NPC Interactions & Relationships
While Final Fantasy VII Remake is a largely linear experience, the world of Midgar is teeming with vibrant characters, many of whom offer unique dialogue, side quests, and even tangible rewards for those who take the time to engage. Building rapport with certain NPCs can unlock new opportunities, deepen your understanding of the game's lore, and even influence minor narrative branches. This section details key interactions and strategies for maximizing your relationships.
The Art of Conversation: Listening and Responding
Many NPCs have multiple lines of dialogue that cycle through. Simply pressing the interaction button (usually on PlayStation 4) once might not reveal everything they have to say. Always try interacting a second or even third time, especially with named characters or those involved in side quests. Look for subtle changes in their posture or facial expressions, which often indicate new dialogue options.
- Dialogue Choices: Occasionally, Cloud will be presented with dialogue choices. While these rarely have major story implications, they can affect the affinity of certain party members (e.g., Tifa, Aerith) or unlock specific side quests. Pay attention to the tone and context.
- Listening to Bystanders: Even unnamed NPCs in areas like the Sector 7 Slums or Wall Market offer valuable world-building and hints about upcoming events or hidden items. Keep an ear out for overheard conversations.
Key Relationship Tracks & Side Quests
Several characters offer more than just casual chatter. Their relationships with Cloud (and the party) are often tied to specific side quests and can lead to unique rewards or scenes.
Jessie's Affection (Chapter 4: Mad Dash)
Jessie's appreciation for Cloud can be significantly boosted during Chapter 4. Maximizing this relationship unlocks a special scene and a valuable item.
- Pizza Delivery: After the initial Mako Reactor 5 sabotage, Jessie will ask Cloud to help with a pizza delivery.
- Location: Jessie's House in Sector 7 Slums.
- Action: Successfully deliver all three pizzas within the time limit. This requires efficient navigation through the slums.
- Reward: Completing this flawlessly earns Cloud the Orb of Vitality accessory and a significant boost to Jessie's affinity. Even partial success yields some affinity.
- Motorcycle Chase Performance: During the escape from Mako Reactor 5, your performance in the motorcycle mini-game against Shinra troops impacts Jessie's dialogue and a later scene.
- Strategy: Aim for a high score by defeating as many enemies as possible and avoiding damage.
- Outcome: A perfect run will lead to more positive dialogue from Jessie and a more intimate scene at her house later in the chapter.
Aerith's Trust (Chapters 8 & 9)
Aerith's relationship with Cloud develops naturally through the story, but specific side quests in Chapter 8 and dialogue choices in Chapter 9 can influence her perception of him.
- Chapter 8 Side Quests: Completing all available side quests in Sector 5 Slums before progressing the main story will earn Aerith's admiration and unlock a unique dialogue sequence.
- "The Kids Are Alright": Help the children find their lost cats.
- "A Verified Hero": Assist the Old Man in defeating monsters.
- "Weapon's Dealer": Complete the requests for the Weapon's Dealer.
- "Chocobo Search": Find the missing Chocobos for the Stablehand.
- "The Angel of the Slums": Help Mireille with her troubles.
- Chapter 9 Dialogue: When speaking with Aerith during the journey to Wall Market, certain responses can subtly shift her opinion. Generally, being supportive and understanding will yield better results.
Tifa's Confidence (Chapters 3 & 9)
Tifa's relationship with Cloud is deeply rooted, but your actions and dialogue choices can reinforce her trust and affection.
- Chapter 3 Side Quests: Completing all side quests in Sector 7 Slums during Chapter 3 will lead to a special scene with Tifa.
- "Nuisance in the Factory": Clear out monsters from the abandoned factory.
- "Just Flew In from the Graveyard": Defeat the special monster in the graveyard.
- "Lost Friends": Help the woman find her lost cat.
- "Rat Problem": Eliminate the rat infestation.
- "On the Prowl": Investigate the strange noises near the Seventh Heaven.
- Chapter 9 Wall Market Choices: During the preparations for Don Corneo, your choices regarding Tifa's dress and her interactions with the various Wall Market personalities can subtly impact her reactions and dialogue.
Merchants & Item Acquisition
While not "relationships" in the traditional sense, interacting with certain merchants and vendors can unlock new inventory or special discounts.
- Item Shop Proprietors: Regularly check back with item shop owners in various sectors. Their stock sometimes updates after major story events or completing certain side quests.
- Weapon's Dealer (Sector 5 Slums): Completing his side quests in Chapter 8 will expand his inventory to include more advanced weapon upgrades and Materia.
- Jukebox Collector (Seventh Heaven): Finding Music Discs throughout Midgar and bringing them to the Jukebox in Seventh Heaven will unlock new music tracks and occasionally reward you with small items.