Rune Factorygames, such as the newRune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, often include the ability to build relationships with NPCs in the game, either for friendship or romance. Through giving gifts, hanging out with them in various activities, chatting each day, and even asking them to join your party in battle, players can improve their relationship status with these characters and even see unique storylines and quests revolving around their varied backgrounds. Once a strong enough bond has been formed, the protagonist can even marry one of these romanceable NPCs.

While working on ourreview ofRune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, I got to know these characters pretty well. Naturally,everyone will have their own ideas regarding the best bachelors, and this list is based on a combination of my feelings as well as online polls.Guardians of Azumaallows players to pick from either a male or female protagonist andeither protagonist can choose any of the available romance options in the game, regardless of gender. There are a total of eight male and eight female options for love, with many NPCs that can be friends and allies.

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8Kurama Is A Bit Of A Snob, But Could Have A Warm Heart

The Astute God Of Autumn And Wind

Yes, inRune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, players can even romance the gods. In this case, the God of Autumn and Wind, Kurama, is found in the Autumn village, although saying he is ungrateful for being saved would be an understatement.Kurama comes across as a snobby, self-centered guy who certainly looks down on all others.There are many other friendly gods in the game, proving that he has no reason for the chip on his shoulder.

Despite his attitude,as the protagonist grows closer to him, they will get to see his demeanor soften.Though Kurama may be a bit grouchy and harsh, winning his heart could be a very gratifying endeavor. He is nearly always calm and tactical, enjoys playing games, and has some incredible hair. Watching this god start to smile and even show the occasional moment of humility may be enough to make him a worthy contender for romance.

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7Fubuki Has A Gentle And Kind Personality

The Half-Beast God Of Winter And Water

Among the16 romanceable characters inGuardians of Azumaare personalities of all kinds, including the soft and gentle God of Winter and Water, Fubuki. He takes his duty of helping others seriously and truly cares for all those around him.His outward appearance and compassionate, kind nature often result in others treating him like a childor younger sibling, but this god has a strength beyond what is commonly shown. He is dependable and loyal, with a desire to protect others, which could make him a kindred spirit to the protagonist who is looking to save the world.

The god of the Winter village, Fubuki is a warmhearted half-wolf who loves everything and everyone. Dialogue with him is sweet, with cutscenes and voice acting that show the depth of his emotions. His only true flaw is in his anxiety, but even that anxiousness is based in his desire to never cause anyone pain.

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6Ikaruga Is As Friendly As He Is Focused

The Mystic Leader Of The Jingasa Corps

Ikaruga may be mild-mannered, soft-spoken, and gentle, but he alsoholds a passion for meeting his personal goals which drives him to do whatever it takes. Though often an approachable and friendly romance option, he becomes fairly intense when someone interrupts his plans or work. However, if the protagonist can get Ikaruga to turn that passion towards love, it could prove to be a deep and meaningful romance.

Ikaruga is the Mystic Leader of the Jingasa Corps, holding a position of leadership which he takes very seriously. His bright greenish-yellow eyes and fierce determination areattractive qualities for this bachelorof Azuma, at least after he quits attacking the party.He is strong and a very useful companion to have in battle, particularly with his drive to achieve any objectives he believes in.

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5Mauro Is Cheerful And Curious About The World

The Adventurer Who Sails The Skies

While Fubuki may often be treated like a child or younger sibling, Mauro’s exuberance can make him come across as being one from time to time.He has a natural cheer and curiosity for the world around himwhich has guided him to the player seemingly by coincidence, but perhaps one led by the gods. With a skyship under his control, he sails the skies looking for adventure and anything new.

The world of Azuma is strikingly different from his own homeland where bricks and cement fill the busy towns.He is sentimental and sensitive, but eager to experience it all.Taking him along in combat proves him to be strong with the bow, though perhaps not the most impressive of party options. When in the party, he also happens to have a habit of frequently yelling things like “Splendiferous” which, at least for me, became somewhat annoying after a time.

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4Subaru Is The Option For Male Protagonist, Or Potential Love

The Wandering Hero, And Counterpart To Kaguya

When starting a new game ofRune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, players have the option of choosing either a male or female protagonist. The male option presented is Subaru. As long as the female protagonist is chosen to be played,Subaru will appear in the story as the childhood friend of the female protagonist, Kaguya. If the male protagonist is chosen, then players will take on the role of Subaru, and Kaguya will show up in the story instead.

Subaru has a very laid-back and easygoing attitude and is quick to have a smile, even despite the cataclysmic aftermath of the world in chaos. Perhaps because he is the counterpart to Kaguya in being a possible option for the protagonist, he feels like a safe choice, and is a great option for those who want a steady and equable partner. The two have a strong connection, having been very close at one time in the past, and he is the fitting character for a romantic fairytale story.

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3Cuilang Is Withdrawn But Caring

The Soft-Spoken Puppet Master (Only Available With The DLC)

Cuilang is one of the characters from the Autumn village and is a soft-spoken and shy NPC who is known for being kind and helpful. His appearance feels a bit reserved and even standoffish, and he speaks very little to anyone. However, when he does open up and talk to the protagonist, his willingness to help all and his kind, thoughtful nature shines through his heavy layers of clothes. Known as the puppet master, he is very skilled with machinery and tinkering and uses his skills to help the surrounding community.

Unfortunately,the romance scenarios for Cuilang are only available to players who have the “Seasons of Love” DLC pack. Without the DLC, he is simply another villager who can be befriended, but nothing more.

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The Oni God Of The Underworld

Whenever a game has romance options, it seems there always has to be at least one signature bad boy in the bunch. ForRune Factory: Guardians of Azuma,that bad boy is quite literally the God of the Underworld, Kai. He is feared by many for his immense strength and cold, intimidating mannerisms. Known for being selfish and often looking for trouble, he doesn’t even pay his tab at the local teahouse in the Autumn village.

Kai is an oni, a powerful and fearsome creature from Japanese folklore. Yet, despite his flaws, he treats those he values with respect and even kindness. Trying to romance Kai will take some patience, as he does not want much to do with the protagonist, but eventually players can try to break down his walls and see if he will reveal his true heart to them.

1Murasame Holds A Dark Secret And Needs Some Love To Heal

The Swordsman Seeking Greatness

Murasame was my choice for romance whileexploring all thatGuardians of Azumahad to offer. He is a samurai, traveling through Azuma with the ultimate goal of becoming the best swordsman in the world. However, his fervent need to keep training and pushing harderhas a dark mystery behind it that players can learn more about as they grow closerto Murasame. His blindfold may be hiding something much more troubling than a missing eye.

He is very serious and disciplined, and doesn’t like activities that don’t serve a valuable purpose in his mind. However, he is also full of kindness and a desire to protect and help others. Having Murasame in the party adds a strong swordsman for combat, and will also raise his relationship levels quicker. Though his focused attitude may not be for everyone, to me, he is the best bachelor inRune Factory: Guardians of Azuma.

Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma

InRune Factory: Guardians of Azuma, players assume the role of an Earth Dancer tasked with restoring the eastern land of Azuma after the catastrophic Celestial Collapse. Utilizing unique dance abilities, players will purify corrupted terrains, rebuild villages, and combat blight-infested creatures, all while forging relationships in a richly detailed, Japanese-inspired world.