Fields of Mistria charmed its way into players' hearts upon its 2024 Steam Early Access debut, earning overwhelmingly positive reviews. A major update followed three months later, and another is planned for March 2025. Available for $13.99 on Steam, the question remains: is this farming sim worth the hype, even in its current, unfinished state?
Is Fields of Mistria Worth It in Early Access?
Fields of Mistria didn't just receive glowing reviews; it topped The Escapist's best games of 2024 and snagged Patch Magazine's 2024 Game of the Year award. Its charm lies in its endearing characters, engaging dialogue, and compelling quests. The romance aspects are expertly handled, complementing the core farming, fishing, mining, and crafting gameplay. Even after 100+ hours of casual play, the to-do list remains extensive, making it a truly worthwhile investment—a sentiment echoed by many Steam reviewers.
Like similar titles, Fields of Mistria centers on building a farm and integrating into a close-knit community, but 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 involved in romance. Each character boasts diverse greetings and conversation topics, minimizing repetition. Detailed character designs and seasonal outfits further enhance their appeal, making it easy to become invested in their lives. The small details, like Dell's stick poking from her fall outfit pocket, showcase the meticulous care put into their creation.
While comparisons to Stardew Valley are inevitable—due to the nostalgic pixel art 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, fostering a welcoming atmosphere. The intuitive gameplay guides players through early stages, encouraging interaction with the community. This stress-free introduction, coupled with engaging challenges, draws comparisons to Animal Crossing. Many quests span multiple days, particularly those involving community restoration and upgrades, adding a satisfying sense of progression. Uncovering your crush's favorite gifts and completing the museum's collection add further layers of depth. (Need a helping hand? We've got you covered!)
The sheer volume of content justifies the price alone, but there's more to come. Currently, Fields of Mistria masterfully immerses players in a small, vibrant community. Ten romance options are currently available, with two more—including Caldarus, the dragon—on the horizon. Future updates will increase the friendship/romance level cap to ten hearts, introducing marriage, children, and even more content.
Related: Everything Coming in Fields of Mistria's March 2025 Update
NOTE: Fields of Mistria is in Early Access; content is subject to change. The above information is accurate as of Version 0.12.4 and will be updated as needed.
Fields of Mistria is available now in Early Access.
