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 its first major update three months later only enhanced its appeal. Priced at $13.99 on Steam, the game has not only earned high praise from players and critics but also secured a spot among The Escapist’s best games of 2024 and won Patch Magazine’s 2024 Game of the Year award. The charm of its characters, coupled with engaging, well-crafted dialogue and questlines, makes it a standout in the farm sim genre. The romance options are well-executed, and the game offers a rich experience with farming, fishing, mining, and crafting. Having spent over 100 hours immersed in the game, I can confidently say that Fields of Mistria is worth every penny—a sentiment echoed by numerous Steam reviewers.
Similar to other games in its genre, Fields of Mistria invites you to manage a farm and build a new life within a vibrant community, but it does so with exceptional flair. Unlike the often one-dimensional NPCs found in games like Harvest Moon and Story of Seasons, the residents of Mistria are fully developed characters. Their varied greetings and dialogue points rarely repeat, enhancing the immersive experience. The detailed character designs and seasonal outfits further enrich the game's world. For instance, the character Dell's fall outfit, complete with a stick poking out from her pocket, showcases the thoughtful design that permeates the game.
Screenshot by The Escapist
While Fields of Mistria inevitably draws comparisons to Stardew Valley due to its nostalgic pixel art and fundamental gameplay mechanics, it distinguishes itself in crucial ways. The game guides new players through its early stages with helpful tips and occasional freebies from townies, making it more accessible and less stressful. From the outset, an intuitive itinerary helps you navigate your new farmstead and connect with Mistria's residents, encouraging social interactions above all.
Related: Everything Coming in Fields of Mistria March 2025 Update
In its Early Access phase, Fields of Mistria offers forgiving yet engrossing gameplay, with enough challenge to keep players engaged. This forgiving nature 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 tracking down seasonal fish and insects for the museum adds depth and intrigue to the gameplay experience.
The game's vast content alone justifies its price, but there's more on the horizon. Currently, Fields of Mistria excels at immersing players in a small yet richly detailed community. With 10 romance options available now, two more singles, including the dragon Caldarus, are slated to join the game. Future updates promise to increase the current six-heart cap to ten, introducing marriage, children, and further expansions.
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.
