Cloud Best Builds and Weapons

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

Cloud Best Builds

Cloud Endgame Build

Equipment	Materia
Igneous Saber Weapon Lv. 7	Elemental + Fire and Ice Steadfast Block Precision Defense Focus Skill Master HP Up Odin
Cetran Bracer	HP Absorption + Enemy Skill Darkside + Chakra First Strike + Limit Siphon Auto-Unique Ability + Auto-Weapon Ability
Alternative Armor
・ Valkyrian Bangle ・ Hades Armlet
Weapon Skills	Stalwart Punisher Unrelenting Punisher Limit Gauge Stagger

Accessory	Effect
Gotterdammerung	Completely fills the limitbreak gauge at the start of battle. Gradually fills the limit break gauge during battle.
Alternative Accessories
・ Gi Warrior's Charm ・ Chocoking's Cape

Fire and Ice can be switched for any other element materia based on the fight.

This is a general build for Cloud that you can follow during the post-game's Hard Mode. Cloud's strength is through his numerous weapon abilities and his already fast ATB buildup.

Cloud has strong Limit Breaks like Ascension and Finishing Touch. His Limit gain can be boosted through accessories like Gotterdammerung or alternatively Gi Warrior's Charm. Otherwise, he can have faster access to skills through the Chocoking's Cape and a maxed out First Strike.

Elemental is added to his materia kit to give Cloud access to elemental damage and spells. Darkside remains an option for boosting damage from his abilities if not used by other members such as Red XIII.

How to Effectively Use Skill Master

Skill Master	Slightly fills the ATB gauge when 3 types ATB commands are performed.
Sample Ability Combos
Combo 1	Operator Mode: Prime Mode → Disorder → Triple Slash (airborne)
Combo 2	Punisher Mode: Disorder → Prime Mode → Focused Thrust
Combo 3	Punisher Mode: Disorder → Firebolt Blade → Braver
Important Notes
Disorder switches Cloud's mode based on his current stance: ・Punisher → Operator (airborne) ・Operator → Punisher (grounded) It is recommeded for combo extension since it provides Cloud an ATB boost when Disorder connects with an enemy.

Above are some sample ability combos utilizing Cloud's Disorder to ensure there are fewer gaps in his ATB bar for other commands.

Feel free to use a skill you feel is appropriate for the situation, but do not forget to block attacks when needed to prevent any combo interruptions and build ATB from Steadfast Block!

Best Team Synergies

Synergy Skills
Tifa	Power Cleave Cloud unleashes a powerful physical attack. Good for dealing heavy physical damage in general without having to use ATB.
Aerith	Spell Blade Cloud unleashes a powerful magical attack. Good for dealing magic burst damage top enemies.
Synergy Abilities
Barret Aerith Tifa Yuffie	United Refocus Grants Cloud and his synergy partner temporary 3-bar ATB gauges for a more flexible use of commands.
Tifa	Relentless Rush Great for dealing huge damage and extending the stagger time on staggered enemies.
Cait Sith	SOLDIER Moogle Class For damage dealing with Cait Sith in the party. Raises limit levels.

Additional Build Notes

• Gotterdammerung is a strong accessory that is obtained from the Brutal Challenge: Rulers of the Outer World in Chadley's Combat Simulator, which is accessible after defeating Gilgamesh.
• Cetran Bracer is obtained during the course of Chapter 13. It is advised to obtain this since it has 8 materia slots filled by the build.
• Igneous Saber is the choice weaopon for having a higher potential attack power over the Slipstream Saber which focuses on magic attack.

Cloud Late Game Build

Equipment	Materia
Igneous Saber Weapon Lv. 5	Auto-Unique Ability Auto-Weapon Ability Steadfast Block Precision Defense Focus Skill Master HP Up Odin
Valkyrian Bangle	HP Absorption + Enemy Skill Darkside + Chakra First Strike + Limit Siphon
Alternative Armor
・ Yggdrasill Armlet ・ Garm Bangle
Weapon Skills	Unrelenting Punisher Limit Gauge Stagger

Accessory	Effect
Speed Demon Keychain	Slightly replenishes ATB gauge when using a weapon ability.
Alternative Accessories
・ Full Throttle Wristguards ・ Survival Vest

This build for Cloud can be constructed during Chapter 11: The Long Shadow of Shinra and focuses on Cloud's physical damage abilities and fast ATB buildup. Igneous Saber is the choice weapon for its high attack power and 6 available materia slots.

