> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://critters-quest-1.gitbook.io/critters-quest-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://critters-quest-1.gitbook.io/critters-quest-docs/critter-quest-guides/town-population-management.md).

# Town Population Management

## Population System Overview

Your town's population determines which critters can participate in game activities. Only critters that have been added to your town population can gather resources, or perform other game actions. Critters not in your town population remain inactive and cannot be deployed for any activities.

## Eligible Critters for Population

### Critter Types Accepted

* **Master Edition Critters**: Full-featured NFT critters with complete stats and capabilities
* **Clone Critters**: Duplicate versions of critters with similar functionality

### Population Requirements

* **Ownership**: You must own the critter to add it to your town
* **NFT Status**: Critter must be a valid NFT in your connected wallet
* **No Restrictions**: Can add critters at any time regardless of town level or other limitations

## Adding Critters to Your Town

### Access Population Management

1. **Locate Town Icon**: Find the Town Icon button at the top of the game HUD\
   ![](/files/65IKPu35EO4WMNxHOxMP)
2. **Open Population Menu**: Click the Town Icon to access town management options
3. **Select Population Tab**: Navigate to the critter population management section\
   ![](/files/MggkctHJxlMlf9ZEDIuF)

### Adding Process

1. **View Available Critters**: See all eligible critters in your wallet
2. **Select Critters**: Choose which critters you want to add to your town
3. **Confirm Addition**: Complete the process to activate the critters
4. **Verify Status**: Ensure added critters now appear in your active population

### Population Benefits

* **Immediate Activation**: Added critters can be deployed immediately
* **Full Functionality**: Access to all gathering, crafting, and game activities
* **Equipment Access**: Can equip tools and gear to populated critters
* **Quest Access**: Can use critter's Locked Quest for critter-specific actions

## Removing Critters from Your Town

### Removal Requirements

* **Home Status**: Critters must be physically present in your town base
* **Inactive State**: Cannot remove critters that are currently active or deployed
* **Completion Necessary**: Active critters must finish their current tasks first

### Pre-Removal Checklist

Before attempting to remove a critter, verify:

* Critter is not currently gathering resources
* No active travel or movement in progress
* Not engaged in crafting or other town activities
* Shows "idle" or "at home" status in your town

### Removal Process

1. **Recall Active Critters**: Ensure target critters have returned to town
2. **Access Population Menu**: Use the Town Icon at the top of the HUD
3. **Select Target Critters**: Choose which critters to remove from population
4. **Confirm Removal**: Complete the removal process
5. **Verify Deactivation**: Confirm critters are no longer in active population

### Post-Removal Status

* **Deactivated State**: Removed critters cannot perform any game actions
* **Inventory Retention**: Critters keep all equipped items and stats
* **Re-addition Possible**: Can be added back to town population at any time
* **NFT Intact**: Removal doesn't affect the critter's NFT status or ownership

## Troubleshooting Population Issues

### Cannot Remove Critter

**Problem**: Removal option is grayed out or unavailable **Solutions**:

* Wait for critter to complete current activity and return home
* Check if critter is currently traveling or gathering
* Verify critter is showing "idle" status in town

### Cannot Add Critter

**Problem**: Critter doesn't appear in available list **Solutions**:

* Verify you own the critter NFT in your connected wallet
* Check if critter is already in another town (if applicable)
* Refresh the interface or reconnect wallet


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