Dreamlight Valley: How to Level Up Companions Fast (July 2025)
Ever since the Mysteries of Skull Rock update dropped in June 2025, I've been obsessed with maxing out my companion friendships in Disney Dreamlight Valley. If you're like me and want to unlock those adorable level 5 rewards ASAP, you're in the right place! I've tested every single method and discovered some game-changing tricks that'll have your fuzzy friends hitting max level faster than you can say "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-Boo."
The new companion friendship system has completely transformed how we interact with our critter buddies. Gone are the days of them just mindlessly following us around – now they have their own progression system with incredible rewards at each level. Whether you're trying to snag that +4 inventory space boost or unlock exclusive companion decor, I'll show you exactly how to speed up the process.
Table of Contents
Quick Companion Leveling Guide
Before we dive deep, here's a quick reference table for the impatient adventurers:
| Method | XP Gain | Time Required | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lure Traps | High | 15 mins per cycle | Easy |
| Resource Gathering | Medium | Continuous | Easy |
| Petting | Low | Instant | Very Easy |
| Daily Activities | Medium | Varies | Easy |
| Multiple Traps Strategy | Very High | 15 mins per cycle | Moderate |
Understanding the New Companion System in Dreamlight Valley
The companion friendship system received a massive overhaul in 2025, and it's honestly one of the best updates we've seen. Each companion now has 5 friendship levels (not to be confused with character friendships that go up to level 10). As you progress through these levels, you'll unlock increasingly valuable rewards that make your valley adventures much more efficient.
Companion Level Rewards Breakdown
Every companion follows the same reward structure:
- Level 1: Starting level - your companion follows you
- Level 2: Resource-specific rewards (varies by companion type)
- Level 3: +4 Inventory Slots (game-changer!)
- Level 4: Specialized resource gathering abilities
- Level 5: Exclusive companion decor reward
I can't stress enough how valuable that Level 3 inventory expansion is. When you're grinding resources or exploring Storybook Vale, those extra slots make a world of difference. It's like getting a free backpack upgrade without spending 5,000 Star Coins!
The Fastest Method: Lure Traps Strategy
After extensive testing, I can confidently say that Lure Traps are the absolute fastest way to level up your companions. The Snippets you collect from these traps provide massive friendship XP, and the best part? It's mostly passive!
Crafting Your First Lure Traps
Here are the three basic trap recipes you'll need:
Basic Olympic Lure Trap:
- 1 Magma
- 1 Stygian Mudskipper
- 500 Storybook Magic
- 5 Gold Ingot
- 10 Marble
Basic Faerie Lure Trap:
- 1 Magma
- 1 Stygian Mudskipper
- 500 Storybook Magic
- 5 Petrified Wood
- 10 Volcanic Rock
Basic Fall Leaves Lure Trap:
- 1 Magma
- 1 Stygian Mudskipper
- 500 Storybook Magic
- 5 Pine Cone
- 10 Moss
Maximizing Lure Trap Efficiency
Here's my secret strategy that most players miss: instead of upgrading your traps (which costs 2,500 and 5,000 Storybook Magic respectively), craft multiple basic traps. I've found that having 5-6 basic traps running simultaneously yields way more Snippets than 1-2 upgraded traps.
Each basic trap catches 3 Snippets every 15 minutes. With 6 traps, that's 18 Snippets every quarter hour! Place them strategically around Storybook Vale – I like to create a "trap route" that I can quickly run through while doing other activities.
Pro tip: Set a timer on your phone for 15-minute intervals. When it goes off, do a quick trap run while your crops are growing or between other tasks. This way, you're maximizing efficiency without feeling like you're grinding.
Traditional Leveling Methods That Still Work
While Lure Traps reign supreme, don't ignore these tried-and-true methods that provide steady XP gains:
Resource Gathering With Companions
This method has been around since launch, but it's still incredibly effective. Every time you perform an activity with your companion equipped, they gain friendship XP. The key is choosing activities that you can do rapidly and repeatedly.
Mining and Fishing provide the highest friendship gains per action. I've tested this extensively, and here's what I found:
- Mining: Approximately 10-15 XP per ore/gem collected
- Fishing: Around 12-18 XP per successful catch
- Foraging: 8-12 XP per fruit/vegetable collected
- Digging: 5-8 XP per dig
- Gardening: 6-10 XP per crop interaction
The Fruit Tree Farm Strategy
Here's a brilliant trick I discovered: create a dense fruit tree farm in your valley. Plant trees as close together as the game allows (they need just one square between them). I have a section with 30 apple trees in a tight grid pattern.
When harvest time comes, equip your companion and rapidly collect all the fruit. With 30 trees dropping 3 fruits each, that's 90 foraging actions in under a minute! Your companion will be swimming in XP, plus they'll help you collect bonus resources based on their specialty.
Petting for Passive XP
Don't underestimate the power of a good pet! While it only gives a small amount of XP (roughly 5-10 per pet), it's instant and has no cooldown. I make it a habit to pet my companion every time I pass by them or switch activities. Those small gains add up surprisingly fast over a play session.
