The latest Animal Tracks update for Dinkum, released on October 29, brings a host of quality-of-life improvements, new animals, and exciting gameplay mechanics that will significantly enhance your farming and crafting experience. For players who want to streamline their production and explore breeding mechanics, this update offers some game-changing additions.
Quality of Life Enhancements
One of the most noticeable improvements is the new sorting function for pockets and chests, which is particularly helpful for Switch and controller players. While it doesn’t automatically empty your pockets, it makes managing your inventory much smoother. Crafting has also received an upgrade, with more categories and easier navigation for recipes and craftables, though no new blueprints have been added yet.
The real standout is the autoplacer. This device works with all processors—including campfires, barbecues, cheese makers, kettles, ice cream makers, billy cans, crane mills, and all three furnaces—and can output multiple products simultaneously. By pairing it with an auto sorder, players can dramatically reduce the time spent on repetitive tasks. Unlocking the autoplacer requires completing the Bconium challenge and donating a shiny disc, which costs 500,000 dinks, but it quickly pays for itself in saved time and efficiency.
For those looking to maximize profits, the update introduces a new use for pineapples collected from the island reef. Turning a single pineapple into jam now sells for 25,000 dinks—a profit increase of 10,000 dinks compared to selling the raw fruit.
New Animals and Breeding Mechanics
Animal Tracks introduces four male animals—vomul, plunks, roosters, and the bordicoot—allowing players to breed for the first time. Capturing these animals requires locating them in the wild and using the newly added domestic crate, which costs 45,000 dinks. Male animals are one-time-use per crate, so careful planning is recommended if you intend to use them for breeding.
The update also brings new mechanics for animal reproduction. Male animals can be paired with females using duff dust to initiate mating. Pregnancy lasts 10 in-game days, and players can track gestation periods and due dates in the animal menu. Once babies are born, parents have a cooldown period before breeding again. Roosters can now fertilize eggs when paired with three hens in a pen, and fertilized eggs can be incubated using the new incubator craftable.
Additionally, previously introduced penguins are now tamable. Tamed penguins eat cooked fish and provide pebbles as rewards, which can be processed using grinders or autoplacers, creating a unique resource loop.
Transportation and the Train System
For players eager to expand their transportation options, the Animal Tracks update unlocks trains. By achieving a Level 2 driving license and obtaining a locomotion license, you can craft straight and curved tracks along with a railway. Each train costs 320,000 dinks, can be painted, and is the fastest land vehicle in Dinkum. Tracks must be properly aligned for slopes, but once placed, trains automatically snap to the rails. While trains can’t push vehicles, they provide a new aesthetic and functional addition to any farm layout.
Practical Tips for Players
Use the autoplacer with a combination of processors to maximize output without micromanaging production.
Capture and breed male animals early to maintain a sustainable livestock cycle.
Consider using pineapples for jam production to increase profits efficiently.
Tame penguins to create additional resources and automate output with autoplacers.
Plan your train tracks carefully to navigate slopes and optimize farm logistics.
For those looking to save time or expand their animal collection, it’s also worth noting that you can buy dinkum items or buy dinkum items cheap from U4GM to quickly advance your farm and focus on gameplay rather than grinding.
The Animal Tracks update is a significant step forward for Dinkum, blending quality-of-life improvements, new animals, and transportation mechanics to create a more engaging and efficient farming experience. From autoplacers to train tracks, and from breeding male animals to taming penguins, there’s plenty to explore and optimize. Whether you’re aiming for maximum profits, streamlined crafting, or expanding your farm infrastructure, this update offers something for every player.
