Is Fields of Mistria Worth It Right Now?

*Fields of Mistria* burst onto the scene with overwhelmingly positive reviews when it entered Steam Early Access in 2024. With its first major update arriving just three months later, and another scheduled for March 2025, you can snag this charming farm sim for $13.99 on Steam. But does it live up to the hype in its current state?

Is Fields of Mistria Worth It in Early Access?

*Fields of Mistria* has not only garnered glowing reviews from players and critics but was also a standout in *The Escapist’s* best games of 2024 list and clinched *Patch Magazine’s* 2024 Game of the Year award. The game is packed with endearing characters and engaging, well-crafted dialogue and questlines, nailing the romance aspect while offering a rich experience in traditional farm sim elements like farming, fishing, mining, and crafting. Having invested over 100 hours of casual playtime myself, I'm still far from checking everything off my to-do list, making the game an exceptional value for the price, a sentiment echoed across Steam reviews.

Much like its peers, *Fields of Mistria* invites you to take over a farm and build a new life within a tight-knit community, but it does so with exceptional flair. While characters in games like Harvest Moon and Story of Seasons can sometimes feel flat, Mistria's NPCs are deeply developed, even those you can't romance. They come with a variety of greetings and conversational topics that rarely repeat, complemented by detailed character designs and seasonal outfits that make it easy to grow fond of the town's residents. A standout character is Dell; the stick in her fall outfit's pocket is a thoughtful detail that showcases the care put into her design.

Though *Fields of Mistria* inevitably draws comparisons to *Stardew Valley* due to its nostalgic pixel art and core gameplay, it sets itself apart where it counts. The game eases new players into the experience with helpful tips and occasional gifts from townies to kickstart your farm, making it much more beginner-friendly and stress-free. Right from the start, you're provided with an intuitive guide to help you master your new farmstead and bond with Mistria's residents, encouraging social interaction above all else.

Related: Everything Coming in Fields of Mistria March 2025 Update

In its Early Access phase, the gameplay is forgiving yet captivating, with enough challenges to keep you engaged, drawing comparisons to *Animal Crossing*. Completing quests often takes more than a day, especially when it comes to revitalizing and upgrading community spaces like the mill and the Inn. You'll also need all the hints you can get to discover your crush's favorite gifts and to catch all the seasonal fish and insects to donate to the museum. (Don't worry, we've got guides to help you out!)

The sheer volume of content available now is worth the price alone, but the game's future looks even brighter. Currently, *Fields of Mistria* does an excellent job of immersing players in its small yet richly detailed community. With 10 romance options already available, two more singles, including the dragon Caldarus, are set to join the fray. Future updates will increase the current six-heart cap and heart events to ten, introducing marriage, children, and a host of new features.

*NOTE: Fields of Mistria is currently in Early Access and its content may evolve. The information provided is accurate as of Version 0.12.4 and will be updated accordingly if changes occur.*

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