The latest update to *Fields of Mistria* introduces a range of exciting new features, including the much-anticipated Animal Festival. This event not only promises a fun-filled day but also offers a unique chance for your farm-raised animals to take center stage. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to participate and make the most out of the Animal Festival.
How to Unlock Animal Festival in Fields of Mistria
Screenshot by The Escapist
The Animal Festival in *Fields of Mistria* is an annual event, much like other seasonal festivities in the game. If you miss it one year due to in-game commitments or simply forget, don't worry—you'll have another chance the following year. The festival kicks off on the **10th day of the Winter season**, giving you plenty of time to prepare your animals, depending on your position in the seasonal cycle. Ensuring your animals are well-cared for and in top condition is key to winning the biggest prize.
How to Win Animal Festival in Fields of Mistria
Screenshot by The Escapist
The highlight of the Animal Festival is the main event, where you can enter **up to two of your farm-raised animals** to compete for prizes. You can select **one small animal** (such as chickens, ducks, or rabbits) and **one large animal** (like cows, alpacas, or sheep). It's crucial that these animals are fully grown adults to be eligible for the contest.
How to Enter the Animal Festival Contest
To participate, make your way to the festival grounds in the town center and speak with **Josephine** at the front counter. She will guide you to the two booths behind her where you can enter your animals. Josephine will also share two vital tips that can influence your score. Firstly, the **more hearts your chosen animal has accumulated, the higher your score will be**. You can increase your animal's hearts by petting them, picking them up, feeding them well, and allowing them time outdoors on sunny days.
Secondly, the rarity of your animal's coat color can also boost your score. Animals with unique colors like pink or blue can significantly improve your chances of a higher ranking.
Screenshot by The Escapist
Once you're ready, approach **Terithia** at the left booth to enter your large animals, and **Landen** at the right booth for your small animals. A menu will display the eligible animals from your farm. After selecting your entries, return to Josephine and confirm you're ready to **‘start the judging’**.
All Prizes for the Animal Festival Contest
Screenshot by The Escapist
Following the judging, a cutscene will announce the winners, starting with the small animal category, from third to first place. Topping Hayden's chicken Henrietta secures you the top spot in this bracket. The large animal category follows, and beating Hayden's cow Sunshine will crown you the winner here as well.
Your prizes are determined by your performance in the contest. **If you're entering in your first year, securing first place can be challenging due to the time required to fully develop your animals' heart gauges and unlock rare animals with unique coat styles through farm upgrades and ranch-related quests**.
With consistent care and continuous upgrades to your farm, your chances of winning the coveted gold crown at the Animal Festival will increase significantly each year.
This guide covers everything you need to know about participating in the *Fields of Mistria* Animal Festival. For more tips and tricks, be sure to explore our other *Fields of Mistria* content, including how to access the Deep Woods.
