Balor Gifts Fields of Mistria: Why the Traveling Merchant is So Picky

Balor Gifts Fields of Mistria: Why the Traveling Merchant is So Picky

You’ve spent all morning watering corn and petting your cow, only to realize you forgot to check the map for that blue-haired rogue. Balor is a bit of a mystery in Mistria. He’s the guy who shows up with a wagon full of stuff you probably can’t afford yet, but if you’re looking to unlock those heart events, you can’t just toss a random rock at him and hope for the best. Honestly, he’s one of the more expensive characters to win over. Unlike some villagers who are happy with a handful of wild berries, Balor has a taste for the finer things in life.

It makes sense, though. He’s a merchant. He knows the value of a coin and the rarity of a gemstone. If you want to master the art of balor gifts fields of mistria, you need to stop thinking about what’s easy to find and start thinking about what’s hard to get.

What Balor Actually Wants (and Why It’s So Expensive)

Most people think that because he travels, he might like stuff from outside the village. Nope. Balor is obsessed with Mistria’s local treasures, specifically the ones that are buried deep or require a high cooking level. If you’re just starting out, don't sweat it too much, but once you hit the mines, that’s when your relationship with him will actually start to move.

He absolutely loves artifacts. Specifically, the Family Crest Pendant and the Alda Gem Bracelet. You’ll find these while digging around artifact spots, mostly near Sweetwater Farm or The Narrows. If you find one, resist the urge to donate it to the museum immediately—at least if you’re trying to fast-track Balor’s friendship.

Then there are the gems. But not just any gems.

Balor wants the "Perfect" versions. We’re talking:

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  • Perfect Ruby
  • Perfect Sapphire
  • Perfect Emerald
  • Perfect Diamond

These aren't your everyday mining drops. You’ve got to spend some real time in the Upper Mines and Tide Caverns to snag these. It’s a grind. But hey, that’s love in Mistria for you.

The Way to a Merchant's Heart is Spicy Food

If you aren't much of a miner, you better get comfortable in the kitchen. Balor has a very specific palate. He loves Chili Coconut Curry and Deluxe Curry.

Think about that for a second. While other villagers are happy with a salad, this guy wants a complex, multi-ingredient spicy dish. You can buy the recipes at the Sleeping Dragon Inn, but the ingredients aren't always cheap. The Deluxe Curry is a heavy hitter for friendship points. If you see it for sale at the Inn (it’s usually around 1,600 Tesserae), it’s a steep price, but it’s a guaranteed "Loved" reaction.

Managing Your Daily Gifting Strategy

Look, you can't always give him a Perfect Ruby. You'd be broke and exhausted. For your daily interaction, stick to his "Liked" gifts. These are much more manageable.

He’s a fan of most gems—the regular ones. If you have an extra Emerald, Ruby, or Sapphire that isn't the "Perfect" quality, give it to him. He also likes certain flowers like Roses and Fog Orchids. Fog Orchids are great because you can forage them in the Fall. It's a free way to keep that heart meter moving without depleting your savings.

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One thing that surprises people is that he actually likes the Rusted Treasure Chest. Most characters see that as junk, but for a merchant, it’s probably a project.

The Birthday Bonus

Mark your calendar for Summer 10.

That is Balor’s birthday. If you give him a "Loved" gift on this day, the friendship boost is massive. This is the day you save that Perfect Ruby for. Seriously, don't waste it on Summer 9. Wait twenty-four hours and the payoff is double.

Finding Balor (The Real Challenge)

The hardest part about giving balor gifts fields of mistria isn't always the gift itself—it's finding the guy. He doesn't just sit in a house all day.

Usually, he’s at his wagon near the entrance to town. That’s his home base. But on Fridays, he likes to hang out at the Inn for the "Friday Night at the Inn" event. It’s the best time to catch him because half the town is there anyway.

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If he’s not at the wagon, check:

  1. The room on the second floor of the Sleeping Dragon Inn (the one that looks a bit tucked away).
  2. The Museum (he likes looking at the treasures he didn't find).
  3. The Beach during the Summer.

He wanders. He’s a rogue-turned-merchant, after all. He’s got secrets, and apparently, those secrets involve walking to the most inconvenient corners of the map right when you have a Deluxe Curry in your pocket.

Don't Give Him These Things

We should talk about the "hates." It's pretty simple: don't give him bugs. He isn't interested in your butterfly collection. He also dislikes "weird" gifts like animal treats or sod.

Stick to treasures and high-end cooking. He wants to feel like he’s getting a deal, even if it’s a gift.

Actionable Steps for Increasing Balor’s Friendship

If you want to reach that 6-heart or 8-heart cap efficiently, here is the most logical path:

  • Early Game: Just talk to him every day. It’s +7 points just for saying hello. Forage for Roses in the Spring and Fog Orchids in the Fall to give as "Liked" gifts.
  • Mid Game: Start hitting the Mines. When you find regular gems, keep a small stack specifically for him. Check the Inn's rotating menu for Chili Coconut Curry.
  • Late Game: Once you have the kitchen upgraded and the Mines fully explored, keep those "Perfect" gems specifically for his birthday or when you're close to a heart event milestone.

The most important thing to remember is consistency. A "Liked" gift every single day is much better for your progress than one "Loved" gift once a month. Keep a chest near your farm exit with a few Roses or Sapphires so you can grab one on your way into town. You'll have him at max hearts before the next season ends.