By this part of the game, Cloud has access to a strong set of weapon abilities like Prime Mode and Infinity's End. Make sure to master these abilities for utilizing bonus ATB from Skill Master.

If you wish to customize Cloud's kit to be more defensive or to make use of spells, the Valkyrian Bangle has 6 materia slots with 3 links. When not actively using Cloud, he is particularly strong when he has both Auto-Unique and Auto-Weapon ability materia equipped.

Best Team Synergies

Synergy Skills
Tifa	Power Cleave Cloud unleashes a powerful physical attack. Good for dealing heavy physical damage in general without having to use ATB.
Aerith	Spell Blade Cloud unleashes a powerful magical attack. Good for dealing magic burst damage top enemies.
Synergy Abilities
Barret Aerith Tifa Yuffie	United Refocus Grants Cloud and his synergy partner temporary 3-bar ATB gauges for a more flexible use of commands.
Tifa	Relentless Rush Great for dealing huge damage and extending the stagger time on staggered enemies.

Additional Build Notes

• The Odin materia increases attack power and strength. It can be obtained from defeating Odin at Chadley's Combat Simulator in Nibelheim.
• If no other party member is using Strength Up, you can swap out a materia for it. It is obtained by completing Corel Battle Intel: Sand Slitherers at Chadley's Combat Simulator.
• The Igneous Saber is obtained in the Northern Ridge - 160m area at Mt. Nibel. Its purple chest is found on a platform between climbable terrain.
• The Valkyrian Bangle is obtained at the Nidhogg Grotto in the Nibel Region (far southwest island). This needs a Chocobo capable of using Chocojet (Chocobo Intel found from the side quest Esoteric Secrets of the Elders).

Cloud Mid Game Build

Equipment	Materia
Sleek Saber	Fire and Ice Wind HP Up Precision Defense Focus
Abyssal Bangle	HP Absorption + Enemy Skill Chakra Assess
Weapon Skills	ATB Charge Rate Up Attack Power +20

Accessory	Effect
Hi-Power Wristguards	Increases strength by 5%. Increases max HP by 250.

This build for Cloud can be constructed during Chapter 7: Those Left Behind and focuses on taking advantage of the Enemy Skill and HP Absorption abilities while having a fast ATB Charge rate through Sleek Saber's available weapon skills.

Fire and Ice and Wind are the go-to elements since most enemies in the Corel Region are weak to this. In any case, feel free to swap them out for another combination like Lightning and Wind.

Best Team Synergies

Synergy Skills
Tifa	Power Cleave Cloud unleashes a powerful physical attack. Good for dealing heavy physical damage in general without having to use ATB.
Aerith	Spell Blade Cloud unleashes a powerful magical attack. Good for dealing magic burst damage top enemies.
Synergy Abilities
Barret Aerith	United Refocus Grants Cloud and his synergy partner temporary 3-bar ATB gauges for a more flexible use of commands.
Tifa	Relentless Rush Great for dealing huge damage and extending the stagger time on staggered enemies.

Additional Build Notes

• HP Absorption can be developed from Chadley's Research in the Corel Region. Gathering Data Points from that region becomes available starting at Chapter 7.
• Enemy Skill can be obtained as a reward from Biological Intel: Know Thine Enemy in Chadley's Combat Simulator.
• Chakra for backup HP recovery. This can be swapped out for Healing or another materia if your party already has a dedicated healer.
• Hi-Power Wristguards can be unlocked for transmutation by completing Excavation Intel 2: Pipeline Depository (can be discovered by completing Expedition Intel) in the Grasslands.

Cloud Early Game Build

Equipment	Materia
Sleek Saber	Fire and Ice HP Up MP Up
Hunter's Bangle	Assess Precision Defense Focus
Weapon Skills	ATB Charge Rate Up

Accessory	Effect
Hi-Power Wristguards	Increases strength by 5%. Increases max HP by 250.

