The popular action RPG and farming simulator, Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin, is expanding its universe with a new spin-off game and a second anime season. Released in 2020 by Edelweiss and Marvelous, Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin follows Princess Sakuna, a harvest goddess tasked with clearing the Isle of Demons while also tending to a small human village. The game combines hack-and-slash platforming with relaxing farming simulation, similar to Marvelous’s Rune Factory series.
Kokorowa Takes Center Stage in the Sakuna Universe
The upcoming spin-off, Sakuna Chronicles: Kokorowa and the Gears of Creation, will focus on Princess Kokorowa, a close friend of Sakuna. Edelweiss has also announced a currently untitled mobile game and a new anime series, adding to the growing franchise. The first season of the anime, adapting the original game’s story, aired in July 2024 with 13 episodes, produced by P.A. Works and directed by Masayuki Yoshihara, with Jukki Hanada as the writer. While details about the second season’s production team remain unconfirmed, fans eagerly anticipate its arrival.
Image: Official announcement of the 2024 developments for the Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin franchise by Edelweiss.
From Niche Title to Mainstream Success: The Rise of Sakuna
Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin defied expectations, achieving significant commercial success since its 2020 launch. By January 2021, the game sold 850,000 units, exceeding one million copies by June of the same year. The anime adaptation further boosted the franchise’s popularity, garnering generally positive reviews and introducing new audiences to Sakuna’s world.
A Unique Blend of Action and Farming
The story follows the spoiled warrior princess and harvest goddess Sakuna, banished to the Isle of Demons with a group of humans who trespassed into the divine Lofty Realm. Accompanied by her adorable familiar, Tama, Sakuna must cleanse the island while awaiting the opportunity to return the humans home. This unique blend of action RPG and farming simulator appeals to fans of games like Stardew Valley, Harvest Moon, and Rune Factory, and the upcoming additions to the franchise promise even more exciting adventures.
Sakuna’s Future Looks Bright
With a new game, a mobile title, and a second anime season on the horizon, the Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin franchise shows no signs of slowing down. The original game’s success and the anime’s positive reception have solidified its place in both the gaming and anime communities. Fans can look forward to exploring more of Sakuna’s world and experiencing new adventures with Kokorowa and other characters in the expanded universe.
