Aerith Best Builds and Weapons

Aerith Gainsborough is a playable character in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth (FF7 Rebirth). See the best builds for Aerith, list of weapons, their voice actors, and more about this character's background in this guide!

Aerith Character Guides
Best Builds and Weapons	Romance Guide

Aerith Best Builds

Stage and Chapter	List of Aerith Builds
Endgame (Hard Mode)	Aerith Endgame Build
Late Game (Chapter 11)	Aerith Late Game Build
Mid Game (Chapter 7)	Aerith Mid Game Build
Early Game (Chapter 2-4)	Aerith Early Game Build

Aerith Endgame Build

Accessory	Effect
Plumose Rod Weapon Lv. 8	Poison and Petrify + Swiftcast First Strike + HP Up Vitality Up MP Up Phoenix
Hades Armlet	Healing + Magnify Fire and Ice + Magnify Lightning and Wind + Magnify ATB Boost
Alternative Armor
・ Cetran Armlet ・ Cetran Bracer
Weapon Skills	Ward Shift Mastery Enduring Ward Not-So-Fleeting Familiar Max HP +200

Accessory	Effect
Chocoking's Cape	Fills one ATB charge at the start of battle.
Alternative Accessories
・ Whistlewind Scarf

This is a hard mode build for Aerith, equipped with magic element materia paired with support materia to help in petrifying most bosses and clearing mobs fast.

With First Strike, ATB Boost materia, and Chocoking's Cape, you should have enough ATB to cast a max-level spell within an arcane ward. This doubles your casted spell which means you'll double your damage.

Always use an elemental spell when fighting against mobs to finish the battle fast. Start with Petrify when fighting bosses to immobilize them early and land combos on them safely.

Keep in mind that Petrify can also be used as a spell that builds up stagger, while Poison should only be used if an enemy is weak to it.

Best Team Synergies

Synergy Skills
All	Bodyguard Ask any of your allies to defend you while you move about the battlefield.
Synergy Abilities
Cloud Tifa Yuffie	United Refocus Provides a 3-charge ATB gauge. Useful for increasing the usage of commands in battle.
Yuffie	Mystic Manipulation Aerith clones Yuffie to assault an enemy. Grants unlimited MP for a limited time.

Additional Build Notes

• You can get the Chocoking's Cape by completing the Gold Cup or Bust side quest.
• Cast one ward before using ATB Boost to maximize its full effect when starting battles (Only applicable if Chocoking's Cape is equipped).
• The third Magnify materia is a reward from the Brutal Challenge: Hellions' Intonement, which is available after beating Gilgamesh.
• You can pair Healing with Magic Efficiency instead if you only have two Magnify Materia.

Aerith Late Game Build

Accessory	Effect
Timeless Rod Weapon Lv. 5	Healing + Magnify Lightning and Wind Time Phoenix
Enhanced Yggdrasil Armlet	Fire and Ice + MP Absorption Prayer + ATB Boost First Strike + MP Up
Weapon Skills	Ward Shift Mastery Enduring Ward

Accessory	Effect
Circlet	Increases max MP by 10% and Increases magic power by 5%
Alternative Accessories
・ Platinum Earrings ・ Psychic's Charm

You can choose to equip the Ceremonial Staff for more magic attack at the cost of having only 2 materia slots.

You can follow this build for Aerith when using her actively as a healer and spellcaster during Chapter 11: The Long Shadow of Shinra onwards.

Aerith maintains her role as a strong support and spellcaster able to exploit elemental weaknesses. Magnify is important since this allows any connected spell to apply to all enemies or allies. Time materia's Haste spell is useful for increasing ATB charge.

The Enhanced Yggrdasil Armlet provides 6 materia slots, enough for a wide variety of materia such as MP Absorption or Magic Focus. Feel free to switch out materia for any other linked materia or spells such as Gravity or Comet when needed.

Best Team Synergies

Synergy Abilities
Cloud Tifa	United Refocus Provides a 3-charge ATB gauge. Useful for increasing the usage of commands in battle.
Cloud	Firework Blade Unleash a strong magical range attack with Cloud against a distant enemy. Raises limit levels.
Cait Sith	Mega Moogle Mash Extends stagger time and damage dealt to staggered enemies.

