Marvelous Europe have today announced that Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, which is the newest entry into the long-running RPG and life-simulation franchise, will launch globally on 30th May 2025 for the Nintendo Switch and Windows PC. A Standard Edition and Limited Edition will also be available for the Nintendo Switch at participating retailers across Europe.
In addition to the release date announcement Marvelous Europe have also confirmed that a live-stream, hosted by Ovilee May and joined by voice actors Brandon McInnis (Subaru) and Suzie Yeung (Kaguya), will take place at 4pm UK Time on 22nd January 2025 where more information about the game will be revealed. Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma will look to retain the core elements of Rune Factory, such as RPG combat and harvesting crops, but will also introduce players to the Eastern territory of Azuma and offers a slightly different take on the franchise.
About: Ravaged by the effects of the Celestial Collapse and the cessation of power provided by the runes, the eastern lands of Azuma are a shadow of their prosperous past. Weakened by corruptive forces, the gods of nature retreated from the world, leaving mountains to crumble and fields to wither. The people of Azuma seek aid against a blight that has swept these once-bountiful lands. One young hero enters into a contract with a dragon and sets out on a journey. “Accept the might of the Earth Dancer. Use this power to save the land.”
Guardians of Azuma takes players on an all-new adventure in the never-before-seen country of Azuma. Here, players will assume the role of an Earth Dancer destined to return hope—and life—to the once-thriving land. Choose from one of two protagonists whose fates are closely tied together, and experience reimagined and expanded Rune Factory gameplay; as an Earth Dancer, players will farm with grace, restore and build entire villages, and fight with new weapons like the Bow and Talismans. Azuma is a vast world to explore with majestic villages to uncover, each taking inspiration from Japanese culture and each with a seasonal theme. In addition to exploration, combat, and village-building, players will also cultivate relationships with the locals, recruiting them to your side in battle or to help manage the villages. Wield sacred treasures of the gods and the Earth Dancer’s power of dance to purify the land and return Azuma to its former glory. The adventure of a new world awaits.
Key Features:
Bold New Abilities and Weapons: As an Earth Dancer, use the power of dance, sacred treasures, and fresh weapons like the Bow and Talismans to purify the land, farm, and undo the Blight’s damage.
It Takes a Village: Don’t just mind the farm—rebuild entire villages! Construct and place buildings strategically to entice people to return to the villages and contribute. Revive the gods to bring vitality and valuable resources back to the plagued lands.
Your Fantasy Japanese Life: Experience beautiful Japanese-inspired character designs and aesthetics—from festivals to events to monsters. Explore Azuma’s natural landscapes and its seasonal-themed locales steeped in tradition.
Classic Romance and Relationships: Choose between male and female protagonists, then befriend or romance any of the eligible candidates—god and mortal alike—in fully voiced scenarios. Recruit these new friends to aid in dynamic battles, too!
The Limited Edition version of Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, which will only be available for Nintendo Switch, contains a physical copy of the game, an original soundtrack CD, an art book, an Azuma-inspired folding fan, the “Seasons of Love” DLC bundle, additional DLC costumes for your protagonists and their divine sidekick Woolby, and a plush Woolby keychain.
For the time being Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma will be available physically and digitally for Nintendo Switch and digitally for Windows PC (via Steam) on 30th May 2025.
