The latest update to *Fields of Mistria* introduces a delightful array of new activities and features, among which the town's Animal Festival stands out. This event not only promises a fun-filled time but also offers your farm-raised animals a chance to bask in the spotlight. If you're eager to participate and maximize your chances of success, here's a comprehensive guide to the Animal Festival and everything you need to know.
How to Unlock the Animal Festival in Fields of Mistria
The Animal Festival in *Fields of Mistria* is an annual event, mirroring other seasonal town gatherings. If you miss it one year due to in-game commitments or simply forget, don't worry—you can always join in the following year.
The festival kicks off on the **10th day of the Winter season**. This gives you plenty of time to prepare, depending on your current spot in the seasonal cycle. Focus on purchasing and nurturing your animals to ensure they are in top condition for the big day, as this is key to securing the top prize.
How to Win the Animal Festival in Fields of Mistria
The highlight of the Animal Festival is the competition where you can enter **up to two of your farm-raised animals** to vie for prizes. You can select **one small animal** (such as chickens, ducks, or rabbits) and **one large animal** (like cows, alpacas, or sheep). Remember, only fully grown adults are eligible to compete.
How to Enter the Animal Festival Contest
To participate, head to the festival grounds located in the town center and speak with **Josephine** at the front counter. She'll guide you to the two booths behind her where you can enter your animals.
Josephine will offer two valuable tips to boost your score. Firstly, the **more hearts your chosen animal has, the higher your score will be**. You can increase an animal's hearts by petting them, picking them up, feeding them well, and allowing them time outside on sunny days.
Secondly, your score can improve with **the rarity of your animal’s coat color**. Animals with unique colors like pink or blue can significantly enhance your chances of a better score.
When you're ready, speak to **Terithia** at the left booth to enter your large animals, and a menu will display your eligible entries. Then, talk to **Landen** at the right booth to enter your small animals. Once you've made your selections, return to Josephine and inform her that 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 place to first. If you outshine Hayden's chicken Henrietta and secure first place, you'll be crowned the winner of that bracket.
The large animal category follows, and if you surpass Hayden's cow Sunshine, you'll claim the top spot in that bracket as well.
At the end of the judging, you'll receive a list of prizes based on your performance. Note that winning first place in your first year can be challenging due to the time required to fully develop your animals' heart gauges and to unlock rare animals through farm upgrades and story quests.
Consistent care for your animals and ongoing farm upgrades will significantly increase your chances of taking home the gold crown at the Animal Festival.
This guide wraps up the *Fields of Mistria* Animal Festival. For more tips and strategies, be sure to explore our other content, including how to access the Deep Woods.
