Animal Crossing: New Horizons/Bug-Off

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The start announcement.

Bug-Off is a reoccurring event that happens in Summer. In the Northern Hemisphere, it takes place on the fourth Saturday of June, July, August and September. In the Southern Hemisphere, it instead takes place on the third Saturday of November, December, January and February. It is an event similar to the Fishing Tourney. For participating in these summer events for the first time, you will complete a Nook Miles task. The rewards are 300; 500; 1,000; 2,000 Nook Miles. The events do not have to be attended in order.

The competition is not held if you have not yet upgraded Resident Services.

Bug catching[edit]

The scoring.

On the day of the event, Flick sets up a tent at the Plaza. You can start a round of Bug-Off any time from 9 AM to 6 PM. The first round is free and every subsequent round cost 500 Bells to start.

You will be given 3 minutes to catch as many bugs as you can. Every catch is rewarded by 1 point. Catching at least 3 bugs gives you a bonus of two points. There is also a multiplayer bonus:

  • 5 additional points (5-9 total bugs caught)
  • 7 additional points (10-14 total bugs caught)
  • 10 additional points (15+ total bugs caught)

You do not have to watch your inventory space as all bugs caught during the round will be teleported to the bug cage in Flick's tent. If you catch something you want to keep (museum donation, model commission), you can retrieve the bugs from the cage by interacting with it after the timer is off. You can sell the bugs in the cage to Flick for 1.5x the regular price.

Additionally, you can sell any bugs you catch outside the competition to Flick. The option to do so is under "Something else." → "Can I sell you bugs?"

Strategy[edit]

  • Have a lot of flowers
This will spawn a lot of butterflies and bugs that tend to rest on flowers. These bugs are easier to spot and catch.
  • Move around
Bugs usually spawn off-screen.
  • Try to look into the distance
Some bugs scare easily when you run. If you look into the distance, you will have time to slow down and catch the bug!
  • If you are after points, go for common bugs and play with friends

Prize list[edit]

Every ten points you can redeem a prize. The prizes are randomly chosen.

Flick giving out the reward.

To redeem a prize, choose "Something else." → "Redeem points." when talking to Flick.

You can also receive trophy based on your overall score:

The trophy is sent by mail the following day.