Final Fantasy VII Remake: Crafting the best weapon for Cloud Strife

One of the outstanding features of Final Fantasy VII ReworkedThe protagonist of Cloud Strife, is his infamous buster sword. Upon entering the game, Cloud’s famous and vastly unimaginable buster takes center stage, giving players the chance to wield the giant sword for the first time (or the first in decades. century). At the beginning of the game, Cloud’s buster sword works perfectly for attacks and defenses against Shinra soldiers. However, as the game progresses, the enemies get even more powerful. Luckily, so is Cloud’s weapon.

Finding and optimizing all of Cloud Strife’s weapons can be difficult. With reset of expensive sword upgrades, it can be difficult to choose the path of each sword and which path the player should follow to ensure ultimate victory over Shinra. Fortunately, this is not a very difficult task.

Choose a weapon

Final Fantasy VII Reworked are filled with new (and not too new) swords for Cloud to use. This gives players the chance to explore different uses of Cloud’s abilities. With new ways to play and explore the world of Midgar there are also new ways of fighting and strategy. Each weapon has a different specialization, so that means Cloud can now move a little more freely in the party. Rather than being a character focused on melee combat, Cloud can become more versatile.

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Buster sword

The player starts off with the buster sword as the standard weapon for Cloud. The buster sword is equipped with the Focus Thrust ability, allowing Cloud to dash towards enemies with a piercing blow. These attacks hit the enemy multiple times and increase staggering ability. This ability makes the buster sword a useful first-class sword, especially when facing all enemies in Mako Reactor 1.

The overall strength of the sword is quite adequate. However, there is a bit of focus on physical strength. Having the sword balance allows Cloud to fulfill various roles in a small team. Cloud can be a frontline warrior who uses magic over time without feeling a discrete team.

The buster’s versatility also allows certain Materia to be used. Especially early on, Cloud is best suited for players as melee characters. However, Cloud benefits from using Deadly Dodge Materia, the Healing Materia, and an attacking Materia like Lightning. This will keep Cloud perfect but also help ensure that he can maintain the state of a melee character.

Iron blade

The player will receive the iron sword in chapter three. Players will have the opportunity to purchase the sword just by playing through the game. This sword has the Triple Slash ability. This attack will slash three enemies in a row and will deal additional damage with each attack.

This is another all-rounder of Cloud. However, unlike the buster sword, the iron sword focuses more on defense and magic. This allows Cloud to stay away from a melee character and transition to the role of a tank character with some magical support. However, this small change doesn’t change the fact that Cloud can still do some great physical damage.

For this weapon, be sure to equip the Materia with the sword’s function. Therefore, the addition of Heal and / or Revive Materia, Barrier, HP Up, MP Up, Magic Up, and Parry will help Cloud form a more tank / magic bond. Additionally, throwing element-based Materia, such as Fire or Lightning, can help increase Cloud’s attack power.

Nail bats

The nail bat was received in chapter eight. The sword is a bit easier to obtain because in order to obtain the spiked stick the player will need to complete a side quest located in the Sector 5 slums (or the CBD). However, the spiked cane is definitely a weapon the player will want to use. The ability this item has is called Disorder. The disorder causes a devastating attack that switches the mode in one flexible motion.

The nail bat turns Cloud into a highly specialized physical warrior. There are no magical upgrades with this weapon. Instead, it focuses almost exclusively on critical hits and critical damage. This weapon is great for players who just want to see Cloud smash his enemies into dust.

Since there are no magic boosts, choosing a Materia for this sword can be quite difficult. The player should note that, when using the spike, Cloud will always be close and personal with the enemy. Items like ATB Boost, HP Up, Luck Up, Chakra Materia, and ATB Stagger can help Cloud stay alive and safe against the enemy. In addition, Deadly Dodge and Steadfast Block can help save Cloud the hard way.

Hard edge

Hardedge is in Chapter nine’s Weapons Shop. While in Sector 6 Slums (or Tuong Market) make a detour to the Weapons Shop to buy a Hardedge for 2,000 gil. This weapon is equipped with the Infinity’s End. This attack becomes powerful and unleashes an attack from above, while also increasing the damage to the crook. However, keep in mind that this weapon’s proficiency consumes two ATBs.

Although the Hardedge is a physical attack weapon, it is not as specialized as the claw bat type mentioned earlier. Hardedge increases some magic-based upgrades while also providing some good defensive perks. Although this weapon does not round up Cloud like a buster or iron sword, it does not send Cloud into a space full of attacks.

With this weapon, the Chakra Materia, HP Up, and ATB Stagger can keep Cloud from focusing on attack. Instead, it could help transform Cloud into a character who can protect himself. In addition, Parry and Steadfast Block are solid defensive Materia to pair with Hardedge.

Mythril saber

You can purchase the Mythril Saber in chapter 14. In the Sector 6 slums (this Evergreen Park), the Mythril Saber can be purchased for 3,000 gil. This weapon comes with the Blade Burst, sending a wave of non-elemental mako energy on enemies before Cloud’s sword lowers them, dealing additional damage.

Mythril Saber is purely a sword based on magic. All of its upgrades could change Cloud into the party’s primary magic user. Ideally, Cloud would focus on attack spells because of Cloud’s close combat style. That doesn’t mean the support spells are completely out of question. Support spells best suited to this weapon help Cloud increase his magical power.

Of course, elemental Materia is best suited for this sword. Thus, Materia like Fire, Ice or Lightning would be perfectly suited for weapons based on this magic. In addition, Heal, Kekkai, and HP Absorption (attached to the elemental Materia) can give Cloud extra health or protection with his melee style. Since this is a magic-based weapon, adding MP Up or Magic Up can always be helpful.

Dual nibs

Last, but certainly not least, is Cloud’s dual fuse. Arguably one of the best weapons available to Cloud in the game, the double stinger is found in a purple chest in chapter 17. This is an item that can be overlooked, so players need to Notice its position. A purple chest containing a double fuse is on Cloud’s left side, right after a cut scene. The chest is right in front of a set of stairs that the player will have to climb. This weapon comes with the ability to Counterstance. This allows Cloud to prepare for an attack and then retaliate with a powerful slash.

Similar to the Mythril saber, the double stinger is a weapon based on magic but is a bit more balanced. This weapon grants several defensive perks and a few physical attacks. This allows Cloud to be a proficient magical attacker or support the team with shields and healing spells.

The Mythril saber is best combined with the Material, Magnify or HP Absorb element to focus most on Cloud’s attacks. However, if the player wants Cloud to add a little more healing, then adding Barrier, Healing, or Steadfast Block Materia can give Cloud a slight boost to the team’s health department.

Really, there’s no wrong way to upgrade Cloud’s sword. All of them will do incredible amount of damage in the right situation and with the right players. Be sure to play around and choose the best!