Balloons are a fun way to get free items and Bells in Animal Crossing: New Horizons (ACNH). However, balloons can seem rare at times. Here are some tips to help increase the rate at which balloons spawn on your island.
Time of Day
Balloons have set spawn times throughout the day in ACNH. The most active periods are from 6 AM to 7:59 AM, 12 PM to 1:59 PM, and 6 PM to 7:59 PM. During these peak hours, a balloon will spawn approximately every four minutes. So if you play during these times, you'll encounter more balloons.
Weather Conditions
Certain weather boosts balloon spawns even further. Windy and clear/sunny days see the highest rates. On these days, balloons will arrive about every 2-3 minutes during peak hours. So if you're balloon farming, check the forecast and play when it's sunny or very windy outside.
Island Touring
Balloons spawn over all parts of the island, including the beaches. By continuously running or flying between different areas of your island with a net equipped, you sweep a larger area to catch more balloons. Equipping the Proceedure Mask ACNH Item also helps you spot them from a distance.
Use Nook Miles Tickets
Mystery island tours using Nook Miles Tickets (NMT) are a great way to encounter extra balloons. Since NMT islands are smaller in scale, it's easy to quickly check the whole place. And balloons there won't interfere with your home island spawn schedule. Just be sure to shoot down any balloons before leaving the island.
Build Up Your Bells
Some rare ACNH Items like princess series furniture only come in balloons. By saving up plenty of Bells through fishing, bug catching or turnip profits, you can afford to buy balloon gifts if RNG isn't in your favor. This allows more chances to collect variant balloon prizes over time.
Shoot With Care
Practice your aim with the slingshot to down balloons carefully. Popping balloons neatly yields better items more often compared to destroying them. Have your slingshot ready near beaches during peak hours for optimum catching.
Applying these tips should significantly boost the number of balloons appearing each day in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. With patience and practice, you're bound to collect more fun free gifts from the skies.
