5 Best Abilities for Cloud in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Square Enix delivered quite an enriching game in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. With only a few weeks on the scene, fans have yet to explore the game’s vast features. But truth be told, you need to have cunning and good mastery of the game mechanics to overcome, if not enjoy, the whole experience. 

The character abilities are among the few of the game’s elements that make it pretty wholesome and immersive. With Cloud wielding most of the weapons throughout the playthrough, it helps to know just what you can do with the main protagonist. And with that, here are the 5 best abilities for Cloud in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.  

5. Focused Thrust

Building stagger still comes in handy in FF7 Rebirth’s gameplay. When you feel it’s time to do that, you can never go wrong with the Focused Thrust ability. The ability becomes available once you equip Cloud with the Buster Sword, granting him a great melee attack.

Its overall damage doesn’t match Braver’s ability. However, you’ll probably end up using it more than any other ability in the game to build stagger. Whether you are out to wreck a lowly orc or the monstrous enemy bosses, a Focused Thrust ability on the Buster Sword will never disappoint.

The ability equips Cloud with a dynamic technique that is exclusive to him. He can launch a swift and calibrated move that lands him on the target. In turn, help him deliver a multiple-hit strike that inflicts considerable damage. With the ability triggered, Cloud moves quite a distance, so he will rarely miss a target, even when dealing with the swiftest enemies. You will need to fill up the ATB gauge first to use it. However, with repeated use, you can fill it and use Focused Thrust at any given time.  

4. Braver

Every Final Fantasy 7 Remake fan remembers Braver, Cloud's default ability in the 2020 installation. If you loved what Cloud does with Braver, you obviously won’t let it slip through the cracks in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.

The ability is still the legend’s default in this sequel, too. Therefore, there’s typically only a little you need to do to use the feature. However, the fact that you can use the ability with almost any weapon and strike enemies in mid-air makes it worthwhile. In fact, Braver is Cloud’s signature ability to deal solid damage throughout the game, leaving a remarkable impact on staggered foes. 

Once you activate this ability, you can unleash a mighty swing from any sword you wield. This will ensure you deal formidable damage to enemies, especially staggered opponents. The move is even more treacherous if you can execute it midair.

To use it, you will need to fill up the ATB gauge. The ability is best coupled up with Materia, which triggers the ATB charge. You can improve the ability by using it repeatedly and filling up its proficiency gauge. Ultimately, it becomes available throughout the game, even when you use a different weapon.

3. Prime Mode

Choosing the Prime Mode might feel like a waste if you compare the effectiveness of its ATB cost to abilities like Braver or the Focused Thrust. But then, it's one of the abilities that will help you rebuild Cloud’s ATB charge. Thus, its more efficient to use in reality.

The Prime Mode ability typically fortifies Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s Punisher Mode. Don’t forget to press and hold down the attack button in Punisher Mode to trigger the ability at the cost of 1 ATB. 

Once you equip Cloud with the Umbral Blade from the Dust Bowl area in Chapter 8, leverage this ability to activate a three-consecutive hit attack with enhanced berserk potency. The ability lasts long enough once triggered. You will be safe activating it at the beginning of combat. This way, you can finish off your foes while the ability is still active. 

2. Counterstance

You will love the Counterstance ability for its potential to serve as a defensive and offensive ability. And for those carrying on the gameplay with a vivid picture of Final Fantasy 7 Remake, you will quickly recognize this familiar ability.

So once you have Cloud wielding the Slipstream Saber from the Corridor of Trepidation at the Temple of the Ancients in chapter 13, you can brace and retaliate attacks by swinging your weapon. You will also minimize damage from the attacks when you activate Counterstance at the right moment, and you can use it while airborne. 

It’s pretty devastating on foes when used right, and it will last long enough to allow you to deal immense damage. The retaliation feature enables Cloud to boost the enemy’s stagger significantly. That makes Counterstance a great ability for taking on even the enemy bosses, considering that it’s coupled with one of the most potent weapons in the game. 

1. Infinity’s End

Infinity’s End feels all wrong at the start. From costing more ATB than all its counterparts on the list to the challenge of finding its accompanying sword, its choice becomes even more risky. However, for those who risk it, marvel at the immeasurable results.

The ability requires the Crystal Sword to be active. Players can locate it at the Corridor of the Gongaga Reactor after unlocking the Treasure Chest with purple lights.

To sum it all up, Infinity’s End is Cloud’s most damaging ability. This explains why the FF7 Rebirth fandom loves the ability, despite it costing a whole two ATB bars. Additionally, when it lands on a staggered enemy, the impact is even more lethal. All you need to do is use proper timing and make sure the target is still stunned when your blow lands. Moving enemies can, however, dodge the attack a little more easily, so it’s good to use Infinity’s End in close-range attacks.

Ultimately, it’s no surprise Square Enix decided to return the ability after coupling it with the Hardedge in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake. And even after acquiring the ability in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, you can constantly improve it through repeated use.

So, what’s your take on our 5 best abilities for Cloud in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth? Do you have any favorites? Let us know your thoughts here on our socials or down in the comments.