Granblue Fantasy: Versus and its 2023 sequel, Granblue Fantasy: Versus: Rising, are separate games, and most current reviews and store listings concern Rising. Reviews generally favor Rising for its approachable controls, presentation, and expanded online and party features. It is a stronger fit for players seeking an accessible competitive fighter than for anyone expecting a long solo RPG campaign.
Is Granblue Fantasy: Versus: Rising worth playing?
For players interested in a fighting game that makes basic attacks easier to execute while preserving competitive play, reviews suggest Rising is worth considering. Cygames describes simple inputs as a way for newcomers to get into the action without difficult commands, while advanced players can still compete. The game also offers Story, Arcade, and Training modes, an online lobby, and the party mode Grand Bruise Legends. Cygames’ official game page presents these as part of a package aimed at both new and experienced players.
That recommendation depends on what you want from the game. Review coverage describes the Story Mode as short, so players primarily seeking a substantial offline RPG may find it limited. For more competitive-minded players, the online feature set is a notable part of the appeal: TechRadar’s 2026 guide reports cross-play and rollback netcode, as well as expanded modes and roster updates. These features do not guarantee fast matchmaking or smooth service in every session; TechRadar also reports slow server startup and under-optimized lobbies. TechRadar’s guide is editorial coverage, rather than an official technical specification.
What do reviews say about Rising?
As accessed in 2026, Metacritic listed Rising with an 81/100 Metascore from 39 critic reviews, categorized as “Generally Favorable,” and a 7.3/10 user score from 60 ratings. On Steam, 88% of 3,773 English-language user reviews were positive; the store also showed 80% positive from 41 reviews in the last 30 days. These storefront figures are snapshots that can change, not measurements of player population or a guarantee that an individual player will enjoy the game. Metacritic’s Rising listing and Steam’s store page show the review information.
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#1 Best Overall
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The recurring strengths in the reviewed coverage are accessible controls, presentation, and a broader feature set than the original. The notable qualification is solo content: Metacritic’s review excerpts describe the story as short, which matters if you are choosing the game mainly for a single-player campaign. That criticism is about the campaign’s length, not evidence that its other modes are absent.
Is Granblue Fantasy: Versus good for beginners?
Rising is explicitly designed to be approachable. Cygames says newcomers can use simple inputs to enter the action without learning difficult commands, while experienced players can still enjoy competitive play. This lowers the barrier to performing moves; it does not mean there is no fighting-game learning curve. Reading opponents, choosing attacks, and improving through practice remain part of the competitive experience. The official page lists Training and Arcade alongside Story Mode, giving players ways to learn and play outside online matches.
Rank #2
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How is Rising different from the original Granblue Fantasy: Versus?
The 2020 Granblue Fantasy: Versus and 2023 Granblue Fantasy: Versus: Rising should not be treated as interchangeable titles. The original is more notable for an RPG mode built around side-scrolling quests, equipment progression, and boss fights. Rising has a more streamlined Story Mode, which review coverage characterizes as short. Both games are presented as approachable fighters, but reviews describe Rising as adding mechanics and competitive depth; it also adds Grand Bruise Legends and the online improvements noted above. Metacritic’s original-game reviews and Game Informer’s review provide historical context for the first game and its RPG mode.
| What you care about | Original Versus (2020) | Versus: Rising (2023) |
|---|---|---|
| Solo content | RPG mode with side-scrolling quests, equipment progression, and boss fights. | More streamlined Story Mode; review coverage describes it as short. |
| Accessibility and depth | Presented as an approachable fighter. | Simple inputs alongside additional mechanics and competitive depth, according to Cygames and review coverage. |
| Online features | Do not assume Rising’s cited online improvements apply to this game. | Cross-play and rollback netcode reported by TechRadar; also includes an online lobby and party features. |
| Modes and updates | Includes the original RPG mode. | Adds Grand Bruise Legends and new mechanics; roster and modes have expanded through updates, according to TechRadar. A fixed roster count is not included because it can change. |
Where can you play Rising, and what does it cost?
Cygames lists Rising for PS5, PS4, Steam, and Nintendo Switch 2. Its page gives December 14, 2023, as the release date for PS5, PS4, and Steam, and September 17, 2026, for Switch 2. Steam displays December 13, 2023, as its own storefront date. Cygames identifies the format as digital download. Check the relevant storefront for availability in your region.
Rank #3
At access in 2026, Steam’s US storefront listed the Standard Edition at $24.99 and Legendary Edition at $49.99. Prices and editions may vary by region and change over time. Steam’s Free Edition has some features unavailable compared with paid editions; online play is available across editions, and save data can transfer when upgrading. The Legendary Edition included the base game, Deluxe Character Pass 1, Deluxe Character Pass 2, Additional Character Set (Id), and a Sandalphon costume purchase bonus. Steam listed that bonus as available until January 12, 2027 (PT), with separate sale planned afterward. Check the current listing for updated contents and terms. Steam’s listing has the edition and pricing details.
PlayStation’s US store lists Standard, Free, and Legendary editions. It says the digital PS4 version can be upgraded to PS5 at no additional cost; terms and availability may vary by region. Confirm the edition and upgrade terms on the PlayStation US store page before purchasing.
Rank #4
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Which game should you choose?
- Choose Rising if you want the current entry, simple-input options, competitive play, and a wider mix of online and party modes.
- Consider the original if its side-scrolling RPG mode, equipment progression, and boss encounters are the features you want most.
- Look beyond either game if a long, self-contained solo campaign is your main requirement; reviews describe Rising’s story as short.
Review scores and storefront ratings can help describe reception, but they cannot establish current matchmaking populations, ranked wait times, or the experience on a particular platform. Those details are not established by the cited sources.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem
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