The latest update to *Fields of Mistria* introduces a delightful array of new activities and features, including the much-anticipated Animal Festival. This event not only promises a fun time but also offers a wonderful opportunity for your farm-raised animals to take the spotlight. If you're eager to participate and make the most of this festive occasion, here's a comprehensive guide to the Animal Festival and everything it involves.
How to Unlock Animal Festival in Fields of Mistria
The Animal Festival in *Fields of Mistria* is an annual event, much like other seasonal town festivities. If you miss it one year due to other in-game commitments or simply forget, don't worry—you can always participate the following year.
The festival kicks off on the **10th day of the Winter season**. Depending on your current position in the seasonal cycle, this gives you plenty of time to prepare by purchasing and nurturing the animals on your farm. Ensuring your animals are in top condition is crucial if you aim to win the grand prize at the festival.
How to Win 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** (like chickens, ducks, or rabbits) and **one large animal** (like cows, alpacas, or sheep). Remember, only fully grown adults can participate in the contest.
How to Enter the Animal Festival Contest
To enter, head to the festival grounds in the town center and speak with **Josephine** at the front counter. She'll direct you to the two booths behind her where you can register your animals.
Josephine will also share two key tips that can impact your score. Firstly, the **more hearts your chosen animal has, the higher your score will be**. You can boost your animal's heart level by petting or picking them up, feeding them regularly, and allowing them outdoor time on sunny days.
Secondly, **the rarity of your animal's coat color** can also enhance your score. Animals with unique colors like pink or blue can significantly increase your chances of winning.
When you're ready, visit **Terithia** at the left booth to enter your large animals. A menu will display which of your animals are eligible. Then, talk to **Landen** at the right booth to enter your small animals.
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 unfold, announcing the winners of the small animal category first, from third to first place. If you surpass Hayden's chicken Henrietta and take first place, you'll be crowned the winner of that category.
The large animal category follows, and if you beat Hayden's cow Sunshine to claim first place, you'll win that category as well.
After the judging, you'll receive a list of prizes corresponding to your performance. **Keep in mind, if you're entering the contest in your first year, securing first place can be challenging due to the time needed to fully nurture your animals and upgrade your farm.**
Filling the heart gauges of your animals and completing necessary ranch-related story quests and farm upgrades are essential for unlocking rare animals with unique coat styles.
With consistent care for your animals and ongoing farm improvements, your chances of winning the coveted gold crown at the Animal Festival will greatly improve.
This wraps up our guide to the *Fields of Mistria* Animal Festival. For more tips and insights, don't forget to explore our other content, including guides on accessing the Deep Woods.
