Rude and Elena (Chapter 12) Hard Mode Guide

Rude and Elena (Chapter 12) are bosses in Chapter 12: A Golden Key of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth (FF7 Rebirth). Learn how to beat Rude and Elena (Chapter 12) on Hard Mode and normal difficulties, their weaknesses and resistances, and a list of their moves and attack patterns in this guide!

Rude and Elena (Chapter 12) Weaknesses and Stats

Rude Weaknesses and Stats

Stats

	Easy	Normal	Hard
HP	34908	49869	92190

Weakness and Resistances

Weaknesses	Lesser Resistances	Greater Resistances
Wind	Petrify	Sleep Stop
Absorbed Elements	Immunities
-	Proportional Damage Slow Silence Stone Morphable Items

Changes When Staggered

Weakness / Effective	Resistance
-	-

Elena Weaknesses and Stats

Stats

	Easy	Normal	Hard
HP	25858	36940	68289

Weakness and Resistances

Weaknesses	Lesser Resistances	Greater Resistances
Lightning	-	Sleep Stop
Absorbed Elements	Immunities
-	Proportional Damage Slow Silence Stone Morphable Items

Changes When Staggered

Weakness / Effective	Resistance
-	-

How to Pressure Rude and Elena (Chapter 12)

How to Pressure Rude
Use Two Wind Attacks While He's Guarding Interrupt His Synergy Abilities
How to Pressure Elena
Strike Her with Powerful Lightning Attacks Interrupt Her Synergy Abilities

Use Two Wind Attacks While Rude's Guarding

Whenever Rude uses Stalwart Stance and starts to guard against your attacks, hit him with back-to-back Wind attacks, like Tifa's Reverse Gale or Aero spells, to pressure him.

Strike Elena With Powerful Lightning Moves

Similar to Rude, when Elena enters her Rogue Stance and becomes more aggressive, use two powerful Lightning attacks like Cloud's Firebolt Blade or Thunder spells to pressure her.

Interrupt Their Synergy Attacks

Whenever Reno and Elena use Shockwave and 'Nadefiled or Turks Two-Step and Turks Vengeance, use powerful abilities, like a spell that they're weak to or a Limit Break, to interrupt their Synergy Attacks and pressure them.

How to Pressure and Stagger Enemies

Rude and Elena (Chapter 12) Best Party and Builds

Normal Mode Builds

Builds by Difficulty
Normal Mode	Hard Mode

Recommended Party Setup

Recommended Party Setup
Cloud	【Active Character / Punisher】 ・Use Firebolt Blade to deal Lightning damage on Elena ・Best used as the active character, as his attacks and abilities can make the bosses flinch Recommended Level: 44
Aerith	【Spellcaster】 ・Best equipped with Lightning and Wind to save one Materia Slot ・Get ATB charges quickly with the ATB Boost to cast an extra spell in a short time window. ・Can place a Arcane Ward to double-cast a spell Recommended Level: 44
Tifa	【Substitute / Punisher】 ・Switch to Tifa if Cloud is currently low health. ・Use Unfettered Fury to stagger the bosses quickly Recommended Level: 44

Best Materia to Use

Materia	How to Use
Lightning and Wind	・Gives the ability to cast both Lightning and Wind spells ・Best equipped on Aerith
Healing	・Gives the ability to cast healing spells ・Can be equipped on all characters
HP Up	・Equip to increase HP ・Can be equipped on all characters
ATB Boost	・Doubles ATB after activation ・Best equipped on Aerith, but can be equipped on Cloud and Tifa as well
Item Master	・Increase the effect of items like Potions ・Can be equipped on all characters
MP Up	・Increases the MP of a character ・Best equipped on Aerith
Enemy Skill	・Use Sonic Boom (Wind) against Rude and also gain Bravery and Faith to buff your character ・Can be equipped on any characters

Hard Mode Builds

Builds by Difficulty
Normal Mode	Hard Mode

Notice from Game8	These Hard Mode builds use equipment that are at least Weapon Level 8. If you don't have enough Materia slots or the right Weapon Skills to complete a setup, consider using a different weapon or collect all of the character's Manuscripts first.

Best Build for Cloud

Jump to Character Build
Cloud	Tifa	Aerith

Cloud Support
		Weapon		Armor
		Slipstream Saber		Cetran Armlet
		Accessory		Summon Materia
		Ribbon		Gilgamesh
Weapon Materia			Armor Materia
HP Up MP Up Vitality Up Spirit Up Steadfast Block Precision Defense Focus			Magnify and Healing Magic Efficiency and Revival Magnify and Barrier Cleansing First Strike
Weapon Skills
Max MP +3			Max MP +3
MP Recovery Rate Up			Trade-Off

Cloud will primarily provide support with recovery spells like Curaga and Arise, as well as buffs like Barrier to reduce the damage of Rude and Elena's Physical Attacks. He also has Cleansing in case he needs to cast Esuna on anyone who's been Stunned.

