Cloud Combat Guide: Cloud Strife

Master Cloud Strife's Operator and Punisher modes in final fantasy vii rebirth. Learn his best abilities like Focused Thrust and Triple Slash.

Cloud Strife in final fantasy vii rebirth has two distinct combat stances: Operator Mode and Punisher Mode. He begins every battle in Operator Mode, which offers balanced offense and defense. In Operator Mode, basic attacks are melee sword strikes, and holding the block button allows Cloud to defend against both ranged and magic attacks. A normal combo hit can launch smaller enemies into the air, and holding the attack button performs a wide slash effective against multiple foes. To switch to Punisher Mode, press the stance change button during combat.

Punisher Mode is more offense-focused but significantly slows Cloud's movement. While his normal combo remains a series of sword slashes, the special attacks differ. Instead of a wide slash, holding the attack button in Punisher Mode results in a sword stab into the ground. A key difference is Cloud's defensive capability: he cannot block ranged or magic attacks in Punisher Mode. However, blocking a melee attack automatically triggers a parry and counter, dealing substantial stagger damage.

A new mechanic for Cloud in final fantasy vii rebirth is his post-dodge attack. By spamming the normal attack button after any dodge, Cloud fires beams from his sword, providing a ranged option, especially against airborne enemies. This can be performed continuously without cooldown and even while Cloud is in the air.

Best Abilities for Cloud

Cloud learns abilities through his weapons. Some of the best abilities to consider are:

• Braver: A mighty sword strike. Its potency increases when used while airborne.
• Triple Slash: Slashes up to three enemies in quick succession. Hitting multiple foes increases potency, and it can be used while airborne.
• Focused Thrust: A piercing lunge that hits multiple times and significantly increases stagger.
• Firebolt Blade: Imbues Cloud's sword with fire and lightning for a slicing attack. Can be used while airborne.

Focused Thrust is highly recommended for its effectiveness in increasing an enemy's stagger bar once they are in the pressured state. Braver is a good choice for dealing damage quickly once an enemy is staggered. Triple Slash is useful for its ability to launch Cloud into the air when targeting airborne enemies. Firebolt Blade is effective against enemies weak to fire or lightning.

Cloud Strife’s Weapons and What Abilities They Grant

The abilities Cloud can use are determined by his equipped weapon. Here's a list of his weapons, the abilities they grant, and where to find them:

• Buster Sword: Grants Focused Thrust. Found as an Initial Equip in Chapter 2.
• Sleek Saber: Grants Firebolt Blade. Found in a chest at the Abandoned Dock in the Grasslands in Chapter 2.
• Rune Blade: Grants Disorder. Found in a chest at a rest station after the Junon Parade in Junon in Chapter 4.
• Umbral Blade: Grants Prime Mode. Found in a chest in the Dustbowl town in the Corel region in Chapter 8.
• Crystal Sword: Grants Infinity’s End. Found in the Freight Corridor in the Gongaga Reactor in Chapter 9.
• Igneous Saber: Grants Blade Burst. Found at the Northern Ridge in Mt. Nibel, Upper Level in Chapter 11.
• Slipstream Saber: Grants Counterstance. Found in the Corridor of Trepidation in Chapter 13.

All Synergy Skills for Cloud

Synergy Skills are activated by pressing the Synergy button in conjunction with a face button and do not consume ATB charges. Cloud's Synergy Skills include:

• Howling Smash (with Red XIII): Unleash up to three consecutive ranged magic attacks. Can be used while airborne.
• Power Cleave (with Tifa): Hold the button to charge a powerful physical attack, then release.
• Spell Blade (with Aerith): Hold the button to charge a powerful magic attack, then release.
• Bullet Batter (with Barret): Unleash up to three consecutive ranged physical attacks. Can be used while airborne.

All Synergy Abilities for Cloud

Synergy Abilities require ATB charges to activate. Filling up a certain number of pips by using abilities and spells with your ATB charges unlocks these abilities. Synergy Abilities involving Cloud include:

• Partners in Pain (with Barret): Cloud slashes an enemy, followed by a shot from Barret. Raises their limit levels.
• Relentless Rush (with Tifa): Cloud launches Tifa toward an enemy for a tandem attack. Using this on staggered foes increases potency and extends stagger duration.
• Firework Blade (with Aerith): Cloud uses Aerith’s magic t