Quick Verdict: Farming Simulator 22 is the better pick if you want the cheaper, more mature entry point with a massive, well-established modding scene. Farming Simulator 25 is the better pick if you want the newest engine, GPS-assisted automation, and genuinely new farming types like rice paddies, backed by active ongoing development. Farming Simulator 22 costs $19.99 on Steam, Farming Simulator 25 costs $29.99, and both already have their own “how to get it free” guide linked below.
Farming Simulator 22 and Farming Simulator 25 are both GIANTS Software’s flagship farming sandbox, but one has had four years to mature while the other is the newer, actively expanding entry. This guide breaks down where each one wins.
Farming Simulator 22 vs 25 at a Glance
| Category | Farming Simulator 22 | Farming Simulator 25 |
| Release Date | November 22, 2021 | November 12, 2024 |
| Price on Steam | $19.99 (down from a $39.99 launch price) | $29.99 |
| Developer | GIANTS Software | GIANTS Software |
| Publisher | GIANTS Software (self-published) | Focus Entertainment |
| Engine | GIANTS Engine 9 | GIANTS Engine 10 |
| Critic and Steam Reviews | 76 Metacritic, 92 percent positive Steam rating (~92,000 reviews) | Not yet separately reported at the same scale |
| Maps / Biomes | 3 maps: Elmcreek, Haut-Beyleron, and Erlengrat | 3 biomes: East Asian, North American, and Central European |
| Best For | Players who want the cheaper, more mature, mod-rich entry point | Players who want the newest engine and actively expanding content |
Engine and Technical Foundation
Farming Simulator 22 runs on GIANTS Engine 9, well-optimized after four years of patches and comfortable on hardware that’s roughly a decade old. Farming Simulator 25 runs on the newer GIANTS Engine 10, built specifically to support GPS-assisted steering and improved automation systems FS22 doesn’t have. Edge: Farming Simulator 25, for running on the newer, more modern engine foundation.
Content and Scale
Farming Simulator 22 offers three maps and over 400 machines, backed by Year 1 and Year 2 Season Passes and Platinum and Premium expansions. Farming Simulator 25 introduces three genuinely distinct biomes, including East Asian rice paddies that require water-retaining fields, over 20 crop types, and new animals like buffalo and goats. Edge: Farming Simulator 25, for genuinely new farming mechanics not present in the previous entry.
Modding Maturity
Farming Simulator 22’s ModHub has had four years to mature, with more than 5,600 QA-tested mods covering maps, machines, and total overhauls. Farming Simulator 25’s mod scene is still catching up, since it runs on a different engine that requires updated tooling from creators. Edge: Farming Simulator 22, for a significantly larger and more mature modding ecosystem.
Critical and Community Reception
Farming Simulator 22 holds a well-documented 76 on Metacritic and a 92 percent positive Steam rating from roughly 92,000 reviews built up over four years. Farming Simulator 25’s reception hasn’t been documented at the same scale yet, and community feedback has generally framed it as a solid evolutionary step rather than a dramatic reinvention over FS22. Edge: Farming Simulator 22, for a proven, strongly documented positive track record.
Price and Value
Farming Simulator 22 now costs $19.99, down from its original $39.99 launch price after FS25 took over as the flagship entry, and it was even given away entirely free on the Epic Games Store in May 2024. Farming Simulator 25 costs $29.99, with its Year 1 Pass sold separately and less discount history so far as the newer release. Edge: Farming Simulator 22, for the significantly lower current price and a real free-giveaway history.
Ongoing Support
Farming Simulator 25 is the actively expanding current flagship, receiving new maps and content throughout 2025 and 2026. Farming Simulator 22 is essentially feature-complete at this point, with GIANTS Software’s development focus having shifted to the newer title. Edge: Farming Simulator 25, for ongoing active development and new content.
Which One Should You Play First?
- Want the cheapest entry point with a mature, massive modding scene: start with Farming Simulator 22.
- Want the newest engine, GPS-assisted automation, and genuinely new farming types like rice paddies: start with Farming Simulator 25.
- Want a game still receiving active new content and expansions: start with Farming Simulator 25.
- Want the strongest, most documented years of positive reception: start with Farming Simulator 22.
Overall Verdict
Farming Simulator 22 remains the better value for most players right now, with a lower price, a real free-giveaway history, and a modding scene that’s had four years to mature into one of the deepest in the genre. Farming Simulator 25 costs more but delivers a newer engine, genuinely new farming mechanics like rice paddies, and the active development attention GIANTS Software is currently focused on. If value and modding depth matter most, start with Farming Simulator 22. If you want the newest engine and ongoing content updates, Farming Simulator 25 is the current flagship worth the extra cost.
Get Both For Less
Both games already have their own dedicated guide on this site covering legitimate ways to get them below full Steam price. Read How To Get Farming Simulator 22 Free and How To Get Farming Simulator 25 Free for the full breakdown of both routes.
FAQ
Which is better, Farming Simulator 22 or Farming Simulator 25?
Farming Simulator 22 is the better pick for value and modding depth, with a proven track record and a lower price. Farming Simulator 25 is the better pick for the newest engine and genuinely new content like rice farming and GPS-assisted automation. Neither is objectively better, they suit different priorities.
Is Farming Simulator 25 a big upgrade over 22?
It’s a meaningful but evolutionary upgrade rather than a total reinvention. It runs on a new engine with GPS-assisted steering and adds new biomes and crops, but community feedback generally frames it as a solid “plus one” over FS22 rather than a dramatic leap.
Which is cheaper, FS22 or FS25?
Farming Simulator 22 is cheaper at $19.99 compared to Farming Simulator 25’s $29.99, and FS22 has also been given away entirely free once on the Epic Games Store.
Does Farming Simulator 25 have more crops than FS22?
Yes. Farming Simulator 25 expands the crop roster to over 20 types, including new additions like rice and spinach, alongside new animals such as buffalo and goats.
Which has more mods, FS22 or FS25?
Farming Simulator 22 has more right now. Its ModHub has had four years to build up over 5,600 QA-tested mods, while FS25’s mod scene is still catching up on the newer engine.
