Is Granblue Fantasy: Relink a gacha game?

Multiple Granblue Fantasy: Relink characters walking together in a cutscene.

Multiple Granblue Fantasy: Relink characters walking together in a cutscene.

Nearly a decade after the release of the original Granblue Fantasy, Cygames is blessing us with another entry in the popular franchise, Granblue Fantasy: Relink. So, is Grandblue Fantasy: Relink a gacha game like its predecessor, or does it take the franchise in a newer direction?

Granblue Fantasy: Relink is an open-world ARPG developed by PlatinumGames, set for release on the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Windows. Still, even console games now featuring microtransactions and luck-based rewards aren't unheard of. So let's answer whether Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a gacha game or not.

One thing's for sure, the game is definitely utilising the power of these platforms with its fluid animations and vibrant world. It’s no wonder why Granblue Fantasy: Relink is in our top 10 most-anticipated RPGs for 2024.

Character select screen for a party in Granblue Fantasy: Relink.
expand image

Unlike the original Granblue Fantasy, the upcoming Granblue Fantasy: Relink is not a Gacha game. In fact, with what’s been revealed to us through its demo and public showcase, it's safe to say all of the game’s launch content will be earned through in-game progression. This means no pulls or microtransactions will be involved, and you won't have to worry about characters being locked behind a DLC paywall at launch.

This isn’t to say that Cygames won’t be adding DLC content to the game post-launch. Still, it is highly unlikely that they will introduce microtransactions or any such pay-to-play gacha elements into the game, at least for the foreseeable future. With the game already being full-priced at $59.99/£47,50, we're sure Cygames recognise that such changes won't go over too well with the player base.

So, as it stands, Granblue Fantasy: Relink does not feature any gacha game elements whatsoever, and there's no need to worry about the game implementing pay-to-win style microtransactions any time soon.

We hope this answers your question of whether Granblue Fantasy: Relink is a gacha game. For more on the upcoming game, check out our coverage of all the game's playable characters at launch.