Disney Dreamlight Valley brings charm through its adorable animal companions, known as critters, that players can befriend and summon as loyal sidekicks. These creatures enhance exploration across biomes in the base game, Eternity Isle, and Storybook Vale. This guide details how to approach and befriend them, equip them via the wardrobe menu, interact through petting and feeding, and capture memorable photos using the in-game camera.
Understanding Critters and Companions
Critters are wild animals unique to each biome, appearing at specific times and days. Befriending them by feeding their favorite foods unlocks them as companions. Once befriended, access them from the wardrobe’s companion wheel (paw icon) while outdoors. Some premium companions come from Moonstone purchases or Star Path rewards, like Zero the fox or HeiHei the rooster. Interactions include petting for hearts (up to five for max level), feeding for gifts, and unique poses in photo mode.
Befriending Critters in the Base Game
The base game features eight biomes, each with distinct critters in multiple variants (e.g., colors). Approach them correctly—without running—to avoid scaring them off. Feed two favorite foods to befriend.
Plaza Squirrels
Squirrels scamper around the Plaza. Variants include Black, Classic, Gray, and Red. They appear on specific days:
| Variant | Days | Times |
|---|---|---|
| Black Squirrel | Sun, Tue, Thu, Fri | All day (Tue, Thu, Fri); 12PM-12AM (Sun) |
| Classic Squirrel | Sun, Mon, Thu, Sat | All day (Mon, Thu, Sat); 12PM-12AM (Sun) |
| Gray Squirrel | Sun, Tue, Wed, Sat | All day (Tue, Wed, Sat); 12PM-12AM (Sun) |
| Red Squirrel | Sun, Mon, Wed, Fri | All day (Mon, Wed, Fri); 12PM-12AM (Sun) |
Favorite food: Peanuts (purchased from Remy or grown from seeds).
Peaceful Meadow Rabbits
Rabbits hop playfully. Feed carrots (Dazzle Beach or Goofy’s stall). Variants cycle daily.
Dazzle Beach Sea Turtles
Turtles hide in shells; crouch to approach. Feed seaweed. Slow but endearing.
Forest of Valor Raccoons
Raccoons stand on hind legs; feed mushrooms. Night-active variants exist.
Glade of Trust Crocodiles
Crocs lurk in water; approach from behind. Six variants (Blue, Classic, Golden, Pink, Red, White). Feed robust vegetables like okra or eggplant from Sunlit Plateau.
Sunlit Plateau Sunbirds
Birds perch high; feed flowers:
- Emerald: Green Passion Lily (Frosted Heights)
- Golden: Sunflower (Dazzle Beach)
- Orchid: Orange Houseleek (Sunlit Plateau)
- Red: Red Bromeliad (Sunlit Plateau)
- Turquoise: Pink Houseleek (Sunlit Plateau)
Frosted Heights Foxes
Foxes are agile; feed snowberries from the biome.
Forgotten Lands Ravens
Ravens caw mysteriously; feed any bread.
Eternity Isle Critters
The A Rift in Time expansion adds Eternity Isle with new biomes and critters like capybaras and cobras.
Capybaras
Relaxed rodents in various sub-biomes:
| Variant | Location | Days | Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black & White | Promenade | Sun, Tue, Thu, Fri, Sat | Varies |
| Blue Striped | Grove | Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Varies |
| Classic | Grasslands | Everyday | All day |
| Gray Spotted | Lagoon | Sun, Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri | Varies |
| Red & White Striped | Lagoon | Sat (rare) | 12PM-6PM |
| Toon | Grove | Everyday | All day |
Favorite: Bamboo (purchased or grown).
Cobras
| Variant | Location | Days | Times |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue & Red Striped | Wastes | Sun, Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat | Varies |
| Classic | Plains | Everyday | All day |
| Green & White Striped | Borderlands | Thu (rare) | 6AM-12PM |
| Pink Spotted | Oasis | Sun, Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri | Varies |
| Toon | Wastes | Everyday | All day |
| Yellow & Purple Striped | Borderlands | Sun, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sat | Varies |
Favorite: Spice from island stalls.
Storybook Vale Companions
The latest expansion introduces The Bind, Mythopia, and Everafter with owls, baby dragons, and pegasi. Befriending follows similar patterns: time-specific appearances and biome foods.
Equipping and Interacting with Companions
Outside, open wardrobe (F3 or menu), select paw icon to choose companion. Max two active. Pet (G key) to gain hearts; level 5 unlocks poses. Feed via inventory for happiness. Hold companions? Select in wardrobe; they follow or perch.
Capturing Perfect Photos
Photo mode (P key) lets you pose with companions. Steps:
- Enter photo mode.
- Select companion pose via paw icon in menu (19+ unique poses as of 2025).
- Adjust camera: zoom, crouch (C), filters.
- Snap and save.
Poses vary: squirrels acorn-toss, foxes playful pounce. Experiment for DreamSnaps challenges.
Advanced Tips for Max Enjoyment
- Timing Patrols: Use in-game clock; wait or sleep to cycle days.
- Food Farming: Plant seeds for infinite supply.
- Companion Wardrobe: Mix free critters with premium for variety.
- Photo Challenges: Complete DreamSnaps for rewards like furniture.
- Leveling Fast: Pet daily; events boost hearts.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make my companion appear in photos?
In photo mode, select the paw icon to summon and pose your equipped companion.
Can I have multiple companions active?
Yes, up to two: one primary, one secondary via wardrobe wheel.
What if a critter won’t approach?
Crouch/walk slowly; ensure correct food and time.
Are there new critters in updates?
Yes, expansions like Storybook Vale add owls, dragons, pegasi.
How to hold critters?
Equipping makes them follow; some poses simulate holding.
References
- Disney Dreamlight Valley: Complete Animal Companion Guide — CBR. 2023. https://www.cbr.com/disney-dreamlight-valley-animal-companions-guide/
- Disney Dreamlight Valley: How to Hold Your Critter — YouTube (Gamer). 2023.
- Disney Dreamlight Valley: HOW TO TAKE A PHOTO WITH A COMPANION — YouTube. 2023.
- ALL UNIQUE COMPANION POSES 2025 | Disney Dreamlight Valley — YouTube. 2025-02.
- Disney Dreamlight Valley: How to Take a Photo with an Animal Companion — GameSkinny. 2023. https://www.gameskinny.com/tips/disney-dreamlight-valley-how-to-take-a-photo-with-an-animal-companion/