Farming Simulator 22: Hay & Forage Pack is a simulation title that expands the core farming experience with specialized equipment for grass management and resource collection. Players take on the role of a farmer focused on hay and forage production, using new vehicles and tools designed for grasslands and challenging terrain. The pack integrates directly into the base game's systems, allowing seamless addition of machinery to existing farms without altering core progression.
Gameplay
The gameplay centers on operating a range of tractors, mowers, windrowers, mergers, and loading wagons across fields and slopes. Machines from brands including Brielmaier, REFORM, and Reiter join the roster alongside KRONE, PÖTTINGER, Rigitrac, and Sepp Knüsel models. Key features include side-shifting mowers like the KRONE EasyCut F 320 Highland and slope-compensating cabins on tractors such as the REFORM Metrac H75 and Rigitrac SKH 60. These adaptations support work on steep hills and uneven ground common in certain maps.
Windrowers and mergers from Reiter, including the R3 Compact, R7 RD, and R9 Profi, offer ground adjustment suited to difficult surfaces. Loading options feature the modular REFORM PrimAlpin and the PÖTTINGER JUMBO 8450 DB for efficient transport. Additional tools cover motor mowers, mulchers, and tipper units that streamline collection and movement of forage materials. The focus remains on realistic operation, with each piece contributing to a tighter workflow for hay production cycles.
Game Modes
Career Mode serves as the primary single-player experience. Players start with a farm and progress by acquiring land, equipment, and contracts while managing seasonal cycles that affect crop growth and field conditions. Difficulty settings adjust economic factors and starting resources, allowing customization of the challenge level. The Hay & Forage Pack equipment becomes available for purchase in the in-game shop once installed, fitting into ongoing career saves without requiring new game starts.
Multiplayer sessions support cooperative farming on shared maps, where players can divide tasks such as mowing, windrowing, and baling. The added machinery enhances these sessions by providing specialized options for grass-heavy areas, though the core loop stays consistent with base game mechanics.
Equipment and Terrain Advantages
The 17 machines emphasize functionality on vast grasslands and embedded green areas. Slope compensation and side-shift capabilities reduce the need for repeated passes on hillsides. Brands like REFORM contribute tractors and wagons tailored for alpine-style operations, while KRONE models focus on cutting and swathing efficiency. This selection broadens options for players who prioritize detailed machinery simulation over general crop farming.
Integration with existing systems means the new tools interact with standard baling and storage processes. Players can experiment with combinations, such as pairing a Brielmaier motor mower with Reiter mergers, to optimize output from specific field layouts.
Is It Worth Playing?
The Hay & Forage Pack suits players who enjoy simulation depth and machinery variety in a farming context. It delivers targeted expansions for hay and forage workflows, particularly valuable on maps with hilly or grassland features. The Year 2 Season Pass inclusion ensures ongoing compatibility with base game updates through 2024. Reception highlights the pack's practical additions for those already invested in the series, with emphasis on authentic recreations that enhance daily operations rather than overhaul the experience. Those seeking focused grassland management tools will find the content aligns well with extended play sessions.
