Should You Play FF7 Remake First?

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth (FF7 Rebirth) continues the new and updated story of the FF7 Remake (2020). Read on to learn if you are required to play the FF7 Remake first in order to understand the sequel, and what story elements could be expected in FF7 Rebirth.

Should You Play FF7 Remake First?

Play the FF7 Remake to Learn About the New Lore

While FF7 Remake managed to faithfully adapt a modern retelling of the original Final Fantasy 7 game, it also introduces some new story elements that were not present in the original.

One of the new elements introduced in the remake is the existence of Whispers, floating entities that are described as arbiters of fate.

It can also be seen that Sepiroth gained more screentime in the remake, with his character getting more fleshed out compared to the original.

The updated story of FF7 Remake will be continued and expanded in FF7 Rebirth, which is why it is highly recommended to play FF7 Remake first so the narrative and lore could be better understood when playing FF7 Rebirth.

Rebirth Explores New Ideas While Retaining Elements from the Original FF7

The producer of FF7 Rebirth, Yoshinori Kitase, stated that they plan to keep most of the original elements from the original game, while also trying out new ideas to build anticipation for players and avoid catering to nostalgia.

It was also implied by the producer that Sepiroth will be the 'driving force that pulls the story along', as he is more evidently featured in this particular story arc of FF7 Rebirth compared to the original Final Fantasy 7 game.

As there are many fans of the series, I felt it was essential to keep the majority of the elements from the original game. On the other hand, if we simply followed along, keeping the story unchanged, it would only appeal to people’s nostalgia.
Source: Yoshinori Kitase - Game Producer

FF7 Rebirth Will Provide a Story Recap In-Game

For those unable to play FF7 Remake who want to better understand the story, FF7 Rebirth provides an option to learn the events of the first installment through a Story So Far option tab available in the Main Menu of the game.

There is also an official recap video available on Youtube for players who want a quick summation of the story that unfolded in FF7 Remake.

Play FF7 Remake to Get Summon Materia in Rebirth

Save Data Summon Materia Bonuses
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Save Data Bonus: Leviathan
Final Fantasy 7 Remake Episode INTERmission Save Data Bonus: Ramuh

While it is not required to play the first installment, players with save data from FF7 Remake are eligible to receive Leviathan's Summon Materia when playing FF7 Rebirth.

Additionally, players with save data from FF7 Remake Episode INTERmission can acquire Ramuh's Summon Materia when playing FF7 Rebirth.

These Summon Materia Bonuses can only be received if the save data from either FF7 Remake or FF7 Remake Episode INTERmission is from the same console.

Do note that the game does not carry over save data from FF7 Remake, meaning that FF7 Rebirth will start out with your characters at their starting levels and default equipment.

Save Data Carry Over Bonuses

FF7 Rebirth Related Guides

News and Game Info

Latest News

• State of Play Details (2024/2/6)
• Cast and List of Voice Actors (2024/02/26)
• Should You Play FF7 Remake First? (2024/02/26)
• Is FF7 Rebirth Open World? (2024/02/26)
• Available Platforms (2022/06/17)