Best Early-Game Build for Barret in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth (FF7)

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has a unique cast of characters that bring their various fighting styles to the table. Utilizing their skill sets in the early game will make getting through it a breeze. Here’s our best early game build for Barret in FF7 Rebirth.

Best Equipment, Materia, and Folios for Barret in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth (FF7)

In FF7 Rebirth, Barret is a sturdy machine capable of deadly sustained damage. Nothing is out of his range, making him the perfect choice for taking down anything airborne and raining lead on foes that prove problematic when faced up close. His dodging speed is very weak, but his defensive abilities and natural sturdiness make that a non-issue.

Best Early Equipment for Barret

• Weapon – Barret’s starting weapon, Gatling Gun, will teach him Focused Shot, which is fantastic for staggering pressured enemies. Once Hi-Caliber Rifle is found, he can learn Bonus Round, which adds loads of extra damage to his shots.
• Armor – Any equipment that adds more defense is great for Barret and strengthens his tanky-ness. Once you’re able to transmute it, the Enhanced Elphadunk Bangle is perfect for Barret, making him a defensive machine.
• Accessory – For even more defense, Barret can use the Bulletproof Vest. Once obtained, the HP Up Materia Earrings are great for increasing his health pool even further.

Best Early Materia for Barret

• Fortification – Since Barret can easily protect himself, even learning a Folio which auto-casts Protect on himself, the Fortification Materia can allow him to toss out a Protect on teammates in need.
• HP Up with Level Boost Materia – For even more HP, use the HP Up Materia linked with the Level Boost materia for an instant 20% boost on top of Barret’s health pool.
• Morph – Barret can chip down an enemy’s health at his own pace with his basic attack, making him a great candidate for the Morph Materia, since he can carefully whittle down an enemy’s health without accidentally killing them.
• Auto-Unique Ability Materia – Barret’s Overcharge ability must be recharged before it can be used again, so it’s easy to forget when it’s available all the time. This materia will have Barret automatically use it when you’re not controlling him.
• Weapon Skill – Staggering Charge

Best Early Folios for Barret

• Synergy Skill: Mad Dash – When paired with Cloud, the two can charge an enemy and deliver a round of chunky melee attacks.
• Synergy Skill: Iron Defense – When unavoidable damage is imminent, Iron Defense can almost trivialize it, especially when combined with Steelskin.
• Max HP Up – You know the drill. More HP on Barret means more damage that can be taken without worry.
• Electric Impulse – A lightning attack that costs no MP.
• Gale Impulse – A wind attack that costs no MP.

Barret is a natural protector, and his presence on the battlefield only reflects that further. When protected by Steelskin, he has almost nothing to fear in combat. Once Bonus Round is learned, he can easily shred apart an enemy’s poise, making him great at both defending himself and his team and pressuring anything standing in his way.

For more guides on character skill sets, check out our guide on the best early-game builds for Cloud in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.