Today, we’re taking a close look at a large and very intriguing map for Farming Simulator 25, full of unique features, called RiverBend Springs. This map is an exclusive addition to the new installment of the farming simulator series. In this review, we will explore all its unique aspects and what sets it apart from other maps. We’ll also see what activities are available, which enterprises and buildings are present, along with some screenshots of the map.

Let’s dive right into the review.

Landscape and Detailing

RiverBend Springs is an exclusive map that comes as part of the base game of Farming Simulator 25. It features a large and varied landscape. In terms of quality and detailing, the map is reminiscent of the forested expanses from the Platinum Expansion for Farming Simulator 22. However, unlike the forest maps, which had almost no fields, this one boasts 70 fields. If you enjoy crop farming in the game, this map will definitely appeal to you.

All fields support the cultivation of new crops, including two varieties of rice and aspina. Additionally, players can grow spinach, green beans, and several other unique agricultural crops.

For rice farming, the developers have introduced a complex infrastructure with irrigation channels, sluice gates, and valves that allow players to control field flooding. This adds an exciting, yet profitable challenge to the gameplay.

As for the landscape, the developers have prepared a lot of interesting elements. Firstly, the map is rich in hills, mountains, plains, and valleys. Secondly, a massive river flows across the map, reflecting its focus on rice cultivation and introducing new gameplay mechanics. We’ll discuss these in more detail below.

Moreover, there are many small streams flowing through rocky terrain. Although mainly decorative, these streams contribute to the overall atmosphere of the map, creating a unique mood.

New Mechanics

One of the interesting features of the map is the ability to influence infrastructure by completing tasks. For instance, there’s an old grain elevator with an unloading trigger nearby. Players will likely be tasked with restoring it by delivering resources and upgrading the structure, similar to mechanics in other maps of the series. This restoration mechanic may also apply to other buildings on the map. It adds diversity to the gameplay and introduces quest elements for improving buildings.

Another innovation is the dynamic shelves in the markets. When you deliver goods to the market, you’ll be able to see your product displayed on the shelves. This small yet immersive detail makes the game world feel more alive and interactive.

Let’s summarize the new mechanics awaiting us in RiverBend Springs:

• Floating buildings and restaurants.

• The ability to ferry equipment across the river using barges.

• New trading mechanics.

• Railway stations with working trains.

• Floodable fields for rice planting.

• Collectible unique items with options for exhibitions and museum creation.

RiverBend Springs: A Water-Themed Map

RiverBend Springs is inspired by the region around the Mississippi River, and its central theme is water. As mentioned earlier, FS25 focuses on Central Asian culture, and this map features a large, long river flowing across the entire landscape.

The developers have shared interesting screenshots showing ferries and crossings for agricultural machinery on the river. This suggests a new mechanic where players can transport their equipment across the river.

Additionally, the map will feature piers, floating houses, restaurants, and many other structures reflecting life by the water. There will be plenty of water mechanics, and the possibility of creating enterprises like water-based restaurants adds even more excitement and interest to the game.

This map is one of three that will be included in the base game of Farming Simulator 25, which will be released on November 12, 2024, for PC, Mac, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series platforms. Expect reviews of the other two new maps for FS25 on our website soon.

Transport and Logistics

RiverBend Springs has a well-developed transport network. The map includes both straight, smooth roads and winding field paths.

Another fascinating feature is the railway system with several train rental points. This gameplay mechanic allows players to transport various loads such as crops, logs, or other materials and resources using trains.

Historical Buildings and Their Story

A key highlight is the large number of historical buildings visible in the screenshots, all set in a retro style. This is intentional: when designing RiverBend Springs, the developers aimed for a 19th-century aesthetic to immerse players in that era. Judging by the screenshots, they succeeded.

You’ll find partially ruined historical buildings, like a mill, a brick factory, and a paper mill. Even the ordinary residential houses are designed in a 19th-century style. The forests and natural surroundings also evoke the atmosphere of that time.

Fans of retro style will surely appreciate this map.

Trade, Industry, and Production Points

Of course, we cannot ignore the subject of trade and industry, as Farming Simulator is primarily an economic simulator where we build our own businesses. Therefore, it’s essential to look closely at how these aspects are integrated into RiverBend Springs.

Production Points

The map will feature a wide variety of enterprises and industrial plants where players can produce goods. Notably, many of these production points are unique to this map.

Let’s take a closer look at them:

• A historic sawmill.

• A paper factory.

• Bakeries and facilities for producing baked goods.

• A historic mill.

• A brick factory.

This is just a small selection of the production points mentioned by the developers, and there will likely be many more in the final version.

Sale Points

There are also plenty of places on the map to sell your products. The map is large, and the developers have been able to incorporate a wide variety of buildings and infrastructure to make the gameplay more engaging.

Here are some of the sale points and enterprises you’ll be able to use:

• Markets and personal stalls, where you can sell vegetables grown in greenhouses.

• A farm goods store for selling various products from your farm.

• A livestock dealer for those who want to get into animal husbandry.

• A workshop for repairing machinery if it breaks down.

Again, this is just part of what we know about the map. The developers likely haven’t revealed all the details to keep some surprises for when the game is released. We can assume that there will be even more sale points on the map.

The RiverBend Springs map can undoubtedly be called a breakthrough in Farming Simulator 25 map design. The number of unique features and mechanics promised for this map is unparalleled. The developers have created a captivating and diverse map, with a focus on controllable infrastructure, varied fields, and new crops.

We look forward to more updates and detailed information from the developers, but it’s already clear that RiverBend Springs will be an exciting map to explore and conquer.

While we eagerly await the game’s release!