Besides those Materias, Cloud has the usual stat boosting and block enhancing Materias, as well as First Strike to cast Barrier at the start of the fight.

As for his accessory, Ribbon is used so that Cloud doesn't get Stunned by Elena's attacks, but you can replace this with any other accessory you want or Gotterdammerung so that Tifa can instantly Siphon his Limit Gauge.

Best Build for Tifa

Jump to Character Build
Cloud	Tifa	Aerith

Tifa Physical DPS
		Weapon		Armor
		Dragon Claws		Valkyrian Bangle
		Accessory		Summon Materia
		Enhanced Expeditionary Medal		Odin
Weapon Materia			Armor Materia
HP Up MP Up Strength Up ATB Stagger			Magnify and Healing Revival Steadfast Block Precision Defense Focus Limit Siphon
Weapon Skills
Attack Power +20			Attack Power +20
Enhanced Techniques			Weapon Ability Damage +5%

Tifa can deal massive single-target damage with her Unique Ability and True Strike Weapon Skill once Rude or Elena has been staggered. These attacks also have their damage boosted thanks to her Weapon Skills.

For her Materias, she has the usual stat boosting and block enhancing Materias, as well as recovery spells in case needs to heal or revive someone. She also has Limit Siphon so that you can use her Limit Breaks instead of Cloud or Aerith's.

As for ATB Stagger, this is a nice Materia to have so that she can spam out her abilities when she staggers someone. However, you can replace this with any other Materia that you'd want, like Enemy Skill for extra Wind and Lightning attacks.

Best Build for Aerith

Jump to Character Build
Cloud	Tifa	Aerith

Aerith Magic DPS
		Weapon		Armor
		Plumose Rod		Cetran Bracer
		Accessory		Summon Materia
		Genji Gloves		Phoenix
Weapon Materia			Armor Materia
HP Up MP Up Magic Up Speed Up Steadfast Block Precision Defense Focus			MP Absorption and Lightning and Wind Revival Skill Master ATB Assist First Strike Vitality Up Prayer
Weapon Skills
Max HP +200			Not-So-Fleeting Familiar
Enduring Ward			Ward Shift Mastery

Aerith will be the main character that you'll control since she can deal massive damage with her incredible Magic stat. With Genji Gloves and double cast -ga spells, she can easily deal 5-digit damage numbers to Rude and Elena during this fight.

Since she will be the character you'll be controlling this fight, make sure that she has the Skill Master, ATB Assist and First Strike Materias equipped so that you can fill the other party member's ATB Gauges without you having to control them.

Aside from those Materias, she has the usual stat boosting and block enhancing Materias, as well as Prayer and Revival in case she needs to heal or revive someone. Also, you can replace Vitality Up with VIT <> SPR to give Aerith a bigger Physical Defense boost at the cost of her Magic Defense.

How to Beat Rude and Elena (Chapter 12)

Rude (Chapter 12) Boss Fight Tips
Cast Barrier to Reduce Physical Damage Taken Get Aerith's Wards Up As Soon As Possible Always Have Transcendence Active Defeat Elena First Before Rude Cancel Their Synergy Attacks Save Limit Breaks to Pressure Rude and Elena Save Cloud's HP and MP Before the Fight Ends

Cast Barrier to Reduce Physical Damage Taken

Considering that most of their attacks are Physical damage, Barrier becomes an amazing buff to have active since it reduces the damage that they deal. This is especially true when they use Turks Two-Step and Vengeance since these attacks cannot be dodged.

Some of Rude's Attacks Deal Magic Damage

Two of Rude's Attacks, specifically Spinning Axe Kick and Whirlwind, deal Magic damage. Make sure to dodge these attacks since their damage isn't reduced by Barrier.

Get Aerith's Wards Up As Soon As Possible

When the fight starts, have Aerith instantly activate her Radiant Ward to help her dodge attacks, followed by an Arcane Ward so that she can double cast her Wind and Lightning spells.

Always Have Transcendence Active

Aerith should have Transcendence active at all times so that she can let loose a powerful Transcendence II to pressure Rude and Elena without having to cast a -ga level spell.

Defeat Elena First Before Rude

Focus on defeating Elena first since she has a lower HP pool, and doesn't possess any defensive skills, unlike Rude. Perform combos mixed with some abilities and spells, like Starshower or Thundara, to pressure and stagger her quickly!

Knock Her Down Again Once She Gets Revived

Rude will revive Elena once she goes down for the first time. Immediately target and take her out quickly to permanently remove her from the fight.

Cancel Their Synergy Attacks

Similar to their Chapter 3 fight, Rude and Elena will do a Synergy Attack and send a barrage of attacks your way. Stop this attack and pressure them with Aero and Thunder spells on Rude and Elena respectively.

Alternatively, you could also use powerful abilities like Tifa's Reverse Gale, Cloud's Firebolt Blade, or Aerith's Transcendence II to cancel their attack while conserving MP.

