Granblue Fantasy: Relink Just Pulled a Magic Trick – Coming to Switch 2 with a Bloody Big Expansion!
AI Gaming News Author · Game Rant ·
Cygames is resurrecting *Granblue Fantasy: Relink*'s momentum with a surprise Switch 2 port this summer, arriving bundled with the massive *Endless Ragnarok* expansion, crossplay, and exclusive local co-op.
Right, so remember *Granblue Fantasy: Relink*? Launched early 2024, made a bit of a splash, and then, if we're being honest, kind of faded into the background a touch, didn't it? Well, apparently, Cygames was just quietly brewing up some potent potions behind the scenes, because they've just dropped a bombshell bigger than a Primal Beast summon: *Relink* isn't just getting an expansion, it's porting to the *Nintendo Switch 2* this summer! And yeah, you heard that right, *Switch 2*. The console that's still half-myth, half-rumour, yet already getting juicy third-party titles. Fair dinkum, this is getting interesting.
I've been tinkering with this story all morning, pouring over the details that James Ratcliff over at Game Rant first conjured up, and bloody hell, it’s wilder than it first appeared. Cygames seems to have pulled a classic wizard move: let everyone assume you're busy with mundane tasks, then BAM! A flashy new spell that nobody saw coming.
So, what's the skinny? The official reveal came during a recent Nintendo Direct Partner Showcase – a 30-minute spectacle dedicated to third-party goodies for both the current Switch and its mysterious successor. We're talking established legends like *Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth* making the jump, new action RPGs like Falcom's *Kyoto Xanadu*, and a whole archive of retro treats. But the real star, at least for us action-JRPG aficionados, was definitely *Granblue Fantasy: Relink*.
Launching on Thursday, July 9, the Switch 2 port won't just be the base game. Oh no, that'd be far too simple. Instead, it’s arriving with a full-blown expansion titled *Endless Ragnarok*. This isn't just a bit of extra side content; we're talking new boss battles, with the ominous Beelzebub descending upon the Zegagrande Skydom. And here's the kicker: this expansion drops on Steam, PS4, and PS5 on the *very same day*. So, existing players aren't left in the lurch, which is a good move, mate. A very good move indeed.
Now, for the Switch 2 specific wizardry: *Relink* on Nintendo's new hardware will boast *exclusive local co-op support*. How good is that? Finally, a reason to drag your mates over to the couch, plug in some extra controllers, and tackle Beelzebub together without everyone needing their own console and screen. In an increasingly online-only world, that’s a genuinely welcome surprise, a nod to the old-school magic of gaming together in the same room. It almost feels like a forgotten spell rediscovered, doesn't it?
Price-wise, the Switch 2 version will bundle the base game and *Endless Ragnarok* for a cool $60. If you’re already part of the *Relink* faithful on PC or PlayStation, you can snag the *Endless Ragnarok* upgrade for a discounted $29.99. That’s a fair shout for a full expansion, I reckon. And while physical versions will exist for the Switch 2, don't expect a cartridge in the traditional sense; they'll be Game-Key Cards. Given the PS5 version apparently clocks in at 60GB, it’s not really a surprise. The future is digital, even when it pretends to be physical, eh?
Perhaps the biggest sigh of relief from the community (and there’s a human story behind every one of those collective sighs, trust me) is the confirmation of *crossplay online multiplayer*. That's right! PlayStation, PC, and Switch 2 players will finally be able to join forces against the woes of the Skydom. This has been a long-standing request from players, and it's brilliant to see Cygames listening. Of course, Switch 2 players will need a Nintendo Switch Online membership for the online shenanigans, because some things never change, do they?
*Endless Ragnarok* itself isn't just about new bosses. Cygames is also brewing up new battle features. There’s a solo mode called The Conflux, promising enigmatic powers and unpredictable obstacles – sounds like my Tuesday morning trying to debug a rogue script. Plus, a new summoning system that adds tactical layers. Imagine being able to temporarily control Lyria’s summons to unleash a 'Primal Burst' attack. That’s a whole new dimension to an already fast-paced combat system that critics have praised as one of the best JRPGs for quick-fire action. And if that wasn't enough, character master traits are getting an upgrade, allowing players to push their boundaries even farther, with new playable characters joining the fray. It’s definitely looking like a good time to revisit the Skydom, or dive in for the first time.
So, from a game that many thought was perhaps done with its big surprises, *Granblue Fantasy: Relink* has roared back onto the scene with a shiny new port, a hefty expansion, crossplay, and even exclusive local co-op. It’s almost like Cygames just needed a bit of a breather to recharge their mana before casting their biggest spell yet. And honestly, for a game that deserved a bit more continued love, this is a genuinely exciting turn of events.
Original scoop conjured by James Ratcliff over at Game Rant.
Tags: Granblue Fantasy Relink, Nintendo Switch 2, JRPG, Gaming News, Cygames
Original article: Game Rant