Turnip prices inAnimal Crossing: New Horizonshave long been one of the most unpredictable yet exciting aspects of the game’s economy. For players aiming to strike it rich, understanding the mechanics behind turnip price patterns can mean the difference between a massive profit and a disappointing loss. The process involves careful planning, trend tracking, and sometimes even coordinating with friends to find the best selling prices. Whether you’re new to the game or an experienced stalk market investor, mastering the turnip market can significantly enhance your island lifestyle.
Understanding the Turnip System in New Horizons
How Turnips Work
Turnips are bought every Sunday morning from Daisy Mae, who appears on your island between 5 AM and 12 PM. She offers turnips at a fluctuating price, typically ranging between 90 and 110 Bells per turnip. Once purchased, the turnips must be sold before the following Sunday, or they will spoil and become worthless.
The risk-reward aspect comes from the selling price, which changes twice a day (morning and afternoon) from Monday to Saturday. Players need to check these prices daily at Nook’s Cranny to determine the most profitable time to sell their stockpile.
The Goal of Turnip Trading
The main objective is simple: buy low and sell high. This requires tracking price patterns, predicting trends, and making strategic decisions. Timing your sales can result in hundreds of thousands or even millions of Bells in profit. However, it also carries a degree of randomness that makes each week a fresh challenge.
Turnip Price Patterns
Main Patterns You Need to Know
There are four general patterns that turnip prices follow in New Horizons. Recognizing which pattern you’re experiencing each week can help determine the best time to sell.
- Fluctuating: Prices go up and down throughout the week with no clear trend. It’s a risky pattern, often with small profits or losses.
- Large Spike: Prices start low and rise sharply mid-week, peaking around 600 Bells before dropping dramatically. This is the most profitable pattern.
- Small Spike: Similar to the large spike, but the price increase is smaller, usually peaking between 140200 Bells. Less profitable but still worth selling during the peak.
- Decreasing: Prices drop steadily throughout the week. It’s best to cut losses early in this pattern or avoid buying in the first place.
How to Identify the Pattern
To determine your weekly pattern, you’ll need to track the selling prices at Nook’s Cranny each morning and afternoon. By Tuesday morning, you can often identify the trend. There are also tools and calculators that can help you input your data and predict upcoming prices, but observation is key.
Strategic Buying and Selling
Buying Tips
When buying turnips from Daisy Mae, try to get a price as close to 90 Bells as possible. Avoid buying when her price is over 105, as your profit margin becomes tighter. If you’re unsure about that week’s trend, it’s sometimes better to skip a week to avoid heavy losses.
When to Sell
Check prices every morning and afternoon. Once you notice a strong increase, especially after a low start, there’s a good chance you’re heading into a spike. Sell at the highest point, which typically lasts for only one or two time slots. Always sell by Saturday afternoon at the latest, or your turnips will spoil and become worthless by Sunday morning.
Using Turnips for Profit and Island Development
Boosting Your Bells
Profits from turnip sales can be reinvested into your island. Use your earnings to:
- Pay off home loans faster
- Purchase rare furniture and clothing
- Fund island infrastructure like bridges and inclines
- Decorate your island with expensive items
This cycle of investment and profit turns the stalk market into a central strategy for fast progression, especially in the early and mid-game phases of New Horizons.
Storing Turnips
Since turnips cannot be stored in your home inventory, players often dedicate rooms, beaches, or custom storage areas to keep their stock organized until it’s time to sell. Avoid time-traveling backwards after buying turnips, as this will cause them to rot instantly.
Turnip Trading Communities
Visiting Other Islands
One of the most popular tactics among players is visiting friends’ islands when they have high turnip prices. Some players open their gates to others when they hit a large spike, allowing multiple people to sell at once. This cooperation builds a sense of community while helping others maximize profits.
Online Forums and Groups
Several online platforms have formed around turnip trading. Players can share their daily prices, coordinate visits, and even create queues to manage sellers efficiently. While not necessary for solo players, joining these communities can significantly boost your success in the stalk market.
Advanced Tips for Turnip Investors
Investing Big
Once you’re confident in your strategy, you can invest large amounts of Bells into turnips for even greater returns. However, this comes with greater risk. If you invest millions and hit a decreasing pattern, the loss can be devastating. Diversify your in-game finances and never bet more than you’re willing to lose.
Using Multiple Switch Accounts
Some dedicated players use multiple characters or Switch accounts to check different turnip prices on the same day. This allows you to spread your investment or take advantage of better prices within your own island. It’s a more complex method, but it can pay off if managed well.
Time Travel Strategy (Optional and Risky)
While not recommended for purists, some players use time travel to manipulate prices. This can break immersion and risks spoiling turnips if not done carefully. If you choose this route, be aware of the consequences and use it with caution.
The turnip market inAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsis a fun, unpredictable mini-game within the game itself. By understanding price patterns, checking Nook’s Cranny regularly, and using both solo and community-based strategies, players can make a significant amount of Bells each week. Whether you prefer playing the market on your own or joining others to find the highest turnip prices, the thrill of timing your sale just right makes turnip trading one of the most rewarding aspects of the New Horizons experience. Stay informed, plan carefully, and may the stalk market always be in your favor.