At midnight on March 20th, most of us will remember where we were. We were likely at home, due to some unusual set of circumstances of global proportions. However, instead of staying glued to news updates, we had our eyes on the Nintendo Switch, constantly clicking the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game icon to see if it has been released. That’s the impact this game has had on many. It’s escapism at its finest. Whether you are fishing for a rare fish or setting plots for new neighbors, this game is the break we all need right now.

One of the coolest things about Animal Crossing: New Horizons is how quirky, and fun the “side-quests” can be. While there isn’t really a “main story,” there are activities that are a bit off the beaten path. If you are looking for something fun to do that isn’t being the resident representative, check out the list below.

10 Gulliver’s Travels

It doesn’t take too long for you to get your first “odd request.” Around day two, you will see a bird (with a similar fashion sense to Donald Duck) taking a nap on the beach.

After some work of waking him up, he will tell you about his situation and enlist your help. Get ready to dig and watch out for some “communicator parts.” Gulliver has been in other games, and we are happy to see him here.

9 A Cowardly Ghost?

Typically, ghosts are the ones causing fear. However, in this situation, the roles are reversed. Be sure to start playing at night for this one. Once you walk around for a bit, you will see a ghost making their way through the trees.

Their name is Wisp, and they are not too happy to see you. However, if you help them, there is a reward they will send your way. Also, this one can be done again, so make signing on at night a common practice if you want some goodies.

8 Beach Ambassador

This title may not be a formal mission, but we want to include it as a fun duty. At some point, you will earn enough Nook Miles to start jet setting to other islands. While this is a great way to find new materials, this is also a time to meet new people. On most islands, there will be an animal already there.

If you go up to them, you have the option to invite them to your island. Not only does this add a fun element to the game, but you are helping to speed up the process of having new people move to your island. How cool?

7 The Fortune And Fright Of Tarantula Island

If you have a fear of spiders, you may want to steer clear of this one. Flying to new islands is excellent until you happen upon Tarantula Island. Tarantulas are worth a lot in this game, and they should be.

They are incredibly hard to catch. They are fast and can knock you out after one interaction. If you get to this island, be quick, because one sting from them and you will end up right back at home. We are getting the creeps just thinking about it.

6 Save Money On Medicine

As you are gathering wood and other supplies, you will come into contact with wasps. They will sting you, and you will have a swollen eye.

While they do sell medicine at the store, it can be a bit on the pricey side considering how much of it you will need in the game. So, an important task to watch out for is to speak to a neighbor once you have been stung. They will then provide you with a recipe for making the medicine yourself. We just saved you some bells.

5 Money Does Come From Trees

In this game, did you know you can plant money trees? At the beginning of the game, you will have access to ways to acquire bells, but it may take a minute to make a substantial amount.

So, one great side quest is to take any bags of bells you receive and plant them. This step allows you to grow money trees that can yield up to 10,000 in bells. Who said that money didn’t come from trees?

4 Walk The Coastline

You may want to keep an eye on the beach as you play Animal Crossing: New Horizons. While the beach and water are beautifully rendered, that isn’t the only reason to visit this area of the map.

Many times various things will wash onshore (including Gulliver), but one of the many items to look out for is a bottle. In it will likely be a recipe for a DIY project you can work on to create valuable furniture or a tool.

3 Go Digging For Fish Bait

Here is another small side quest you may want to work on while you are at the beach. Keep an eye out for black holes with water sprouting out.

If you take your shovel and dig them out, you will find a manila clam. You can take these clams and make fish bait. This fish bait can attract rarer fish and marine wildlife. This is a tactic you want to use to get those more substantial fish.

2 Keep Your Eyes To The Skies For Balloons

Always keep a full view of the area around you. At some point, you will notice a small shadow floating around you (if looking down). If you look up, you will see a present attached to a balloon in the air.

For this, you will need a slingshot. Once you have it, line up your slingshot with the balloon and press “A.” You will have shot the present out of the sky and can access what is inside it.

1 Get Those Turnips

Did you know there is a stock market in Animal Crossing: New Horizons? Well, there is. Between 10 and 12 on Sunday, Daisy Mae will walk around the island selling turnips.

Other than Sunday, the Nook Nephews will purchase turnips from you for a different price each day. The price will fluctuate based on their daily value. How cool is it that you can get some investment practice on a Nintendo Switch game?

NEXT: Animal Crossing: 10 Tips For Your Very First Day on the Island