Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising - Mastering Gran for Beginners

Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising (GBVSR) is quickly becoming the go-to fighting game for many enthusiasts. With an array of new characters to explore, the game offers a rich and dynamic combat experience. Among these characters, Gran stands out as a prime choice for beginners. His design provides a balanced and straightforward playstyle, ideal for those new to the genre. In this Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising guide, we’ll explore practical strategies to enhance your gameplay with Gran, ensuring you maximize his abilities.

Utilizing Fireballs for Zoning

Zoning is a crucial concept in fighting games, involving controlling space to limit the opponent’s options. Players can’t run into or attack fireballs; they will take damage. Their only options are to jump over them, use a mechanic that nullifies them, or use a character-specific tool that counters them. However, most players will try to jump over your fireball because a jump punishment rewards them with tons of damage.

Gran’s fireball is a vital tool in this zoning tactic. While opponents can roll or spot dodge to avoid it, most will try to jump, creating an opportunity for you to counter with an anti-air attack. Your goal is to make your opponent feel like they can’t break through your zoning. Vary the timing of your fireballs to keep opponents guessing and control the flow of the battle.

Crouching Heavy Attack Is Your Best Friend Against Jumping Opponents

Anti-airing is an important skill not only in GBVSR but in fighting games in general. Neglecting this concept only lets the opponent constantly jump in on you. This allows them to start their offense, giving them the advantage. With that said Gran has a way to stop this from happening.

Gran’s crouching heavy attack (2H) is essential for anti-airing, allowing you to deal significant damage. A basic yet effective combo starts with 2H, followed by a light dragon punch (DP), ends with a standing medium attack into Overdrive Surge, and a follow-up. This combo is reliable even without a counter-hit, showcasing its efficiency.

Implement Frame Traps in Your Offense

Frame traps are essential for improving your offense in GBVSR. It allows you to catch the opponent mashing buttons on defense by using an advantageous attack on their block. Once used, you can proceed into a damaging combo after that. In Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, Gran has many frame traps.

Many of the frame traps Gran had in the original GBVS are still in Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising. One of Gran’s best frame traps is the sequence: standing light attack > delay > standing medium attack. Being plus on block, the standing light attack limits the opponent’s response, setting them up for the delayed standing medium attack. Remember, you should not press the standing medium attack right after the standing light attack. You need to delay it enough to catch the opponent mashing afterward. Another effective trap is using the heavy version of Gran’s fireball followed by a standing light attack, as the fireball is also plus on block.

Use Standing Heavy Attack as a Poke

Aside from jumping, players will run at you to start their offense. You can use zoning to beat this, but you can also use a normal attack to earn you more damage. These are what you call pokes and are very prevalent among GBVSR characters. Additionally, Gran has one of his own!

Poking with Gran’s standing heavy attack (5H) deters opponents from approaching recklessly. If this attack lands, quickly confirm into a super or another special move, capitalizing on the hit. A helpful tip is to use the opponent’s health bar to see if they got hit. This tactic damages the opponent and discourages them from engaging thoughtlessly.