As a spinoff of the acclaimed Harvest Moon and Story of Seasons series, Rune Factory has been around for nearly 16 years. The beloved fantasy farm simulator and action-RPG may have experienced a few bumps in the road during its lifetime, but the latest installment is now available worldwide on Nintendo Switch. Like other games in the genre, Rune Factory 5 gives players the option to build relationships with the various characters, some of whom can even be romanced and, eventually, married.
In a series first, Rune Factory 5 also allows players to marry characters of the same sex, meaning anyone can choose between the game’s 12 bachelors and bachelorettes regardless of which gender choose to play as. However, before players can reach this milestone, there are several steps they need to take if they want to romance their love interest.
A Healthy Friendship Is the First Prerequisite
Much like its predecessors, Rune Factory 5 features a relationship leveling system. The more players interact with NPCs, the stronger their bond. Focusing on building a friendship with the preferred candidates is of utmost importance, as reaching friendship level seven is key to pursuing a romantic relationship.
The best way to slowly but steadily improve a character’s friendship level is to speak to them daily. Presenting them with gifts will also help, provided that the item is something they like and not something that will accidentally decrease their relationship points. To learn what any given character likes, it’s good to talk to them and other NPCs (particularly those they often spend time with), as that information is revealed during conversations.
Another great way to increase friendship is by leveling up certain skills and abilities. Each of the potential love interests has unique preferences and will react positively to the player increasing their proficiency in their field of interest. Adding the loved one to the party, completing their requests, and giving them a Love Potion are other viable options. However, players should not rely on the efficacy of the Love Potion because it is a high-level Chemistry recipe and remains inaccessible until late in the game.
A Successful Confession Is Crucial To Dating
While progressing through the game, players may notice quests with pink icons that feature certain NPCs. These indicate character story events, which the players will need to go through if they wish to confess to their love interest. After completing three story events and reaching a friendship level of at least seven, players can try their luck at confessing by accessing the BTW Menu. Rune Factory 5 poses no restrictions on how many love interests the players pursue, but making multiple confessions might lower the overall success rate.
If the chosen love interest accepts the player’s feelings, they will be able to go on the first date the following in-game day. Since dates are time and location specific, players should honor the arrangements and show up on time — lest they risk an argument and lose relationship points. Three successful dates will unlock a fourth special event, after which the players can take their relationship to the next level, provided they meet the remainder of the requirements.
The Benefits of Marriage Are Worth the Effort
By the time players are ready to propose to their love interest, they will have made significant progress in the game. However, unlocking the fourth event is not the end; to propose, players will also need to reach friendship level 10, complete the main campaign, and meet all the NPCs in Rigbarth. Only then will they unlock the final step to marriage, which involves an engagement ring and a double bed.
After clearing the final story event, players will unlock a request relating to marriage. Accepting the request will provide them with a recipe needed to craft the engagement ring and the option to purchase a double bed from Studio Palmo, which requires 30,000G, 80 lumber, and 40 stone to acquire. Upon completing request and successfully proposing, players can look forward to the wedding ceremony the next in-game day.
One of the many benefits of marriage in Rune Factory 5 is the option to expand the player’s family. After being married for around 21 in-game days, the player’s spouse will ask them if they want to have a child, with adoption being an option for same-sex couples. Players can have up to three children in each playthrough, with each child being unique and players having the option to choose their gender and personality type. The number of options for romantic partners and children will surely add to the replayability of Rune Factory 5, providing more reasons to revisit the game to try a different path.
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