Granblue Fantasy and its Tall Skies: What is GBF?

Welcome to the enchanting world of Granblue Fantasy, a captivating universe brimming with magic, adventure, and endless possibilities. Whether you're an avid fan of the mobile game, a dedicated anime viewer, or simply a curious explorer, this article will take you on a fascinating journey through the realms of Granblue Fantasy. Grab your airship ticket, pack your favorite characters, and prepare to dive headfirst into a world that's as mesmerizing as it is vast.

Setting the Stage

Granblue Fantasy is a franchise that spans multiple media forms, including a mobile game, an anime adaptation, and a plethora of side stories and spin-offs. At its core, Granblue Fantasy is a high-fantasy world populated with various races, mystical creatures, and an abundance of magic. It's a place where dreams take flight on airships, and destiny is woven into the very fabric of existence.

The Skies of Phantagrande

One of the defining features of Granblue Fantasy is its breathtaking skydoms. These floating islands hang in the skies, connected by airships, and provide the stage for most of the adventures. The skydoms are as diverse as the people who inhabit them, each offering its own unique flavor and challenges. Some of the most iconic skydoms include Albion Citadel, Lumacie Archipelago, and the notorious Pandemonium.

The Crew of the Grandcypher

The heart and soul of Granblue Fantasy is the Grandcypher, an airship that serves as the player's hub and mobile base of operations. The ship is home to a colorful cast of characters, each with their own backgrounds, abilities, and stories to share. Captain Gran (or Djeeta), the main protagonist, is at the helm, accompanied by the tough-as-nails Lyria and the legendary swordsman Katalina. As the captain does more and more adventures, they recruit and befriend a vast array of crew members, from warriors and mages to anthropomorphic beings and enigmatic strangers.

A Quest for Primal Beasts

The central story goal in Granblue Fantasy is to obtain power by forming pacts with primal beasts. These powerful creatures, often based on mythological figures, are both captain and Lyria’s allies and their source of power. The more pacts they make, the stronger they become, and the more formidable their crew becomes. Primal beasts are scattered across the skies, and some of them are more elusive and challenging to obtain than others.

The Island of Mist

The Mist-Shrouded Isle is a mysterious island hidden in the skies of Phantagrande. It plays a significant role in the Granblue Fantasy storyline, housing some of the most elusive and potent primal beasts. The island is perpetually shrouded in mist, and only those with a strong sense of purpose can find their way to it. This foggy realm is just one of many of those that provide this overwhelming sense of discovery..

The Eternal Conflict: Astrals vs. Primals

Granblue Fantasy's narrative is shaped by an ongoing conflict between two powerful factions: the Astrals and the Primals. The Astrals are mysterious, otherworldly beings who seek to manipulate and control the world's fate for their own purposes. The Primals, on the other hand, are the guardians of the world, safeguarding its stability and balance. This cosmic conflict serves as the backdrop for many of the mobile game's events and quests, making it a constant struggle for power and survival.

The Story Arcs

Granblue Fantasy boasts a wealth of captivating story arcs that span across various skydoms and islands. The main storyline unfolds in chapters, but the mobile game also features numerous side stories, character episodes, and limited-time events. Some of the most memorable story arcs include the "What Makes the Sky Blue" saga, "Primal Resonance," and "Forgiveness and Gratitude." These quests and events add depth and immersion to the world of Granblue Fantasy, providing hours of engaging storytelling.

Exploration and Discovery

One of the joys of Granblue Fantasy is the sense of exploration and discovery. As a skyfarer, the captain embarks on quests to uncover ancient ruins, lost civilizations, and hidden treasures. The setting itself encourages curiosity and search for the hidden secrets of each skydom. Whether unearthing the history of an island or solving the riddles of a mystical artifact, there's always something new to explore.

Collaboration Events

Granblue Fantasy is known for its exciting collaboration events. These limited-time crossovers bring beloved characters and franchises from other media into the world of Granblue Fantasy. Past collaborations have included characters from popular anime like Attack on Titan, Code Geass, and Love Live! School Idol Project, as well as well-known franchises like Tales of, Persona 5, and Street Fighter. These events not only introduce new characters and storylines but also add a layer of fan excitement and nostalgia.

The Art of Granblue

The art and design of Granblue Fantasy are nothing short of breathtaking. Character designs are crafted by some of the most renowned artists in the industry, including Hideo Minaba, Ryoji Ohara, Yuya Nagai, and Hitomi Yoshimura, to name a few. The attention to detail in character animations, skydom designs, and combat visuals is a testament to the setting’s commitment to creating an immersive and visually stunning experience.

The Music of the Skies

Granblue Fantasy's soundtrack is made by acclaimed composers like Nobuo Uematsu, known for his work on the Final Fantasy series, and Tsutomu Narita. The music in Granblue Fantasy is a symphonic masterpiece, enhancing the emotional depth and epic scale of the game. From heartwarming character themes to soaring battle anthems and serene island melodies, the music adds an extra layer of immersion to the world.

The Granblue Fantasy Anime

In addition to the mobile game, Granblue Fantasy has an anime adaptation that brings the enchanting world to life on the screen. The anime follows the adventures of Gran and Lyria as they explore the skies and encounter various characters and challenges. While the anime serves is an excellent entry point to the world of Granblue Fantasy, it also offers a fresh perspective for long-time fans, with additional stories and character development. However, it also rushes some narratives and ignores many of the side stories.

Now, with Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising being out, you can dive deeper into the skydom with the crew as well!