Farming Simulator – The Complete Player’s Guide for Every Virtual Farmer

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1. My First Step into Farming Simulator

When I first looked at Farming Simulator, I thought, can’t be that hard. I’m a farmer myself. I just plant seeds, drive a tractor, and harvest crops. Easy… right?

Well, within 30 minutes I had:

• Ploughed my first field in zig‑zag patterns.
  
• Attached the wrong piece of equipment to my tractor.
  
• Accidentally dumped a full grain load in the wrong storage bin.
  

It was complete chaos — but strangely, I loved it.

There’s something deeply satisfying about the hum of a tractor engine, the neat rows of freshly planted wheat, and the golden view of a field ready for harvest. Over the years, I’ve played Farming Simulator 22, FS23, FS24, and now the shiny new Farming Simulator 25. Each version has brought new features, better equipment, and smarter AI.

 If you haven’t yet, you might enjoy my earlier post where I compared Farming Simulator 22, 23, and 24 — it’s a great starting point if you’re deciding which to try first.

2. Why Farming Simulator is So Addictive

Farming Simulator isn’t like the usual high‑stress games where you’re racing against time or dodging enemies. Instead, it’s slow, deliberate, and deeply satisfying.

• You create something from nothing – transforming a bare patch of dirt into a thriving farm is incredibly rewarding.
  
• It’s relaxing – the sound of rain on the barn roof, the slow rumble of a harvester, and the gentle sway of crops in the wind is strangely calming.
  
• It’s educational – you’ll learn about crop cycles, machinery, and farm economics without realising it.
  

Unlike real farming, you can fast‑forward through rainy days, skip to harvest season, and never have your tractor break down at 5am in the pouring rain.

3. Which Version Should You Play? FS22, FS23, FS24, or FS25?

Here’s my quick guide to help you choose:

• Farming Simulator 22 – Introduced seasonal cycles, realistic weather, and expanded crop options.
  
• Farming Simulator 23 – Portable version for Nintendo Switch and mobile. Smaller scale but great for farming on the go.
  
• Farming Simulator 24 – Better graphics, smoother machinery controls, smarter AI workers, and more animal options.
  
• Farming Simulator 25 – The latest release with upgraded maps, deeper crop systems, and a more complex in‑game economy.
  

 Tip: If you want the most features, start with FS25. If you’re just dipping your toes in, FS22 and FS24 are still brilliant — and often more affordable.

4. Beginner Tips – How to Succeed from Day One

When I started, I made all the rookie mistakes. Here’s what I wish I knew earlier:

Start Small

Don’t buy every field you see. Stick to one or two so you can manage them well.

Pick Easy Crops

Wheat, barley, and canola are beginner‑friendly. They’re simple to plant and harvest, and profitable enough to grow your farm.

Use AI Helpers

Hire AI workers to handle repetitive jobs like ploughing and sowing. This frees you up to explore expansion options.

Don’t Overspend on Gear

It’s tempting to buy the biggest tractor immediately, but early on it’s better to save and invest gradually.

5. Making Money in Farming Simulator

Money keeps your farm alive. Here are my favourite strategies:

• High‑Value Crops – Sunflowers and soybeans pay well but need specialised equipment.
  
• Animal Farming – Chickens are a great start. Cows and sheep are more work but pay off in milk and wool.
  
• Contract Jobs – Earn extra cash by working other farms. Sometimes you even get to try their high‑end machinery for free.
  
• Forestry – Especially profitable in FS25 with its improved logging system.
  

 Related: I’ve written before about how forestry in Farming Simulator compares to real‑life logging — worth a read if you’re curious about this side of the game.

6. Gear That Makes Farming Simulator Fun

Machinery is half the fun of Farming Simulator. The realism is impressive — from the working dashboards to the authentic engine sounds.

Some fan favourites:

• John Deere 8R Series – Big power for big jobs.
  
• Fendt 900 Vario – Perfect balance of strength and efficiency.
  
• Case IH Axial‑Flow Harvester – The workhorse of harvesting.
  

Want even more immersion? Try a farming simulator steering wheel for your PC or console.

7. Why Farming Simulator Stays With You

After playing, you’ll never look at a real farm the same way again. Passing a paddock, you might think, That would be perfect for soybeans or That’s a tidy plough job.

It’s not just a game — it’s a little slice of rural life without the 4am wake‑ups or muddy boots.

8. Final Thoughts – Is It Worth It?

Absolutely. If you love peaceful, creative games with endless replay value, Farming Simulator is a winner. It’s relaxing, satisfying, and even a little educational.

Whether you’re starting in FS22, farming on the go in FS23, upgrading to FS24, or diving into FS25 — you’re in for hours of rewarding gameplay.

 If you liked this, you might enjoy my post on the best real‑life farming gear for small farms — perfect for those curious about making the leap from virtual farming to real‑world soil.

So… ready to climb into your tractor?