Farm Expert 2017 is an indie simulation game centered on agricultural management and vehicle operation. Players take on the role of a farmer in a large open world setting, handling everything from soil preparation and crop cycles to machinery maintenance and animal care on PC.
Gameplay
The core loop revolves around realistic machine handling and environmental interactions. Driving physics respond to terrain changes, weather, and load, making tasks like plowing or transporting goods feel grounded. Soil behaves dynamically, with risks of getting stuck in wet or uneven conditions, visible three-dimensional furrows from plowing, and shifts in soil quality tied to rainfall or other factors.
Fields require ongoing attention through cultivation, seeding, fertilization, and protection. Three types of plant protection products help manage weeds, insects, and disease, while periodic liming adjusts soil acidity for better yields. Orchards and greenhouses add layers, with the latter allowing control over plant growth stages through temperature and humidity settings via an onboard computer system.
Machinery forms a major focus. Over 170 licensed vehicles and implements from brands such as Kuhn, Grimme, Krampe, Pöttinger, Rauch, Landini, McCormick, and others demand regular upkeep. A backyard workshop supports part replacements, wheel changes, and other repairs to keep equipment operational. Animals expand the activities, covering breeding, feeding, and selling mature livestock for profit alongside crop sales.
Game Modes
Career mode serves as the primary experience, often referred to internally as Free Play. Players begin with basic equipment and limited funds on one of several available maps, then expand operations through purchases, upgrades, and careful planning across seasons. Different farm types become available for acquisition, including dedicated setups for animals or greenhouses, allowing specialization as progress continues.
Map selection influences starting conditions and terrain variety, encouraging repeated playthroughs with adjusted strategies. Time progression supports waiting for crop maturity or seasonal shifts, with options to advance days or weeks as needed.
World and Progression
The game world supports exploration and expansion beyond the initial farm. Players can acquire additional land and facilities, build or upgrade structures for storage and production, and manage resources across multiple sites. Skills improve through repeated actions, reducing waste and wear on equipment over time. Full modding support allows community modifications to alter or extend content according to individual preferences.
Weather and calendar systems tie into daily operations, affecting field conditions and growth timelines. Winter and summer periods influence planting choices, while real-time events like rain create immediate challenges for vehicle traction and soil work.
Is It Worth Playing?
Player feedback highlights the depth of its simulation elements, particularly the soil and vehicle physics, as strengths for those seeking a detailed farming experience. However, reviews also note persistent technical issues that affect stability and enjoyment for many. The game launched in 2016 and receives only occasional patches, leaving it in a state where core systems function but polish remains limited.
It suits players comfortable with simulation titles who prioritize mechanics like machinery repair, crop management, and animal husbandry over polished presentation. Those sensitive to bugs or expecting frequent updates may find the experience frustrating despite the available content depth. Availability on PC remains straightforward through standard digital platforms, with no free trial or seasonal events confirmed in recent years.
