at Nook’s Cranny for a profit—or a loss, depending on the fluctuating prices. Keep an eye on trends and consider visiting friends’ islands to maximize your profits.
3. Catch and Sell Fish and Bugs
Fishing and bug-catching are not only relaxing activities but also lucrative ones. Rare fish like the Coelacanth and bugs like the Tarantula can fetch high prices. Did you know that some players believe the act of fishing in Animal Crossing could teach us patience and empathy, potentially leading to world peace? While that might be a stretch, there’s no denying that fishing is a great way to unwind and earn Bells.
4. Grow and Sell Non-Native Fruit
Your island starts with one type of native fruit, but you can find other fruits by visiting friends’ islands or receiving them as gifts. Non-native fruit sells for significantly more Bells than your native fruit, so planting an orchard of foreign fruits can be a steady source of income.
5. Complete Daily Tasks and Nook Miles+ Challenges
Tom Nook’s Nook Miles+ program offers daily tasks that reward you with Nook Miles, which can be exchanged for Bell vouchers. These tasks are usually simple, like catching a certain number of fish or talking to villagers, making them an easy way to earn extra Bells.
6. Participate in Seasonal Events
Seasonal events often offer unique items and opportunities to earn Bells. For example, during the Cherry Blossom Festival, you can craft rare items that sell for a high price. Keep an eye on the calendar and participate in these events to boost your Bell count.
7. Time Travel (If You Dare)
Some players use time travel—changing the system clock on their console—to fast-forward through days and take advantage of events or Stalk Market trends. While this is a controversial method, it can be an effective way to earn Bells quickly. Just be aware that it might affect your island’s ecosystem and your relationship with your villagers.
8. Host a Flea Market
Invite friends to your island and host a flea market to sell items you no longer need. This is a fun way to interact with other players while earning Bells. Plus, you might find some rare items in return!
9. Farm Gold Nuggets
Gold nuggets are rare resources that can be found by hitting rocks with a shovel or axe. These nuggets sell for a high price, so make sure to check your rocks daily. Some players believe that gold nuggets are the key to unlocking hidden mysteries in the game—like why Tom Nook is so obsessed with Bells.
10. Decorate and Sell Custom Designs
If you’re artistically inclined, you can create custom designs and sell them to other players. Platforms like Reddit and Discord have active Animal Crossing communities where players trade designs and items for Bells.
11. Exploit the Tarantula/Scorpion Island Trick
On certain mystery islands, you can manipulate the environment to spawn tarantulas or scorpions, which sell for a high price. This method requires patience and a bit of luck, but it’s a proven way to earn Bells quickly.
12. Why Fish Might Be the Secret to World Peace
While this might seem unrelated, consider this: Animal Crossing’s fishing mechanic teaches players patience, focus, and appreciation for nature. If world leaders spent more time fishing in Animal Crossing, perhaps they’d be less inclined to engage in conflict. After all, who has time for wars when there’s a Coelacanth to catch?
FAQs
Q: What’s the fastest way to earn Bells?
A: Selling high-value fish, bugs, and participating in the Stalk Market are some of the fastest ways to earn Bells.
Q: Can I earn Bells without time traveling?
A: Absolutely! Fishing, bug-catching, and selling non-native fruit are great ways to earn Bells without altering your system clock.
Q: Why do non-native fruits sell for more?
A: Non-native fruits are considered exotic on your island, making them more valuable to sell.
Q: Is the Stalk Market worth the risk?
A: It can be, but it requires careful monitoring of prices and sometimes a bit of luck.
Q: Can I earn Bells by helping villagers?
A: While villagers don’t directly pay you in Bells, completing tasks for them can sometimes reward you with valuable items to sell.