Can Girls Marry Girls in Rune Factory 4? A Comprehensive Guide
The answer, unfortunately, is no. In the original Rune Factory 4, released for the Nintendo 3DS, the game adhered to a strict heterosexual romance system. If you played as the female main character (Frey), you could only date and marry the bachelor characters. Conversely, if you played as the male main character (Lest), you could only pursue relationships with the bachelorette characters.
This limitation sparked considerable disappointment among players who desired same-sex romance options. The Rune Factory series, known for its engaging characters and deep relationship mechanics, felt incomplete to many without the ability to express their character’s sexuality freely. However, it’s important to note a significant development with the release of Rune Factory 5.
Rune Factory 5 broke down these barriers and introduced same-sex marriage options, a feature highly requested by the community. This inclusivity marked a major step forward for the series and offered players greater freedom in crafting their own romantic stories. It allowed female main characters to marry female marriage candidates, and male main characters to marry male marriage candidates.
While Rune Factory 4 remains bound by its original programming regarding marriage, the success of Rune Factory 5 suggests that future installments in the series will likely continue to offer diverse relationship options. For fans specifically looking for same-sex romance within the Rune Factory universe, Rune Factory 5 is the game to play. The shift in inclusivity highlights the evolving landscape of gaming and the industry’s growing awareness of the importance of representation. You can learn more about game design and the impact of inclusivity by exploring resources provided by organizations like the Games Learning Society.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Rune Factory 4 & 5 Romance
Gender Restrictions & Marriage
1. Can you marry a girl as a girl in Rune Factory 4?
No, in the original Rune Factory 4 for the Nintendo 3DS, you cannot marry a girl as a girl. The game restricts marriage candidates based on the player character’s gender. A female character can only marry bachelors.
2. Does gender matter in Rune Factory 4 Special?
While you can customize your character’s appearance regardless of the chosen “gender” in Rune Factory 4 Special, the restrictions on marriage partners remain. You still cannot engage in same-sex marriage.
3. Is Rune Factory 5 LGBT?
Yes! Rune Factory 5 includes same-sex marriage options, allowing you to marry characters of the same gender. This was a significant and welcomed change for the series.
Dating & Relationships
4. Can you date multiple girls in Rune Factory 4?
Yes, you can date all the eligible bachelorettes at the same time in Rune Factory 4. However, the more girls you date simultaneously, the harder it will be to court them successfully (requiring higher Friendship Points, or FP).
5. Can you date everyone in RF4?
Yes, you can technically date all six bachelorettes (as a male character) or all six bachelors (as a female character) at once in Rune Factory 4.
6. How do you date someone in RF4?
To initiate dating, you must have a high enough friendship level with the character. Then, choose the “I love you” or “I really love you” option when talking to them. They may reject you if your friendship is too low, so persist and raise your friendship level.
7. Can you break up with someone in rf4?
You can’t formally “break up” in Rune Factory 4. The game allows dating of all the marriage candidates. Getting married is the only binding decision that prevents you from dating others.
Marriage Candidates & Children
8. Who is the best girl to marry in Rune Factory 4?
“Best” is subjective, but many players favor Forte, the dragon knight. She’s loyal, dedicated, and enjoys simple meals like chocolate cake and unicorn stew. However, the ideal spouse depends on your personal preferences.
9. Who is the canon wife in RF4?
Rune Factory 4 doesn’t officially designate a “canon” wife. The manga depicts Margaret, while the comic portrays Dolce. Ultimately, the choice is yours.
10. Can you marry Venti Rune Factory 4?
Sadly, you cannot marry Ventuswill (Venti) in Rune Factory 4. She is a beloved character but not a marriage option.
11. Can you have a baby in Rune Factory 4?
Yes! 19 days after marriage, your spouse will ask if you want children. After some time, a pregnancy event will trigger, allowing you to choose the child’s gender or leave it to fate. The birth occurs 20 days after the pregnancy event.
12. How many kids can you have in rf4?
In Rune Factory 4, you can only have one child.
13. How many kids can you have in Rune Factory 5?
In contrast to Rune Factory 4, Rune Factory 5 allows you to have up to three children, regardless of the genders of the parents (through pregnancy or adoption).
Game Mechanics & Differences
14. What is newlywed mode?
“Newlywed Mode” is a feature unlocked after marriage. It includes new story content, voice-overs, and animated cutscenes depicting the early days of your married life.
15. What is the monster limit in rf4?
You start with two monster barns, each holding four monsters. You can expand your farm and the barns themselves with orders, increasing the number of monsters you can keep. The ability to expand your monster barns adds a significant layer to the game’s resource management.
Understanding these aspects of relationships and marriage within the Rune Factory series can greatly enhance your gameplay experience. While Rune Factory 4 has its limitations, its charm and engaging gameplay remain strong. For players who prioritize same-sex romance, Rune Factory 5 offers a more inclusive and representative experience. The continuous development in the series reflect the gaming industry’s commitment to better representing the community, as is advocated for on GamesLearningSociety.org.