The inventive indie sim The Farmer Was Replaced has officially left Early Access, launching into full release on Steam on October 10, 2025. Developed by Timon Herzog (Metaroot), this unique title merges approachable programming challenges with hands-on farm automation. Whether you’re a longtime coder or just curious about learning to code, this farming simulator turns logic into an adventure as you teach drones to plant, water, harvest, and optimize your digital fields.
Code Your Farm, Watch It Run
The Farmer Was Replaced stands out because you don’t just control a farmer — you program a drone (or multiple drones in the full release) to manage the fields for you. Using a scripting language based on Python, you set up algorithms that automate every task: sowing, watering, harvesting, and resource management. The game’s interface gradually walks even non-coders through programming basics — loops, conditionals, and functions are introduced one at a time, then let you experiment on your own. Later, advanced concepts and efficiency challenges keep more experienced players engaged.
The game really shines when you finally hit “execute” and sit back to watch your automated code handle everything, freeing you to improve your logic or expand your operation. There’s a rewarding sense of ownership as you see your code handle complex routines or discover clever solutions to resource allocation problems.
Major New Features in 1.0
- Multi-drone support: Coordinate a powerful swarm of bots to maximize productivity sooner and handle complex farms.
- Reworked tech tree: A smoother progression system makes for deeper late-game planning and more satisfying optimization.
- Achievements and new soundtrack: Over 50 unlockable achievements, plus an all-new soundscape.
- Multilingual support: The full release supports 11 languages, making the experience accessible globally.
- File watcher and external editor integration: (For code pros) You can connect the game directly to editors like VS Code, letting you use IntelliSense or other Python tools while scripting your drones.
Who Should Play?
This game is for both programmers who want a fun sandbox to experiment with logic, and for non-coders looking to pick up basic scripting through trial and error. The gradual learning curve lets beginners teach themselves actual automation concepts while experienced coders can dig into meta-optimizing their routines for big, sprawling farms. If you enjoy games like Factorio, Opus Magnum, or Shenzhen I/O — or you’ve always wanted a farming sim that rewards intelligence, not just reflexes — this game is made for you.
The sandbox design avoids rigid, level-based progression. Instead, your farm and code evolve as you unlock new tech and refine your solutions, letting learning and strategy feel organic and replayable.
Reception and Accessibility
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Developer | Timon Herzog |
| Publisher | Metaroot, Timon Herzog |
| Engine | Unity |
| Platform | PC (Windows) |
| Review Score | 96% positive (Steam) |
| Release Date | October 10, 2025 (Full 1.0) |
After a successful Early Access run starting in February 2023, the game now boasts a 96% positive rating with feedback praising how it turns programming into something creative and approachable. Its flexibility as both a teaching tool and a strategic sim is a rare feat in the genre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Farmer Was Replaced good for beginners?
Absolutely. The game teaches core programming concepts from scratch, but the trial-and-error sandbox also lets players experiment freely. Advanced coders will enjoy automating huge farms and optimizing for maximal efficiency.
Can I use my own code editors?
Yes! With file watcher enabled, you can use VS Code or similar editors, and the game will automatically update when you save your script. It even works with Python-style IntelliSense for faster, smarter scripting.
Do I need to know Python?
No prior Python experience is required. The in-game language is inspired by Python but introduces each concept at a gentle pace. If you do know Python, you’ll feel right at home.
Is there a story or are there missions?
It’s structured as an open-ended simulator rather than a linear story game. The goal is to optimize your code and automation for the most efficient, productive, and technologically advanced farm you can achieve.
Is the game on other platforms?
Full release as of now is on PC (Steam), with no announced plans for consoles or mobile, but ongoing updates are possible.
Final Thoughts
The Farmer Was Replaced is a satisfying indie sim that manages to make both coding and farm management relaxing and addictive. Whether your interest is in programming or just clever strategy, its new 1.0 release makes now the perfect time to give it a try.