This is a simple early game build for Cloud available before fighting Midgardsomr, the game's first open world boss in Chapter 2: A New Journey Begins. This build should hold up to Junon in Chapter 4: Dawn of a New Era.

When actively using Cloud as a frontliner melee combatant, it is recommended to buff him with utility materia (HP and MP) and have the Sleek Saber for slotting in ATB Charge Rate Up to speed up getting access to his abilities, spells, and items.

Best Team Synergies

Synergy Skills
Barret	Bullet Batter Cloud deals up to three conseecutive ranged physical attacks with Barret. Good for fighting distant and aerial enemies. Can be used while in midair.
Synergy Abilities
Tifa	Relentless Rush Useful synergy ability for extending stagger time on foes.
Aerith	Firework Blade Cloud teams up with Aerith to unleash a magical ranged attack. Useful for dealing with distant or flying enemies. Raises limit levels.

Additional Build Notes

• Fire and Ice Materia is good to have on Cloud since some strong mobs in the first 4 chapters will be weak to them (ex. Ogre and Crystalline Crab).
• The Sleek Saber can be obtained for free in a purple chest at the Abandoned Dock as you progress the main story.
• If you do not plan on taking advantage of Cloud's perfect block, you can swap out Precision Defense Focus with any utility-based materia like Steal for farming items, or have another materia such as Lightning.
• Hi-Power Wristguards 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 Cloud and Combat Guide

Cloud Controls

Controls	Function
Dodge	Dodges attacks. Switches to Operator Mode in Punisher Mode
Change Modes	Punisher Mode (when in Operator Mode) Operator Mode (when in Punisher Mode)
Attack	Attack (in Operator Mode) Heavy Attack (in Punisher Mode)
Block	Block attacks Punisher Mode: Block to counterblow (only melee enemy attacks)
Sprint	General control for running
Commands Menu	Access the Command Menu for Abilities, Spells, Items, and Synergy

Cloud Battle Tips

Cloud Combat Tips
Use Punisher Mode for Offense Use Operator Mode for Defense and Mobility Alternate Between Punisher and Operator Modes

Use Punisher Mode for Offense

Punisher Mode is signalled by the Strong Attack command for Square control.

Cloud's two stances carries over from the previous game. In Punisher Mode, Cloud attacks with heavy strikes and will use counterblows whenever he guards an enemy attack. Punisher Mode is good for going on the offensive against strong, slow enemies.

During Punisher Mode, it is important to note three weaknesses:

• He cannot guard against either ranged or magic attacks while in this stance. He can only do this while in Operator Mode.
• Movement is significantly slower, so this stance is best used in safe openings or windows (such enemies under pressure or stagger).
• Dodging will switch Cloud to Operator Mode.

Use Operator Mode for Defense and Mobility

Operator Mode is Cloud's balanced stance emphasizing speed and defense. In this stance, he is able to block both ranged and magic attacks.

This stance is suited for dealing with enemies that are highly mobile and can serve as a good gap-closer against distant enemies. It is also ideal to use against large groups of enemies, since you will want to be attentive to any attacks coming from direction during combat.

Alternate Between Punisher and Operator Modes

Practice getting the feel of when to switch modes depending on the situation in combat. For example, if you are in Operator Mode and you feel like an enemy is readying an attack towards you, you can ready your switch to Punisher Mode to get a counterblow out from your guard.

Likewise, when the enemy is too far to reach, you can start readying up Operator Mode after dealing damage from Punisher to close the gap and then cycle back to Punisher Mode to continue your offense.

