Beloved Stardew Valley rival's new update finally lets you romance villagers

It's difficult to rival the cozy perfection of Stardew Valley, but Fields of Mistria is certainly doing a great job. With a 97% Steam rating from over 20,000 players, it's safe to say that this magical life sim has enchanted many since hitting early access last year. And now love is in the air, as its third major update finally adds romance and allows you to take other villagers on dates.

Like all of the best life games, Fields of Mistria invites you to farm, tend to your animals, and decorate to your heart's content as you customize your own homestead. But a wealth of magic also awaits in this 90s inspired hit, and this third new update is about to bring a whole host of fresh content for you to delve into, from home upgrades to additional requests.

Perhaps most exciting is the introduction of a dating mechanic. Acquiring 'inspiration items' unlocks different date types, but you'll first need to reach eight hearts and choose the romantic path before you can start dating.

✨ 3rd Major Update - Coming July 21st

After reaching 8 hearts and choosing the romantic path, date inspiration items can be acquired & used to unlock various date types! Dates take place on weekends, and each new date gives you a collectible photo card. 💖 pic.twitter.com/X34xjiZwhk

— Fields of Mistria ✨ Out Now in Early Access (@FieldsofMistria) July 19, 2025

There are currently ten bachelors and bachelorettes waiting to be wooed, with another two incoming with later updates. Eventually, you'll even be able to marry your beloved.

In the meantime, the third update also comes with a huge amount of other content, including new mines monsters, fresh dialogue for NPCs, two Saturday Market vendors, a festival, and for hoarders like me, larger storage chests - something that never fails to send my heart racing.

Will previously wrote about how the game's second update overhauled just about everything, with it even introducing the dragon Caldarus in his human form, as well as new biomes and a farm expansion.

The third update for Fields of Mistria launches today at 12pm EDT / 9am PDT / 5pm BST. You can check out the game on Steam.

While we wait for more updates, you check out our guide on the best farming games and the best life games to play today.

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