In Animal Crossing: New Horizons (ACNH), one of the more mysterious and exciting characters is Redd, the shady fox who sells artwork from his “Treasure Trawler.” But don’t be fooled — not everything he sells is legit!
Buying fake art can waste your precious Bells and slow down your museum collection progress. That’s why it’s important to learn how to spot a fake before handing over your money.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to tell if Redd’s art is fake, with examples, tips, and tools to help you build a perfect museum without falling for his tricks.
Who Is Redd?
Redd is a sneaky art and furniture dealer who occasionally docks his ship on your island’s secret beach. When you enter his ship, you’ll find four pieces of art, but only one purchase is allowed per visit.
The catch? Some — or all — of the art might be fake. You’ll need a sharp eye to figure out what’s real.
Real vs. Fake: How to Tell the Difference
Redd’s art is based on real-world paintings and sculptures, and fakes are altered in subtle or obvious ways. Here’s how you can tell:
1. Look for Differences in Detail
Compare the in-game art to the real-world version. Nintendo has added clever changes to the fakes, such as:
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Changed posture or facial expression
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Added accessories
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Missing features
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Color or size alterations
2. Use the In-Game Zoom Feature
When examining a piece on Redd’s ship, press the + button to zoom in and inspect it closely. Take your time — the details matter.
3. Know the Always-Genuine Pieces
Some artworks in ACNH are always real, meaning they never have a fake version. These include:
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Serene Painting
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Warm Painting
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Academic Painting (sometimes)
If you recognize one of these, it’s safe to buy!
4. Use Online Comparison Tools
Websites like Nookipedia, Polygon, and Animal Crossing Wiki have side-by-side images of real vs. fake versions. Keep a guide open when shopping.
Common Examples of Fake Art
Here are a few examples of well-known fakes in ACNH:
| Artwork | Real vs. Fake Difference |
|---|---|
| Famous Painting (Mona Lisa) | Fake has raised eyebrows |
| Gallant Statue (David by Michelangelo) | Fake has a cloth draped over shoulder |
| Scary Painting (Ukiyo-e Warrior) | Fake has angry eyes and frown |
| Wistful Painting (Girl with a Pearl Earring) | Fake has a star-shaped earring |
| Informative Statue (Rosetta Stone) | Fake glows in the dark |
| Ancient Statue (Dogū Figurine) | Fake has antenna on the head |
Learning a few of these examples can help you make faster decisions when Redd shows up.
What Happens If You Buy a Fake?
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You can’t donate it to the museum.
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Nook’s Cranny won’t buy it.
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Villagers may accept it as a gift but may not display it.
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It still makes a cool decoration — fake art can give your island an edgy or mysterious vibe.
Pro Tips for Spotting Fake Art
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🖼️ Only buy if you’re sure — since you’re limited to one piece per visit.
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📱 Bookmark an art guide to keep on your phone or desktop.
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🦊 Don’t rush — Redd’s ship stays all day. Take time to inspect everything.
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❌ Sometimes all 4 pieces are fake — don’t feel pressured to buy.
Conclusion
Redd’s art deals in Animal Crossing: New Horizons add a fun layer of mystery and challenge. Learning how to spot fakes is not just helpful — it’s essential for completing your museum and preserving your Bells.
Stay sharp, trust your eyes, and always double-check the details before making a purchase. Over time, you’ll become a master art authenticator — and Blathers will thank you for it.