Cloud Best Combos

General Combos

Attack	Function
Standard Gap Closer (Operator Mode)	Cloud launches himself towards an enemy at high speed. Best used for closing the distance.
Standard Launcher (Operator Mode) x4	Perform an upward slice on the 4th swing, sending an enemy airborne.
Quick Launcher (Punisher Mode)	Perform an upward slice on the 1st hit. Requires Punisher Mode. You can switch immediately to Operator Mode after for a standard combo.
Vacuum (Operator Mode) , Hold	Cloud will drag nearby enemies toward him in a single slice. Useful for grouping enemies together.
Punisher Zigzag (Punisher Mode) , Mash	Cloud will begin attacking enemies in a zigzag pattern in front of him. Useful against multiple enemies.
Punisher Stab (Punisher Mode) , Hold	Can be used to finish Cloud's zigzag attack in Punisher Mode. Cloud stabs his sword towards the enemy.
Ranged Sword Attacks , x3	After dodging, Cloud unleashes beams from his sword in a slicing pattern towards enemies. Useful for attacking at a range. Enemy is launched on the 3rd swing when hit within striking (close) range.

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

Aerial Combos

Attack	Function
Floating Combo , Hold (Gap Closer), or (can alternate)	Dodge first. During your ranged attacks, hold to initiate a gap closer. When Cloud begins floating, press to continue regular aerial attacks or to dodge in midair. You will float as long as you continue pressing once you have begun floating from the gap closer.
Midair Attacks Mash while midair	Cloud performs slashes in midair accompanied with ranged attacks. Good for both ranged and close-quarters combat.
Midair Gap Closer Hold while midair	Performs a gap-closing slash, but can be used at any point in midair. Good for closing in and adjusting Cloud's elevation or moving towards another enemy.
Floating Operator to Punisher while midair	Cloud switches to Punisher Mode in midair and then performs a downward slash.

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

Cloud Best Folio Skill Cores

Folio Skill Tree Guide

Cloud Weapon Locations and Stats

Buster Sword

Buster Sword
Stats and Ability		Weapon Skills
・ATK + 22 ・MATK + 22 ・DEF + 0 ・MDEF + 0 Slots: ◯-◯ Ability: Focused Thrust		Limit Break Damage +10% Max HP +200 Weapon Ability Damage +5% Reprieve Max MP +3 Enhanced Physical Guard MP Recovery Rate Up Improved Punisher Max HP +200 Weapon Ability Damage +5%
Location
Cloud starts with the Buster Sword as his default weapon. You'll gain access to this weapon as early as the Interlude and Chapter 1.

Sleek Saber

Sleek Saber
Stats and Ability		Weapon Skills
・ATK + 32 ・MATK + 24 ・DEF + 0 ・MDEF + 0 Slots: ◯◯◯ Ability: Firebolt Blade		Weapon Ability ATB Recovery Attack Power +20 Selfish Buff Up Unrelenting Punisher ATB Charge Rate Up Attack Power +20 Weapon Ability ATB Recovery Magic Attack Power +20 Unrelenting Punisher ATB Charge Rate Up
Location
Abandoned Dock in Grasslands

Rune Blade

Rune Blade
Stats and Ability		Weapon Skills
・ATK + 19 ・MATK + 56 ・DEF + 0 ・MDEF + 0 Slots: ◯-◯◯ Ability: Disorder		Trade-Off Limit Break Damage +10% Full-Power Magic Up ATB Charge Rate Up Improved Punisher Stagger Recovery Synergy Damage Up Enemy Parts Damage Up Magic Attack Power +20 Attack Power +20
Location
Complete the Assassination Minigame at the City Center

Umbral Blade

Umbral Blade
Stats and Ability		Weapon Skills
・ATK + 41 ・MATK + 41 ・DEF + 0 ・MDEF + 0 Slots: ◯-◯◯◯-◯ Ability: Prime Mode		MP Recovery Rate Up Limit Gauge Guard Defense +50 Stalwart Punisher Bloodsucker Restorative MP Saver Max HP +200 Reprieve Formidable Counter Enhanced Physical Guard
Location
In a Room in The Dust Bowl

Crystal Sword

Crystal Sword
Stats and Ability		Weapon Skills
・ATK + 54 ・MATK + 74 ・DEF + 0 ・MDEF + 0 Slots: ◯ Ability: Infinity's End		Critical Hit Damage +10% Critical Hit Rate +5% Critical Hit Damage +10% Ability Critical Hit Rate Up Weapon Ability Damage +5% Magic Attack Power +20 Attack Power +20 Ability Critical Hit Rate Up Critical Hit Damage +10% Critical Hit Rate +5%
Location
In the Freight Corridor of Gongaga Reactor

