The latest update to *Fields of Mistria* brings exciting new activities and features, including the much-anticipated Animal Festival. This event not only promises fun and entertainment but also offers a fantastic opportunity for your farm-raised animals to take center stage. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to participate in the Animal Festival and maximize your chances of winning.

How to Unlock the 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 activities. If you miss it one year due to other in-game obligations or simply forget, don’t worry—you can participate the following year. The festival takes place on the 10th day of the Winter season, giving you plenty of time to prepare, depending on your position in the seasonal cycle. This preparation period is crucial for purchasing and nurturing your animals to ensure they're at their best for the competition.

How to Win the Animal Festival in Fields of Mistria

Screenshot by The Escapist

The main attraction of the Animal Festival is the contest where you can enter up to two of your farm-raised animals—one small (like chickens, ducks, or rabbits) and one large (like cows, alpacas, or sheep). It's important to note that only fully grown adult animals are eligible to compete.

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 for entering your animals. Josephine will also provide key advice on how to improve your score:

• The more hearts your chosen animal has, the higher your score will be. You can increase hearts by petting or picking up your animals, feeding them well, and allowing them time outside on sunny days.
• Rarer coat colors can boost your score significantly. Animals with unique colors like pink or blue could give you an edge in the competition.

Screenshot by The Escapist

Once ready, talk to Terithia at the left booth to enter your large animals, and Landen at the right booth for your small animals. A menu will display which of your animals are eligible. After selecting your entries, return to Josephine and inform her you’re ready to ‘start the judging’.

All Prizes for the Animal Festival Contest

Screenshot by The Escapist

During the judging, a cutscene will reveal the winners starting with the small animal category, from third to first place. If you outscore Hayden’s chicken, Henrietta, you’ll win the small animal bracket. The large animal category follows, and beating Hayden’s cow, Sunshine, secures you the win in that bracket.

Your prizes are awarded based on your performance. Note that winning in your first year might be challenging due to the time required to fully nurture your animals and unlock rare ones with unique coat colors through ranch-related story quests and farm upgrades.

Consistent care and ongoing farm improvements will significantly enhance your chances of clinching the top spot at the Animal Festival in future years.

This guide covers everything you need to know about 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.