Final Fantasy 7 Remake introduced a revamped, fast-paced battle system that utilizes both hack n’ slash techniques and the classic turn-based style combat that’s synonymous with the franchise. This new hybrid system first appeared in Final Fantasy 15, but Square Enix has further smoothed the rough edges and enhanced the combat system entirely. Other than perfecting the ability to switch between real-time and turn-base, the key to ultimate success is using the proper weapons for each character.

Each weapon has its own build that is unlocked through spending skill points (SP), and each ability is specific to that weapon only, not the character themselves. Weapon attributes can range from building up magic or attack power, increase health points, reducing status effects, or boosting elemental damage. There’s a lot to consider when deciding which weapons to equip. With that, here are the best weapon choices for each character in Final Fantasy 7 Remake.

Cloud’s Hardedge For High Damage

Cloud makes for a good, heavy damage fighter whose sole purpose in the party is to bring the pain. He is a merc after all. It’s his job to swing at anything and everything that moves–for the right price. Hardedge is the perfect sword for transforming Cloud into a heavy damage dealer. It only comes with three materia slots to start, but since Cloud won’t be magic focused with this build we can overlook that. Here are a few more of Hardedge’s starting weapon stats.

  • 57 Attack 19 Magic Ability: Infinity’s End Purchase from weapons shop in Wall Market in Chapter 9

Infinity’s End is Cloud’s strongest ability, though it requires two full ATB gauges. When activated, Cloud unleashes a massive overhead strike that deals a considerable amount of damage and also drastically increases the enemy’s stagger gauge. You can increase the proficiency by striking a staggered enemy to unlock the ability for his other weapons.

When maxed out, Hardedge can achieve an attack power of 113, though it doesn’t have any added defensive bonuses. If you’d like an alternative option for Cloud, you can’t go wrong with his trusty Buster Sword. In the late game, it becomes extremely balanced at 75 attack and magic power and 11 physical and magical defense. Cloud’s starting weapon also increases his HP by 600 compared to Hardedge.

Tifa’s Feathered Gloves For Quick Strikes

Tifa’s hand-to-hand fighting style forces her to get up close and personal with her enemies. As a result, the martial artist relies on her cat-like reflexes and landing quick blows. While Tifa has plenty of quality gloves to use, it’s the Feathered Gloves that stand out.

  • 50 Attack 33 Magic Ability: Starshower Found in a purple chest during Chapter 10

The ability on these gloves is called Starshower, which fits perfectly in Tifa’s quick fighting style. By using Starshower, Tifa delivers a plethora of blows on her foe. Tifa’s Feathered Gloves can be fairly balanced, but her physical power will outweigh her magical abilities.

If you’re wanting to pack an even stronger punch, equip her with Metal Knuckles. These awesome gloves can max out at a devastating 134 attack power.

Barret’s Big Bertha For Big Destruction

Barret’s gun arm allows the Avalanche leader to rain fire on the enemy from a distance. Big Bertha offers the highest attack power among his arsenal and packs a heavy ability known as Maximum Fury. By consuming all the ATB, Barret unleashes a large number of bullets.

  • 45 Attack 30 Magic Ability: Maximum Fury Purchase from the weapons shop in Sector 7 Slums in Chapter 13

Continuing to max out Big Bertha will increase its attack power to 73, while also maintaining decent magic damage. Barret’s ability to wreak havoc from any distance puts him at an extreme advantage.

Aerith’s Mythril Rod For Pure Magic

From the beginning, it was clear Aerith was going to be the magic dealer of the party. Her magic stats are through the roof, which makes her good not only for healing, but for elemental damage as well. It can’t be stressed enough that she is not just the “white mage” of the party. She can do a lot of damage if used properly. The Mythril Rod really helps to heighten her magical attacks and increases her MP so that she is capable of dishing out more spells than the others.

  • 24 Attack 102 Magic Ability: Ray of Judgement Located in the train graveyard

Although Aerith specializes in healing magic, her Ray of Judgement ability brings the pain. Costing two full ATB meters, Aerith fires an energy blast, hitting her enemy multiple times. On top of its powerful force, Ray of Judgement also increases their stagger gauge.

Yuffie’s 4-Point Shuriken For Health Increase

Because INTERmission is much smaller than its main counterpart, there are only three different weapon choices for Yuffie: 4-Point Shuriken, Boomerang, and Steel Reaper. Steel Reaper possesses the highest maximum attack power (71), but Yuffie’s health goes down by 250 using the Steel Reaper instead of the 4-Point Shuriken.

  • 46 Attack 46 Magic Ability: Elemental Ninjutsu Yuffie’s starting weapon

Although the Steel Reaper has a higher attack rating, it’s only by seven points. Sacrificing the seven points for the extra 250 HP is more than a fair trade-off.

Sonon’s Indurate Staff For High Attack Power

The interesting part of Final Fantasy 7 Remake’s DLC is that, unlike the main game where you can switch between characters, only Yuffie is playable in INTERmission. But, you can still choose abilities and command Sonon just like the rest of the party in Final Fantasy 7 Remake, so choosing a proper build is important.

To maximize Sonon’s effectiveness, equip the Indurate Staff. This weapon possesses considerable attack power with an ability that focuses high damage on a single enemy.

  • 71 Attack 39 Magic Ability: Fighting Spirit Found in Sector 7 train graveyard

NEXT: Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Things To Do After You Beat The Game