Expansion Demo Arrives
Granblue Fantasy: Relink 'Endless Ragnarok' Demo Launches, Offering Crossplay and New Playable Content
Key Points
In April 2024, developers told fans that version 1.3.0 would be the final update for Granblue Fantasy: Relink—prompting disappointment right after launch before Endless Ragnarok was later revealed in a Nintendo Direct.
For the Endless Ragnarok demo, Cygames clarified that demo progress “does not directly transfer” to the full expansion, even though rewards earned in the demo can be redeemed in the released version.
Quest Mode in the demo is structured as four missions: completing three unlocks a fourth challenge (“Sephira’s Sanguine Glimmer”), which introduces Summons; Cygames also reduced enemy stats for the Aquila Ruby Golem in that challenge and implemented co-op matchmaking fixes.
To start the Endless Ragnarok storyline in the full game, players must clear the main-game quest “The Tale of Bahamut’s Rage,” which unlocks Chaos-difficulty quests—and Summons access comes after obtaining the first Summon through the expansion’s story.
Cygames detailed Conflux (the new solo mode) unlocks and rewards: the first Cycle becomes available through a side quest added during Chapter 6, more Cycles are unlocked via Hard and Maniac difficulty quests, and the deepest Cycles are tied to the Endless Ragnarok storyline—each Cycle awarding different upgrade materials.
Cygames launched a playable demo for Granblue Fantasy: Relink – Endless Ragnarok on June 18, 2026, ahead of the expansion's July 9 release. The demo is available on PS5, PS4, Switch 2, and PC — and supports full crossplay across all four platforms, Final Weapon reported.
The expansion is a surprise comeback. In April 2024, Cygames told players that version 1.3.0 would be Relink's final update. Strong player demand pushed the studio to reverse course entirely. The result is an expansion Cygames says offers roughly 1.5 times the original game's content and nearly double the playtime, according to Inven Global.
From 'Final Update' to Full Expansion in Two Years
When Cygames released version 1.3.0 in April 2024, developers said the game's update run was over. Fans were disappointed. But steady player counts and strong sales made the studio reconsider. Creative Director Tetsuya Fukuhara said the team "initially thought the journey ended at v1.3.0" but player demand made them push further, Final Weapon reported.
The announcement came as a surprise during a Nintendo Direct in early 2026. Cygames confirmed Endless Ragnarok would launch on Switch 2 the same day as other platforms. The studio describes the expansion as a "single, core-packed release" — not a live-service add-on. Think Monster Hunter: Iceborne, not a seasonal battle pass, Inven Global noted.
What the Demo Includes — and What It Locks Away
The demo adds Seofon as a playable character and offers two modes: Story and Quest. Quest Mode has four missions. Finishing the first three unlocks a fourth challenge called "Sephira's Sanguine Glimmer." That mission is where Summons — a brand-new combat mechanic — make their first appearance, Monster Vine reported.
Cygames made one thing clear: demo progress does not carry over to the full game. Rewards earned in the demo can be redeemed later, but players start fresh on July 9. The studio also reduced the Aquila Ruby Golem's stats in the demo and fixed co-op matchmaking bugs ahead of launch, according to Kakuchopurei.
New Systems: Summons, Conflux Mode, and Access Gates
To start the Endless Ragnarok storyline in the full game, players must first clear the base-game quest "The Tale of Bahamut's Rage." That unlocks Chaos-difficulty quests. Summons become available after players get their first one through the expansion's story, The Outer Haven reported.
Conflux is the expansion's new solo mode. The first Cycle unlocks through a side quest added in Chapter 6. More Cycles open up by clearing Hard and Maniac difficulty quests. The deepest Cycles are tied to the Endless Ragnarok storyline itself. Each Cycle rewards different upgrade materials, Inven Global explained.
A Troubled Past Makes the Comeback More Remarkable
Relink's road to 2024 was rocky. Cygames originally partnered with PlatinumGames on the project, but that collaboration ended in 2019. Cygames took development fully in-house. That shift delayed the game by years but gave the studio full control over its engine — the same engine now powering Endless Ragnarok, Final Weapon reported.
The expansion adds six new playable characters and an estimated 20 to 30 hours of new content, Monster Vine reported. Cygames also released "The Journey So Far" trailer to bring returning and new players up to speed before the July 9 launch.
Sentiment
Mostly PositivePublishers
20
Articles
10
Reach
30
