Key Points
- You need to complete Developer Grade Level 7 as well as the main story quest ‘The Answer Lies Within’ to unlock the Winter Prep event in Heartopia.
- The event starts with the Frostpore Infection (i.e., Document Express) quest, which starts after you talk to Atara at the upper Onsen area.
- Completing Day 1 of the Winter Prep event rewards you with the Night Fishing Moka Pot.
‘Tis finally the winter season in Heartopia, and it brings with it a mysterious starting quest called the Frostpore Infection. The Winter Frost Season Prep event, which serves as the introduction to the game’s larger winter expansion, is set to run from January 24 to January 31, 2026. I have braced the freezing winds and made my way through snow-laden landscapes to help the residents of Heartopia town, and found the perfect solution to complete this Day 1 quest effortlessly.
Heartopia – Winter Prep Day 1 Quest: Overview
| Unlock Requirement | 1. Complete Developer Grade (DG) Level 7 2. Complete main story quest ‘The Answer Lies Within’ |
| Event Duration | January 24 to January 31, 2026 (Prep Phase duration) |
| Starting Location | Upper Onsen |
| Quest Giver NPC | Atara |
| Day 1 Completion Reward | Night Fishing Moka Pot (event exclusive furniture item) |
How to Unlock Winter Prep in Heartopia | Day 1 Walkthrough
The Frostpore Infection (Document Express) questline is your definitive gateway to the entire Winter Prep event in Heartopia. Follow these steps to complete the day 1 objectives:
- Travel to Onsen.
- Head to the Upper Onsen Area.
- Locate and interact with Atara to trigger the Frostpore Infection quest.
- Teleport to Town.
- Head to the City Hall.
- Talk to Bailey and Annie at the City Hall.
- Open your Main Menu after completing the dialogue with Bailey and Annie.
- Locate the Winter Prep Tab in your Main Menu.
- Track the Quest Marker under the Winter Prep Tab.
- Follow the Quest Markers.
- Travel to the final location directed by the Quest Marker.
- Interact with Vanya (situated at the Quest Marker) to kickstart the Winter Prep Day 1 task.
- Catch or gather three fish of any type.
- Submit the fish to Vanya using the Event Menu.
- Claim your reward.
Important Things to Keep in Mind
- I have noticed that players who do not complete Developer Grade (DG) level 7 have had trouble locating Atara in the Upper Onsen area. I strongly recommend completing this level if you are having trouble finding Atara. Just focus on your daily hobby tasks to level up your DG level.
- The Winter Prep event is split into two phases. Day 1 quest focuses on helping the residents of Heartopia town by offering fish, while the second phase (unlocked after you complete this quest) will focus on the upcoming ‘Skating Paradise.’
- If you are unable to see any snow in your town, head over to your Main Menu, open Graphics Settings, and turn on the Advanced Snow Effects option.
- I highly recommend that you stock up on fish (three fish of any type) before you start the Frostpore Infection quest. This will allow you to complete this quest in mere moments. If you catch or gather three fish before you talk to Vanya, you can just submit them moments after talking to them and claim your reward instantly.
- There are more event-exclusive rewards, such as Penguin Pet Skin and Penguin Stove, that can be unlocked in the later phases of the Winter Prep event. I strongly recommend fishing this Day 1 quest as soon as possible if you want to unlock the future rewards.
FAQs
Why can’t I locate Atara in Onsen?
I have noticed that Atara will only appear after you fully complete ‘The Answer Lies Within’ main story quest. If you can’t find her, check your quest journal to ensure that this particular quest has been marked as complete. If you have completed the quest, make sure that you have crossed DG level 7.
What type of fish do I need to catch to complete the Day 1 quest?
You can catch and submit any type of fish to complete Winter Prep Day 1 quest. Three fish of any type work perfectly. You don’t need to submit rare or high-star fish for this particular submission. I would recommend submitting basic fish (which can be caught easily in the town river or near your home plot) to complete this quest.
What will happen if I do not complete the Day 1 quest of the Winter Prep event?
Most seasonal events in Heartopia will technically allow you to catch up on the previous days’ tasks as long as the event is still active. So, technically, you will be able to complete the Day 1 quest until January 31. That being said, I would highly recommend finishing these daily events as soon as they pop up to ensure you don’t miss the deadline.
