Is Fields of Mistria Worth It Right Now?

Fields of Mistria: A Charming Farm Sim Worth the Hype?

Released in Steam Early Access in 2024 to rave reviews, Fields of Mistria has quickly become a fan favorite. With a major update already released and another on the horizon (March 2025), this $13.99 farm simulator is generating considerable buzz. But is it worth purchasing in its current Early Access state? Absolutely.

Beyond its critical acclaim (including a spot on The Escapist's best games of 2024 and Patch Magazine's Game of the Year award), Fields of Mistria offers a compelling blend of charming characters, engaging storylines, and classic farming sim mechanics. Fishing, mining, crafting, and romance are all seamlessly integrated, creating a deeply immersive experience. Even after 100+ hours of gameplay, I'm still far from completing everything the game offers, making it a phenomenal value for its price.

Unlike some similar titles (like Harvest Moon or Story of Seasons), Fields of Mistria boasts richly developed NPCs, even those not involved in romance options. The diverse dialogue and detailed character designs, including seasonal outfits (Dell's fall outfit, with its charming detail, is a prime example!), foster a strong connection with the town's residents.

While comparisons to Stardew Valley are inevitable (due to the pixel art style and core gameplay), Fields of Mistria distinguishes itself with its beginner-friendly approach. Helpful tips and gifts from villagers ease the initial learning curve, making the game accessible and stress-free. The intuitive gameplay encourages players to connect with their neighbors, adding a social element often missing in similar games. This accessibility, coupled with the engaging gameplay, has also drawn comparisons to Animal Crossing.

The sheer volume of content is impressive, even in Early Access. Completing quests, particularly those involving community restoration, can take several in-game days, providing a satisfying sense of progression. Uncovering your crush's favorite gifts, and collecting seasonal fish and insects for the museum, adds further depth and replayability.

But the fun doesn't stop there. Currently featuring 10 romance options, two more are planned for future updates, including the surprising addition of Caldarus, the dragon! These updates will also increase the maximum relationship level and add marriage and children, expanding the already extensive gameplay.

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

Fields of Mistria is available to play now in Early Access.