Uploaded January 2025 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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Here’s a glimpse of the combat and adventure gameplay from Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, captured from the Nintendo Switch version! Note: You can ignore the 1440p resolution option, as this was recorded on my PC during the live streaming of Marvelous Japan’s Rune Factory Channel: Pre-Order Celebration Program held earlier capped at 1080p.

During the live stream *Rune Factory Channel ~ #RyuuFaku Special Program for Pre-order Launch Celebration*, Marvelous showcased an 18-minute gameplay demo highlighting the adventure and battle system in *Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma*. Here are the key points revealed:

- The game is significantly more optimized than *Rune Factory 5* on the Nintendo Switch, featuring faster loading times and stable frame rates without noticeable frame drops, although the number of monsters rendered simultaneously is limited within certain areas.
- Players can jump manually by pressing the B button, adding flexibility to exploration.
- There are five weapon types available: one-handed swords, two-handed swords, dual blades, and two new weapons, bows and talismans.
- A dash system is included for dodging enemy attacks.
- The Sacred Treasure Ring can be accessed using the L button, allowing players to switch sacred weapons with different elemental effects. These weapons offer powerful attacks but consume more Rune Points (RP).
- The skill system has been revamped into a skill tree, letting players distribute points earned through daily activities to enhance character stats as desired.
- Tool usage is now automatic and context-sensitive, eliminating the need to manually switch tools, such as using axes to break obstacles or hammers for mining.
- Treasure chests are scattered across the game world, containing various materials for construction, sometimes up to 100 pieces per chest.
- The Sacred Parasol is automatically used for gliding when players jump from heights, consuming stamina instead of RP.
- The recipe bread system has been replaced with small frog-shaped shrines spread across the map. Players can "dance" at these shrines to learn new recipes.
- Players can equip a main weapon, a secondary weapon, and a sacred treasure simultaneously, with quick weapon switching using the left D-pad.
- There is no fall damage when falling into void areas, making exploration less punishing.
- Items cannot be picked up while riding monsters or horses; players must dismount first.
- The day-night system impacts monster behavior, with more aggressive monsters appearing at night.
- Monsters and mounts can perform basic attacks and cast earth magic without consuming RP, adding versatility during exploration.
- As in previous Rune Factory titles, defeated monsters are not killed but sent back to the Forest of Beginnings using the player’s enchanted weapons with the Tamitaya spell.
- Certain trees can be revived by pressing the ZR button (Dance Stance) to harvest wood from them.
- Pots scattered in the wild can be used for cooking, similar to *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild*.
- The cooking system no longer relies on RNG for success; recipes are straightforward and always succeed.
- Cutscenes can be skipped, allowing players to progress faster if they wish.
- Timing a dash perfectly triggers a slow-motion effect, enabling players to execute stylish attack combos.
- Boss monsters have a stagger gauge that, when filled, stuns them temporarily.
- Players can bring up to six party members, with three active at a time. Party members can be rotated using the down D-pad button.
- If a party member is knocked out, they will revive after a countdown timer.
- Divine Art allows sacred weapons to unleash powerful special attacks.

With improved performance on the Nintendo Switch, exploration-friendly features, and the addition of strategic elements like the skill tree and new weapons, *Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma* looks incredibly promising.

Source : Marvelous - youtube.com/live/-EQzST9YFYY

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma
Nintendo Switch & PC (Steam)
May 30, 2025

#RuneFactory #RF #RFGoA #GuardiansOfAzuma #Switch #Steam