TL;DR
- Prince Eric requires max friendship with both Ariel and Ursula before unlocking
- Aquatic characters need specialized leveling strategies using flowers and favorite gifts
- Complete all character quests before starting the final Dark Crystal collection mission
- The ‘A Deal With Ursula’ quest involves finding three crystals across different biomes
- Proper route planning saves significant time during the crystal retrieval process
Securing Prince Eric’s presence in your valley represents one of the most demanding character acquisition journeys in Disney Dreamlight Valley. Unlike most characters who become available through straightforward realm access or main story progression, Eric demands extensive preparation and relationship building with key aquatic residents.
While numerous Disney Dreamlight Valley inhabitants join your community through simple realm openings or early narrative milestones, Prince Eric stands apart as a late-game acquisition requiring substantial dedication. His recruitment process involves navigating complex character dependencies and completing multiple prerequisite objectives. However, with proper strategic planning, you can efficiently navigate this multi-stage process to welcome Ariel’s beloved prince.
Before initiating Eric’s recruitment, you must first establish Ariel and Ursula as permanent valley residents through natural main quest advancement. Once Ariel achieves friendship level 3, she’ll express concern about Eric’s disappearance, triggering a sequence of investigative missions. Crucially, these narrative threads remain unresolved until both Ariel and Ursula reach maximum friendship level 10, making this one of the game’s most extended character unlock sequences.
The aquatic nature of both Ariel and Ursula presents unique friendship advancement challenges since they cannot accompany you during standard activities like mining, gardening, or foraging. This limitation necessitates adopting specialized leveling approaches focused on optimized gift-giving and quest completion.
Your most effective strategy involves presenting their preferred daily gifts whenever available, supplemented by systematic flower gifting. Flowers gathered throughout the valley serve as excellent friendship boosters when given repeatedly. Critical reminder: complete every available quest from both characters during the leveling process, as these must be finished before initiating Eric’s unlock sequence.
Frequent interactions with Ursula are essential throughout the friendship building phase.
Advanced players should prioritize these optimization techniques: focus on three-star favorite gifts for maximum XP gains, schedule gift sessions after daily reset times, and combine flower gathering with other resource collection routes. Common mistakes include neglecting daily gift opportunities, underestimating the flower requirement (typically 150+), and attempting the final quest before clearing all character missions.
Upon reaching friendship level 10 with Ursula, she reveals she’s captured Prince Eric’s soul and presents the “A Deal With Ursula” quest as the exclusive rescue method. This mission involves locating three Dark Crystals scattered across different biomes.
Follow this optimized completion sequence:
- Examine the ancient ruins in the Forgotten Lands’ northern sector and retrieve the Dark Crystal positioned on the central pedestal
- Deliver the initial Dark Crystal to Ursula for analysis
- Locate the second Dark Crystal beside the winding river in Frosted Heights’ northern territory
- Secure the third Dark Crystal adjacent to Mother Gothel’s residence in the Glade of Trust
Prince Eric returns to musical form once successfully rescued and unlocked.
Efficient route planning significantly reduces completion time: start with Forgotten Lands, proceed to Frosted Heights, then finish in Glade of Trust. Time estimates range from 30-45 minutes depending on biome accessibility and preparation level. Ensure your inventory has adequate space before beginning crystal collection.
Once successfully unlocked, Prince Eric becomes a valuable valley resident offering unique interactions and benefits. He possesses distinctive friendship quests that further expand the game’s narrative and provide exclusive rewards. His musical talents also contribute to the valley’s ambient atmosphere and character diversity.
Continue developing Eric’s friendship through daily conversations, favorite gifts, and shared activities. At maximum friendship level, he grants access to special cosmetic items and gameplay enhancements. For comprehensive character strategies, consult our Class Guide to optimize all resident interactions.
Eric’s presence also unlocks additional story content and character interactions specifically with Ariel, completing their narrative arc within your valley. This represents one of the most satisfying character completion journeys in the game.
Action Checklist
- Achieve friendship level 3 with Ariel to trigger Eric investigation quests
- Max friendship with both Ariel and Ursula using flowers and favorite gifts
- Complete all character quests from Ariel and Ursula
- Initiate ‘A Deal With Ursula’ quest at friendship level 10
- Collect three Dark Crystals from Forgotten Lands, Frosted Heights, and Glade of Trust
No reproduction without permission:SeeYouSoon Game Club » Disney Dreamlight Valley: How To Unlock Prince Eric Master the complex process to unlock Prince Eric in Disney Dreamlight Valley with expert strategies
