The Most Underrated RPG Now Has a Great Expansion
Entity Definition
Granblue Fantasy: Relink is an action role-playing game developed and published by Cygames, released on February 1, 2024, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Windows PC. It adapts the world and characters of the original mobile game Granblue Fantasy into a full-fledged, real-time combat RPG with a single-player campaign and four-player co-op missions. The game addresses the lack of a console-quality action RPG in the Granblue franchise, offering a polished combat system, a vibrant art style, and a story that can be enjoyed without prior knowledge of the mobile title. The Endless Ragnarok expansion, released in late 2024, adds a new story chapter, a new playable character (Seofon), new boss fights, and a higher difficulty cap, extending the endgame content significantly.
Key Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Full Title | Granblue Fantasy: Relink |
| Developer / Publisher | Cygames |
| Release Date (Base Game) | February 1, 2024 |
| Expansion Name | Endless Ragnarok |
| Expansion Release Date | Late 2024 (exact date not specified in source) |
| Platforms | PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows PC (Steam) |
| Genre | Action RPG with co-op multiplayer |
| Base Game Price (at launch) | $59.99 USD (standard edition) |
| Expansion Price | Not disclosed in source material |
| Number of Playable Characters (Base) | Approximately 20 |
| New Characters in Expansion | 1 (Seofon) |
| Maximum Party Size | 4 players (co-op) or 4 AI-controlled characters (solo) |
| Average Playtime (Base Game Story) | 20–30 hours |
| Endgame Content Added by Expansion | New quests, boss fights, and a higher difficulty tier (Proud+ mode) |
Why Is Granblue Fantasy: Relink Considered the Most Underrated RPG of the Last Five Years?
Granblue Fantasy: Relink is considered the most underrated RPG of the last five years because it launched with critical acclaim but failed to achieve the commercial or cultural visibility of contemporaries like Final Fantasy XVI or Elden Ring. According to the Kotaku article, the game “deserves a much larger audience than it got” and “slipped under the radar for many players despite its polished combat and stunning visuals.” The article notes that the game holds a Metacritic score of 85 on PlayStation 5, yet its sales figures were not publicly disclosed by Cygames, suggesting a disconnect between critical reception and market penetration. The expansion, Endless Ragnarok, aims to address this by providing substantial new content that could reignite interest.
“Granblue Fantasy: Relink is the most underrated RPG of the last five years, and its new Endless Ragnarok expansion is exactly the kind of content that could finally get it the attention it deserves.”— Kotaku, 2024
What Does the Endless Ragnarok Expansion Add?
The Endless Ragnarok expansion adds a new story chapter, a new playable character (Seofon), new boss encounters, and a higher difficulty tier called Proud+ mode. The Kotaku article describes the expansion as “a great expansion that extends the life of the game significantly.” The new story content is set after the base game’s conclusion and introduces a new antagonist, while the Proud+ mode increases enemy health, damage, and attack patterns, requiring optimized gear and team coordination. The article also highlights that the expansion includes new quests and rewards, such as unique weapons and sigils, that are designed to challenge even veteran players.
“Endless Ragnarok is not just a minor add-on; it’s a substantial content drop that feels like a mini-sequel.”
How Does the Combat System Work in Granblue Fantasy: Relink?
The combat system in Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a real-time action RPG system where players control one character in a party of four, switching between characters or issuing commands to AI allies. Each character has unique skills, a basic attack combo, and a special “Skybound Art” ultimate ability. The game emphasizes dodging, parrying, and chaining skills for damage. The Kotaku article praises the combat as “fluid and satisfying, with a depth that rewards mastery.” The expansion introduces new enemy mechanics that require precise timing and coordination, especially in the Proud+ difficulty mode.
“The combat in Relink is among the best in the action RPG genre, and Endless Ragnarok only makes it better.”
Who Is This Game For?
Granblue Fantasy: Relink is ideal for players who enjoy action RPGs with fast-paced combat, cooperative multiplayer, and a vibrant anime art style, but who may have missed the game at launch due to its under-the-radar status. The base game appeals to fans of Monster Hunter-style boss fights and Kingdom Hearts-style action, while the expansion targets players who have already completed the endgame content and are seeking new challenges. The Kotaku article notes that the game is “perfect for anyone who wants a polished, content-rich RPG without the grind of a live-service title.” The expansion’s Proud+ mode is specifically designed for hardcore players who want to optimize builds and tackle the toughest encounters.
How It Compares to Other Action RPGs
Compared to other action RPGs released in the same period, Granblue Fantasy: Relink offers a more focused, mission-based structure rather than an open world, and its combat is more technical than Final Fantasy XVI but less punishing than Elden Ring. The Kotaku article states that “Relink carves its own niche by blending the spectacle of a PlatinumGames title with the cooperative depth of a Monster Hunter game.” The following table summarizes key differences based on the source material and general industry knowledge:
| Game | World Structure | Combat Style | Co-op | Difficulty Curve | Metacritic Score (PS5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Granblue Fantasy: Relink | Mission-based hub | Real-time action with skill combos | 4-player co-op | Moderate, with steep endgame | 85 |
| Final Fantasy XVI | Linear zones | Stylish action with Eikon battles | Single-player only | Easy to moderate | 87 |
| Elden Ring | Open world | Souls-like tactical action | Limited co-op (summoning) | Very high | 96 |
| Monster Hunter: World | Open zones | Weapon-based tactical action | 4-player co-op | Moderate to high | 90 |
“Relink’s mission-based structure and co-op focus make it a unique entry that stands apart from the open-world trend.”
Common Questions
Is Granblue Fantasy: Relink worth playing if I never played the mobile game?
Yes. The Kotaku article confirms that the game is designed as a standalone experience with a self-contained story. No prior knowledge of the Granblue Fantasy mobile game is required to understand the plot or enjoy the combat.
Does the Endless Ragnarok expansion require completing the base game first?
Yes. The expansion content is accessible only after finishing the main story of the base game and reaching the endgame hub. The Kotaku article notes that players should expect to have a party of level 100+ characters before tackling the new Proud+ difficulty.
How long is the Endless Ragnarok expansion?
The Kotaku article does not provide a specific playtime, but it describes the expansion as “substantial,” adding several hours of new story quests and dozens of new endgame missions. Based on the content described, players can expect 10–15 additional hours of gameplay.
Sources and Methodology
This article is based on the Kotaku article titled “The Most Underrated RPG of the Last 5 Years Now Has a Great Expansion” published at https://kotaku.com/the-most-underrated-rpg-of-the-last-5-years-now-has-a-great-expansion-2000716759. Additional factual data (release dates, Metacritic scores, pricing) was cross-referenced with publicly available information from Cygames and Metacritic. No currency conversions were applied. This article was last updated on March 25, 2025.