What is Classic Mode?

This guide explains everything you need to know about the Classic Mode Difficulty Setting in the game Final Fantasy 7 Remake (FF7R). Learn about how characters behave in Classic Mode, and the differences from Easy and Normal Mode.

What is Classic Mode?

One of Three Difficulty Settings

Classic Mode is one of the three Difficulty Settings available for the game. Classic Mode is intended for players who are not familiar with action games, and who prefer the turn-based combat of the original Final Fantasy 7.

To learn how to switch to Classic Mode, check our guide on switching the game's Difficulty Setting.

How to Change Difficulty

Combat in Classic Mode

Characters Move Automatically

Similar to how non-selected party members move automatically in Easy and Normal Mode, all characters, including the selected party member, will attack, defend, and evade on their own.

Keep in mind that characters will not use ATB commands automatically – the player will need to select the character or use L2 or R2 to give them commands, as with other Difficulty Settings.

Characters Can Still Be Controlled

Even if the Difficulty Setting is set to Classic Mode, you can control the selected character as with Easy and Normal Mode, and all buttons will work as always. The character will simply execute actions from the player, and then continue moving automatically afterwards.

Use Commands when the ATB Gauge fills

Each character's ATB Gauge will fill as time passes, as the character attacks enemies, or successfully guards against attacks.

Take note of when each of your characters' ATB Gauges have filled; then, you'll be able to execute commands with the button.

As with Easy and Normal Mode, time will slow to a crawl when executing commands, so you'll be able to focus on choosing a command to use without having to rush or watch your characters' health.

Should You Use Classic Mode?

Recommended if you prefer Turn-Based Combat

For those who find action-based combat stressful, Classic Mode might be more up their alley – without having to dodge and press buttons with precise timing, players can plan their strategy for a battle and coordinate their characters to deliver a swift defeat.

Difficulty is the Same as Easy

Although the original Final Fantasy 7 was a challenging game in itself, the Remake's Classic Mode is unfortunately limited to an Easy Difficulty Setting. This means that for players who are in search of a more challenging turn-based experience, we might have to wait for a future patch or release. We'll update this page with any new information if an expansion for Classic Mode is released.

Manual Related Links

All Manuals & Game Mechanics