Farming life simulations have firmly established themselves as a cornerstone of the cozy genre, much to the delight of Stardew Valley fans. One of its most compelling rivals is about to roll out a substantial wave of new features. A major update is now available, and both the release date and the initial details have been revealed.
A Rival to Stardew Valley Levels Up in February
It feels like the Stardew Valley-inspired game many fans of the classic anime era have always hoped for. Fields of Mistria closely mirrors the structure of ConcernedApe’s beloved title. However, beyond its 2D pixel-art presentation, this indie project from NPC Studio draws heavily on the aesthetics of 1980s and 1990s anime, most notably in the spirit of Sailor Moon. After several years in development, Fields of Mistria launched in early access in summer 2024. Since then, the studio has worked diligently to refine and expand the experience.
The goal is to release the full 1.0 version in 2026. In the meantime, the team continues to deliver major updates designed to strengthen the game’s core systems and build excitement within a community always eager for titles reminiscent of Stardew Valley. NPC Studio has now released its newest major patch. This fourth update introduces several highly requested features. Players can now invest in equipment that automatically feeds livestock, a feature unlocked at Ranching level 45 that promises to save valuable time in daily farm management. Fans of Stardew Valley know just how essential such efficiencies can be.
The update also expands the mine-related storyline, deepening the narrative experience. Players will now have the chance to encounter a secret “bachelorette,” offering a new romantic storyline. Additional crafting devices and terrariums are on the way, along with further customization options in future updates.
Update 4 for Fields of Mistria will launch on February 23, 2026, at 12:00 PM EST, 9:00 AM PDT, and 5:00 PM GMT.
Source: NPC Studio
