The Farmer
The player-created protagonist who inherits a run-down farm in Mineral Town.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
D-pad | Move the farmer and navigate menus. |
|---|---|
X | Interact, confirm selections, pick up objects, and use equipped tools or items. |
Circle | Cancel selections and put away the currently held item. |
Triangle | Open the game menu. |
Square | Whistle for the farm dog when applicable. |
Control notes
Button functions follow the original PlayStation version.
Some actions depend on whether the player is holding a tool, item, or animal.
How it plays
How does Harvest Moon: Back to Nature play?
The game uses a third-person, tile-based perspective around the farm, town, mines, and nearby wilderness. Each day begins with limited stamina and time, so players must balance watering crops, caring for livestock, gathering resources, shopping, and visiting villagers.
Crops grow by season, while chickens, cows, and sheep provide products that can be sold or processed. Tools can be upgraded with ore, and farm buildings can be expanded. Festivals, weather, rival events, friendship values, and marriage candidates create long-term progression across multiple years.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Harvest Moon: Back to Nature?
Plan each season before planting. Reserve enough stamina for watering and harvesting, then use rainy days or spare time for mining, fishing, and relationship building.
Upgrade tools selectively, expand the rucksack when possible, and give villagers gifts they like regularly. Keep animals fed and interact with them daily so their products and affection improve.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Popuri
A cheerful chicken farm worker and one of the marriage candidates.
Karen
A confident young woman associated with the local supermarket and one of the marriage candidates.
Elli
A kind clinic worker and one of the marriage candidates.
Ann
A lively inn worker and one of the marriage candidates.
Mary
A quiet librarian and aspiring writer who can become a marriage candidate.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Save before festivals and major purchases so you can recover from an unfavorable result.
- 2
Use the mine and fishing spots to earn money when crops are out of season.
- 3
Check the television regularly for weather forecasts and useful daily information.
Community discussion
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