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Guide February 6, 2026 7 min read

The Complete Guide to Companion Care in NuPalz

So you've adopted your first NuPal—congratulations! With over 70 unique companions waiting to join your team, you've got endless possibilities ahead. But here's the thing: a happy companion isn't just cute to look at. They're your partner in every game, your secret weapon at Skipper's Lake, and honestly, they just make everything more fun. Whether you're raising a fierce battler or a chill companion for casual play, this guide will help you build the strongest bond possible.

Why Care Matters

Think of your NuPal as more than just a digital pet. They're actively participating in your adventures across Nutopia. When you feed them at the Soup Kitchen, they're not just getting a meal—they're gaining the energy to perform better in games. When you heal them at the Healing Springs, you're ensuring they're at peak condition for whatever challenge comes next.

As your companion levels up, something magical happens. They become stronger, more capable, and honestly, more impressive to look at. Higher-level companions unlock bonuses in certain games, giving you that extra edge when you need it most. And at Skipper's Lake? Well, let's just say that companions who've reached level 13 or higher can help you achieve those legendary 13+ skips that awaken Skipper himself.

💡 The Level Connection

Every action you take with your companion contributes to their growth. Feeding, healing, playing games together—it all adds up. The stronger your bond and the higher their level, the more benefits you'll see across all of NuPalz.

Daily Care Routine

Consistency is key when it comes to companion care. Just like you'd check in with a real pet, your NuPal thrives on regular attention. The good news? NuPalz gives you free daily resources to keep your companion happy without spending a single NP.

Your Daily Companion Checklist

Morning Visit the Soup Kitchen for your free daily meal. This keeps your companion's hunger satisfied and gives them energy for the day ahead.
After Games Check the Healing Springs if your companion took any damage during gameplay. Free daily healing keeps them in top shape.
Evening Head to Skipper's Lake and let your companion help with stone skipping. Higher-level companions boost your skip count significantly.
Anytime Play games together! Every game session strengthens your bond and helps your companion level up naturally.

The Soup Kitchen and Healing Springs reset every 24 hours, so make them part of your daily routine. It takes just seconds, but the impact on your companion's wellbeing is huge. Plus, these free resources mean you can save your NP for other important purchases.

Pro Tip: Set a Reminder

If you're the type who forgets daily tasks (no judgment!), set a phone reminder for your Soup Kitchen and Healing Springs visits. Consistency beats intensity when it comes to companion care.

Leveling Strategies

Leveling up your companion isn't about grinding mindlessly—it's about understanding what activities give the best growth. Different actions contribute different amounts of experience, and smart trainers optimize their time.

1 Play Games Regularly

The most natural way to level up your companion is by playing games together. Whether you're racing in Typing Race, matching colors, or testing your memory, every game session builds experience. Higher-difficulty games and better performance tend to give more experience, so challenge yourself!

2 Keep Them Fed and Healthy

A well-fed, healthy companion gains experience faster. It's that simple. When you neglect their basic needs, their growth slows down. Use those free daily resources at the Soup Kitchen and Healing Springs to maintain optimal conditions.

3 Focus on One Companion

While you can adopt multiple companions, focusing your care on one primary companion will level them up much faster. Once you've built a strong, high-level companion, you can always expand your collection. Quality over quantity, especially early on.

4 Use Companion-Specific Activities

Some activities in NuPalz are specifically designed to strengthen your bond with your companion. These activities often give bonus experience compared to regular gameplay. Keep an eye out for special events and companion-focused challenges.

Remember, leveling is a marathon, not a sprint. Trainers who rush often burn out or make costly mistakes. Enjoy the journey, celebrate each level milestone, and watch your companion grow stronger day by day.

Companion & Games Synergy

Here's where things get really interesting. Your companion isn't just along for the ride—they're actively affecting your performance in certain games. A high-level, well-cared-for companion can be the difference between a good score and a great one.

While not every game has companion bonuses, many do. The exact mechanics vary by game, but the general rule is: happier, healthier, higher-level companions perform better. This creates a beautiful feedback loop—you play games to level up your companion, and your leveled-up companion helps you play games better.

Understanding Companion Stats

Each companion has stats that affect their performance. While these stats improve naturally as your companion levels up, keeping them fed and healthy ensures they're operating at peak efficiency. Check your companion's status regularly in the companion management area to see how they're doing.

The most dramatic example of companion power? Skipper's Lake. When you're skipping stones, your companion's level directly impacts how many skips you can achieve. Reach 13 or more skips, and you might just awaken Skipper—a legendary moment that requires both skill and a powerful companion by your side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

We've all been there—making mistakes that slow down our progress. Here are the most common companion care mistakes trainers make, and how to avoid them.

⚠️ Neglecting Daily Free Resources

Those free meals at the Soup Kitchen and free healing at the Healing Springs reset every day. Missing them means missing out on free companion care. It's like leaving money on the table—except this money keeps your companion happy and growing.

⚠️ Spreading Care Too Thin

With 70+ companions available, it's tempting to adopt multiple NuPals right away. But spreading your daily care resources across multiple companions means slower growth for all of them. Focus on one companion first, build them up strong, then expand your collection.

⚠️ Ignoring Companion Status

Your companion's hunger and health aren't just cosmetic—they directly affect performance and growth rate. A hungry, injured companion gains experience slower and performs worse in games. Check their status regularly and address issues immediately.

⚠️ Rushing to High Levels

Yes, higher levels are exciting, but rushing through levels by spending NP on expensive care items isn't sustainable. The free daily resources are designed to be enough for steady growth. Patience pays off, and you'll save NP for other important purchases.

⚠️ Forgetting About Skipper's Lake

Skipper's Lake isn't just a fun mini-game—it's a companion-powered activity that rewards high-level companions. Trainers who ignore this feature miss out on unique rewards and the chance to awaken Skipper. Make stone skipping part of your routine, especially as your companion levels up.

The best trainers in NuPalz aren't necessarily the ones who play the most hours—they're the ones who care consistently. A few minutes of daily companion care adds up to incredible results over time.

Building Your Dream Companion

With over 70 unique companions to choose from, you've got options. Each companion has their own personality, appearance, and potential. Some trainers prefer fierce-looking battle companions, while others go for cute and cuddly. There's no wrong choice—only what feels right for you.

When you're ready to adopt, head to the companion adoption area. Take your time browsing the available NuPals. Read their descriptions, check their starting stats, and pick one that speaks to you. Remember, you can always adopt more companions later, but your first one will always be special.

Once you've adopted your companion, the real journey begins. Feed them daily, keep them healthy, play games together, and watch them grow. As they level up, you'll notice changes—they become stronger, more confident, and more capable. That's the magic of companion care in NuPalz.

Ready to Raise Your Dream Companion?

Adopt your first NuPal and start building something legendary.

Adopt a NuPal
🐾

The NuPalz Team

Official tips and guides from the trainers who built the game.

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