Marvelous USA officially revealed Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, the next installment in its long-running Rune Factory series of fantasy-themed farm- and life-simulation games. Originally teased back in 2023 as Rune Factory: Project Dragon, the game will feature two protagonists and be based in the eastern land of Azuma, inspired by Japanese myth and aesthetics. It's set to launch on Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam in Spring 2025.
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Marvelous also unveiled a substantial trailer for Guardians of Azuma, highlighting the game's two protagonists, male Subaru and female Kaguya. Players can choose either as their lead character, but both are present in the main story. Subaru and Kaguya are both Earth Dancers, individuals that use the power of dancing, sacred treasures, and weapons to purify Azuma's land and fight back against a mystical Blight.
Based on the trailer, Azuma has lost the power of Runes, denying it the four seasons and the blessing of nature. The Earth Dancers must work to revive Azuma's natural bounty and revive its six gods, through growing crops, participating in seasonal festivals, and fighting back against foes with weapons, including new weapon types like the bow and talisman.
They'll also rebuild Azuma's villages, living life and romancing any of the available candidates in voiced scenarios. Players can also choose to befriend these potential candidates. In both cases, they can be recruited to aid in combat.
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma will launch on Switch and PC in Spring 2025.
Marvelous USA today revealed Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma for the Nintendo Switch system and Windows PC via Steam, debuting the first official trailer on today’s Nintendo Direct livestream and announcing a Spring 2025 release window. This next-level offering is the latest entry in the popular action-RPG and life-simulation series, and introduces players to the lands of the east for the first time in franchise history with Japanese-inspired visuals and new twists on familiar themes and gameplay elements. Attendees at PAX West, taking place Aug. 30-Sept. 2, will be able to participate in a Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma booth activity showcasing Earth Dancer abilities and have the chance to earn exclusive, themed merchandise in the Marvelous USA booth, #809.
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 Earth Dancer, players will farm with grace, restore and build entire villages, and fight with new weapons like the Bow and Talisman. 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.
Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma 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 Talisman 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!
Marvelous USA
Pre-orders for the Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma “Earth Dancer Edition” will be available soon via the Marvelous USA store and at participating retailers for an MSRP of $99.99. This stunning collection comes in a custom outer box featuring awe-inspiring art of a battle high above Azuma, and includes 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. The standard edition of the game will also be available to pre-order for an MSRP of $59.99. Details on digital editions and pricing will be announced later.
Marvelous Europe
Pre-orders for the Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma “Earth Dancer Edition” will be available soon at participating retailers via the Marvelous Europe website for an RRP of €99.99. This stunning collection comes in a custom outer box and includes 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. The standard edition of the game will also be available to pre-order for an RRP of €59.99. Details on digital editions and pricing will be announced later.
Developed by Marvelous and published in the Americas by Marvelous USA, Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma is scheduled for release on the Nintendo Switch and Windows PC via Steam in Spring 2025. The title will be published in Japan by Marvelous Inc. and in Europe by Marvelous Europe.
Marvelous USA
