Master the basics of the battle system and learn all the techniques needed for combat in Crisis Core Reunion. Read on to learn what is the Battle Screen Layout, what are Basic Battle Controls, How to Dodge, and more!

Battle Screen Layout

1	Remaining SP	Gain SP or Solder Points by defeating enemies or converting Materia to SP. You consume SP when you spin the DMW
2	DMW	DMW or Digital Mind Wave that acts as the Limit Break. It grants you a special effect in battle depending on the symbols and numbers that appear after it spins. DMW System Explained
3	HP, MP, AP bars	Displays your Health (HP), Magic points (MP), and Action points (AP), which is mainly used for blocking, dodging, and more.
4	Command List	Displays the items, materia, and magic you can use during battle.

Basic Battle Controls

Movement and Action

Dodge and Block

Materia Shortcuts

Movement and Actions

Controls	Effect
	Move Character or Select
	Move Camera View
	Lock on Target/Release target lock
+	Switch between Targets
	Attack

All Controls and Button Mapping

The following controls are for the Nintendo Switch and may vary depending on your platform.

How to Dodge and Block

Controls	Effect
	Dodge Enemy Attacks
	Block or Guard Against Enemy Attacks

The following controls are for the Nintendo Switch and may vary depending on your platform.

Dodging and Blocking are essential when defending yourself from enemy attacks, as it saves you from receiving unnecessary damage on your HP and raises your survival in battle.

Timing is Essential

Make sure to time your dodge or block perfectly for it to be effective. Click the dodge or guard buttons just before the enemy attack lands on you. Doing so too early or too late will result in leaving you more vulnerable to the attack.

The Direction of the Dodge Matters

The direction of your dodge also determines if you can fully avoid an attack. If an enemy attacks vertically, you must dodge horizontally to perform a perfect dodge, and vice versa for a horizontal attack.

Materia Shortcuts

Controls	Effect
+	Use Materia in slot 1
+	Use Materia in slot 2
+	Use Materia in slot 3
+	Use Materia in slot 4
+	Use Materia in slot 5
+	Use Materia in slot 6

The following controls are for the Nintendo Switch and may vary depending on your platform.

Using equipped Materia will simply depend on the slot in which the materia is set through Equipment in the main menu. Materia that cannot be used in battle will not be displayed as a command option.

Combat and Battle Tips

Combat and Battle Tips
Master magic attacks and abilities Use Normal Attacks with Command Materia Prioritize recovery when HP is low Know when to block and dodge Go all out when the Ability Gauge appears

Master magic attacks and abilities

Magic	・Consumes MP when used ・Damage is based on the Magic stat ・Used for attacks, recovery, and status ailments infliction. ・Can be used long-range
Abilities	・Consumes AP when used ・ Damage is mostly based on the Strength stat ・Used for attacks, inflicting status ailments, and stealing ・Mostly close-range

You can use Magic and Abilities in Crisis Core Reunion, depending on the materia. Using magic and abilities for its ranged attacks and inflicting status ailments will grant you the advantage in battle.

Use Normal Attacks with Command Materia

If you press the normal attack button repeatedly, attacks will occur to up to 4 times in a row, with each attack getting stronger than the last. Connecting this combo with Command Materia without stopping will create powerful combos. Critical hits will show red damage points.

Combine Normal Attacks with Magic

This combo is very helpful for both offense and defense. By using magic right after a series of normal attacks, Zack will automatically evade and dodge backwards while shooting out magic towards an enemy. This technique allows Zack to move to safer territory while still dealing damage.

Utilize Zack's Battle Stance

As you progress through the story, Zack will learn the ability called: Battle Stance. This ability allows Zack to change his stance to a defensive while boosting the impact of his attacks.

The more Zack attacks, the more powerful his hits will be. This makes this ability ideal for attacks with multiple blows, so we recommend using it often with consecutive normal attacks.

Prioritize recovery when HP is low

Once your HP is low and less than half it's total amount, prioritize recovering your HP before anything else. Recovery can be done through the use of items and materia.

Know when to block and dodge

Guard	・Significantly reduces damage when done successfully ・Nullifies status ailments ・Cannot guard attacks from behind, attacks with a fixed amount of damage, or with special effects from boss attacks
Dodge	・Can be used to cancel other movements ・Invincible for a short period of time

Zack's defensive moves are Guard and Dodge. Both actions can be used unlimitedly, but dodging has a split second recovery where you're susceptible to attacks. Guarding is ideal against weaker enemies or if you missed the dodge window to lesson the blow of their attacks.

Go all out when the Ability Gauge appears

Some enemies use special abilities during battle, and an Ability Gauge will appear once these abilities are activated. You can cancel the enemy's attacks and ability by reducing this gauge through attacking it, so we recommend you going all out as soon as you see the Ability Gauge.

Crisis Core Reunion Related Guides

Beginner's Guide: Tips & Tricks

Mechanics and Combat Tips and Tricks

Mechanics and Combat Guides
DMW System Explained	Battle System Guide
All Controls and Button Mapping	All Status Effects and How to Remove Them
All Base Stats Explained	SP Conversion Guide
How to Level Up Zack	Level Farming Guide
Save Points: How to Save	Buster Sword Proficiency Farming
DMW 100% Progress Guide	Break HP, AP, MP and Damage Limits
How to Heal: Potions & Magic

Materia Tips and Tricks

Materia Tips and Tricks
Best Early to Mid-Game Materia	Best Materia and How to Get Them
How to Level Up Materia	Materia Fusion Guide

Equipment and Accessories Tips and Tricks

Equipment and Accessories Tips and Tricks
Best Equipment and Best Accessories	Genji Armor Set Guide
How to Get More Accessory Slots

General Information

General Tips and Tricks
Trophy Guide and Achievements	PC Spec Requirements
How Long to Beat Crisis Core	All Missable Events
Reporter Location: Should You Report or Let Him Go?	Fan Club Guide: Which to Join
Ending Explained	All Changes, Differences, and New Features
Version Differences: PS4/Switch/PC	Difficulty Differences Guide
How to Unlock New Game Plus	Beginner's Guide
How to Find and Unlock All Shops	Gil Farming Guide
SP Farming Guide