Best Weapons for Cloud in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth

Square Enix resolved to create a remake of their original game, Final Fantasy 7, and has lived up to fans' expectations. After announcing a remake of the title, their second reimagination dropped on February 29, 2024, to critical acclaim. It’s Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s year! Despite the team saying they want three standalone entries, the trilogies mimic the iconic original title, with different new and returning elements as the story unfolds. That said, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is more of a sequel to the 2020 Final Fantasy 7 Remake than a standalone installation. Besides, the game begins with the events after the Final Fantasy 7 Remake.

You control Cloud Strife and a part of other characters in intense physical and magic combat. Here, it’s all about your weapon and how much damage it can render. So, to make it more fluid, here are the best weapons for Cloud in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth.  

5. Rune Blade

Players who’ve been on Final Fantasy 7 for a while will marvel at Cloud’s magic powers whenever he’s wielding the Rune Blade. It’s a sturdy weapon that bears inscribed characters drawn from a mystical ancient script, perhaps explaining the deep focus on magic. With this sword, Cloud can render extremely lethal attacks with magic, although this comes at the expense of normal weapon damage. This means the Rune Blade has the strongest magic attack and the weakest normal attack. 

However, with the sword’s Disorder ability, enemies will still dread your impact with your devastating attacks and mode switching. You can start a powerful attack that will quickly fill your     ATB whenever the attack connects and allow you to cast more spells. And like with most other weapon abilities on Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, you can use the sword’s ability while airborne. You will find the weapon once you open the treasure chest next to the Rest Shop vendor at the beginning of Hue and Cry in chapter four. 

4. Sleek Saber

Cloud's Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Sleek Saber, does not come very far into the game, but it’s one of Cloud’s weapons that will see you render immense damage. It’s the second combat tool you will find in the basic Buster Sword, and it is also the second best in terms of damage output. The sword is also unique in the fact that it is one of the rare occasions where players have multiple elements in one ability, thanks to its imbued elements. The weapon’s main ability is the Firebolt Blade, which comes filled with fire and lightning, making it an unrelenting punisher for foes weak to these properties.

You can find the weapon in the purple chest at the Glasslands Regions’ Abandoned Dock or purchase it from an armor store once you get to chapter two. Once equipped, you will have a 10% boost on your ATB recharge rate when performing actions with the sword, and you can even use it while airborne. It’s easy to locate the Sleek Saber once you get to the Grasslands, and the weapon is strong enough to take you through the entire game. 

3. Crystal Sword

The Crystal Sword is a perfectly polished Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth weapon cut from an apparently enormous gemstone. The high magic power attack sword commands class and strength as Cloud wields and strikes enemies with arguably one of the best damage-dealing weapons in the game. Its focus is, however, more on magic damage than physical offense. It will be your perfect weapon to progress your character as a spellcaster with just the basic attack abilities. 

The main ability with Crystal Sword is the Infinity’s End, but it has a little downside. You will lose 2 ATBs, and it lasts just a few seconds. However, the offensive output is worth the charge, especially on staggered enemies, including the bosses. You can find the weapon in a chest in the freight corridor of the Gongaga Region’s Gongaga Reactor. 

2. Slipstream Saber

Slipstream Saber is Cloud’s best defensive weapon, and it comes in handy in combat, including when he is airborne. The tool comes adequately reinforced by the mako coursing through its blade, providing considerable and matching physical and magic damage output. When activated at the right time, it significantly reduces Cloud’s potential damage from foes and helps him retaliate by launching a counterattack with its main ability, the Counterstance. 

With the Counterstance ability, Cloud can automatically react to an enemy’s strike and deliver a massive hit that increases the foe’s stagger. This makes Slipstream Saber both a defensive weapon and offensive, too, to some extent. You may have to play for a while before you can master the Counterstance’s timing and rely on luck on the initial couple of encounters. But once you’ve grasped it fully, it will be among the best tools in your arsenal. You will find this sword when you unlock the chest with shining purple lights in the Corridor of Trepidation, Labyrinth Ceiling in the Temple of the Ancients. 

1. Umbral Blade

You will love the Umbral Blade from its appearance and the mysterious glow, best described as ‘a mystifying sword forged from a gem that emits an eerie glow.’ The ideal blade tops our list of the best weapons for Cloud in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. The sword strikes a perfect balance between the physical and magic attacks and adds an extra layer of defense. With the additional defense, Cloud has a higher total boost in stats than with any other weapon. 

The sword is best in Punisher Mode as its unique weapon ability, Prime Mode, triggers an enhanced Punisher Mode with extreme damage and a multi-hit strong offense. You hold down an attack to deal three consecutive strikes, and you can finish off foes while the enhanced mode is active. 

So, do you agree with our list of the best weapons for Cloud in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth? Which weapon is your favorite? Let us know your thoughts here on our socials or down in the comment section.