Additional Build Notes

• Magnify can be obtained from Cait Sith's starting equipment.
• MP Absorption is developed at Chadley's Research in the Nibel Region.
• If you have not obtained the Circlet yet, it can be found at the Seabreeze Storehouse after Corel's Chocobo Ranch, located in a treasure box past the two parked tankers
• Enhanced Yggdrasil Armlet is unlocked for transmutation when completing Excavation Intel: Island Base. The standard armlet is transmutable at Craftsmanship Level 13.
• Alternatively, you can equip the stronger Valkyrian Bangle. This can be obtained from Nidhogg Grotto (far southwest island) accessible via Chocobo.
• ATB Boost is best used when you have at least 1 bar of ATB since it will be doubled to 2 bars. This allows you to quickly use Prayer, cast two spells, or use another other command after placing a ward.
• You can choose to equip the Ceremonial Staff to Aerith for more magic attack at the cost of having only 2 materia slots.

Aerith Mid Game Build

Accessory	Effect
Wizard's Rod	Fire and Ice + Lightning and Wind Empowerment + Fortification MP Up
Abyssal Bangle	Healing + Magic Efficiency HP Up
Weapon Skills	Max HP +200 Enhanced Tempest

Accessory	Effect
Circlet	Increases max MP by 10% and Increases magic power by 5%
Alternative Accessories
・ Platinum Earrings ・ Magical Earrings

You can follow This general build for Aerith when using her actively as a healer and spellcaster during Chapter 7: Those Left Behind onwards.

Slot in Fire and Ice and Lightning and Wind to cover all 4 elemental needs for your team. When using Healing materia, connect it with Magic Efficiency to reduce its MP cost.

With three available materia links, you can experiment with switching up Aerith's kit such as throwing in Elemental materia to imbue her basic attacks with elements (including attacks buffed by Radiant Ward), or having Auto-Cast if you are more actively using another character.

Best Team Synergies

Synergy Abilities
Cloud Tifa	United Refocus Provides a 3-charge ATB gauge. Useful for increasing the usage of commands in battle.
Cloud	Firework Blade Unleash a strong magical range attack with Cloud against a distant enemy. Raises limit levels.

Additional Build Notes

• Magic Efficiency can be developed at Chadley's Research in Corel.
• Fire and Ice are developed at Chadley's Research in the Grasslands, while Lightning and Wind are developed at Chadley's Research in Junon.
• Wizard's Rod can be obtained for free in a purple chest early on when entering Mt. Corel (can be found near vending machines).
• The Circlet can be found at the Seabreeze Storehouse after Corel's Chocobo Ranch, located in a treasure box past the two parked tankers

Aerith Early Game Build

Accessory	Effect
Timeless Rod	Healing + Fire and Ice Wind
Copper Bracer	HP Up MP Up
Weapon Skills	Fire Damage Up

Accessory	Effect
Magical Earrings	Increases magic power by 5%. Increases max MP by 3.

This is an early game build for Aerith available before fighting Midgardsomr, the game's first open world boss in Chapter 2: A New Journey Begins. Aerith's strength is in her support magic and burst damage from spellcasting due to her high magic attack.

Be sure to use her strategically since her basic attacks are usually slow. The Timeless Rod's Chrono Aegis will help defend against strong enemies closing in on her.

Best Team Synergies

Synergy Abilities
Cloud	United Refocus Provides a 3-charge ATB gauge. Useful for increasing the usage of commands in battle.
Tifa	Divine Punishment Tifa teams up with Aerith to deal a strong AoE attack that applies to a wide area at the target's location. Useful for multiple enemies. Raises limit levels.

Additional Build Notes

• Materia can be bought at the Vending Machine at Oliver's Farm. Fire and Ice is developed at Chadley's Research.
• The Timeless Rod can be found in a purple chest to the right of Chloe's Shop. The shop is found within Bill's Ranch in the Grasslands.
• The Copper Bracer can be transmuted for her at Craftsmanship Level 3. Alternatively, you can buy the Bone Bracelet from the Vending Machine for higher magic defense.
• Feel free to change Aerith's materia elements depending on the enemies she will face.
• Magical Earrings can be unlocked for transmutation by completing Excavation Intel 2: Pipeline Depository (can be discovered by completing Expedition Intel) in the Grasslands.

