Announced during August 2024’s Nintendo Direct, the nextRune Factorygame,Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, is quickly approaching.Rune Factoryhas captured the hearts of many as a spin-off to the popularStory of SeasonsandHarvest Moongames. Since then, it’s flourished into its own popular franchise, mixing elements of fantasy into the life and farming sim genres.
Since its announcement, there’s been plenty of room for anticipation about what the newestRune Factorycould have in store. The game promises to build on the already-established mechanics like farming and crafting while also incorporating new gameplay to keep things fresh. There are only a few months until it’s released, so players won’t have to wait too long to dive into the exciting world of Azuma.
Rune Factory: Guardians Of Azuma - Release Date & Platforms
The Game Releases In Late May; Mark Your Calendar
The next installment in theRune Factoryseries,Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma,is set to release on August 14, 2025. It will be released on both Microsoft Windows (via Steam) and Nintendo Switch, leaving out PlayStation and Xbox players. For Nintendo Switch users, the game can be preordered from places like Best Buy and Amazon in two formats:Standard and Limited Edition.
$99.99
Bonuses
The price for the limited edition version on Nintendo Switch is steep, but it could be worth it, particularly for collectors. Not only do you get some game-inspired keepsakes like the art book and folding fan, but you also get the Earth Dancer DLC pack. The DLC pack alone includes four bundles: Season of Love, Festive Attire and Dark Woolby, Rune Factory 4 Outfit, and Useful Item.
Rune Factory 3 Special Review: A Fresh Coat Of Paint On A Classic
At its core, Rune Factory 3 Special maintains the elements of the original fans know and love, but doesn’t do a lot to innovate beyond its graphics.
While Steam has yet to reveal special editions, there will likely be something for Steam-specific players to look forward to. This could be a combination of the digital soundtrack, art books, DLC, or exclusive in-game items. Prices aren’t known, but there will likely be a surcharge for any additional content or DLC. The base game for both the Nintendo Switch and PC versions will be $59.99.
Rune Factory: Guardians Of Azuma Story & Gameplay Details
Become An Earth Dancer To Save Azuma, A Japanese-Inspired World
Players awaken inRune Factory: Guardians of Azumaas an Earth Dancer. Stepping into their new role, players will use dance and sacred treasures to purify a corrupted Azuma. Like in previousRune Factoryinstallments,the game will blend village building, farming, and explorationas part of the fight to save and restore hope to Azuma.
Rune Factory 5: Bachelorettes Guide (Locations, Birthdays, Likes, & Dislikes)
In Rune Factory 5, players can give liked or loved gifts to eligible bachelorettes to increase their friendship if they hope to date or marry them.
Farming, raising animals, and crafting all make a return as important gameplay mechanics. As far as new gameplay goes, there’s a fresh focus onharnessing the power of dance and making use of new weapons like the Bow and Talisman while fighting against the Blight. Players will also get to rebuild the village of Azuma and assign NPCs to specific roles throughout the town.
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azumais a spinoff, not a mainline game.Rune Factory 6is still in the works for mainline games.
As they progress, characters will have the chance to revive ancient gods and recruit allies from the local townsfolk to assist in both farming and combat. However, because of Azuma’s corruption from the Blight, many villagers left. Rebuilding and restoring the village through the Earth Dancer’s powers will help bring them back to join in on their quest to save the land.
What To Expect From Guardians Of Azuma’s Romance Options
Azuma Has Several Relationship Options To Choose From
Like in previousRune Factorygames,relationship-building is a significant gameplayelement inGuardians of Azuma. Fortunately,Guardians of Azumaprovides plenty of romance options. In fact,there are 16 candidates to cozy up to. Players can interact with these NPCs, learn more about them, spend time with them, take them on dates, romance them, andeventually get married. Among a selection of both male and female candidates,all are fully voice-acted, making it feel more personable and real.
Aside from romancing these characters, it’s also possible to recruit them in battle. Each character has unique skills that can be used in combat, making them valuable allies in the fight against the Blight. However, fully experiencing their stories, even without the end goal of a romantic relationship, will requireincreasing their friendship levels.
How Harvestella Compares To ACNH & Rune Factory 5
Square Enix’s upcoming farming and life sim, Harvestella, has some potential similarities with Rune Factory 5 and Animal Crossing: New Horizons.
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azumais set to be another successful addition to theRune Factoryfranchise. With its charming graphics, farming and life sim elements, and engaging combat, it offers something for everyone. Both longtimeRune Factoryfans and newcomers can find something to enjoy, while cozy gamers and those who want more combative gameplay can also enjoy a balanced experience. While not a mainline entry,Guardians of Azumawill surely be aRune Factorygame fans won’t want to miss.
