Is Fields of Mistria Worth It Right Now?

Fields of Mistria charmed its way into players' hearts upon its 2024 Steam Early Access debut, earning overwhelmingly positive reviews. Three months later, it received its first major update, and another is planned for March 2025. Available for $13.99 on Steam, the question remains: is this farming sim worth the hype in its current state?

Is Fields of Mistria Worth It in Early Access?

Fields of Mistria didn't just receive glowing reviews; it was one of The Escapist's top games of 2024 and even snagged Patch Magazine's 2024 Game of the Year award. Its charm lies in its captivating characters, well-written dialogue, and engaging quests. The romance aspect is perfectly balanced, complementing the core farming, fishing, mining, and crafting gameplay. Even after 100+ hours of casual play, I'm still uncovering new things to do, making it a fantastic value for money – a sentiment shared by many Steam reviewers.

Like similar titles, Fields of Mistria centers around building a farm and integrating into a close-knit community. However, it excels in its execution. Unlike the sometimes one-dimensional NPCs in games like Harvest Moon and Story of Seasons, Mistria's residents are richly developed, even those not romantically involved. Each character boasts varied greetings and conversation topics, avoiding repetitive interactions. Their unique designs and seasonal outfits further enhance their appeal, making it easy to become invested in their lives. Dell, for instance, with the charming detail of a stick poking from her fall outfit pocket, perfectly illustrates the care put into character creation.

While comparisons to Stardew Valley are inevitable, due to the similar pixel art style and core gameplay, Fields of Mistria distinguishes itself with its beginner-friendly approach. Helpful tips and occasional gifts from villagers ease the initial learning curve, guiding players through the early game. The intuitive itinerary encourages interaction with neighbors, creating a strong sense of community from the start.

Related: Everything Coming in Fields of Mistria March 2025 Update

The gameplay, while forgiving, is deeply engaging, offering a satisfying level of challenge. This has also drawn comparisons to Animal Crossing. Many quests require multiple days to complete, especially those involving restoring community spaces like the mill and inn. Uncovering your crush's favorite gifts and collecting seasonal fish and insects for the museum adds further depth and replayability. (Need a helping hand? We've got you covered!)

The sheer volume of content alone justifies the price, but more is on the horizon. Currently, Fields of Mistria masterfully immerses players in its small yet richly detailed community. With ten romance options already available, two more singles (including Caldarus, the dragon!) are set to arrive. Future updates will increase the relationship level cap to ten hearts, introducing marriage, children, and much more.

NOTE: Fields of Mistria is currently in Early Access, and content is subject to change. The above information is accurate as of Version 0.12.4 and will be updated as necessary.

Fields of Mistria is available now in Early Access.