How to Use Aerith and Combat Guide

Aerith Controls

Controls	Function
Dodge	Dodges attacks.
Ward Shift	Warps to the position of a conjured ward (such as an Arcane Ward). Good for repositioning.
Attack	Aerith fires a ranged attack.
Hold Tempest	Hold to charge and release to have Aerith fire a strong ranged attack. Will summon a Fleeting Familiar when a fully-charged Tempest hits the target.
Block	Block attacks
Sprint	General control for running
Commands Menu	Access the Command Menu for Abilities, Spells, Items, and Synergy

Aerith Battle Tips

How to Use Aerith
Build for Healing and Support Use Arcane Ward with Strong Spells Combo Arcane Ward with Magnify Materia Radiant Ward for Basic Attacks and Invincibility Build ATB Meter at a Safe Distance

Build for Healing and Support

An ideal go-to strategy for Aerith is to build her around her healing capabilities due to her MP and spell-oriented abilities. Other than healing, you will want to use her Ward abilities to strengthen your party member's casting abilities.

For an all-around healer, having Healing Materia connected with Magnify Materia is recommended for efficiently healing your entire party.

Use Arcane Ward for Strong Spells

Arcane Ward + Thundaga
Target: Terror of the Deep Affected Caster: Cloud Spell: Thundaga
Cast	MP Cost	Damage	ATB Cost
1st Cast	18	2871	2
2nd Cast Reduction	5 -72.2%	1570 -45.3%	0 -100%
Total
-	23	4441	2

Data above was observed in-game. Percentage values for the 2nd cast stand for reductions and are calculated as ((1st Cast Value - 2nd Cast Value)/1st Cast Value)*100.

Arcane Ward is a powerful ability in Aerith's kit that allows spells within the ward's area to be cast twice with no additional ATB cost. This affects all members within the ward's area, giving opportunities to nuke strong enemies (like bosses) quickly with strong spells that usually cost 2 ATB.

The 2nd cast of a spell affected by Arcane Ward will cost less MP and deal less damage.

Combo Arcane Ward with Magnify Materia

Arcane Ward + Fira (+ Magnify)
Target: Silver Chimera x2 Affected Caster: Cloud Spell: Fira w/ Magnify Materia
Cast	MP Cost	Damage	ATB Cost
1st Cast	10	255 | 268	1
2nd Cast Reduction	3 -70%	143 | 134 -43.9% | -50%	0 -100%
Total
-	13	398 | 134	1

Aerith's Arcane Ward skill can also combo with any spell affected by Magnify Materia. This is useful if you want to double-cast your spell on multiple enemies. Note that Magnify Materia reduces the potency of the spell, so you will not want this materia on lone targets or bosses.

For example, you can have Cloud use a magnified Fira to efficiently exploit the weaknesses of two Silver Chimera. This not only does some considerable damage at a lower MP cost but also efficiently builds stagger with little effort.

Radiant Ward for Basic Attacks and Invincibility

Radiant Ward is useful if you are in a position to use spells at a crucial moment or if you want to bolster Aerith's basic attacks. This ability grants invincibility to anyone casting a spell, making it useful for strong spells with a long cast time.

Aerith's basic attacks within this ward will be stronger, so if you want to play more offensively, this is Aerith's go-to ability.

Build ATB Meter at a Safe Distance

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Aerith cannot naturally build her ATB meter quickly compared to fast fighters like Cloud, so it is best to have her play at a distance with her ranged attacks.

Fortunately, her powerful abilities like Arcane Ward only cost 1 ATB. You do not have to put too much effort into attacking. Prioritize having her on the defense and supporting other party members.

Aerith Best Combos

Basic Combos

Attack	Function
Basic Range Attack Mash	Aerith fires basic projectiles from her staff. It is slow-firing, and mostly ideal for building up her ATB meter. Converted to lasers within a Radiant Ward.
Tempest Hold and Release	Aerith charges a strong projectile and launches it towards a target. Has stagger potential. Spawns a Fleeting Familiar that fires off projectiles against a target or another nearby enemy.

Names given to the above combos are for descriptive purposes. The list above is subject to updates.

