Fields of Mistria: A Charming Farm Sim Worth the Early Access Price?

Fields of Mistria, launched in Steam Early Access in 2024, has garnered widespread acclaim. Receiving overwhelmingly positive player and critic reviews, it even secured a spot among The Escapist's best games of 2024 and won Patch Magazine's 2024 Game of the Year award. With a March 2025 update on the horizon, this charming farming simulator is available for $13.99 on Steam. But is it worth the purchase in its current early access state? The answer is a resounding yes.

The game boasts endearing characters and engaging storylines, striking a perfect balance between romance, farming, fishing, mining, and crafting. The depth of content is remarkable; I've personally logged over 100 hours and still haven't completed everything. This exceptional value is a sentiment shared by many Steam reviewers.

Unlike some comparable titles (Harvest Moon, Story of Seasons), Mistria's NPCs are richly developed, even those not involved in romance options. The diverse dialogue and detailed character designs, including seasonal outfits (like Dell's charming fall attire!), make the town feel incredibly alive.

While comparisons to Stardew Valley are inevitable (due to the pixel art and core gameplay), Fields of Mistria stands out with its beginner-friendly approach. Helpful tips and gifts from villagers ease the initial learning curve, encouraging player interaction and community building. The gameplay is engaging yet forgiving, offering a satisfying challenge without overwhelming stress, drawing comparisons to Animal Crossing. Many quests span multiple days, particularly those involving community restoration, adding to the game's longevity.

The sheer volume of content alone justifies the price, but future updates promise even more. Currently featuring ten romance options, two more are planned (including the dragon, Caldarus!). Future updates will also increase the heart event cap to ten, introducing marriage, children, and expanded gameplay.

NOTE: Fields of Mistria is in Early Access; content is subject to change. This information is accurate as of Version 0.12.4 and will be updated as needed.

Fields of Mistria is available now in Early Access.