Fields of Mistria charmed its way into players' hearts upon its 2024 Steam Early Access debut, earning overwhelmingly positive reviews. Three months later, a major update enhanced the experience, and another is slated for March 2025. Available for $13.99 on Steam, the question remains: is this farming sim worth the hype, even in its current early access state?

Is Fields of Mistria Worth It in Early Access?

Fields of Mistria didn't just receive glowing reviews; it became a top pick for The Escapist's best games of 2024 and snagged Patch Magazine's 2024 Game of the Year award. Its charming characters, engaging dialogue, and compelling quests create a captivating experience. The romance aspects are expertly handled, and the core farming, fishing, mining, and crafting mechanics are equally satisfying. Even after over 100 hours of leisurely playtime, the seemingly endless to-do list keeps me coming back for more—a sentiment shared by countless Steam reviewers.

Like similar titles, Fields of Mistria centers around building a farm and integrating into a close-knit community. However, it excels in its execution. Unlike the sometimes one-dimensional NPCs found in games like Harvest Moon and Story of Seasons, the residents of Mistria are richly developed, even those not involved in romance. Each character boasts diverse greetings and conversation topics, avoiding repetitive interactions. Their unique designs and seasonal outfits further enhance their appeal, making it easy to become invested in their lives. Dell, for instance, with her charming detail of a stick peeking from her fall outfit pocket, exemplifies the thoughtful design evident throughout the game.

While comparisons to Stardew Valley are inevitable, due to the similar pixel art style and core gameplay, Fields of Mistria carves its own path. The game offers a more beginner-friendly and less stressful experience, guiding players through the early stages with helpful tips and gifts from the townsfolk. An intuitive itinerary helps newcomers learn the ropes and encourages building relationships with the community.

Related: Everything Coming in Fields of Mistria's March 2025 Update

The gameplay, even in early access, is forgiving yet captivating, offering a satisfying level of challenge. This has earned it comparisons to Animal Crossing as well. Many quests require multiple days to complete, especially those involving restoring and upgrading community spaces like the mill and inn. Uncovering your crush's favorite gifts and collecting seasonal fish and insects for the museum adds further depth and longevity. (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 the dragon, Caldarus—on the horizon. Future updates will increase the friendship level 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 information is accurate as of Version 0.12.4 and will be updated as necessary.

Fields of Mistria is available now in Early Access.