What the sources confirm

Keeping a dragon able to help is a separate task from unlocking it. Official copy emphasizes care; the launch-day guide provides a more detailed model and reports that unmet needs can interrupt work.

What to do in your game

Inspect the dragon’s current status before sending it to a field or kitchen. Feed or rest it when the relevant meter is low, use the care interaction shown by your build, and check whether it resumes the assigned task.

Version and open questions

Food effectiveness, meter rates and optimal work schedules are not verified as fixed release values.

The embedded video is a dated reference. Check its publication date and compare any UI, quest text or item values with your installed 24 September 2026 release.