Harvest Moon - Back to Nature

What is Harvest Moon - Back to Nature?

Harvest Moon - Back to Nature is a beloved life simulation and farming role-playing game originally released for the PlayStation. Players inherit a neglected farm in Mineral Town and must restore it to prosperity while building relationships with villagers. Over three years, you'll grow crops, raise animals, participate in festivals, and potentially start a family – all while managing your time, energy, and resources in this charming countryside adventure.

Game Features

• Farming Fundamentals: Cultivate over 30 types of crops across four seasons, each with unique growth cycles and requirements
• Animal Husbandry: Raise chickens, cows, sheep, and more – care for them daily to collect eggs, milk, and wool
• Relationship Building: Befriend 60+ villagers, give gifts, and court one of six marriage candidates to start a family
• Seasonal Events: Participate in lively festivals like the Egg Festival, Cooking Contest, and Starry Night Festival
• Expansive Tool Upgrades: Improve your axe, hoe, watering can, and hammer to unlock new areas and resources
• Crafting & Cooking: Process raw materials into goods and prepare meals using ingredients grown on your farm
• Mining & Foraging: Explore caves for minerals and gather wild items in the mountains and forests
• Time Management: Strategically plan each 18-hour day while balancing farming, socializing, and exploration

How to Play Harvest Moon - Back to Nature?

1. Movement: Use the D-pad or Left Analog Stick to walk around Mineral Town. Hold Circle Button (Keyboard: X key) to run
2. Interactions: Press X Button (Keyboard: Z key) to talk to villagers, examine objects, pick up items, or use equipped tools
3. Tool Selection: Press Square Button (Keyboard: A key) to open your rucksack and select tools like your hoe, watering can, or axe
4. Actions: Face tilled soil and press X Button to plant seeds, water crops, or harvest produce. Approach animals and press X Button to care for them
5. Menu Navigation: Press Triangle Button (Keyboard: S key) to access main menus for saving, viewing maps, checking relationships, or managing inventory
6. Time Management: Monitor the clock at top-right – return home before 11:00 PM to avoid exhaustion. Sleep in your bed to save progress and advance to the next day

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I don't water my crops?
Crops won't grow and may wither if neglected for multiple days. Some delicate crops can die after just one day without water during summer.

Can I play as a female character?
The original PlayStation version only features a male protagonist. Later remakes added a female option, but Back to Nature has a fixed male player character.

How do I get married?
Build friendship with a marriage candidate by giving gifts and talking daily. Once at a high heart level, obtain the Blue Feather from the supermarket and propose during a special event.