Mastering Summons in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth

Alright, buckle up, Buttercups, because we’re diving deep into the wonderful world of summons in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth! These powerful allies can turn the tide of battle, unleashing devastating attacks and providing crucial support when you need it most. But figuring out how to unlock them, level them up, and use them effectively can be a bit of a head-scratcher. Fear not! This guide is your one-stop shop for all things summon-related in Rebirth.

Unlocking Summons: A Comprehensive Guide

First things first: How do you even *get* these legendary beings on your side? In Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, summons are primarily unlocked by completing Combat Simulator missions. These missions, often tied to Chadley’s research, test your skills against specific challenges. Completing these missions earns you Summoning Materia. Think of it like collecting Pokémon cards, but instead of trading them, you’re unleashing them on your enemies!

Early Game Summons

Early in the game, you’ll likely encounter Ifrit and Shiva, two classic Final Fantasy summons. Ifrit, the fiery lord, brings the heat with powerful fire-based attacks. Shiva, the icy queen, freezes opponents solid and offers valuable crowd control. Ramuh, the thunderous sage, is a later addition, available after progressing through a specific Combat Simulator challenge. Mastering these early summons is crucial for tackling tougher enemies and understanding the mechanics of summon combat.

Mid-Game Summons

As you journey further into the world, you’ll unlock access to even more potent summons. Titan, the earth-shattering behemoth, boasts incredible physical power and can break through enemy defenses with ease. Alexander, the divine construct, offers a mix of offensive and defensive abilities, making him a versatile choice for various encounters. Unlocking these summons requires completing more challenging Combat Simulator missions and possibly completing certain side quests. Think of it as leveling up your summoner skills!

Late Game Summons

For those who persevere and conquer the toughest challenges, the legendary summons await. Bahamut, the king of dragons, unleashes devastating megaflare attacks capable of wiping out entire hordes of enemies. Odin, the all-father, delivers swift and deadly blows with his Zantetsuken attack, instantly defeating weaker foes. Securing these summons is no easy feat, often requiring meticulous preparation and masterful combat skills. Earning them is like getting the platinum trophy for a particularly difficult game.

Equipping and Leveling Your Summoning Materia

Once you’ve acquired your Summoning Materia, it’s time to equip it to one of your party members. Each character can only equip one Summoning Materia at a time, so choose wisely based on their strengths and the needs of your party. As you use your summon in battle, the Materia will gain AP, allowing you to level it up and unlock new abilities and stat boosts. This is similar to leveling up your characters; the more you use them, the stronger they become!

Understanding Synergy Skills

Summon Materia also unlocks unique Synergy Skills when equipped. These are special abilities that your character can use in conjunction with the summon to deliver devastating attacks or provide powerful buffs. Experiment with different character/summon combinations to discover which Synergy Skills best suit your playstyle. It’s like finding the perfect combination of ingredients in a recipe; the right pairing can create something truly spectacular.

Summon Abilities and Their Uses

Each summon possesses a unique set of abilities that can be utilized during combat. Ifrit specializes in fire damage, Shiva excels at crowd control, and Ramuh deals massive lightning damage. Titan can break enemy defenses, Alexander provides both offense and defense, and Bahamut unleashes devastating megaflare attacks. Understanding each summon’s strengths and weaknesses is crucial for utilizing them effectively. Think of it like knowing which tool to use for a specific job; using the wrong tool can make the task much harder.

Optimizing Summon Use in Combat

Knowing *how* to use your summons is just as important as knowing *which* summons to use. Summons can be game-changers, but only if used strategically. Consider the enemy’s weaknesses, your party’s composition, and the overall flow of battle before unleashing your summon’s power. A well-timed summon can turn a near-defeat into a glorious victory. It’s like knowing when to play your trump card in a card game; timing is everything.

The Summon Gauge and Cooldowns

During battle, your summon gauge will slowly fill. Once it’s full, you can summon your chosen ally to the battlefield. However, after the summon departs, there will be a cooldown period before you can summon them again. Managing your summon gauge and cooldowns is crucial for maximizing their impact on the battle. Think of it like managing your mana in a traditional RPG; you need to use your resources wisely to achieve victory.

Summon Abilities vs. Ultimate Attacks

During their time on the battlefield, summons can unleash a variety of abilities. These abilities consume ATB charges and can be used strategically to target specific enemies or apply specific effects. However, each summon also possesses a devastating ultimate attack that can only be unleashed once during their summon period. Deciding when to use these ultimate attacks is a critical decision that can significantly impact the outcome of the battle. It’s like saving your ultimate move in a fighting game for the perfect opportunity.

Summons and Staggering Enemies

Summons can be incredibly effective at staggering enemies, leaving them vulnerable to follow-up attacks. Certain summon abilities inflict high stagger damage, quickly filling the stagger gauge and opening up opportunities for massive damage output. Consider using summons strategically to stagger tough enemies and unleash your party’s strongest attacks. This can be particularly useful against bosses and other formidable foes.

Specific Summon Strategies and Tips

Now, let’s get into some more specific strategies and tips for using summons in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Remember that every battle is different, and what works in one situation may not work in another. Experiment, adapt, and find what works best for you and your playstyle. Don’t be afraid to try new things and discover new synergies.

Using Ifrit Against Ice-Based Enemies

This seems like a no-brainer, but Ifrit is particularly effective against ice-based enemies. His fire attacks will deal bonus damage, and he can quickly melt away their defenses. This is a classic element advantage, similar to using a water Pokémon against a fire Pokémon. It’s a simple but effective strategy that can make a big difference in battle.

Using Shiva for Crowd Control

Shiva’s ice attacks can freeze multiple enemies simultaneously, providing valuable crowd control. This can be particularly useful in battles against large groups of enemies, allowing you to focus your attacks on specific targets while keeping the others incapacitated. Think of it like freezing a group of zombies; it buys you time to deal with the biggest threats.

Using Bahamut to Nuke Bosses

Bahamut’s megaflare is one of the most powerful attacks in the game, capable of dealing massive damage to bosses and other formidable foes. Save Bahamut’s ultimate attack for when the boss is staggered to maximize its impact. This is like saving your ultimate weapon for the final boss battle; it’s a game-changer.

Final Thoughts: Summoning Your Inner Strategist

Mastering summons in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth requires a combination of understanding the game’s mechanics, experimenting with different strategies, and adapting to the challenges that the game throws your way. Don’t be afraid to try new things, learn from your mistakes, and most importantly, have fun! With a little practice and dedication, you’ll be summoning like a pro in no time. Remember, the best summoner is the one who understands their tools and uses them strategically. So, go out there and unleash the power of the summons!

FAQ

What is the best summon in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth?

There’s no single “best” summon in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Each summon excels in different situations. Bahamut is fantastic for burst damage against bosses, Shiva provides excellent crowd control, and Titan can break enemy defenses. Experiment to find which summons best suit your playstyle and the challenges you face.

How do I unlock all the summons?

Most summons are unlocked by completing Combat Simulator missions for Chadley. Keep an eye out for new missions as you progress through the story. Some summons might also be tied to specific side quests or optional content. Make sure to explore the world and complete all available challenges to unlock them all.

Can I use summons in the Combat Simulator?

Yes, you can use summons in the Combat Simulator! In fact, many of the Combat Simulator missions require you to use summons effectively to succeed. This is a great way to practice using your summons and level up their Materia.