Is Fields of Mistria Worth Buying Now?

*Fields of Mistria* burst onto the scene in 2024 with a dazzling debut on Steam Early Access, garnering overwhelmingly positive reviews and a major update just three months later. With another update scheduled for March 2025, you can snag this farm sim for just $13.99 on Steam. But is it worth the hype in its current state?

Is Fields of Mistria Worth It in Early Access?

Screenshot by The Escapist

*Fields of Mistria* has not only earned glowing reviews from players and critics but also secured a spot among *The Escapist’s* top games of 2024 and clinched *Patch Magazine’s* 2024 Game of the Year award. The game is brimming with charming characters, engaging dialogue, and meticulously crafted questlines. It nails the romance aspect and offers a rich tapestry of activities, from farming and fishing to mining and crafting. With over 100 hours of casual playtime logged, I'm still far from checking off everything on my to-do list, making the game a stellar value for money, a sentiment echoed by many Steam reviewers.

Like other games in its genre, *Fields of Mistria* challenges you to start anew with a farm and build a life within a tight-knit community, but it excels in this endeavor. While characters in games like Harvest Moon and Story of Seasons can sometimes feel flat, the residents of Mistria are well-rounded and dynamic. Even non-romanceable NPCs have a variety of greetings and talking points that rarely repeat, complemented by detailed character designs and seasonal outfits. One standout is Dell; the stick in her fall outfit's pocket is a thoughtful detail that highlights the care put into her design.

Screenshot by The Escapist

While *Fields of Mistria* inevitably draws comparisons to *Stardew Valley* due to its nostalgic pixel art and core gameplay, it distinguishes itself where it counts. The game is more beginner-friendly and less stressful, guiding you through the early stages with helpful tips and occasional freebies from the townsfolk to kickstart your farming journey. It provides an intuitive itinerary to follow as you familiarize yourself with your new home and its residents, encouraging you to build relationships above all else.

In Early Access, the gameplay is forgiving yet captivating, with enough challenges to keep you engaged. It's reminiscent of *Animal Crossing* in its immersive quality. Many quests require more than a day to complete, especially those focused on restoring and upgrading community spaces like the mill and the Inn. You'll need all the hints you can gather to figure out your crush's favorite gifts and track down the seasonal fish and insects for the museum. (Don't worry, we've got you covered with guides.)

The seemingly endless content in *Fields of Mistria* is well worth the price, and there's even more on the horizon. Currently, the game does an excellent job of drawing players into its vibrant, story-rich community. With 10 romance options already available and two more singles, including Caldarus the dragon, set to join, future updates will expand the heart events from six to ten, 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 if anything changes.

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