Is Fields of Mistria Worth Playing Now?

Is Fields of Mistria Worth It in Early Access?

Screenshot by The Escapist

Fields of Mistria has garnered overwhelmingly positive reviews since its debut in Steam Early Access in 2024, and it continues to impress with its first major update three months later. Priced at $13.99 on Steam, with another update scheduled for March 2025, the question remains: Is it worth the hype in its current state?

The answer is a resounding yes. Fields of Mistria not only received glowing reviews from players and critics but was also highlighted as one of The Escapist’s best games of 2024 and clinched Patch Magazine’s 2024 Game of the Year award. The game excels in creating a charming world filled with engaging characters, compelling dialogue, and rich questlines. The romance options are well-developed, and the game offers a robust experience with traditional farm sim activities such as farming, fishing, mining, and crafting.

In my personal experience, I've spent over 100 hours exploring the game casually, and I'm still uncovering new content. The depth and breadth of activities ensure that the game provides excellent value for money, a view that's widely shared among Steam reviewers.

Similar to other games in its genre, Fields of Mistria challenges you to build and manage a farm while integrating into a tight-knit community. However, it stands out with its richly developed NPCs. Unlike the often one-dimensional characters found in games like Harvest Moon and Story of Seasons, the residents of Mistria are fully fleshed out, with varied interactions and unique character designs that evolve with the seasons. A standout character is Dell, whose detailed fall outfit exemplifies the attention to detail in the game.

Screenshot by The Escapist

While Fields of Mistria inevitably draws comparisons to Stardew Valley due to its pixel art style and core gameplay, it distinguishes itself with a more beginner-friendly approach. The game guides new players through its early stages with helpful tips and occasional gifts from the townsfolk, making the initial farm setup less daunting and more engaging. The game encourages social interaction, providing an intuitive itinerary to help you connect with the community.

Related: Everything Coming in Fields of Mistria March 2025 Update

In its Early Access phase, Fields of Mistria is forgiving yet engaging, with enough challenges to keep players hooked. The game has also been likened to Animal Crossing for its immersive community-building aspects. Quests often span multiple days, particularly when it comes to restoring and upgrading community spaces like the mill and the Inn. Additionally, the game offers plenty of hints to help you navigate romantic pursuits and seasonal collections for the museum.

The sheer volume of content available in Fields of Mistria justifies its price tag, and with more on the horizon, it's an investment in a continually evolving experience. Currently, the game boasts 10 romance options, with two more singles, including the dragon Caldarus, set to join the community. Future updates will expand the heart system from six to ten, introducing marriage, children, and additional content.

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.