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

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has a diverse cast of characters, each bringing their unique fighting styles to the table. In the early game, utilizing their skill sets will make getting through it a breeze. Here’s our best early game build for Cloud in FF7 Rebirth.

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

In FF7 Rebirth, Cloud excels at being an offensive powerhouse. His strength and agility allow him to be ultra-aggressive, capable of dishing out consistent damage while dodging out of harm’s way. As such, the best way to build Cloud in the early game is by taking advantage of his physical prowess and pressure-building skills.

Best Early Equipment for Cloud

• Weapon – While the Sleek Saber can be purchased from Kalm for 3000 gil, you can find one in a chest near the Abandoned Warehouse in the Grasslands. The Sleek Saber teaches Cloud the Firebolt Blade skill, which delivers both Lightning and Fire damage.
• Armor – Most early-game armor works fine for Cloud, like Metal Bracer or Leather Bangle. When you can transmute it, the Owl Bracer provides great defense and has the bonus of including two linked Materia slots.
• Accessory – To lean into Cloud’s offensive capabilities even more, the Power Wristguards are a safe bet.

Best Early Materia for Cloud

• Healing Magic – Though Cloud dishes out most of his damage without using MP, it’s nice to have a backup Cure or Cura occasionally. Since you’ll normally have excess ATB with him, he’s a great candidate for Healing materia.
• Precision Defense Focus – Cloud will usually be face-to-face with his enemies, which means blocking and parrying are essential. This materia increases the perfect parry window, making it much easier to totally negate damage.
• HP Up – Cloud can’t block everything and is bound to take damage throughout a fight. Adding a little extra HP to his health pool is never a bad thing.
• Assess – You’ll want to cast Assess on every new enemy you encounter to aid in Chadley’s intel, and Cloud is a perfect candidate for that. Since you’ll likely start every battle with Cloud, he’s able to quickly build up a bar of ATB and cast Assess before his enemies even land their first attack.
• Weapon Skill – ATB Charge Rate Up

Best Early Folios for Cloud

• Synergy Ability: Firework Blade – A great ability when paired with Aerith that delivers a ranged assault.
• Synergy Skill: Ranged Blade – Provides consistent ranged damage when paired with Barret.
• Max HP Up
• Snow Flurry – An ice attack that costs no MP.
• Wind Current – A wind attack that costs no MP.

By using the Sleek Saber and learning the Firebolt Blade skill, along with learning the Snow Flurry and Wind Current Folios, Cloud can dish out four different elemental attacks without ever using MP. Once he pressures an enemy, Cloud can follow up with Focused Thrust to deal massive stagger damage.

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