Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma Launches on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 With Exciting New Features

Marvelous and XSEED Games have officially released the highly anticipated Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma on both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, expanding the beloved farming RPG franchise with a bold new adventure.

This marks a significant milestone for the series, bringing fresh innovations and expansive storytelling to the Nintendo platform family. Set in the previously unexplored eastern region of Azuma, Guardians of Azuma transports players into the role of an Earth Dancer—an all-new protagonist class tasked with restoring a land devastated by the Celestial Collapse.

The region’s once-flourishing villages and fields are now overcome by a blight after powerful runes ceased to function, resulting in the retreat of nature’s gods.

As the story unfolds, a young hero forges a pact with a dragon and embarks on a journey to revive Azuma’s lost prosperity.

In a recent statement from the development team, players are encouraged to "embrace the might of the Earth Dancer and harness unique powers to heal the land and unite its people." Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma stands out with its enhanced gameplay mechanics and rich cultural setting inspired by Japan.

Players can choose between male and female protagonists, each with distinctive narrative threads and relationships to explore.

The social simulation core remains intact, with fully-voiced scenarios allowing players to build friendships, romances, and recruit both mortals and gods to help in dynamic battles. A notable addition is the revamped farming management system, enabling players to restore and rebuild not only individual farms but also entire villages.

Strategic construction and placement of buildings are integral to enticing the population back, while reviving nature deities is critical to unlocking new resources.

Farming, combat, and exploration benefit from the new abilities bestowed by the Earth Dancer class, introducing fresh weapons such as the Bow and Talisman, while utilizing sacred treasures and dance-inspired powers to defeat corrupted foes and purify blighted lands. Guardians of Azuma’s environments reflect four distinct, seasonally-themed villages, each infused with traditional Japanese aesthetics and festivals.

The game also offers flexible camera perspectives, allowing players to switch between third-person and top-down views, with full support for the Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 controllers and mouse functionality on PC editions. With the launch of Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, both newcomers and longtime fans can experience a revitalized take on the franchise’s signature blend of farming, action RPG combat, community building, and life simulation.

The title is now available for purchase on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and through the Switch eShop.

Early reviews highlight its expanded systems, diverse cast, and rich world-building as stellar additions to the iconic series. Fans are encouraged to watch the official launch trailer for a first-hand look at the vibrant world and dynamic gameplay awaiting in Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma.

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