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. 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 simulator worth the hype in its current state?

Is Fields of Mistria Worth It in Early Access?

Fields of Mistria didn't just receive glowing praise; it earned a spot among The Escapist's best games of 2024 and snagged Patch Magazine's 2024 Game of the Year award. Its charm lies in its delightful characters, engaging dialogue, and compelling quests. The romance aspects are perfectly balanced, complementing the core farming, fishing, mining, and crafting gameplay. Even after over 100 hours of casual play, there's still a seemingly endless to-do list, making it a fantastic value for money—a sentiment shared by many Steam reviewers.

Like similar titles, Fields of Mistria casts you as a farmer building a new life in a close-knit community, but it executes this exceptionally well. Unlike the sometimes one-dimensional NPCs in games like *Harvest Moon* and *Story of Seasons*, Mistria's residents are fully realized individuals, even those you can't romance. Each character boasts diverse greetings and conversation points, avoiding repetitive interactions. Combined with detailed character designs and seasonal outfits, it's easy to become invested in the townsfolk. Small details, like the stick in Dell's fall outfit pocket, highlight the care put into their creation.

While comparisons to *Stardew Valley* are inevitable—both share a nostalgic pixel art style and core gameplay mechanics—Fields of Mistria distinguishes itself with its beginner-friendly approach. Helpful tips and occasional gifts from townsfolk ease you into the game, encouraging you to build relationships with your neighbors. The intuitive itinerary guides you through the early stages, making the learning curve gentle and stress-free. This accessibility, combined with engaging gameplay and a good level of challenge, has also drawn comparisons to *Animal Crossing*. Many quests span multiple days, particularly those involving restoring community spaces like the mill and inn. Uncovering your crush's favorite gifts, catching seasonal fish, and donating to the museum adds further depth and replayability. (Need a hand? We've got you covered!)

The sheer volume of content alone justifies the price, but there's more to come. Currently, Fields of Mistria provides an immersive experience within a small but richly detailed community. Ten romance options are available, with two more—including Caldarus the dragon—on the horizon. Future updates will increase the relationship level cap to ten hearts, introducing marriage, children, and 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 needed.

Fields of Mistria is available now in Early Access.