Let’s be real for a second. Choosing a spouse in Rigbarth is basically the hardest part of the entire game. You’ve got the SEED ranger duties, the monsters to tame, and the farm to manage, but none of that carries the same weight as deciding who’s going to move into your room and follow you into dungeons for the rest of the game. If you’re playing Rune Factory 5, you already know the stakes are high.
Finding the right Rune Factory 5 bachelors isn't just about who looks the best in their 3D model. It’s about the voice acting, the weirdly specific subplots, and—let's be honest—who has the least annoying romantic events.
The bachelors this time around are a mixed bag. Some feel like classic tropes we've seen since the Harvest Moon days, while others, like Lucas or Ryker, feel like a bit of a departure for the series. Plus, the addition of same-sex marriage in the Western release (and later patched into the Japanese version) totally changed the dynamic of how players approach these relationships. It opened up the field, but it also made the choice six times harder.
Why Ryker and Martin are the Rigbarth Fan Favorites
Most players find themselves stuck between the two "work" extremes: the guy who works too hard and the guy who refuses to work during the day.
Martin is your classic stoic. He’s the apprentice smith under Darroch, and honestly, he’s a bit of a bore at first. All he talks about is ore. "Look at this metal," "I need to hammer this," "Don't bother me while I'm working." It's a lot. But the payoff with Martin comes from seeing him actually learn how to be a human being. If you like the "I can fix him" or the "thawing ice king" vibe, he’s your guy. He isn't mean; he's just incredibly socially stunted because he’s spent his whole life hitting glowing red rocks with a hammer.
Then you have Ryker.
Ryker is the polar opposite. He’s the apprentice to Palmo, the eccentric architect, but Ryker is basically a nocturnal cat in human form. He’s lazy during the day and suspiciously active at night. There’s a whole "mysterious past" thing going on here that involves his "Silver Wolf" persona, which—depending on your tolerance for anime tropes—is either incredibly cool or slightly cringey.
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The interesting thing about Ryker is his dialogue. It’s surprisingly soft. While Martin is blunt, Ryker is observant. He’s also one of the best combat companions early on because of his dual-blade style. If you want a husband who understands the struggle of wanting to nap for 14 hours straight, Ryker is the winner.
The Outsiders: Lucas, Cecil, and Murakumo
If the local apprentices don't do it for you, the game throws some curveballs.
Lucas is arguably the most "out there" bachelor in the series' history. He shows up in Rigbarth with amnesia, which is a classic JRPG trope, but then things get weird. He starts performing literal miracles. He’s charming, sophisticated, and has this "gentleman scholar" energy that masks the fact that he might actually be a literal god. Marrying Lucas feels different because his perspective on human life is so detached and fascinated. It’s poetic. It’s also a bit surreal when he’s helping you harvest turnips.
Cecil, on the other hand, is the younger brother of Martin. He’s the town "detective," though his investigative skills mostly involve jumping to wild conclusions.
Honestly? Cecil is a polarizing character. A lot of the community finds his design and personality a bit too youthful, which makes the romance feel slightly awkward for older players. However, his optimism is a nice break from the gloomier bachelors. He’s energetic. He’s curious. He’s also the gateway to learning more about Martin’s family history, so even if you don't marry him, you'll end up spending a lot of time with him.
Then there is Murakumo.
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The owner of the Blue Moon Inn is a massive weranimal (beastman) and probably the most "wholesome" option. He’s loud, he’s generous to a fault, and he’s constantly giving away free stays at the inn, much to the chagrin of his sister, Misasagi. Murakumo is the "golden retriever" of the Rune Factory 5 bachelors. He’s physically imposing but has zero ego. He’s also one of the easiest to gift for, since he loves simple things like dumplings and even some grilled fish.
Reinhard: The Knight With a Diet Problem
We have to talk about Reinhard. He arrives in town as the protector of Beatrice, and he’s the epitome of the "loyal knight."