Ability Combos

Combo	Function
Warp Shift Combo + Spell/Ability (requires placed Ward)	Ward Shift is useful for repositioning Aerith to a placed Ward away from a disadvantageous spot. It can be used offensively for AoE abilities like Sorcerous Storm or for quickly casting a spell under invincibility in a Radiant Ward.

Aerith's combo rotation is best paired with abilities or spells due to the simplistic nature of her basic attacks. For this reason, she is dependent on filling her ATB meter early in the fight.

Aerith Best Folio Skill Cores

Skill Core / Priority	Type and Effect
United Refocus ★★★	Synergy Ability ・Gives Aerith and her partner temporary 3-charge ATB gauges, increasing their flexibility in readying commands such as spells and abilities.
Mystic Manipulation ★★★	Synergy Ability ・Aerith Clones Yuffie to land a barrage of attacks on an enemy. Temporarily provides unlimited MP.
Bodyguard ★★★	Synergy Skill ・An essential defensive synergy skill that adds another survivability option for Aerith.
Spellbound Blast ★★★	Synergy Skill ・An charge attack that allows Aerith to receive MP from her party members.
Elemental Damage Up ★★★	Stat Boost ・Provides increased fire, ice, lightning, and wind damage.
Enduring Ward ★★★	Stat Boost ・Further increases the duration of Aerith's wards by 25%.
Altruistic Recovery Boost ★★☆	Stat Boost ・Increases Aerith's HP recovery by 10% when healing party members.
MATK Up ★★☆	Stat Boost ・Increases magic attack by 20.
MP Up ★☆☆	Stat Boost ・Raises Aerith's max MP by 3.

Folio Skill Tree Guide

Aerith Weapon Locations and Stats

Guard Stick

Guard Stick
Stats and Ability		Weapon Skills
・ATK + 18 ・MATK + 26 ・DEF + 0 ・MDEF + 0 Slots: ◯◯ Ability: Arcane Ward		MP Recovery Rate Up Not-So-Fleeting Familiar Max MP +3 Altruistic Buff Up Enduring Ward Wind Damage Up Spiritual Harvest Enhanced Tempest Not-So-Fleeting Familiar Wind Damage Up
Location
Aerith starts with the Guard Stick as her default weapon. You'll gain access to this weapon as soon as she joins you in Chapter 2.

Timeless Rod

Timeless Rod
Stats and Ability		Weapon Skills
・ATK + 20 ・MATK + 37 ・DEF + 0 ・MDEF + 0 Slots: ◯-◯◯ Ability: Chrono Aegis		Reprieve Enhanced Physical Guard Max Hp +200 Ice Damage Up MP Recovery Rate Up Ward Shift Mastery Altruistic Recovery +10% Debuff Extension Enduring Ward Fire Damage Up
Location
Beside Chloe in Bill's Ranch

Empress's Scepter

Empress's Scepter
Stats and Ability		Weapon Skills
・ATK + 36 ・MATK + 31 ・DEF + 0 ・MDEF + 0 Slots: ◯◯◯◯ Ability: Radiant Ward		MP Limit Spiritual Harvest Ice Damage Up ATB Charge Rate Up Max HP +200 MP Recovery Rate Up Max MP +3 Spiritual Harvest Enduring Ward Lightning Damage Up
Location
In Aerith's Room at the Inn in Under Junon

Wizard's Rod

Wizard's Rod
Stats and Ability		Weapon Skills
・ATK + 31 ・MATK + 46 ・DEF + 0 ・MDEF + 0 Slots: ◯-◯◯-◯◯ Ability: Lustrous Shield		Limit Break Damage +10% Critical Hit Rate +5% Fire Damage Up Max HP +200 Ward Shift Mastery Enhanced Tempest MP Recovery Rate Up Not-So-Fleeting Familiar Critical Hit Damage +10% Wind Damage Up
Location
Near a Rest Station at the Foot of Mt. Corel

Ceremonial Staff

Ceremonial Staff
Stats and Ability		Weapon Skills
・ATK + 56 ・MATK + 92 ・DEF + 0 ・MDEF + 0 Slots: ◯◯ Ability: ATB Ward		ATB Charge Rate Up Altruistic Buff Up Lightning Damage Up Reprieve Max MP +3 Altruistic Buff Up Magic Attack Power +20 Spiritual Harvest Enduring Ward Fire Damage Up
Location
Besides Rest Stop After Flashback

