Is Fields of Mistria Worth It Right Now?

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 slated for March 2025. Available for $13.99 on Steam, the question remains: is it worth the hype?

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 charm lies in its endearing characters, captivating dialogue, and engaging questlines. The romance aspect is perfectly balanced, complementing the core farming, fishing, mining, and crafting gameplay. Even after over 100 hours of casual play, the seemingly endless to-do list keeps me coming back—a sentiment echoed by many Steam reviewers.

Like other farming sims, Fields of Mistria centers around building a farm and integrating into a community. However, it excels in its execution. Unlike the sometimes one-dimensional NPCs in titles like Harvest Moon and Story of Seasons, Mistria's residents are richly developed, even those not involved in romance. Varied greetings and conversation topics prevent repetition. Detailed character designs and seasonal outfits further enhance their appeal. A small detail like the stick in Dell's fall outfit highlights the level of care put into their creation.

While comparisons to Stardew Valley are inevitable—both share a nostalgic pixel art style and core gameplay—Fields of Mistria stands apart in its accessibility. Helpful tips and occasional gifts from villagers ease the initial learning curve, making it remarkably beginner-friendly. A clear itinerary guides players through the early stages, encouraging them to build relationships with their neighbors. This fosters a more relaxed, stress-free experience.

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

The gameplay is forgiving yet engaging, offering a satisfying level of challenge. This has led to comparisons with Animal Crossing as well. Many quests require multiple days to complete, particularly those involving community restoration and upgrades. Uncovering your crush's favorite gifts and collecting seasonal fish and insects for the museum adds further depth and replayability. (Need a helping hand? We've got you covered!)

The sheer volume of content alone justifies the price, but more is on the horizon. Currently, Fields of Mistria successfully immerses players in a small, vibrant community. Ten romance options are available, with two more—including Caldarus, the dragon—on the way. Future updates will increase the relationship 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 needed.

Fields of Mistria is available now in Early Access.