In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, scallops are a unique sea creature that offer players several distinct uses, from trading with a special character for exclusive items to standard in-game economy interactions.
Trade with Pascal for Exclusive Rewards
The most notable use for a scallop is the potential interaction with Pascal. When you catch a scallop while diving in the ocean, Pascal, a philosophical otter, may rise to the surface of the water. He will then ask if he can have the scallop you just found.
If you agree to give him the scallop, Pascal will reward you with one of two valuable items:
- A DIY recipe for a random item from the Mermaid Series: These are unique, ocean-themed furniture and decor recipes that can only be obtained through Pascal.
- A pearl: Pearls are a rare crafting material essential for creating various items within the Mermaid Series.
After giving you your reward, Pascal will share some wisdom and then swim off, often doing a backflip. This exchange can occur once per day.
Other Uses for Scallops
Beyond the special interaction with Pascal, scallops can also be utilized in more common ways within the game.
Sell for Bells
If Pascal doesn't appear, or if you've already had your daily interaction with him, you can sell scallops for Bells at Nook's Cranny. While not the highest-value sea creature, they still contribute to your in-game income.
Donate to the Museum
Like other sea creatures, the scallop can be donated to Blathers at the Museum to contribute to your island's collection. Donating the first scallop you catch helps complete the aquatic exhibit and earns a spot in the museum's tanks for visitors to admire.
Craft Mermaid Items (Indirectly)
While scallops themselves are not a crafting material, the pearls you receive from Pascal are crucial for crafting Mermaid Series items. Therefore, collecting scallops is an indirect but necessary step towards acquiring all the beautiful, shell-encrusted furniture and outfits in this exclusive set.
Here’s a summary of scallop uses:
| Action | Benefit/Outcome |
|---|---|
| Give to Pascal | Receive a Mermaid Series DIY recipe or a Pearl (for crafting) |
| Sell at Nook's Cranny | Earn Bells |
| Donate to Museum | Complete the museum's sea creature exhibit |
| Collect for Pearls | Enables crafting of Mermaid Series items (via Pascal's rewards) |
Scallops are a versatile item in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, primarily valued for their unique interaction with Pascal and the exclusive rewards they yield, which are integral to crafting the coveted Mermaid Series.
