Mistria: Worth the Hype?

Fields of Mistria charmed its way into players' hearts upon its 2024 Steam Early Access debut, earning overwhelmingly positive reviews. Three months later, it received its first major update, and another is planned for March 2025. Currently priced at $13.99 on Steam, the question remains: is this charming farm sim worth the hype in its current state?

Is Fields of Mistria Worth It in Early Access?

Fields of Mistria didn't just receive glowing praise; it was among The Escapist's best games of 2024 and even snagged Patch Magazine's 2024 Game of the Year award. Its captivating characters, engaging dialogue, and compelling quests create a truly immersive experience. The romance aspects are perfectly balanced, and the game expertly blends classic farming sim elements (farming, fishing, mining, crafting) with a rich, engaging story. Even after over 100 hours of casual play, I'm still far from completing everything—a sentiment echoed by many satisfied Steam reviewers.

Like similar titles, Fields of Mistria tasks you with building a farm and integrating into a close-knit community. However, it excels in its execution. Unlike the sometimes one-dimensional NPCs in games like Harvest Moon and Story of Seasons, the residents of Mistria are fully realized individuals, even those not involved in romance. Each character boasts diverse greetings and conversation topics, avoiding repetitive dialogue. Their unique designs and seasonal outfits further enhance their charm, making it easy to connect with the townsfolk. Dell, for instance, with her charming fall outfit detail (that adorable stick in her pocket!), perfectly exemplifies the care put into character creation.

While comparisons to Stardew Valley are inevitable—both share a nostalgic pixel art style and core gameplay mechanics—Fields of Mistria sets itself apart with its beginner-friendly approach. Helpful tips and occasional gifts from townsfolk ease players into the game, encouraging interaction with the community from the start. The intuitive early-game guidance makes learning the ropes enjoyable and stress-free.

This forgiving yet engaging gameplay, coupled with a satisfying level of challenge, has also drawn comparisons to Animal Crossing. Many quests span multiple days, particularly those involving community restoration and upgrades (like the mill and inn). Uncovering your crush's favorite gifts and completing the museum's collection of seasonal fish and insects adds further depth and replayability. (Need a hand? We've got you covered!)

The sheer volume of content alone justifies the price, but there's even more to come. In its current state, Fields of Mistria masterfully immerses players in a small yet richly detailed community. Currently featuring 10 romance options, two more singles (including Caldarus, the dragon!) are slated for future additions. Updates will also increase the relationship cap from six 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.