Farming Simulator has been around for quite a few years and has gone through many iterations to get to where it is today. The latest game promises a journey into worldwide farming with a few new tricks up its sleeve. These games pack so much depth and variety, that it’s hard not to get completely lost in the complete bliss and change of pace that these games offer up.
The premise is the same as previous games, you inherit a farm and must tend to the land, plant crops, harvest and sell them to collect funds to build your farm. Farming Simulator 25 goes one step further by offering livestock and forest options that open this game up.
New Horizons: Asian Farms and Rice Cultivation
The most significant addition to Farming Simulator 25 is the inclusion of Asian-style farms, diversifying the environments and farming techniques available to players. This fresh perspective is complemented by the introduction of rice as a new crop, which comes with unique cultivation mechanics.
From preparing flooded fields to harvesting, rice farming feels distinct from other crops and adds a welcome layer of complexity to the gameplay. These new options encourage players to expand their farms into uncharted territories and try their hand at managing entirely new agricultural challenges.
Another highlight is the expansion of livestock options, with the addition of buffalo. This isn’t just a cosmetic change; it enables players to engage in new forms of additional revenue, such as producing buffalo mozzarella. There are also the most adorable and realistic-looking baby farm animals like baby goats and chicks who all look adorable running around your farm.
These additional options deepen the realism of running a farm and provide more opportunities for strategic planning and profit-making. This franchise has always been good at doing this, however, this feels like a massive step in the right direction and helps it feel a lot more immersive.
The gameplay continues to excel in delivering the most authentic farming experience. Every aspect, from planting and harvesting to managing livestock, feels true to life. There’s a tangible sense of satisfaction when your efforts pay off in the form of bountiful harvests or profitable livestock products.
Training Wheels Not Included
However, this authenticity comes with a learning curve. While the game includes some basic tutorials to get you started, much of the experience relies on trial and error. Players are left to figure out the intricacies of crop cycles, machinery, and market dynamics largely on their own.
This can be a good or a bad thing, depending on how much time you have and what you want to get out of this game. While seasoned players may appreciate this hands-off approach, newcomers might find it frustrating and overwhelming. A more robust onboarding system would have made the game more accessible to a wider audience. That being said, with the holidays coming up, it might just give you enough time to dedicate to figuring this game out.
To offset some of the tedium inherent in farming tasks, the game offers AI helpers. These workers can be assigned to repetitive tasks like ploughing fields, transporting goods, or harvesting crops. Their addition allows players to focus on more strategic or creative aspects of farming, such as planning expansions or experimenting with new crops.
While these AI-driven systems aren’t perfect, they contribute significantly to the game’s overall manageability and appeal. You might be hesitant to use them, as was I, but it does remove some of the more repetitive and irritating tasks from you, the further you get into the game.
Plant, Grow, Prosper
One of the game’s strongest points is its open-ended nature. With so many crops to grow, livestock to raise, and markets to explore, no two farms will be alike. You have the complete freedom to develop your farms in your unique style, tailoring strategies to your preferences.
This sandbox element is where Farming Simulator 25 truly shines, providing endless replayability for those willing to invest the time. This is where I had the most fun with this game and can see myself going back again and again in this mode.
Despite its strengths, Farming Simulator 25 isn’t without flaws. The world beyond the farm, while more expansive than ever, feels somewhat empty. NPCs and towns exist primarily as functional elements rather than immersive spaces, making the broader world feel like a missed opportunity.
Similarly, while the game’s visuals and weather effects are a step up from previous entries, they still fall short of delivering a truly next-gen experience. Tornadoes and dynamic weather events are visually impressive but occur infrequently enough to feel more like novelties than game-changers.
The audio design also leaves something to be desired. Ambient music does a decent job of setting the mood, but the voice acting, where present, is lacklustre and detracts from the overall experience. There is a loose story about you inheriting the farm that doesn’t add anything to the game.
Final Thoughts
Farming Simulator 25 offers a compelling expansion of the franchise with its inclusion of Asian farms, rice cultivation, and new livestock. These additions, combined with the series’ trademark authenticity and sandbox freedom, make it a worthwhile entry for dedicated fans.
However, the steep learning curve and some underwhelming aspects of world-building and presentation hold it back from true greatness. The audio doesn’t deliver on its potential and the amount of customising you have to do to get it to sound anywhere close to decent is too much for a game of this scope.
For those willing to embrace its challenges, Farming Simulator 25 provides a deeply satisfying and immersive experience. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re patient and eager to get your hands dirty, this game might just reap a rewarding harvest.
THREE STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Highlights: Expansion of farming cultivated from previous games; Cute animals and plenty of variety as far as tasks and assets go
Lowlights: Uneven audio; Lack of proper tutorials to help you get going
Developer: GIANTS Software
Publisher: GIANTS Software
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, MacOS, Windows PC
Available: Now
Review conducted on PC/Lenovo Legion GO with a release code provided by the publisher.
