Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
Action
Adventure
RPG
Single-player
Steam Achievements
Full controller support
Steam Trading Cards
Steam Cloud
Family Sharing

Welcome to the eastern nation of Azuma! In this fresh take on Rune Factory, use your powers as an Earth Dancer to restore the land, its people, and even its gods. Along the way, battle corrupted monsters, rebuild seasonal farms and villages, and form bonds with the colorful locals.

Developers: Marvelous Inc.
Publishers: XSEED Games Marvelous USA, Inc. Marvelous Europe
Release Date: Jun 4, 2025
Price (USD): $59.99
Current Players: 359

Links:  Steam Store  SteamDB

Very Positive(92%)
charming characters
village management
engaging story
colorful visuals
village management
combat system
art style
paid DLC
too easy
simplified farming
predictable patterns
Overall, players find Guardians of Azuma to be a charming and enjoyable entry into the Rune Factory series, with well-developed characters and an engaging story. The addition of village management elements is seen as a positive step by some, though others miss the depth and complexity of previous games' farming mechanics. The game's combat is generally well-received as fun yet simplistic. However, criticism of the DLC practices and the lack of challenge are prevalent. The general consensus is that this is a refreshing spin-off for longtime fans and newcomers, though it may not fully satisfy players looking for a deeper, more traditional Rune Factory experience.

Positive Points

  • The game features charming and well-written characters with engaging storylines, making it easy for players to become invested in their individual arcs and interactions.
  • The village management and building system is a welcome addition, allowing players to customize and organize their villages, which adds depth and variety to the gameplay.
  • The game's combat is generally described as enjoyable and smooth, providing a satisfying mix of action and strategy with various weapon types and sacred treasures that add depth to battles.
  • Many players praise the game's graphics and aesthetics, particularly its vibrant and colorful anime-style visuals and Japanese-themed settings.
  • Negative Points

  • A significant number of players criticize the decision to lock certain romance options and content behind paid DLC, viewing it as a frustrating and unwelcome move.
  • The game is often described as too easy, even on higher difficulty settings, with combat lacking challenge and becoming repetitive over time.
  • Some players feel that the farming aspect of the game is overly simplified, taking a backseat to other elements like combat and village management.
  • The story and characters, while praised by some, are seen by others as falling into predictable or trope-heavy patterns that lack depth.
  • Mixed Points

  • The new village management system is seen as a fresh addition by some, but others find it overwhelming or unnecessary.
  • While the game's aesthetic and art style are generally praised, the character designs are viewed as generic or lacking uniqueness by some players.
  • The combat system is considered fun yet simplistic by many, with mixed opinions on the depth and variety of enemies and bosses.
  • Common Themes

  • There is a general consensus that the characters and their individual storylines are one of the game's strongest features, with players enjoying the interactions and bond quests.
  • The introduction of village building and management is a notable change from previous Rune Factory games, with mixed reception among players.
  • The game offers significant quality of life improvements over previous entries, making daily tasks and management easier and less tedious.
  • Many players mention the ease of gameplay and the game's suitability as a relaxing and low-pressure experience, albeit at the cost of depth in some areas.
  • Updated 1/28/2026, 12:02:25 AM UTC