Gambanteinn

Gambanteinn
Stats and Ability		Weapon Skills
・ATK + 58 ・MATK + 86 ・DEF + 0 ・MDEF + 0 Slots: ◯-◯◯-◯◯◯ Ability: Noble Sacrifice		ATB Limit Wind Damage Up Reprieve Max MP +3 Magic Attack Power +20 ATB Charge Rate Up Attack Damage +5% Spiritual Harvest Not-So-Fleeting Familiar Ice Damage Up
Location
Down the Stairs After Learning Moving Vessels

Plumose Rod

Plumose Rod
Stats and Ability		Weapon Skills
・ATK + 43 ・MATK + 125 ・DEF + 0 ・MDEF + 0 Slots: ◯-◯◯◯◯◯ Ability: Ray of Judgement		Magic Attack Power +20 Enhanced Magic Guard Not-So-Fleeting Familiar Limit Break Damage +10% Not-So-Fleeting Familiar Ward Shift Mastery Max HP +200 Enduring Ward Enhanced Tempest Not-So-Fleeting Familiar
Location
Clear 8 Shinra Trials in Hojo's Lab

All Weapons and How to Get Them

Aerith Manuscript Locations

Telluric Scriptures Locations

Volume	Difficulty Req.	How to Get
Vol. 1	Easy / Normal	Side Quest: Flowers from the Hill Reward for completing the Flowers from the Hill Side Quest in the Grasslands region.
Vol. 2	Easy / Normal	Moogle Shop Can be purchased at Merchant Rank 2 for 6 Moogle Medals.
Vol. 3	Easy / Normal	GP Exchange Purchase at the GP Exchange for 100 GP.
Vol. 4	Easy / Normal	Moogle Shop Can be purchased at Merchant Rank 6 for 6 Moogle Medals.
Vol. 5	Easy / Normal	Musclehead Colosseum Reward for clearing Two-Person Bout: Disorderly Peacekeepers.
Vol. 6	Easy / Normal	Side Quest: Beneath Still Waters Reward for completing the Beneath Still Waters Side Quest in the Junon region.
Vol. 7	Hard	Side Quest: Flowers from the Hill Reward for defeating the Mandrakes during the Flowers from the Hill Side Quest, in the Grasslands region while playing in Hard Mode.
Vol. 8	Hard	Boss: Rude Reward for defeating Rude in Chapter 3 Hard Mode.
Vol. 9	Hard	Boss: Terror of the Deep Reward for defeating Terror of the Deep in Chapter 4 Hard Mode.
Vol. 10	Hard	Side Quest: Rendezvous in Costa del Sol Reward for defeating the Barnaclaws during the Rendezvous in Costa del Sol Side Quest, in the Corel region while playing in Hard Mode.
Vol. 11	Hard	Side Quest: The Spice of Life Reward for defeating the Gorgon Mane during the The Spice of Life Side Quest, in the Gongaga region while playing in Hard Mode.
Vol. 12	Hard	Side Quest: Absence of a Sign Reward for defeating Reapertails during the Absence of a Sign Side Quest, in the Junon region while playing in Hard Mode.
Vol. 13	Hard	Side Quest: Beneath Still Waters Reward for defeating Hell Rider II during the Beneath Still Waters Side Quest, in the Junon region while playing in Hard Mode.
Vol. 14	Hard	Side Quest: Woodland Vigil Reward for completing the Woodland Vigil Side Quest, in the Gongaga region while playing in Hard Mode.
Vol. 15	Hard	Boss: Demon Gate Reward for defeating the Demon Gate in Chapter 13 Hard Mode.
Vol. 16	Hard	Combat Simulator: Aerith vs. The Magi Reward for completing the Legendary Bout: Aerith vs. The Magi in Combat Simulator.

List of All Manuscripts Guide

Aerith Character Profile and Background

Profile and Voice Actor

Aerith	Voice Actors
	EN: Briana White JP: Sakamoto Maaya
	Weapon
	Staff
	Chapter Unlocked
	Chapter 2 A New Journey Begins
Official Introduction
A flower seller who lives in the Sector 5 slums. She is the last survivor of the ancient species called "Cetra" and has the ability to hear the planet. She was captured by Shinra to locate the "Promised Land" of the Cetra legend, but was rescued by Cloud and fled out of Midgar. Along with her new friends, her desire to travel through the vast wilderness grows.

