The latest update to *Fields of Mistria* brings a host of new activities and features, including 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 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

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The Animal Festival is an annual event in Fields of Mistria, similar to other seasonal town events. If you miss it one year due to other in-game commitments or simply forget, don't worry—you can participate 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 by purchasing and caring for your animals. Ensuring they are in top condition is crucial if you aim to win the top prize at the festival.

How to Win Animal Festival in Fields of Mistria

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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 (such as cows, alpacas, or sheep). Remember, only fully grown adults can participate.

How to Enter the Animal Festival Contest

To enter, 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 will also share two key 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 can significantly improve your chances of winning.

Screenshot by The Escapist

When ready, talk to Terithia at the left booth to enter your large animals. A menu will display which of your animals qualify. Then, speak to Landen at the right booth to enter your small animals.

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

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A cutscene will then play, announcing the winners of the small animal category first, from third to first place. If you outscore Hayden's chicken Henrietta, you'll be crowned the winner of that category.

The cutscene continues with the large animal category. If you surpass Hayden's cow Sunshine, you'll win that category as well.

At the end of the judging, you'll receive prizes based on your performance. If you're entering during your first year, winning first place might be challenging due to the time needed to fully develop your animals' heart gauges and unlock rare animals with unique coat styles.

Consistent care for your animals and continuous upgrades to your farm's facilities will significantly increase your chances of winning the coveted gold crown at the Animal Festival.

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.