Farthest Frontier has officially launched its 1.0 version, and it’s an absolute joy to dive into its beautifully crafted world. Crate Entertainment, known for its superb dark-fantasy ARPG Grim Dawn, has once again proven its prowess, bringing a remarkable level of depth and polish to the city-building genre. After three years in early access, this medieval simulation feels like a spiritual successor to classics like Banished, with a farming system intricate enough to rival Stardew Valley. It’s a compelling addition to any fan’s collection of medieval games, and there’s no better time to begin your journey.
For those who appreciate historical and realistic city builders, Manor Lords has been a standout title recently. However, with Manor Lords still in early access, Farthest Frontier’s full launch positions it as my go-to game for the foreseeable future. The title perfectly encapsulates the game’s essence: you’re building a new stronghold at the edge of civilization, just connected to society, but constantly facing an untamed wilderness brimming with both promise and peril.
You can expect all the familiar elements of a survival city builder: foraging, farming, fishing, and hunting. What sets Farthest Frontier apart is its astonishing level of detail in these simulations. Every crop has specific growing needs, demanding careful rotation to preserve soil fertility, adaptation to changing seasonal weather, and diligent protection against diseases. Master this intricate balance, and your villagers will thrive with abundant harvests. Neglect it, and you’ll face a harsh struggle for survival as winter approaches.
Your townsfolk are equally well-simulated, right down to the smallest intricacies. Each resident carries out their daily tasks, from tilling fields to transporting raw materials from distant outposts to urban factories for processing and crafting. Effective infrastructure is paramount for a smoothly operating settlement. Well-planned roads improve efficiency, transport wagons accelerate supply lines, and strategic storage facilities allow for larger loads to be moved, optimizing your burgeoning economy.
Every new game begins with a randomly generated map, offering a diverse array of biomes and themes that significantly change the challenges you’ll face. You must adapt to the landscape and cleverly use trade routes to secure any missing resources. Will you clear vast swathes of land for expansive crop fields, constructing fences to ward off wild animals, or will you strive to preserve the natural environment, utilizing delicate resources like wild medicinal plants?
Of course, no authentic medieval simulation would be complete without the threat of dysentery. Diseases are rampant, requiring you to ensure clean water supplies and carefully manage your villagers’ diets. A lack of fresh produce could trigger scurvy outbreaks. Furthermore, rampant poverty and unsanitary conditions, forcing workers into rat-infested cellars with inadequate footwear, could lead to widespread suffering from ailments ranging from frostbite to the terrifying bubonic plague.
One of Farthest Frontier’s greatest strengths is its extensive customization options, allowing you to tailor the experience to your preferences. Crate Entertainment provides a spectrum of difficulty settings, from ‘Idyllic’ for a more relaxed experience to ‘Brutal’ for the ultimate challenge. You can fine-tune specific features, adjusting the severity of bandit and raider attacks—from minor skirmishes to massive invading hordes—or even disabling them entirely with a pacifist mode, letting you concentrate solely on the natural hazards of the medieval world.
Farthest Frontier 1.0 is now available for purchase, offering a compelling journey into founding your own settlement on the edge of the known world.
If you enjoy taking command, be sure to explore other top management games available for PC. To fully appreciate Farthest Frontier’s beautiful visuals, consider upgrading to one of the best gaming monitors.