Rune Factory 5is the latest in the long-runningRune Factoryseries. Like its predecessors, the gameblends cozy life sim gameplay with dungeon-crawling JRPG combat.
WhileRune Factory 5is taking a slightly more dramatic and combat-focused turn, players will still be spending plenty of time farming, getting to know their neighbors, and experiencing the changing of the seasons. And in order for players to make the most of that experience, they’ll need to keep track of in-game time.
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Yet, when first starting the game,Rune Factory 5doesn’t tell players how to check the time. They have to find that out on their own.
How to Check the Time in Rune Factory 5
Checking the time inRune Factory 5is actually very simple. All the player needs to do is look at the top right of the screen, above the mini-map. There’s a readout that says the in-game time down to the minute.
There is a hitch, however.When starting a fresh file, players won’t be able to see that little clock.The space where the time readout should be is blank.
Rune Factory 5has a somewhat lengthy tutorial. After throwing them into combat, the game introduces the amnesiac protagonist to their fellow townsfolk and runs them through the basics of farming and crafting.
During this period,time does not exist. The changing of the day isn’t tied to the earth’s rotation; it’s tied to player progression. They can’t move forward until they finish what the game asks them to do.
This makes sense as a way to ease new players in. They don’t have to worry about wasting time figuring out the game’s controls and systems.
At the same time, it does create a rigidly controlled experience. Players who want to rush to optimize their farm, dive into dungeons, orwoo one ofRune Factory 5’s marriage optionsmight get frustrated.
Players can see the time after the first in-game day is complete. This happens shortly after seeing Julian and Hina spar on the village outskirts. Players just need to follow the tutorial’s instructions, and they’llreach that point in a little under an hour.
While there are still new faces to meet and things to learn, players will have more freedom on when to approach objectives and will have to budget their time accordingly.
