Is Fields of Mistria Worth Buying Now?

Is Fields of Mistria Worth It in Early Access?

Screenshot by The Escapist Fields of Mistria has captivated players since its launch into Steam Early Access in 2024, earning glowing reviews and prestigious awards, including The Escapist’s top games of 2024 and Patch Magazine’s 2024 Game of the Year. With its charming characters, engaging dialogue, and well-crafted quests, the game strikes a perfect balance between romance and traditional farming sim elements like farming, fishing, mining, and crafting. Having invested over 100 hours in casual gameplay, I can attest that the depth of content makes it a worthwhile investment, a view shared by many on Steam.

Like its peers in the genre, Fields of Mistria challenges you to build a new life on a farm within a vibrant community. However, it distinguishes itself with richly developed NPCs that go beyond the typical one-dimensional characters found in games like Harvest Moon and Story of Seasons. Each resident of Mistria, even those not available for romance, boasts unique greetings and diverse talking points, ensuring interactions remain fresh and engaging. The detailed character designs, complete with seasonal outfits, add a layer of immersion that's hard to resist. A standout character like Dell, with her thoughtfully designed fall outfit complete with a stick in her pocket, exemplifies the care and attention put into every aspect of the game.

Screenshot by The Escapist While Fields of Mistria inevitably invites comparisons to Stardew Valley due to its pixel art and core gameplay, it sets itself apart by being more beginner-friendly and less stressful. From the outset, the game offers an intuitive guide and occasional gifts from townsfolk to help you get started, encouraging you to forge connections with your neighbors as you learn the ins and outs of your new farm life.

Related: Everything Coming in Fields of Mistria March 2025 Update

In its Early Access phase, Fields of Mistria balances a forgiving yet engaging gameplay experience, drawing comparisons to Animal Crossing for its depth and challenge. Completing quests can span multiple in-game days, especially when it comes to revitalizing community spaces like the mill and the Inn. Discovering your crush's favorite gifts or cataloging seasonal fish and insects for the museum adds layers of intrigue and satisfaction to the game.

The current version offers a wealth of content that justifies its $13.99 price tag on Steam, but there's more on the horizon. Fields of Mistria excels at drawing players into its small yet richly detailed world. With 10 romance options already available, two more singles, including the intriguing dragon Caldarus, are set to join the community. Future updates promise to expand the heart cap and 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 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.