Another day, another Stardew Valley clone. Ever since ConcernedApe’s farming masterpiece took over the world several years ago we have seen countless copycats emerge. It managed to spawn its own genre which has developed myriad branches over the years.

Everything from Coral Island to Slime Rancher to Spiritfarer have taken the foundations and done incredible things with them, but at their core, none have measured up to the beauty and brilliance of Stardew Valley. But in doing their own thing and doing it well, they didn’t need to. It’s why I take issue with people who decry the oversaturation of farming sims in the modern landscape without actually playing them, since the second you dig a little deeper, it’s clear why the genre has stuck around.

Fields of Mistria is the latest copycat to vie for Stardew’s flower crown. Its charming aesthetic and gameplay formula is , on the surface at least, as Stardew Valley as it comes, but play for more than a couple of minutes, and you’ll be put under its alluring anime spell. You aren’t moving into a new place to fix up an abandoned community centre or overthrow a capitalist overlord, you are just a spunky new farmer on the scene who wants to become part of the community and help all the townspeople achieve their individual goals. There is some ancient magic stuff bubbling away in the background, but I doubt that will come to play a major role for hours yet.

Fields of Mistria feels more alive than Stardew. As a result, your character does too. You can jump now, which is a small addition, but proves so transformative in moment-to-moment gameplay that I’ll struggle to play another game like this without it. Relationships aren’t only progressed through handing out gifts every day or showing up at specific events, and characters will even have conversations amongst themselves that show they were a community before you turned up.

We always talk about these games ripping off Stardew Valley, but let’s be real, it took the formula that Harvest Moon first pioneered and perfected it. They are standing upon the shoulders of one another in ways we should try and celebrate, not criticise.

I love that you receive letters in the post asking you to come to a certain part of town only for a cutscene to play out and a new quest to unlock, such as rebuilding a bridge to reach a new part of the game world, or an invitation to come down the pub on the weekend to take part in a village-wide Dungeons & Dragons campaign. Everyone has existing relationship dynamics that blend together wonderfully, and you’ll get to know different characters as you become a beloved new face in town. It’s all very Stardew, but iterates in ways you’d expect many other games to. Refilling the watering can isn’t a thing anymore, you can save during the day, and skills are upgraded in real-time instead of randomly appearing when you go to bed.

Your town even has a rank now that improves with everything you do, resulting in not only spoils you can use and customise yourself with, but the town itself will transform with time too. You get to a certain point in Stardew Valley where progress is dictated by your own curiosity, so it feels amazing to have a farming sim with more tangible goals and rewards to pursue.

I’m not far enough into the early access build to properly judge the farming, dungeons, or the other mechanics aside from roaming the land and building relationships, but I’m smitten. The game has brought my Steam Deck back to life and become a permanent fixture of nighttime gaming sessions as I do a few days, sell some crops, and feel myself growing closer to this lovingly crafted little town. It’s got the vibes of a classic 90s anime in its aesthetic and music, with romance options ranging from broody blacksmith boys I desperately wish were actually masc lesbians and smartly dressed aristocrats who hang out in the local castle.

Obviously it helps that everyone in Fields of Mistria is incredibly hot. If you want a cute girl or respectful hunk to come home to, there is plenty to love here. I wish I was able to woo the resident himbo though, since right now he’s sadly off limits.

Having sold 100,000 copies in its first week of release, Fields of Mistria seems poised to stick around as it releases new updates and grows into a genuine rival to Stardew Valley. It seems to be doing everything right, and I’ll be ready and waiting to see whatever comes next.

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Fields of Mistria

RPG Farming Life Simulation Released August 5, 2024 Developer(s) NPC Studio Publisher(s) NPC Studio Engine GameMaker Steam Deck Compatibility Verified Early Access Release August 5, 2024 PC Release Date August 5, 2024
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WHERE TO PLAY

DIGITAL

Start your new life! Build the farm of your dreams as you discover a world brimming with possibilities. Magic, romance, and adventure all await you in this nostalgic farming/life sim RPG!

Mistria, an idyllic village tucked between forest and sea, has offered you an overgrown but full-of-potential homestead in exchange for your assistance. Restore the town to its former glory after an earthquake wreaks havoc and strange magic begins to flow through the land.

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