Final Fantasy VII Remake
Final Fantasy VII Remake

Post-Game Checklist

Complete Final Fantasy VII Remake after the credits. This post-game checklist guides you through unlocking hard mode, finding Chadley's research items, and mas.

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Post-Game Checklist

Congratulations, SOLDIER! You've successfully navigated the perils of Midgar and witnessed the dramatic conclusion of Final Fantasy VII Remake. But the journey is far from over. For those seeking to truly master the game, unlock every secret, and conquer the ultimate challenges, this comprehensive post-game checklist will guide your path. Prepare to push your limits!

I. Unlock Hard Mode

Your first order of business after completing the main story is to unlock Hard Mode. This difficulty setting significantly ramps up enemy aggression, damage, and introduces new attack patterns for bosses. Furthermore, item usage in battle is restricted, and benches no longer restore MP. It's the ultimate test of your Materia setups, character synergy, and combat prowess.

  • Action: Simply complete the main story on any difficulty. Hard Mode will automatically become available from the Chapter Select menu.
  • Strategy: Hard Mode is essential for earning certain Manuscripts (see below) and for truly optimizing your battle strategies. Don't be afraid to experiment with different Materia combinations and character builds.

II. Chapter Select & Collectibles

With Chapter Select now available, you can revisit any chapter to mop up missed items, complete side quests, and achieve specific outcomes for trophies.

A. Manuscripts

These invaluable items grant SP (Skill Points) to your characters, allowing you to unlock more weapon abilities and stat bonuses on your weapons' core trees. Many are exclusive to Hard Mode.

  • Cloud's Manuscripts:
    • The Art of Swordplay Vol. III: Complete Chapter 9 on Hard Mode.
    • The Art of Swordplay Vol. IV: Complete Chapter 14 on Hard Mode.
    • The Art of Swordplay Vol. V: Defeat the Pride and Joy Prototype in the Shinra Combat Simulator.
  • Barret's Manuscripts:
    • Sharpshooter's Companion Vol. III: Complete Chapter 13 on Hard Mode.
    • Sharpshooter's Companion Vol. IV: Complete Chapter 16 on Hard Mode.
    • Sharpshooter's Companion Vol. V: Defeat the Pride and Joy Prototype in the Shinra Combat Simulator.
  • Tifa's Manuscripts:
    • Way of the Fist Vol. III: Complete Chapter 10 on Hard Mode.
    • Way of the Fist Vol. IV: Complete Chapter 17 on Hard Mode.
    • Way of the Fist Vol. V: Defeat the Pride and Joy Prototype in the Shinra Combat Simulator.
  • Aerith's Manuscripts:
    • Telluric Scriptures Vol. III: Complete Chapter 11 on Hard Mode.
    • Telluric Scriptures Vol. IV: Complete Chapter 18 on Hard Mode.
    • Telluric Scriptures Vol. V: Defeat the Pride and Joy Prototype in the Shinra Combat Simulator.

B. Music Discs

If you're aiming for the "Disc Jockey" trophy, you'll need to collect all 31 Music Discs. Use Chapter Select to revisit areas and purchase or find any you missed.

  • Action: Consult a dedicated Music Disc guide to pinpoint exact locations. Many are sold by merchants in various chapters (e.g., Wall Market, Sector 7 Slums), while others are found in specific environments.
  • Key Locations to Revisit:
    • Wall Market (Chapter 9 & 14): Multiple discs are available from vendors here.
    • Sector 7 Slums (Chapter 3 & 14): Check the Jukebox and various shops.
    • Shinra Building (Chapter 16 & 17): A few can be found within the building.

C. Weapon Upgrades

Ensure all characters have fully upgraded their weapons. The additional SP from Hard Mode Manuscripts will be crucial here.

  • Action: Access the "Upgrade Weapons" menu. Prioritize unlocking core abilities and stat boosts that complement your preferred playstyle.
  • Tip: check the "Weapon Level" section in the upgrade menu. Each weapon has a maximum level, and reaching it unlocks its full potential.

