Stardew Valley meets Zelda in long-awaited free download

For those of us in the northern hemisphere, we’re on the precipice of winter - and I’d argue that there’s no better time to indulge in some so-called cosy gaming.

In fact, as I’m typing, I’m looking out of a window as snow relentlessly falls.

Oh, how it is making me long to curl up with a cup of tea, a blanket, and a delightful little title on my Nintendo Switch.

Don’t worry though, my friends. I will instead be here fulfilling my duty of informing you of the latest goings-on in gaming.

I mention all of this though as there’s one cosy title that I’d like to highlight.

This could be the perfect time to jump into Fields of Mistria if you haven’t already as the game has just dropped its first chunky free update.

This is definitely one for Stardew Valley and Animal Crossing: New Horizons fans, although there’s some RPG content in here too for Zelda fans.

Fields of Mistria is a delightful life/farming sim set in a “world brimming with possibilities”.

“Magic, romance, and adventure all await you” in this charming pixel art release.

Earlier this year, GAMINGbible’s Emma Flint awarded the game a score of nine, writing, “Fields of Mistria is now the new standard by which I’ll measure every other experience within the genre. It’s not going to be easy to beat the attention to detail so meticulously thought through here.”

Take a look at Fields of Mistria in action below.

If that review snippet hasn’t convinced you, maybe this new update will.

Let’s kick off with what’s new for villagers and romance.

Heart level caps have been raised from four to six hearts, six new Heart Events have been added for romanceable NPCs, and additional NPC dialogue has been introduced.

Over in the game’s mines and dungeons, new Mine Monsters can be found which will drop new rare cosmetics.

In the town, a Shooting Star Festival has been added, the Renown Level cap has been raised to 70 with new rewards added, while new Crown Requests will now unlock after Renown Level 50.

New museum sets and rewards have been added, plus Merri, Vera, and Louis’ market booths have been stocked with new items.

For skills and perks, Mounts have been added, skill level caps have been raised from 30 to 45, and Tier 4 Skill Perks are now available.

Finally, two new home upgrades have been introduced, alongside various new furniture and decor pieces, player cosmetics, and animal cosmetics.

The base game will set you back £11.79, although that’s a very reasonable price.

The update, however, is totally free and available to enjoy now.