If you're looking for the Rune Factory 3 Special release date, you're in the right placde. This new remake of the 2011 original is yet another fresh instalment in the long-running farming RPG franchise. It's gone from strength to strength off the back of Rune Factory 5, and this remake should continue that trend.
In this hub, we'll break down everything you need to know about Rune Factory 3 Special. That includes its proposed release date, which platforms it'll appear on, and a look at all the changes and new features introduced in this remaster.
When is the Rune Factory 3 Special release date?
Rune Factory 3 Special is slated to release at some point in 2023. When announced at the Nintendo Direct, there wasn't anything more concrete than that. Since there isn't a specific release window, the chances are it'll be nearer to the latter half of 2023.
Of course, as soon as we learn more about the Rune Factory 3 Special release date, we'll update this section.
Latest news
Good news for fans of the Rune Factory franchise! During the September 2022 Nintendo Direct, Xseed Games announced a remaster of Rune Factory 3.
Titled Rune Factory 3 Special, it's a ground-up remake Rune Factory 3 for Nintendo Switch. Titled Rune Factory 3 Special, it's a ground-up rework using the same engine as the RF4 remake. using the same engine as the RF4 remaster.
Check out the reveal trailer to see just how different the game looks to its 2011 original release.
Rune Factory 3 Special platforms
As you may expect, Rune Factory 3 Special will release exclusively on Nintendo Switch. The Rune Factory franchise has always been exclusive to Nintendo consoles, and this time around it's no different.
Unlike the Harvest Moon series, from which Rune Factory spins off, you'll likely never see a franchise entry outside of the Nintendo ecosystem. The original Rune Factory 3 released for Nintendo DS, so it makes sense to be a Switch exclusive.
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However, there have been a few cases of Rune Factory games releasing outside of Nintendo's systems. Rune Factory 5, the latest in the series, notably landed on PC earlier this year. On top of that, the Rune Factory 4 remaster also released on PS4, Xbox One, and PC.
Despite this, it appears that Rune Factory 3 Special will be a Nintendo Switch exclusive for the time being.
Rune Factory 3 Special gameplay and changes
The story and gameplay of Rune Factory 3 Special are likely to be the same as the original, with most of the changes coming in the form of visuals. The top-down 3D perspective has been cleaned up substantially for Switch, with more defined character models and backgrounds.
Of course, it doesn't add the over-the-shoulder perspective of Rune Factory 5, instead retaining the original camera and controls. As with all other games in the series, look out for the classic combat and farming mechanics that long-time fans will already be used to.
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Fortunately, there are a few new gameplay additions to make it worth playing for those already familiar with the game. Chief of them all is Newlywed Mode, adding new standalone quests to romance all 11 of the eligible bachelorettes in the game.
That all comes alongside Another Episode, new voice-narrated adventures involving each of those characters. On top of that, the new Hell difficulty is here to push the challenge even further.
That's everything we know so far about Rune Factory 3 Special! Be sure to stick around as we'll update this hub with any and all new information as it arrives. Until then, feel free to check out everything we know so far about The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. That's one we've all been waiting for.