Is Fields of Mistria Worth Buying Now?

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

Is Fields of Mistria Worth It in Early Access?

*Fields of Mistria* has not only garnered glowing reviews from players and critics but was also a standout in *The Escapist's* list of the best games of 2024 and took home *Patch Magazine's* 2024 Game of the Year award. The game is brimming with charming characters, engaging dialogue, and well-crafted questlines, perfectly capturing the essence of romance while offering a robust suite of activities like farming, fishing, mining, and crafting. I've personally logged over 100 hours of casual playtime and still have a long to-do list, which speaks volumes about the game's value and replayability—a sentiment echoed by many Steam reviewers.

Like other games in its genre, *Fields of Mistria* places you in charge of a farm and encourages you to build a new life within a close-knit community. However, it sets itself apart by giving its NPCs depth and personality, even those not available for romance. Each character has a variety of greetings and talking points that rarely repeat, complemented by detailed designs and seasonal outfits. Dell, for instance, with her stick poking out of her fall outfit's pocket, showcases the meticulous attention to detail that makes the town's residents so endearing.

While *Fields of Mistria* inevitably draws comparisons to *Stardew Valley* due to its nostalgic pixel art and core gameplay mechanics, it distinguishes itself with a more beginner-friendly approach. The game guides new players through its early stages with helpful tips and occasional freebies from the townsfolk, making the initial farm setup much less daunting. The game's intuitive itinerary encourages you to explore and interact with the community, fostering a sense of connection and belonging from the very start.

In its Early Access phase, *Fields of Mistria* strikes a balance between being forgiving and challenging, drawing comparisons to *Animal Crossing*. Quests often span multiple days, especially those involved in restoring and upgrading community spaces like the mill and the Inn. The game also offers a wealth of hints to help you discover your crush's favorite gifts and track down seasonal fish and insects for the museum.

With its vast array of content, *Fields of Mistria* is already a stellar value at $13.99, and with more updates on the horizon, the game's potential only grows. Currently, it immerses players in a rich, story-driven community with 10 romance options, soon to be joined by two more, including the intriguing Caldarus, the dragon. Future updates will expand the heart events and cap from six to ten, introducing marriage, children, and 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.*