Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin received generally favorable critic reviews, but its Metascore varies by platform: 82/100 on PC from 11 reviews, 80/100 on Nintendo Switch from 29, and 77/100 on PlayStation 4 from 18. Critics often praised its unusual combination of rice farming and side-scrolling action, while some noted a learning curve, repetition, or a pace that may not suit everyone.
What are the Metacritic scores for Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin?
These are separate platform aggregates, not a single score for the game. Metacritic’s accessible pages and search-result snapshots in 2026 showed the following:
| Platform | Metascore | Critic reviews | Displayed review distribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| PC | 82/100 | 11 | Generally Favorable, according to the available Metacritic search-result snapshot. Metacritic PC critic reviews |
| Nintendo Switch | 80/100 | 29 | 22 positive (76%), 7 mixed (24%), 0 negative, in the displayed critic set. Metacritic Switch critic reviews |
| PlayStation 4 | 77/100 | 18 | Not stated in the accessible overview. Metacritic title overview |
Scores and review counts are a snapshot, not a permanent tally; Metacritic pages can change as listings are updated. The 2026 figures above describe critic reviews only. They are not user scores or store ratings, and the different platform samples should not be combined into one average.
What did critics like about the game?
The farming and combat systems work together
The game’s central idea is not simply to alternate between farming and fighting. The official PlayStation Store description presents it as side-scrolling action paired with a detailed farming and crafting simulation: Sakuna’s strength grows with each rice crop, and crop attributes connect to her combat ability. That link between tending a crop and improving the fighter is a major reason reviewers singled out the genre blend.
#1 Best Overall
- Refined side-scrolling platform action - using farm tools as weapons, Chain together quick, heavy, special attacks to Kill beasts, while mastering the divine raiment will be essential to grapple distant platforms, and evade danger
- Detailed 3D simulation-style gameplay - learn the ancient art of agriculture by following detailed STEPS from planting to harvesting to cultivate the perfect crop; as a harvest goddess, sakuna's strength grows with each successful rice crop
- Creating a home in the wilderness - sakuna's Mortal companions make weapons, armor, and meals for her using the materials and ingredients she gathers on her adventures, and completing quests for them will unlock even more options
- A fresh take on Japanese mythology - the heroine is part of a pantheon of gods and demons inspired by traditional Japanese mythology but featuring many unique twists; story and world are filled with lovingly rendered details
GameSkinny’s review excerpt on Metacritic calls it “a bold genre fusion” and praises its farming and combat systems. NintendoWorldReport’s listed excerpt describes gaining an understanding and appreciation of rice farming through the game. These are outlet-attributed excerpts; the available passages do not establish named individual reviewers.
The farming has enough depth to stand out
Rice cultivation is a substantial part of the play loop rather than a decorative break from action. The distinctive appeal is the way agricultural decisions feed into character growth, giving farming a practical consequence beyond completing a side activity. Players looking for a game with both systems meaningfully connected are more likely to appreciate the design than someone seeking a straightforward platformer or a farming simulator alone.
Rank #2
- Refined side-scrolling platform action - using farm tools as weapons, Chain together quick, heavy, special attacks to Kill beasts, while mastering the divine raiment will be essential to grapple distant platforms, and evade danger
- Detailed 3D simulation-style gameplay - learn the ancient art of agriculture by following detailed STEPS from planting to harvesting to cultivate the perfect crop; as a harvest goddess, sakuna's strength grows with each successful rice crop
- Creating a home in the wilderness - sakuna's Mortal companions make weapons, armor, and meals for her using the materials and ingredients she gathers on her adventures, and completing quests for them will unlock even more options
- A fresh take on Japanese mythology - the heroine is part of a pantheon of gods and demons inspired by traditional Japanese mythology but featuring many unique twists; story and world are filled with lovingly rendered details
What are the main criticisms and caveats?
The early systems can take time to learn
Some review excerpts describe the opening learning curve as confusing. The game asks players to understand both its farming processes and its action-platforming, so its systems may take time to click rather than explaining everything in a simple, linear way.
The pace and repetition may not suit every player
Some critics mention repetitive stretches or slow progression. Those are review themes, not universal reactions, but they matter if you prefer consistently fast action or want to focus on only one half of the game’s design.
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- Refined side-scrolling platform action - using farm tools as weapons, chain together quick, heavy, and special attacks to take down demonic beasts, while mastering the magical "divine raiment" Will be essential to grapple distant platforms, evade danger, and overcome powerful enemies
- Detailed 3D simulation-style gameplay - learn the ancient art of agriculture by following detailed steps from planting to harvesting to Cultivate the perfect crop. As a harvest Goddess, sakuna's strength grows with each successful rice crop, with attributes such as aesthetic and flavour directly correlating to her combat abilities.
- Creating a home in the wilderness - sakuna's Mortal companions make weapons, armour, and meals for her using the materials and ingredients she gathers on her adventures. Completing quests for them will unlock even more options
- A fresh take on Japanese Mythology - The heroine is part of a pantheon of Gods and demons inspired by traditional Japanese Mythology but featuring many unique twists. The story and world are filled with lovingly rendered details, some familiar and some completely original
One PC review raised a control concern
A PC review excerpt criticizes the controls and describes using a controller as a workaround. That is one platform-specific opinion, not evidence that every player will encounter the same problem or that controls are a general flaw across all versions.
Is Sakuna more of a farming game or an action game?
It is deliberately both: a side-scrolling action game and a farming simulation, with rice cultivation tied to Sakuna’s combat strength. The balance is central to its identity, not an optional mode choice. If you want either a pure farming experience or action without a slower cultivation loop, the hybrid structure may be a mismatch.
Rank #4
- 100% Official, Genuine Product. This is Korean Version released in Korea. Region Free title so you can play it on your Switch.
- Let's learn Korean while playing masterpiece games! Korean Edition supports Korean subtitles.
- Refined Side-scrolling Platform Action - Using farm tools as weapons, chain together quick, heavy, and special attacks to take down demonic beasts, while mastering the magical “divine raiment” will be essential to grapple distant platforms, evade danger, and overcome powerful enemies
- Detailed 3D Simulation-style Gameplay - Learn the ancient art of agriculture by following detailed steps from planting to harvesting to cultivate the perfect crop. As a harvest goddess, Sakuna’s strength grows with each successful rice crop, with attributes such as aesthetic and flavor directly correlating to her combat abilities
- Creating a Home in the Wilderness - Sakuna’s mortal companions make weapons, armor, and meals for her using the materials and ingredients she gathers on her adventures, and completing quests for them will unlock even more options
Which platform or edition are the reviews about?
Metacritic’s score and review count depend on the platform, so use the matching row when comparing versions. The game’s initial release date was November 10, 2020, and the official PlayStation Store lists the PS4 release on that date. The XSEED Games listing references Nintendo Switch and PS4 categories and a Divine Edition; the PlayStation Store currently lists the PS4 base game and Digital Deluxe Edition. Edition contents, storefront access, pricing, and physical stock can vary or change, so check the relevant platform store or publisher listing for current details.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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