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. For $13.99, you can experience this captivating farm sim—but is it worth the price tag in its current, Early Access state?

Is Fields of Mistria Worth It in Early Access?

Fields of Mistria didn't just receive glowing praise; it topped The Escapist's best games of 2024 list and snagged Patch Magazine's 2024 Game of the Year award. Its charm lies in its endearing characters, compelling dialogue, and engaging questlines. The romance aspects are perfectly balanced, 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 truly worthwhile investment—a sentiment echoed by many Steam reviewers.

Like similar titles, Fields of Mistria casts you as a budding farmer building a new life within a close-knit community. However, it elevates the experience. Unlike the sometimes one-dimensional NPCs in games like Harvest Moon and Story of Seasons, Mistria's residents are richly developed, even those beyond the romance options. Each character boasts diverse greetings and conversation points, avoiding repetitive interactions. Unique character designs and seasonal outfits further enhance their appeal, making it easy to connect with the town's inhabitants. The small detail of Dell's stick peeking from her fall outfit perfectly exemplifies the care put into character design.

While comparisons to Stardew Valley are inevitable—both share a nostalgic pixel art style and fundamental gameplay—Fields of Mistria carves its own niche. Its beginner-friendly approach provides helpful tips and occasional gifts from villagers, ensuring a smoother start. A clear itinerary guides players through the early game, encouraging interaction with the community.

This forgiving yet engaging gameplay, combined with a satisfying level of challenge, also draws comparisons to Animal Crossing. Many quests span multiple days, 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. (Need help? We've got you covered!)

The sheer volume of content justifies the price alone, but more is on the horizon. Currently, Fields of Mistria expertly immerses players in a small, richly detailed community. Ten romance options are already available, with two more singles—including Caldarus, the dragon—scheduled to arrive. 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.