III. Combat Simulator & Battle Intel

The Shinra Combat Simulator, accessible in Chapter 16 and 17, as well as the Sector 7 Slums (after completing certain side quests), offers the game's toughest challenges and rewards.

A. Battle Intel Reports

Chadley's Battle Intel reports are essential for unlocking new Materia. If you haven't completed all 20 during your first playthrough, now is the time.

  • Action: Speak to Chadley in various chapters (e.g., Chapter 3, 8, 14, 16). Complete his requests, which often involve using specific abilities or exploiting enemy weaknesses.
  • Rewards: Unlocks powerful Materia like Magnify, Elemental, and Barrier.

B. Shinra Combat Simulator Challenges

These challenges are where you'll truly test your mettle. Completing them yields rare accessories, powerful Materia, and the aforementioned Manuscripts.

  • Three-Person Team vs. Top Secrets:
    • Location: Shinra Combat Simulator (Chapter 17).
    • Opponents: This gauntlet includes Bahamut (who summons Ifrit!), Shiva, Fat Chocobo, Leviathan, and finally, the Pride and Joy Prototype.
    • Rewards: Manuscripts for all characters (Vol. V) upon first completion, and the Götterdämmerung accessory (starts battle with full Limit Break and constantly charges it) for subsequent completions.
    • Strategy: This is arguably the hardest challenge in the game. Max level characters, fully upgraded weapons, and optimized Materia setups are a must. Consider using a balanced party (e.g., Cloud, Tifa, Aerith) and focus on staggering enemies quickly. Healing and Revive Materia are paramount.
  • Two-Person Team vs. Shinra's Baddest:
    • Location: Shinra Combat Simulator (Chapter 17).
    • Opponents: A series of tough boss encounters designed for a duo.
    • Rewards: Various rare accessories and Materia.
  • Other Challenges: Don't overlook the other challenges available, as they offer valuable practice and rewards.

IV. Maxing Out Materia

Fully leveling up all Materia is a significant undertaking but provides substantial stat boosts and unlocks their full potential. Hard Mode is ideal for this due to increased AP gains.

  • Action: Equip Materia you wish to level up. Engage in battles, especially those in Hard Mode or the Combat Simulator, to earn AP.
  • Recommended Grinding Spots:
    • Chapter 16: The Shinra Building's combat simulator offers repeatable battles.
    • Chapter 17: The "Top Secrets" challenge, while difficult, yields massive AP.
    • Chapter 14: The various side quests and encounters in the Sector 5 and 7 Slums can be good for early-stage grinding.
  • Key Materia to Max: Healing, Revive, Elemental, Magnify, Steadfast Block, Parry, ATB Boost, Magic Up, HP Up, MP Up.

V. Complete All Side Quests (Hard Mode)

While you likely completed most side quests on your first playthrough, revisiting them on Hard Mode can be a fun challenge and helps with Materia grinding.

  • Action: Use Chapter Select to go back to chapters with side quests (e.g., Chapter 3, 8, 9, 14).
  • Rewards: Completing all side quests contributes to the "Best in the Business" trophy and provides additional AP and gil.

VI. Obtain All Trophies (Platinum)

If you're a completionist, the ultimate goal is the Platinum Trophy. This involves achieving all other trophies in the game.

  • Key Trophies to Aim For:
    • Hardened Veteran: Complete all chapters on Hard difficulty.
    • Ultimate Weapon: Defeat the Pride and Joy Prototype.
    • Disc Jockey: Collect all 31 music discs.
    • Best in the Business: Complete all side quests.
    • Master of Sorcery/Sword/Fist/Healing: Master all of each character's weapons.
  • Strategy: By following the steps above, you'll naturally unlock most trophies. For any remaining, consult a dedicated trophy guide.

With this checklist, you are well-equipped to conquer everything Final Fantasy VII Remake has to offer. Good luck, and may your Materia be ever-charged!