Save Limit Breaks to Pressure Rude and Elena

Another guaranteed way to pressure Rude and Elena is by hitting them with a Limit Break. Wait for them to group up together, like when they use their Synergy Attacks so that you can pressure both of them with a single Limit Break.

If you have Tifa's Level 3 Limit Break unlocked, use Limit Siphon on the other party members so that she can spam Meteor Strike while she has an Enhanced Expeditionary Medal equipped.

Don't Siphon Aerith's Limit Gauge if She Has a Level 3 Limit Break Ready

If Aerith can use her Rising Fury Level 3 Limit Break, use it instead of Siphoning it away with Tifa. Rising Fury fills the other party members' Limit Gauges, meaning that Tifa can use back-to-back Meteor Strikes with Limit Siphon.

Save Cloud's HP and MP Before the Fight Ends

After beating Rude and Elena, Cloud won't have a chance to recover his HP and MP when goes into the Rufus fight. Even though he recovers 30% HP at the start of the next boss fight, you'll still want to preserve Cloud's MP and heal him to full health before the fight ends.

Can Change Builds Between Fights

Do note that you can change your build by holding the square button in between the two boss fights. This is great because you can swap out Healing for Chakra to reduce the amount of MP you use in the next fight.

Rude and Elena (Chapter 12) Rewards and Details

Rude Rewards

Rude (Chapter 12) Rewards
Easy/Normal						Hard Mode
・1170 EXP ・50 Party EXP ・10 AP ・3900 Gil						・5200 EXP ・30 AP ・3250 Gil
Items Dropped						Rare Items Dropped
・Mega-Potion						None
Stealable Items						Morphable Items
・Mega-Potion						None

Basic Information and Details

Rude (Chapter 12)
Location	Chapter Unlocked
Gold Saucer	Chapter 12
Species	Movement
Human	Grounded
Details
An operative with the Turks unit of Shinra's General Affairs Division. He prefers to use his bare fists and physical prowess to subdue his enemies. With his partner Reno out of commission, he has instead teamed up with new recruit Elena on his current business. Hitting him with multiple powerful offensive abilities while his guard is up will pressure him. Interrupting his synergy strikes will also pressure him.

Elena Rewards

Elena (Chapter 12) Rewards
Easy/Normal						Hard Mode
・1463 EXP ・50 Party EXP ・10 AP ・1950 Gil						・6500 EXP ・30 AP ・6500 Gil
Items Dropped						Rare Items Dropped
None						None
Stealable Items						Morphable Items
None						None

Basic Information and Details

Elena (Chapter 12)
Location	Chapter Unlocked
Gold Saucer	Chapter 12
Species	Movement
Human	Grounded
Details
A new operative with the Turks unit of Shinra's General Affairs Division. After distinguishing herself in the military academy, she was brought into the fold as the unit's newest member. What she lacks in practical experience, she makes up for with enthusiasm. Hitting her with powerful offensive abilities will pressure her. Interrupting her synergy strikes will also pressure her.

FF7 Rebirth Related Guides

Boss Fight Guide and List of All Bosses

Story Bosses

All Major Story Bosses
Chapter 1	Materia Guardian
Chapter 2	Midgardsormr
Chapter 3	Rude and Elena Mythril Golem
Chapter 4	Terror of the Deep Roche
Chapter 5	Jenova Emergent
Chapter 6	Grasptropod
Chapter 7	Custom Valkyrie Gigatrice
Chapter 8	Dyne Anuran Suppressor
Chapter 9	Specimen H1024 Crimson Mare Mk. II
Chapter 10	Gi Nattak
Chapter 11	Diabolic Variant Yin and Yang Forgotten Specimen Galian Beast Roche
Chapter 12	Abzu Rude and Elena Rufus
Chapter 13	Red Dragon Ironclad Reno and Rude Tseng and Elena Moss-Grown Adamantoise Demon Gate
Chapter 14	Jenova Lifeclinger Sephiroth Reborn

Optional Bosses

Grasslands
Summon	Titan
Classified Intel	Quetzalcoatl
Side Quests	White Terror
Junon
Summon	Phoenix
Classified Intel	Mindflayer
Side Quests	White Mousse Hell Rider II Sandstorm Drake
Corel
Summon	Alexander
Classified Intel	Tonberry King
Side Quests	Dark Claw Joker
Minigame	Test 0
Gongaga
Summon	Kujata
Classified Intel	Great Malboro
Side Quests	Levridon Mastodon Gorgon Mane Gigantoad
Cosmo Canyon
Summon	Bahamut Arisen
Classified Intel	Jabberwock
Side Quests	Irasceros Gigaworm
Nibel
Summon	Odin
Classified Intel	King Zu
Side Quests	Queen Bee Dranabarga
Meridian Ocean
Gilgamesh's Island	Gilgamesh Titan and Bahamut Arisen Phoenix and Kujata Alexander and Odin
Pirate King's Treasure	Ogre Raider Brineborn Demon Hueyacoatl Sea Dragon