Is Fields of Mistria Worth Buying 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 on Steam Early Access in 2024, and it's easy to see why. Not only did it earn top picks from The Escapist as one of the best games of 2024, but it also clinched Patch Magazine’s 2024 Game of the Year award. The game excels with its charming characters, engaging dialogue, and well-crafted questlines that make romance feel genuine. Beyond romance, Fields of Mistria offers a rich experience with farming, fishing, mining, and crafting. Having invested over 100 hours of casual playtime, I can confidently say the game is worth every penny, a sentiment echoed by countless Steam reviewers.

Like its peers in the farm sim genre, Fields of Mistria challenges you to cultivate a new life on a farm within a tight-knit community. However, it stands out with its deeply developed NPCs, who feel far more than one-dimensional. Even non-romanceable characters in Mistria have a variety of greetings and talking points that rarely repeat, making interactions feel fresh and engaging. The character designs are uniquely detailed, with seasonal outfits adding a delightful touch of realism. For instance, Dell's fall outfit, complete with a stick poking out from her pocket, showcases the thoughtful detail put into each character.

Screenshot by The Escapist

While Fields of Mistria may draw comparisons to Stardew Valley due to its pixel art style and gameplay fundamentals, it distinguishes itself with a more beginner-friendly approach. The game gently guides you through its early stages with helpful tips and occasional freebies from townies, making it a stress-free experience. From the outset, you're given an intuitive itinerary to explore your new farmstead and get to know the residents of Mistria, encouraging community engagement above all else.

Related: Everything Coming in Fields of Mistria March 2025 Update

In its Early Access phase, Fields of Mistria offers a forgiving yet engrossing gameplay experience with plenty of challenges to keep you engaged. It's been likened to Animal Crossing for its immersive and community-focused gameplay. 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 or catching seasonal fish and insects for the museum adds layers of depth and enjoyment to the game.

The game's current content is already well worth the $13.99 price tag, but there's more on the horizon. Fields of Mistria successfully immerses players in a small yet storied community. With 10 romance options currently available, two more singles, including the dragon Caldarus, are set to join the roster. Future updates will increase the heart cap 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.