Companion Types and Their Unique Benefits
Understanding which companions offer which benefits is crucial for efficient leveling. Here's a comprehensive breakdown:
Regular Animal Companions
Squirrels - Fruit Gathering Specialists
- Level 2: 5 Raspberry/5 Apple
- Level 4: Fruit Gathering bonus
- Best for: Players focusing on cooking
Rabbits - Vegetable Gathering Specialists
- Level 2: 3 Carrot/3 Lettuce
- Level 4: Vegetable Gathering bonus
- Best for: Farming enthusiasts
Sea Turtles - Seafood Gathering Specialists
- Level 2: 3 Clam/3 Seaweed
- Level 4: Seafood Gathering bonus
- Best for: Coastal foragers
Foxes & Crocodiles - Fish Gathering Specialists
- Level 2: Various fish rewards
- Level 4: Fish Gathering bonus
- Best for: Fishing fanatics
Raccoons - Gem Gathering Specialists
- Level 2: 1 of each gem type
- Level 4: Gem Gathering bonus
- Best for: Crafters and decorators
Notable Companions with Unique Rewards
These special companions can't be renamed but offer exclusive furniture rewards at level 5:
Max (The Little Mermaid)
- Special ability: Can dig up holes when equipped
- Level 5 Reward: Ship Bed
- Unique interactions with Ariel and Eric
Pua (Moana)
- Level 4: Fruit Gathering bonus
- Level 5 Reward: Oar Wall Display
- Perfect for tropical-themed valleys
Magic Carpet (Aladdin)
- Level 4: Flower Gathering bonus
- Level 5 Reward: Golden Agrabah Mirror
- Adds Arabian Nights flair to your valley
R2-D2 (Star Wars)
- Level 4: Ore Gathering bonus
- Level 5 Reward: R2-D2 Backpack
- For the Star Wars fans among us
Advanced Leveling Strategies
Now let's get into some advanced techniques that'll really accelerate your companion progression:
The Multi-Companion Rotation
Since you can only have one companion active at a time, I developed a rotation system. I focus on one companion for 30-45 minutes using high-intensity methods (Lure Traps + resource gathering), then switch to another. This prevents burnout and ensures all my companions progress steadily.
Synergizing Activities
Combine companion leveling with other goals. For example:
- Need clay for crafting? Equip a Raven (soil gathering) and dig away
- Working on recipes? Use a Squirrel while harvesting fruit
- Decorating with gems? Raccoon companion while mining
This way, you're killing two birds with one stone – progressing your companion while achieving other objectives.
The Star Path Integration
When a new Star Path launches, many duties involve resource gathering. This is the perfect time to power-level companions! I always save my intensive companion leveling for Star Path events, maximizing rewards across multiple systems.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
I've seen so many players make these mistakes that slow their companion progression:
- Forgetting to equip a companion - Always have one active!
- Not collecting Lure Trap Snippets regularly - Set those timers!
- Upgrading traps too early - More basic traps > fewer upgraded ones
- Ignoring companion specialties - Match activities to their bonuses
- Not petting regularly - Free XP is free XP!
Platform-Specific Tips
The companion system works identically across all platforms, but here are some quality-of-life tips:
PC Players: Use keyboard shortcuts to quickly access the companion menu (default: I for inventory, then Wardrobe tab)
Console Players: The companion switching process is streamlined on PlayStation with the touchpad and Xbox with the menu button
Switch Players: Despite the smaller screen, the companion menu is well-optimized for handheld play
Troubleshooting Companion Leveling Issues
Sometimes companions seem to level slowly. Here's how to fix common problems:
Companion Not Gaining XP?
- Ensure they're actually equipped (check for the icon in the bottom right)
- Verify you're doing activities that grant XP
- Some actions (like removing Night Thorns) give minimal XP
Can't Find Specific Companions?
- Check your Collection menu under Companions
- Some are Premium Shop exclusive
- Others require specific critter unlocking methods
Lure Traps Not Working?
- Must be placed in Storybook Vale (not the main valley!)
- Need to wait the full 15 minutes
- Check you have inventory space for Snippets
Future Updates and Speculation
Based on developer communications and community feedback, I'm expecting even more companion features in upcoming updates. The team has been incredibly responsive to player suggestions, and the companion system's popularity practically guarantees continued expansion.
Companion Leveling FAQs
How long does it take to reach companion level 5?
With optimal Lure Trap usage and active play, I've gotten companions from level 1 to 5 in approximately 3-4 hours of focused gameplay. Casual play might take 2-3 days.
Can I change my companion's resource specialty?
Unfortunately, no. Unlike character roles which can be changed with Training Manuals, companion specialties are permanent once assigned.
Do companion friendship levels reset if I switch companions?
No! Your friendship progress is saved for each companion individually. Feel free to switch between them without losing progress.
What's the best companion for beginners?
I recommend starting with a Squirrel or Rabbit. Their fruit/vegetable gathering bonuses are immediately useful, and these resources are easy to farm early game.
Can companions help with mining Vitalys Crystals?
While companions with mining specialties will occasionally find bonus gems, they don't seem to affect Vitalys Crystal drops specifically.
Is there a max number of companions I can own?
There's no limit! Collect as many as you want. The Wardrobe can hold all available companions.
Do Notable Companions level faster than regular ones?
No, all companions gain XP at the same rate regardless of rarity or type.
Can I rename Notable Companions like Max or Pua?
Notable Companions have fixed names that cannot be changed, but you can rename regular animal companions as of the latest update.
Final Thoughts
The companion friendship system has added incredible depth to Disney Dreamlight Valley. While it might seem like just another grind at first, the rewards – especially those precious inventory slots and exclusive decorations – make it absolutely worth the effort.
My biggest advice? Don't treat companion leveling as a chore. Integrate it naturally into your gameplay, use the Lure Trap strategy for passive gains, and enjoy watching your little friends grow stronger. Before you know it, you'll have a valley full of level 5 companions helping you gather resources like never before.
Remember, this isn't a race. Disney Dreamlight Valley is all about creating your perfect cozy gaming experience. Whether you power through with Lure Traps or take it slow with casual petting and resource gathering, the most important thing is having fun in your magical valley.
Last updated: July 2025 - Based on the latest Mysteries of Skull Rock update and current game mechanics