Is Fields of Mistria Worth Buying Now?

Is Fields of Mistria Worth It in Early Access?

Screenshot by The Escapist

Fields of Mistria has received overwhelmingly positive feedback since its debut on Steam Early Access in 2024, earning accolades such as The Escapist’s best games of 2024 and Patch Magazine’s 2024 Game of the Year award. This charming farm sim is packed with well-developed characters, engaging dialogue, and immersive questlines that cater to fans of romance and traditional farming game elements like farming, fishing, mining, and crafting. Having invested over 100 hours into the game, I can attest that it offers a rich experience that justifies its $13.99 price tag, a sentiment echoed by numerous Steam reviewers.

Similar to other games in its genre, Fields of Mistria challenges players to manage a farm and build a new life within a tight-knit community. However, it stands out with its deep and nuanced character interactions. Unlike the often one-dimensional NPCs found in games like Harvest Moon and Story of Seasons, the residents of Mistria are fully fleshed out, complete with diverse greetings and unique talking points that rarely repeat. The attention to detail in character design, such as seasonal outfits, adds to the game's charm. For instance, Dell's fall outfit, with its thoughtful stick detail, exemplifies the care put into each character.

Screenshot by The Escapist

While Fields of Mistria inevitably draws comparisons to Stardew Valley due to its pixel art style and core gameplay, it differentiates itself with a more beginner-friendly approach. The game eases new players into the experience with helpful tips and occasional gifts from town residents, making it less stressful and more engaging from the start. An intuitive itinerary guides players as they learn the ropes of farming and get to know the community, encouraging social interaction as a key component of gameplay.

Related: Everything Coming in Fields of Mistria March 2025 Update

In its Early Access phase, Fields of Mistria offers a forgiving yet challenging gameplay experience that has drawn comparisons to Animal Crossing. Quests often span multiple days, particularly those focused on community restoration projects like the mill and the Inn. Players are motivated to discover favorite gifts for potential romantic interests and to collect seasonal fish and insects for the museum, adding layers of depth and engagement.

The game's current content is already worth the price, but with more updates on the horizon, there's even more to look forward to. Currently, Fields of Mistria boasts 10 romance options, with two more singles, including the intriguing dragon Caldarus, set to join the roster. Future updates will expand the heart events and cap from six to ten, introducing marriage, children, and additional content.

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.