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 charming farm sim worth the hype in its current 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 captivating characters, engaging dialogue, and compelling quests create a truly immersive experience. The romance aspects are expertly crafted, complementing the core farming, fishing, mining, and crafting gameplay. Even after 100+ hours of casual play, the extensive to-do list remains far from complete, making it a fantastic value for money—a sentiment widely shared by Steam reviewers.
Like similar titles, Fields of Mistria casts you as a farmer building a new life in 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 romantically involved. Varied greetings and conversation topics prevent repetition, while detailed character designs and seasonal outfits further enhance their charm. The attention to detail is remarkable; for example, the small detail of a stick poking out of Dell's fall outfit perfectly illustrates the care invested in character creation.
While comparisons to Stardew Valley are inevitable—both share a nostalgic pixel art style and core gameplay—Fields of Mistria distinguishes itself in crucial ways. Its beginner-friendly approach provides helpful tips and gifts, easing players into the experience. A clear, intuitive itinerary guides early gameplay, encouraging interaction with the community. This makes it more accessible than some other farming sims.
Related: Everything Coming in the Fields of Mistria March 2025 Update
The gameplay, while forgiving, is deeply engaging and offers a satisfying level of challenge. This has led to comparisons with Animal Crossing. Many quests require multiple days to complete, especially those involving community restoration and upgrades. Uncovering your crush's favorite gifts and collecting seasonal fish and insects for the museum adds further depth. (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 successfully immerses players in a small, vibrant community. Ten romance options are available, with two more singles—including Caldarus the dragon—on the horizon. Future updates will increase the relationship cap to ten hearts, introducing marriage, children, and much more.
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 now in Early Access.