Major Supporting Character in FF7 Remake

Aerith, also known as the Flower Girl, is a living Ancent (Cetra) who serves as a major playable character in FF7 Remake. She meets Cloud in Midgar and eventually joins with the rest of the Avalanche crew to take on the Shinra Electric Company and chase Sephiroth.

Sought after by the Shinra Turks due to her ability to interact with the planet's lifestream, Aerith serves as the party's trusted mage and healer, and is capable of strengthening the party's abilities through various wards and spells.

Aerith Abilities

List of Aerith Abilities

Ability	Effect / Source
Soul Drain	Unleash an attack that absorbs MP. Absorbs additional MP from staggered enemies. Unlocked from the start
Sorcerous Storm	Deal magic damage to nearby enemies. Unlocked from the start
Arcane Ward	Conjure a ward. Attack spells cast within the ward will automatically be cast twice. Weapon: Guard Stick
Radiant Ward	Conjure a ward that grants invincibility while casting spells. Strengthens Aerith's basic attack. Weapon: Empress's Scepter
Chrono Aegis	Raise a barrier that damages and temporarily freezes enemies who attempt to strike you. Weapon: Timeless Rod
Lustrous Shield	Raise a barrier that damages and temporarily freezes enemies who attempt to strike you. Weapon: Wizard's Rod
ATB Ward	Conjure a ward. Fill ATB charges within the ward to increase your allies' ATB gauges. Weapon: Ceremonial Staff
Ray of Judgement	Fire an energy burst that hits multiple times. Increased stagger damage bonus. Weapon: Plumose Rod
Noble Sacrifice	Sacrifice yourself to revive fallen allies, restore their HP, and remove detrimental status effects. Costs 2 ATB. Weapon: Gambanteinn

Aerith Limit Breaks

List of Aerith Limit Breaks

Limit Break	Effect / How to Get
Healing Wind	Limit Level 1 Summon a soothing breeze to restore a moderate amount of HP to allies. Dawn in a New Era of Junon Unlocked from the start
Planet's Protection	Limit Level 2 Entreat the planet's favor to nullify physical damage dealt to all party members. Can only be used once per battle. Dawn in a New Era of Junon Unlocked from the start
Rising Fury	Limit Level 3 Fills the other party members' limit break gauges. Unlocked through the Folio Skill Tree at party level 8.

Aerith Synergy Skills

List of Aerith Synergy Skills

Partner	Synergy Skill
Cloud Barret Tifa Red XIII	Bodyguard Ask your partner to defend you while you move about the field.

Aerith Synergy Abilities

List of Aerith Synergy Abilities

Synergy Ability	Description	Buff
Firework Blade	Partner: Cloud Cloud uses Aerith's magic to unleash a ranged attack. Raises their limit levels.	Raises Limit Levels (Cloud and Aerith)
Divine Punishment	Partner: Tifa Tifa makes use of Aerith's magic to deal damage across a wide area. Raises their limit levels.	Raises Limit Levels (Tifa and Aerith)
Planetary Roar	Partner: Red XIII Aerith channels her magic through Red XIII's howl, unleashing a ranged attack across a wide area. Raises their limit levels.	Raises Limit Levels (Red XIII and Aerith)

Aerith's Role in FF7 Rebirth

Major Supporting Character

Fall of a Hero in Nibelheim

Aerith returns as a major supporting playable character in FF7 Rebirth. She first appears as a non-playable character along with Avalanche crew during Cloud's recount of his memories at Nibelheim.

Dawn in a New Era of Junon

She becomes a playable character in Dawn of a New Era of Junon where she journeys to the Shinra jurisdiction Junon along with the Avalanche crew.

FF7 Rebirth Related Guides

List of All Characters

Other Character Guides

Character Guides
Characters Tier List	Best Builds
Best Party Compositions	Best Abilities

List of Playable Characters

All Characters
Aerith	Barret	Cait Sith	Cloud
Red XIII	Sephiroth	Tifa	Yuffie
Zack