"Guide to the Animal Festival in Fields of Mistria"

The latest update to *Fields of Mistria* brings a delightful new event to the game: the town's Animal Festival. This charming event not only promises fun but also showcases the animals you've nurtured on your farm. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you participate and make the most of the Animal Festival.

How to Unlock the Animal Festival in Fields of Mistria

Screenshot by The Escapist

The Animal Festival is an annual event in *Fields of Mistria*, much like other seasonal town events. If you miss it one year due to in-game commitments or forgetfulness, don't worry—you can always participate 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. Make sure your animals are well-tended and in top shape, as this will be crucial for winning the top prizes.

How to Win the 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 are eligible to participate.

How to Enter the Animal Festival Contest

To enter the contest, 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 behind her where you can register your animals. Josephine also shares valuable tips that can 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 or picking them up, feeding them, and allowing them outside 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 are particularly advantageous.

Screenshot by The Escapist

When ready, talk to **Terithia** at the left booth to enter your large animal, and a menu will appear showing eligible animals. Then, speak to **Landen** at the right booth to enter your small animal. 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

Screenshot by The Escapist

A cutscene will unfold, announcing the winners starting with the small animal category, from third place to first. If you surpass Hayden's chicken Henrietta to claim first place, you'll be crowned the winner of that category. The large animal category follows, and beating Hayden's cow Sunshine secures you the top spot there.

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 fill your animals' heart gauges and unlock rare animals with unique coat styles through ranch-related story quests and farm upgrades.

Consistent care and upgrading your farm to its full potential over time will significantly increase your chances of winning the coveted gold crown at the Animal Festival.

This guide wraps up everything you need to know about the *Fields of Mistria* Animal Festival. For more tips and strategies, be sure to explore our other content on the game, including how to access the Deep Woods.