Fields of Mistria, from NPC Studio, is celebrated for its well-written characters, engaging dialogue, and thoughtfully crafted romance storylines. But can you actually *date* these charming characters?
The short answer is: not yet, technically. However, having invested over 100 hours in pursuing March's affection (a testament to the game's charm!), I can confidently say the existing romance system is incredibly rewarding and well worth the $13.99 Steam price tag.
The November 2024 update significantly expanded the romance system. The previous four-heart limit was increased to six, with new heart events added for each romanceable NPC to mark relationship milestones. These new events, featuring playable cutscenes, unlock at two, four, and six hearts. NPC Studio plans to add eight- and ten-heart events in future updates, though no concrete dates have been announced beyond the upcoming March 2025 update (which won't include a higher heart cap or new events).
Related: The Best Romances in Fields of Mistria Ranked
While the anticipation for future romance expansions is high, the current system is already exceptional. The dialogue is rich and realistic, often delightfully flirtatious, and the existing heart events, though potentially interpreted as platonic initially, are cleverly ambiguous, allowing for romantic interpretations. This gradual unfolding of romance feels incredibly satisfying, even without explicit "dates."
The recent update introduced the Shooting Star Festival, a summer event allowing you to enjoy a date-like experience with eligible NPCs (requiring four hearts). Currently, you can share a stargazing evening with Caldarus, though this doesn't trigger a date at the Summit location like other options. This might change with the March 2025 update, which will unlock the dragon's romance questline.
In short, while official "dates" aren't yet a feature, *Fields of Mistria* offers a compelling and deeply rewarding romance experience. Plenty to enjoy until the full dating mechanic arrives!
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.
