Is Fields of Mistria Worth Playing Now?

*Fields of Mistria* burst onto the scene with overwhelmingly positive reviews during its Steam Early Access launch in 2024, and it's easy to see why. Just three months after its debut, the game received its first major update, with another eagerly anticipated update scheduled for March 2025. Currently priced at $13.99 on Steam, the question remains: is *Fields of Mistria* worth the hype in its current state?

Is Fields of Mistria Worth It in Early Access?

Screenshot by The Escapist

*Fields of Mistria* has not only garnered glowing reviews from players and critics but also secured a spot among *The Escapist’s* best games of 2024 and clinched *Patch Magazine’s* 2024 Game of the Year award. The game is brimming with charming characters, engaging dialogue, and well-crafted questlines. It strikes a perfect balance between romance and the core elements of farm simulation, including farming, fishing, mining, and crafting. With over 100 hours of casual playtime logged and still an extensive to-do list, the game has proven to be a fantastic value, a sentiment echoed by many on Steam.

Like other games in its genre, *Fields of Mistria* challenges you to build a new life on a farm within a tight-knit community, but it excels in this endeavor. Unlike the often one-dimensional NPCs found in games like Harvest Moon and Story of Seasons, the residents of Mistria are richly developed, even those not available for romance. Each character has a variety of greetings and conversation topics that rarely repeat, complemented by detailed designs and seasonal outfits. A standout character is Dell, whose fall outfit features a thoughtful detail like a stick poking out from her pocket, showcasing the meticulous care put into her design.

Screenshot by The Escapist

While *Fields of Mistria* inevitably draws comparisons to *Stardew Valley* due to its nostalgic pixel art and core gameplay, it distinguishes itself in crucial ways. The game is notably more beginner-friendly and less stressful, guiding new players with tips and occasional freebies from townies to kickstart their farming journey. An intuitive itinerary helps you navigate the early stages, encouraging you to connect with Mistria’s residents.

In its Early Access phase, *Fields of Mistria* offers a forgiving yet engrossing gameplay experience, with enough challenges to keep you engaged. This has led to comparisons with *Animal Crossing*. Many quests span multiple days, especially those involving the restoration and upgrading of community spaces like the mill and the Inn. Discovering your crush’s favorite gifts and cataloging seasonal fish and insects for the museum adds layers of depth and enjoyment.

The game's extensive content alone justifies its cost, but there's more on the horizon. Currently, *Fields of Mistria* immerses players in a small yet richly detailed community. With 10 romance options already available, two more singles, including the dragon Caldarus, are set to join the roster. Future updates will increase the heart cap and events from six to ten, introducing marriage, children, and much more.

*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.*