The latest update to *Fields of Mistria* introduces a host of new activities, including the much-anticipated Animal Festival. This event not only adds a layer of fun to the game but also allows your farm-raised animals to take center stage. If you're eager to participate, here's a comprehensive guide to the Animal Festival and everything you need to know to make the most of it.
How to Unlock the Animal Festival in Fields of Mistria
The Animal Festival is an annual event in *Fields of Mistria*, similar to other seasonal town festivities. If you miss it in one year due to other in-game commitments, don't worry—you'll have another chance 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 position in the seasonal cycle. Focus on acquiring and nurturing your farm animals, ensuring they are in top shape for the big day, as this can significantly boost your chances of winning the grand prize.
How to Win the Animal Festival in Fields of Mistria
The highlight of the Animal Festival is the main competition, 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** (such as cows, alpacas, or sheep). Remember, only fully grown adults are eligible for the contest.
How to Enter the Animal Festival Contest
To participate, head to the festival grounds in the town center and speak with **Josephine** at the front counter. She will guide you to the two booths located behind her to register your animals.
Josephine offers two key tips for maximizing your score. Firstly, the **more hearts your chosen animal has accrued, the higher your score will be**. You can increase an animal's hearts by petting them, feeding them, and allowing them outdoor time on sunny days.
Secondly, your score can be influenced by **the rarity of your animal's coat color**. Animals with unique colors, like pink or blue, stand a better chance of earning a higher score if they are well cared for.
When you're ready, approach **Terithia** at the left booth to enter your large animals. A menu will appear, displaying which of your animals meet the criteria. Then, visit **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
During the judging, a cutscene will reveal the winners, starting with the small animal category, from third to first place. If you surpass Hayden's chicken Henrietta, you'll win the small animal bracket.
The judging then moves to the large animal category. If you beat Hayden's cow Sunshine, you'll be declared the winner of that bracket as well.
At the end of the judging, you'll receive a list of prizes based on your performance. **Entering the contest in your first year can be challenging**, as it takes time to fully nurture your animals and upgrade your farm's facilities to access rare animals with unique coat colors.
Consistent care and gradual upgrades to your farm will significantly improve your chances of clinching the top spot in future Animal Festivals.
That wraps up our guide to the *Fields of Mistria* Animal Festival. For more tips and tricks, be sure to explore our other content, including how to access the Deep Woods.