Reinhard is interesting because his character isn't just about his job. It’s about his total lack of self-preservation and his bizarre palate. The man will eat literally anything you give him, including failed dishes (the purple sludge that usually kills people). He views it as "training."
There is something genuinely endearing about a guy who is so dedicated to his duty that he forgot how to take care of himself. His romance arc deals heavily with his struggle between his oath to the crown and his feelings for the protagonist. It’s high drama. If you want a marriage that feels like a fantasy novel, Reinhard is the pick.
The Complexity of the Romance System
You can’t just give a guy a flower and expect a ring. Rune Factory 5 requires a lot of legwork. You have to get them to Friendship Level 7 before you even think about confessing. And even then, it’s a dice roll. I’ve seen players confess at Level 10 and get rejected because they had an active side quest going on.
The game doesn't tell you this, but active town events block romance progress. If you’re wondering why your favorite bachelor is ignoring your "I love you," check your sub-event menu.
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What You Need to Know Before Choosing
- Combat Utility: Murakumo and Reinhard are tanks. They can take a hit. Ryker is a glass cannon. Martin is a solid physical attacker. Lucas uses magic and can be incredibly flashy in a fight.
- Gifting Strategy: Don't waste high-level items early. Most bachelors have a "liked" gift that is easy to craft. Martin loves ores (easy), Murakumo loves dumplings (easy), and Reinhard loves toast (literally just bread in an oven).
- The Marriage Requirements: You need to be on a "Double Date," have seen all three of their unique romance stories, and have the Engagement Ring and the Double Bed. The bed is a massive gold sink, so start saving your money early.
The Problem With Pacing
One thing people get wrong about these bachelors is the timing. Because some characters (like Lucas and Reinhard) arrive later in the story, players often feel pressured to commit to the early-game guys like Martin or Cecil.
Don't rush it.
The game doesn't have a time limit. You can play for ten in-game years and still get married. If you feel like Martin is "fine" but you're waiting for someone more interesting, just wait. The late-game dialogue for characters like Lucas is significantly more developed than the early-game banter.
Final Verdict on the Best Bachelor
Is there a "best" one? Mechanically, not really. The stat differences between them as combat partners eventually get ironed out as you craft better gear for them anyway. It really comes down to the "vibe."
If you want a traditional, hard-working husband: Martin.
If you want a mysterious, slightly edgy boyfriend: Ryker.
If you want a literal god-tier gentleman: Lucas.
If you want a big-hearted protector: Murakumo.
If you want a chivalrous, self-sacrificing knight: Reinhard.
If you want a playful, energetic companion: Cecil.
Most veterans of the series tend to lean toward Ryker or Lucas simply because their storylines feel the most integrated into the wider lore of the Rune Factory universe. Ryker’s connection to the night and Lucas’s connection to the divine add layers to the plot that you just don't get if you marry the local blacksmith.
Actionable Steps for Your Rigbarth Romance
- Stop at Level 7: Get all your potential candidates to Friendship Level 7 before you commit to one. This lets you see their initial romance events and decide if you actually like their personality.
- Clear Your Quest Log: Before you press the "I love you" button (the L or R trigger during dialogue), make sure you have zero active town events. This is the #1 reason confessions fail.
- Invest in the Bakery: You’ll need Bread for recipes and high-quality flour for gifts. Building a relationship with Yuki and Randolph is just as important as talking to the bachelors.
- Craft Two Rings: You need one for the proposal, but keep a spare one to upgrade their gear later. A husband who dies in one hit in the Rigbarth Maze isn't a very helpful husband.
- Check the Calendar: Never confess or propose right before a festival. The game will prioritize the festival over your romantic progress, often resulting in a glitchy rejection or a delayed event.
The marriage system in this game is deep, sometimes frustrating, but ultimately rewarding. Just remember that once you pick, the others will still be around town, reminding you of what could have been every time you walk past the smithy or the inn. Choose wisely.