The latest update to *Fields of Mistria* introduces a range of new activities and features, one of which is the much-anticipated Animal Festival. This event not only promises a fun-filled day but also offers a chance for your farm-raised animals to take the spotlight. If you're eager to participate and learn more, here's a comprehensive guide to the Animal Festival and everything it involves.
How to Unlock Animal Festival in Fields of Mistria
Screenshot by The Escapist
The Animal Festival in *Fields of Mistria* is an annual event, similar to other seasonal town festivities. If you miss it one year due to other in-game commitments or it simply slips your mind, don't worry—you'll have another chance 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. Focus on purchasing and nurturing your animals, ensuring they are in top condition for the festival. A well-cared-for animal can make all the difference when it comes 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 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** (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 center of town and speak to **Josephine** at the front counter. She will direct you to the two booths behind her where you can register your animals.
Josephine will also share two crucial tips that can impact your score. Firstly, the **more hearts your animal has, the higher your score will be**. You can increase an animal's hearts by petting or picking them up, feeding them well, and allowing them time outside on sunny days.
Secondly, your score can improve based on **the rarity of your animal's coat color**. If you have a well-cared-for animal with a unique color like pink or blue, your chances of a higher score increase significantly.
Screenshot by The Escapist
When ready, speak to **Terithia** at the booth on the left to enter your large animals. A menu will appear showing which of your animals are eligible. Then, talk to **Landen** at the booth on the right to enter your small animals.
Once you've made your selections, return to Josephine at the counter and tell her you're ready to **‘start the judging’**.
All Prizes for the Animal Festival Contest
Screenshot by The Escapist
A cutscene will then unfold, revealing the winners of the small animal category first, from third place to first. If you secure first place above Hayden’s chicken Henrietta, you'll be crowned the winner of that bracket.
The cutscene continues with the large animal category. If you take first place above 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 corresponding to your performance. **If you're entering the contest in your first year, winning first place might be challenging** due to the time needed to fully increase your animals' heart gauges. Additionally, you'll need to complete ranch-related story quests and upgrade your farm's barns and coops to access rare animals with unique coat styles.
With consistent care for your animals each year and ongoing upgrades to your farm, your chances of winning the gold crown at the Animal Festival will significantly improve.
This concludes 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.
