This is the second entry in Square Enix's remake trilogy, not the 1997 original and not Remake, and it reached PC on 23 January 2025. It picks up as the party leaves Midgar and runs through open regions from the Grasslands to the Forgotten Capital, with nine playable characters across the story. Combat keeps the ATB and stagger system from Remake and adds per character Folio skill trees, paired team attacks and a card game deep enough to swallow entire evenings.
Choosing the right build shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option: what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Build | Tier | Playstyle | Best Equipment | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloud | A | Balanced | Buster Sword | Yes |
| Barret | A | Balanced | Kaiser Knuckles | Yes |
| Tifa | A | Balanced | Fafnir Rifle | Yes |
| Aerith | A | Balanced | Gambanteinn | Yes |
| Red XIII | A | Balanced | Fuma Shuriken | Yes |
New player? Start with Barret. See our beginner's guide for why.
Cloud
Cloud is a strong option in FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Buster Sword |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | ATB gauges and staggering |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Buster Sword
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Grasslands to learn Cloud-specific mechanics
- Focus on ATB gauges and staggering. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Buster Sword as your first major upgrade
- See our full Cloud build guide for the optimal gear progression
Barret
Barret is a strong option in FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Kaiser Knuckles |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Folio skill trees and SP |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Kaiser Knuckles
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Grasslands to learn Barret-specific mechanics
- Focus on Folio skill trees and SP. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Kaiser Knuckles as your first major upgrade
- See our full Barret build guide for the optimal gear progression
Tifa
Tifa is a strong option in FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Fafnir Rifle |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Weapon abilities and proficiency |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Fafnir Rifle
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Grasslands to learn Tifa-specific mechanics
- Focus on Weapon abilities and proficiency. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Fafnir Rifle as your first major upgrade
- See our full Tifa build guide for the optimal gear progression
Aerith
Aerith is a strong option in FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Gambanteinn |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Materia across five colours |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Gambanteinn
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Grasslands to learn Aerith-specific mechanics
- Focus on Materia across five colours. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Gambanteinn as your first major upgrade
- See our full Aerith build guide for the optimal gear progression
Red XIII
Red XIII is a strong option in FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Fuma Shuriken |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | World Intel and summon shrines |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Fuma Shuriken
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Grasslands to learn Red XIII-specific mechanics
- Focus on World Intel and summon shrines. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Fuma Shuriken as your first major upgrade
- See our full Red XIII build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Barret is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
Cloud is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with Buster Sword for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Red XIII offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another build.
For Group Play
Aerith shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH Guides
- FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH Overview
- FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH Best Builds
- FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH Tier List
- FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH Walkthrough
- FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH Beginner's Guide
- FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH Tips & Tricks
- FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH Weapons Guide
- FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH Combat Guide
- FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH Boss Guide
- FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH Maps & Locations
- FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH Crafting Guide
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