Cygames Is Scaling Down Online Features for Granblue Fantasy Versus

After nearly 6 years since the game released, Granblue Fantasy Versus is scaling down its online functionality. This was announced recently by Cygames on their official website and social platforms.

This will not happen immediately, but the game will only enjoy a few more months in its complete state. Starting on April 20, GBVS will lose several features that rely on company servers, rather than basic P2P connection.

Here is some more detailed information from the official website:

1. Features Still Available After Server Downscaling
The following game modes and features will continue to be accessible either fully or in a partial state:

Journal:
・Gallery
・Glossary

Game modes:
・RPG mode (solo play)
・RPG mode (online backup request)
・Versus mode
・Arcade mode
・Training mode
・Mission training
・Room matches

Creating and searching for rooms and matching up with other players offline is still possible without the following features:
・Changes to rank and Versus rank
・Replays
・Viewing other players’ profiles
・Sending messages to other players
・Adding other players to your follow list
・(Steam only) Free Chat

Customize menu:
・Options

2. Features That Will Become Unavailable After Server Downscaling
The following game modes and features will be removed from the menu or otherwise made unselectable:

Journal:
・Uploading and downloading replays

Game modes:
・Ranked matches
(Ranked Match will be changed to Casual Match in the menu)
・Online lobby
・Rankings

Customize menu:
・Editing player profile

Announcements:
・All banners and text will display as though the game were in Maintenance Mode
(Some residual text may remain regarding Ranked Match.)

3. IMPORTANT: Serial Codes for the PlayStation®4 Version
Bonus serial codes for the original Granblue Fantasy mobile game that were included with the main game or DLC can no longer be accessed by going to Serial Codes in the menu, as the menu option will be removed after the server downscaling date. Players are strongly encouraged to screenshot or write down their serial codes prior to the server downsizing date on 6 p.m., April 20, 2026 (PT) if they have not redeemed them in the original Granblue Fantasy mobile game yet. Serial codes can continue to be redeemed after the server downsizing date.

4. Trophies
The following trophies can no longer be unlocked due to being unable to meet their completion requirements. Players hoping to complete every trophy should do so prior to the server downscaling date.

Unavailable Trophies:
・Now the Real Fight Begins!: Due to being unable to complete tutorial matches.
・Hot Enough for You?: Due to online battle results no longer being recorded.
・Platinum Sky: Due to being unable to complete all trophies (unless the above two trophies have already been unlocked).

Trophies that have already been unlocked will not disappear.

It's rather unfortunate that something as basic as ranked matches will not be available, when some older titles like Street Fighter IV manage to still retain this functionality, but at least some form of matchmaking should still exist in the form of Casual Matches. 

However, it's somewhat expected that Cygames would do something like this, since in many ways Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising was marketed less as a new entry, and more as an updated and improved edition of the game. Even though many diehard fans still prefer the design of the original game.