Farming Simulator 25 brings major upgrades to the long-running simulation franchise: expanded crops and animals, new world maps including East Asia, dynamic weather events like hail and tornadoes, over 400 machines from 150+ brands, and deeper production chains. While it leans harder into realism and scale, some players may find performance and complexity trade-offs.
Farming Simulator Review – A Next-Gen Farming Experience
Introduction
The Farming Simulator series has steadily grown into one of the most respected simulation franchises, balancing realism with accessibility. Farming Simulator 25 continues this tradition but pushes boundaries with significant upgrades. Players now face unpredictable weather, can cultivate rice in paddies, raise new animals, and operate the largest machinery roster yet. The question is whether these changes justify the leap from earlier versions or rival simulators.
Basic Information
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Developer / Publisher: GIANTS Software
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Release Date: November 2024
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Platforms: Windows and macOS (64-bit)
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Storage Requirement: About 45 GB
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Player Reception: Generally very positive at launch
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Play Modes: Single player and cooperative multiplayer
These baseline details show that FS25 is a major installment with broad technical demands and an active community presence.
Features and Gameplay Enhancements
Maps and Environments
Three new world regions are available: a North American landscape ideal for large fields, a Central European setting with rivers and ponds, and a unique East Asian map introducing rice cultivation and diverse terrain. Each offers different climates and farming opportunities, expanding replay value.
Crops and Animals
FS25 adds multiple new crops including rice, spinach, peas, and green beans, raising the total number of cultivable plants to 25. Livestock management is more detailed with goats, water buffalo, and baby animals now included. These additions enrich both realism and gameplay diversity.
Machinery and Technology
Over 400 licensed machines from 150 global brands are available, from small tractors to massive harvesters. Automation and GPS steering streamline repetitive tasks, while enhanced physics simulate soil deformation and tire tracks. Players must also adapt to weather events such as hail and tornadoes, making planning essential.
Production and Economy
Beyond farming, FS25 deepens the economic layer. Production chains allow farmers to process crops into goods, sell them in local shops, and even invest in construction projects such as historical building restoration. This creates long-term goals beyond harvest cycles.
Multiplayer and Mods
Co-op multiplayer returns, enabling friends to divide labor and manage farms together. Full modding support ensures a continuous flow of community content, further extending the game’s life.
Pros and Cons
Pros
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Large, diverse crop and livestock selection
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Over 400 licensed machines and brands
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Improved realism with weather events and soil physics
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Expanded production chains and building projects
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Active modding community and multiplayer options
Cons
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Higher system requirements than previous titles
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Performance issues possible on mid-range hardware
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Steeper learning curve for new players
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Occasional bugs and balancing problems
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DLC costs may increase overall price
Comparison with Farming Simulator 22 and Other Sims
| Feature | Farming Simulator 25 | Farming Simulator 22 | Other Farming Sims |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crops | 25 including rice & new vegetables | Fewer specialty crops | Limited range |
| Animals | Goats, water buffalo, baby animals | Standard livestock only | Often fewer species |
| Weather | Tornadoes, hail, ground deformation | Seasonal cycles only | Usually static |
| Maps | 3 global regions incl. East Asia | Mostly European/US | One or two regions |
| Machines | 400+ licensed brands | Slightly fewer | Smaller catalogs |
| Modding | Full support, official ModHub | Full support | Limited in many sims |
Compared to FS22, FS25 offers more content breadth and realism. Against rival sims, FS25 continues to dominate in authenticity, machinery selection, and long-term gameplay depth.
User Feedback and Community Insights
Early players highlight the rich variety of crops and animals as a major strength. Many enjoy the dynamic weather, which introduces real farming challenges. On the downside, performance issues occur on mid-range PCs, and some beginners feel overwhelmed by the steep learning curve. The modding community has already begun releasing content, addressing balance and adding new machinery quickly after launch.
System Requirements
Minimum Requirements
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OS: Windows 10 (64-bit) or macOS 11.3+
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CPU: Intel Core i5-6400 / AMD Ryzen 5 1400 / Apple M1
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RAM: 8 GB
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GPU: NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti / AMD RX 470 / Apple integrated with 3 GB VRAM
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Storage: 45 GB
Recommended Requirements
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OS: Windows 10/11 (64-bit) or macOS latest
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CPU: Intel Core i7 / AMD Ryzen 7
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RAM: 12 GB or more
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GPU: NVIDIA RTX 2070 / AMD RX 5700 XT or better
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Storage: SSD recommended
FAQs
- Is Farming Simulator 25 worth buying if I own FS22?
Yes, if you want new crops, weather systems, maps, and deeper realism. For casual players, the upgrade may feel incremental. - Does the game support mods?
Yes, full modding support is available through the integrated ModHub. - Can you play multiplayer?
Yes, cooperative multiplayer allows multiple players to run the same farm together. - How realistic is the new weather system?
Weather events like hail and tornadoes can damage crops, while ground deformation simulates real soil wear, adding challenge and authenticity.
Conclusion
Farming Simulator 25 sets a new benchmark for agricultural simulations, combining extensive content with technical improvements. Its new crops, animals, weather dynamics, and production systems expand possibilities for both veterans and newcomers. However, the higher hardware demands and steeper learning curve may limit its appeal to casual players.
For enthusiasts who value realism and variety, FS25 is currently the most complete farming experience available. For those satisfied with FS22 or seeking a lighter entry point, the leap may not be essential.
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