it was later released as a Nintendo eShop exclusive in PAL territories on December 11, 2014. Rune Factory 4 Special is an enhanced port of the game, released in Japan on July 25, 2019 for the Nintendo Switch. This version features enhanced graphics, additional cutscenes, a more challenging "Hell" difficulty option, and uses Live2D technology for the additional Newlywed mode. It was released in Hong Kong and South Korea on December 5, 2019, in North America on February 25, 2020, and in PAL regions on February 28, 2020. The game has been supported by an expansion pack titled Another Episode, that adds twelve additional side stories. Further customization options have also been made available via downloadable content. The game was released worldwide for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Microsoft Windows on December 7, 2021 with the expansion pack and downloadable content included. Rune Factory 5 is the fifth game in the main series, released in Japan on May 20, 2021 for the Nintendo Switch. The game takes place in the border town of Rigbarth, and focuses on either or , who joins a group of peacekeeping rangers known as Seed, as stability in the Kingdom of Norad is threatened. It the first game in the series to include same-sex marriage. This feature is available from release in the North American and PAL region versions of the game, and inserted as a future patch for all other regions. Rune Factory 5 was released in Hong Kong and South Korea on September 2, 2021, and was later released in North America on March 22, 2022, and in PAL regions on March 25, 2022. A Microsoft Windows port was released worldwide on July 13, 2022. Sequels and spin-offs Rune Factory Frontier, a direct sequel to the first game in the franchise, was released in Japan on November 27, 2008 for the Wii. The game features Raguna as he searches for Mist, who has abruptly left the town of Kardia. While searching, he stumbles across Trampoli village and learns that Whale Island, a floating island above the village, is in danger of falling. Rune Factory Frontier features a new game mechanic known as runeys, elemental spirits native to Trampoli that are required to make "rune wonders" and affect the prosperity of your land. It was released in North America on March 17, 2009, and in Europe and Australia on April 1, 2010. Rune