You’ve finally unlocked Vanellope von Schweetz. You’ve spent thousands of Star Coins on her candy-coated house, probably ruining the aesthetic of your Peaceful Meadow in the process. Now, you’re staring at the quest log and see it: Press Start.
Honestly, most players think this is just another fetch quest. They assume it's a "run here, talk to that person" kind of deal. It isn't. Not really.
Press Start is where the training wheels come off for Vanellope’s friendship arc. It’s a quest that leans heavily into her glitchy, arcade-racing roots. If you aren't prepared for a literal race against the clock and some annoying hide-and-seek, you’re going to be frustrated. I’ve seen people spend way too much time wandering the Sunlit Plateau because they missed a single sparkle on the ground. Don't be that person.
Why Press Start Dreamlight Valley is a Game Changer
This quest unlocks when you hit Friendship Level 4 with Vanellope. If you're still at level one, go give her some candy or flowers. Once you trigger it, she’s basically going to challenge you to be a "real gamer."
The quest starts with a "Ready Player Fun" vibe, but then it takes a turn. Vanellope wants to play hide-and-seek. But she’s a glitch. She doesn't hide behind a tree in the Plaza like a normal villager.
She goes somewhere dark.
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Finding the Glitch in the Dark
You’ll need to head to the Vitalys Mines. This is the part where most people get stuck. The mines are a maze of glowing rocks and twisting paths. You aren't just looking for her; you’re looking for a trail.
- Look for the candy trail.
- Follow the sugar.
- Check the corners.
Basically, she’s hiding behind some mine carts about halfway through the tunnels. If you reach the section with the flowing blue water and haven't seen her, you’ve gone too far. Back up. Once you find her, the real challenge begins.
The Race You Might Actually Lose
After you find her, she challenges you to a race to the mine entrance. Sounds easy? Maybe. But the camera angles in the Vitalys Mines can be a total nightmare.
You need to use your Sprint (if you have the energy) or just move as fast as possible. If you don't beat her to the entrance, the dialogue changes slightly, though the game won't actually fail you. It’s the principle of the thing. You’re the hero of the valley; don’t let a 9-bit princess outrun you in your own mines.
The Fishing Blitz
Once you’re outside, the quest demands you catch three fish in under three minutes.
Here’s the trick: don't go looking for gold or blue circles. Just cast your line anywhere in the river right outside the mine. Any fish counts. If you waste time running to Dazzle Beach or the Glade of Trust, you’re cutting it close. Just stand still, aim for the ripples, and pull in whatever Bass or Perch bites first.
Three minutes is plenty of time if you stay calm. It’s an eternity in gaming time, really.
Common Glitches with the Press Start Quest
Ironically, a quest named after a glitch character often glitches itself. In the current 2026 build of Disney Dreamlight Valley, some players report that Vanellope doesn't always trigger the "found" dialogue in the mines.
If she’s just standing there staring at you while you're deep in the Vitalys Mines, try this:
- Leave the mine.
- Go into a Realm (like the Ratatouille or WALL-E realm).
- Come back. This usually resets the NPC positioning. It’s annoying, but it’s better than restarting your save. Honestly, the irony of the "glitch" character having a buggy quest isn't lost on most of us.
What No One Tells You About the Rewards
Completing Press Start Dreamlight Valley isn't just about the friendship XP. It’s about setting up her Level 10 quest, which is arguably one of the best in the game. You also get a bit closer to unlocking her unique furniture items, which are essential if you’re trying to build a "Sugar Rush" themed area.
Most people overlook the dialogue during this quest, but if you actually read it, Vanellope gives some pretty meta commentary on the nature of being a video game character. It’s one of those rare moments where Gameloft lets the writing get a little bit weird and self-aware.
Actionable Next Steps for Success
- Check your energy: Make sure your bar is gold (overfed) before entering the mines so you can move faster during the race.
- Clear your inventory: You’ll be picking up fish and potentially some ore in the mines; don't let a "Full Inventory" pop-up ruin your three-minute timer.
- Equip your Pickaxe: You’ll need to clear a couple of rocks if you haven't been in the mines recently to ensure the path to the entrance is clear.
- Talk to Scrooge: Sometimes he has dialogue related to Vanellope's presence that helps move the friendship bar faster if you're stuck at Level 3.
Go finish the race. Vanellope is waiting.