The latest update to *Fields of Mistria* introduces a variety of new activities and features, one of the most exciting being the town's Animal Festival. This event not only promises fun but also offers a spotlight for the animals you raise on your farm. Here's a comprehensive guide to participating in the Animal Festival and understanding its various aspects.
How to Unlock the Animal Festival in Fields of Mistria
The Animal Festival in *Fields of Mistria* is an annual event that aligns with other seasonal town festivities. If you miss it one year due to in-game commitments or simply forget, don't worry—you can participate the following year. The festival kicks off on the **10th day of the Winter season**, giving you plenty of time to prepare your animals. Ensuring they are in top condition is crucial if you aim to win the top prize.
How to Win the Animal Festival in Fields of Mistria
The highlight of the Animal Festival is the main contest, where you can enter **up to two of your farm-raised animals** to compete for prizes. You can choose **one small animal** (such as chickens, ducks, or rabbits) and **one large animal** (such as cows, alpacas, or sheep). Remember, only fully grown adults can participate.
How to Enter the Animal Festival Contest
To enter, head to the festival grounds in the center of town and speak with **Josephine** at the front counter. She will guide you to the two booths behind her where you can register your animals. Josephine will also share two key tips that can boost your score:
- The **more hearts your chosen animal has**, the higher your score will be. You can increase an animal's hearts by petting or picking them up, feeding them, and allowing them outside on sunny days.
- The **rarity of your animal's coat color** can also enhance your score. Animals with unique colors like pink or blue can significantly improve your chances of winning.
When ready, talk to **Terithia** at the left booth to enter your large animals, and **Landen** at the right booth for your small animals. A menu will display which of your animals are eligible. Once you've made your selections, return to Josephine and tell her you're ready to **‘start the judging’**.
All Prizes for the Animal Festival Contest
A cutscene will then play, announcing the winners starting with the small animal category, from third to first place. If you outscore Hayden's chicken Henrietta, you'll win the small animal bracket. The large animal category follows, and beating Hayden's cow Sunshine secures you the top spot in that bracket.
Your prizes will be awarded based on your performance. Note that winning in your first year can be challenging due to the time needed to fully develop your animals' heart gauges and to unlock rare animals through ranch-related story quests and farm upgrades.
Consistent care for your animals and continuous upgrades to your farm will significantly increase your chances of winning the coveted gold crown at the Animal Festival.
This concludes our guide to the *Fields of Mistria* Animal Festival. For more tips and guides, be sure to explore our other content, including how to access the Deep Woods.
