| Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Release Date | Gameplay & Story | Pre-Order & DLC | PC Review | Switch 2 Review | |||
| Release Date | |
|---|---|
| June 5, 2025 More Details |
|
| Genre | |
| RPG, Action, Adventure, Farming Simulator | |
| Platforms | Price (MSRP) |
   |
NSW, Steam $59.99 NSW2 $69.99 |
| Developer | Publisher |
| Marvelous Entertainment | XSEED Games Marvelous USA, Inc. Marvelous Europe |
| Number of Players | Age Rating |
| Singe-Player (1) | ESRB Teen |
| Time to Finish | Cross Platform Play |
| 100+ Hours | No |
| Official Website | Official Website for Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma |
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma Latest News
⚫︎ Australian Classification rates Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma for PS5 and Xbox Series, Disgaea 7 Complete (Gematsu)
⚫︎ Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma x Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin DLC Launches on June 5 (Final Weapon)
⚫︎ Rune Factory: Guardians Of Azuma Lets You Hop Between Timelines To Date Multiple Characters (Nintendo Life)
⚫︎ Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma Earth Dancer Edition Pre-Orders Reopen with Updated Shipping Window (Noisy PIxel)
⚫︎ Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma Nintendo Switch 2 physical release can be played on Switch 1 (Nintendo Everything)
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma Overview
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma (simplified as Guardians of Azuma or RF:GoA) is an upcoming action RPG and life-simulation game developed by Marvelous Inc. It was released on June 5, 2025. Similar to Rune Factory Frontier and Tides of Destiny, this game is a spin-off in the Rune Factory series, which is itself a spin-off of Marvelous’ Story of Seasons (formerly Harvest Moon) series.
The game takes place in Azuma, an eastern land heavily inspired by Japanese aesthetics and traditions. Players assume the role of an Earth Dancer, tasked with restoring hope and vitality to the land after it has been ravaged by a cataclysmic event known as the Celestial Collapse and the subsequent spread of a corrupting force called the Blight.
Guardians of Azuma keeps the series' core gameplay loop of farming, combat, and social interaction, but it introduces several new features. Players can now use the power of dance and sacred treasures, along with new weapons like bows and talismans, to fight the Blight. A key new mechanic, not seen in previous Rune Factory games, is the ability to rebuild entire villages, construct buildings, and attract residents who contribute to the village's growth. The game also emphasizes building relationships with other characters, with options to romance and recruit them to help in battles.
| Steam |
Switch |
Switch 2 |
|||
| $59.99 | $69.99 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma Gameplay
Similar to previous Rune Factory games, Guardians of Azuma integrates real-time action combat with life simulation elements. Players, as Earth Dancers, make use of various weapons—including swords, bows, and talismans—and Sacred Treasures like the Sacred Drum and Parasol, which have functions both in and out of combat. Players can switch between two equipped weapons and form parties of up to four members, including villagers and tamed monsters.
The game expands traditional farming mechanics by introducing village-building. Players can cultivate crops and customize village layouts using a grid-based system. Here, they place structures like carpentry shops and bathhouses. Assigning villagers to roles based on their skills enhances productivity and unlocks new construction options. Sacred Treasures also assist in farming tasks; for example, the Sacred Drum accelerates crop growth, while the Sacred Parasol waters multiple tiles simultaneously.
Building relationships remain a core component in Guardians of Azuma, with players able to build relationships with a diverse cast of characters. Players can choose their protagonist’s gender at the start of the game and engage in interactions that can lead to friendships or romantic partnerships. They can engage in conversations, give gifts, and participate in activities together to increase bond levels. Following in the footsteps of Rune Factory 5, the game appears to support same-sex relationships, giving players 15 potential partners to pursue. Additionally, befriended villagers can join the player’s party to assist in battles.
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma Marriage Candidates
Guardians of Azuma offers players a diverse selection of marriage candidates, totaling 16 in all. This includes 14 characters available in the base game, plus two additional marriage options introduced with the Seasons of Love DLC. The candidates include:
⚫︎ Subaru: One of the main protagonists on a mission to save Azuma from the Blight.
⚫︎ Kaguya: One of the main protagonists who is on the same mission as Subaru.
⚫︎ Iroha: The owner of Iroha’s Teahouse in Spring Village.
⚫︎ Murasame: A samurai whose goal is to become the world’s greatest swordsman.
⚫︎ Hina: A returning character from Rune Factory 5 who claims to be an archeologist.
⚫︎ Mauro: A self-proclaimed treasure hunter from a foreign land.
⚫︎ Ulalaka: Azuma’s kind, gentle god of spring and merriment.
⚫︎ Matsuri: Azuma’s carefree god of summer and swords.
⚫︎ Kurama: Azuma’s calm, cool-headed god of autumn and wind.
⚫︎ Fubuki: Azuma’s warmhearted wolf god of winter and water.
⚫︎ Kanata: Azuma’s god of light and the heavens.
⚫︎ Kai: A leader of the oni feared for his incredible strength.
⚫︎ Clarice: Leader of a mysterious group who arrived in Azuma with an unknown goal.
⚫︎ Ikaruga: A mystic from the capital who leads the Jingasa Corps.
⚫︎ Pilika: From the Seasons of Love DLC. She is a hunter who hails from Azuma’s far north.
⚫︎ Cuilang: From the Seasons of Love DLC. He is a mechanical expert who lives in Autumn Village.
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma Announcement Trailer
Announcement Trailer
Previously codenamed Project Dragon, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma was officially unveiled during the August 2024 Nintendo Direct. The announcement included a glimpse into the game's lore and new gameplay mechanics. Additionally, the trailer confirmed that the game is slated for release in 2025.
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