Igneous Saber

Igneous Saber
Stats and Ability		Weapon Skills
・ATK + 116 ・MATK + 39 ・DEF + 0 ・MDEF + 0 Slots: ◯◯◯◯◯◯ Ability: Blade Burst		Limit Gauge Charge Rate +10% Debuff Extension Max HP +200 Enhanced Magic Guard Altruistic Buff Up Magic Attack Power +20 Limit Gauge Stagger Unrelenting Punisher Stalwart Punisher Enemy Parts Damage Up
Location
On Top of Platform on the Way to Nibel Reactor

Slipstream Saber

Slipstream Saber
Stats and Ability		Weapon Skills
・ATK + 86 ・MATK + 119 ・DEF + 0 ・MDEF + 0 Slots: ◯-◯◯-◯◯-◯ Ability: Counterstance		Trade-Off Max MP +3 Stagger Recovery Formidable Counter Max MP +3 Unrelenting Punisher Magic Attack Power +20 Attack Damage +5% MP Recovery Rate Up
Location
Climb Vine After Switching Gravity in Temple of the Ancients

All Weapons and How to Get Them

Cloud Manuscript Locations

The Art of Sword Play Locations

List of All Manuscripts Guide

Cloud Character Profile and Background

Profile and Voice Actor

Cloud	Voice Actors
	EN: Cody Christian JP: Takahiro Sakurai
	Weapon
	Sword
	Chapter Unlocked
	Chapter 1 Fall of a Hero
Official Introduction
An ex-SOLDIER: first class, Cloud came to Midgar to start a new chapter of his life as a mercenary. At the invitation of his childhood friend, Tifa, he accepts a job with Avalanche. Together, they confront Shinra, ultimately leaving Midgar behind in pursuit of Sephiroth and the truth ─ a quest which will lead them to defy destiny itself.

Main Protagonist of FF7 Remake

Cloud Strife serves as the main protagonist of the FF7 Remake, and works as the mercenary and swordsman for the group Avalanche through an invitation with his childhood friend Tifa Lockhart. He is an ex-First Class SOLDIER of the Shinra Electric Company, and is the wielder of the iconic Buster Sword.

Cloud and his party undertake several jobs for Avalanche in Midgar, eventually leading to the point that the group confronts Shinra and Sephiroth. The fight with Sephiroth reaches a stalemate, with Sephiroth leaving and Cloud's party left to follow after him.

Cloud Abilities

List of Cloud Abilities

Cloud Limit Breaks

List of Cloud Limit Breaks

Cloud Synergy Skills

List of Cloud Synergy Skills

Cloud Synergy Abilities

List of Cloud Synergy Abilities

Double Helix

Only useable when Sephiroth is in your party, and is used during the chapter Fall of a Hero in Nibelheim against the Materia Guardian.

Cloud's Role in FF7 Rebirth

Main Protagonist

In FF7 Rebirth, Cloud Strife continues as the main protagonist. He continues to wield the Buster Sword and serves as Avalanche's main swordsman. He serves Sephiroth's partner during the prologue chapter: Fall of a Hero in Nibelheim.

Fall of a Hero in Nibelheim

After leaving Midgar with the party, Cloud discloses his account of his history with Sephiroth to them at Kalm. He was sent alongside Sephiroth by Shinra, then a decorated hero, to survey a run-down Mako reactor near Cloud's hometown Nibelheim.

He re-explores his time at Nibelheim with his memory of its inhabitants and Tifa, recounting the events of his childhood and time there as a SOLDIER of Shinra, including Sephiroth's turn from a champion to a villain bent on the world's destruction.

Dawn in a New Era of Junon

Cloud and his party travel to the Shinra jurisdiction of Junon, a territory split between the fisher's village of Under Junon and the military-industrial complex above.

When the crew of Avalanche reaches Under Junon, it resolves to assist the fishing village in defending itself from a formidable threat.

Junon Demo Walkthrough

FF7 Rebirth Related Guides

List of All Characters

Other Character Guides

List of Playable Characters

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