Mastering Summons in Final Fantasy VII Remake: A Materia Guide

So, you’re diving into the world of Final Fantasy VII Remake and want to unleash some seriously epic summon attacks? Smart move! Summons are absolute game-changers, adding a layer of strategy and breathtaking visual spectacle to your battles. But figuring out which Materia to equip and how to best utilize these powerful allies can be a bit of a puzzle. Fear not, intrepid adventurer! This guide will break down everything you need to know to become a summon Materia master.

Unlocking the Power of Summon Materia in FFVII Remake

Summon Materia represents some of the most potent abilities you can wield in Final Fantasy VII Remake. Unlike other Materia, which grants passive stat boosts or active skills, Summon Materia allows you to call forth incredibly powerful entities to aid you in combat. These aren’t just pretty cutscenes; Summons actively fight alongside you, unleashing devastating attacks and providing valuable support until they depart the battlefield. Consider them your ultimate “get out of jail free” card in a tough fight, a magical nuke when things get dire.

Acquiring Summon Materia is an adventure in itself. You’ll obtain some through the main story, often after defeating formidable foes in Chadley’s VR missions or uncovering hidden secrets within the game world. Others require more exploration and side-quest completion. Knowing where to look and the challenges you’ll face is crucial to amassing a powerful collection of these extraordinary allies. Think of it as a Pokémon hunt, but with planet-saving consequences.

Finding Every Summon Materia: A Comprehensive List

Let’s dive into the specifics of where you can find each Summon Materia in Final Fantasy VII Remake. This section will provide a detailed overview of the acquisition methods for each summon, from the story-driven ones to those hidden away in side content. We will avoid going into details about the Intergrade DLC. Consider this your treasure map to becoming a true Summoner.

Ifrit

Ifrit, the fiery embodiment of destruction, is obtained automatically during the story. Specifically, you’ll receive it during Chapter 4. This makes him one of the first summons you’ll have access to. His fire-based attacks are incredibly useful against ice-type enemies and for dealing burst damage early in the game. Plus, who doesn’t love a good fire elemental?

Chocobo Chick

The Chocobo Chick, a pre-order bonus for the original release (or part of certain editions), is a quirky and adorable summon. If you missed out on the pre-order, you might be able to find it as DLC in your platform’s store. While its attacks aren’t the most powerful, its sheer charm and unexpected antics can provide a welcome distraction during battles. Think of it as a tiny, feathered wild card.

Shiva

Shiva, the icy queen, is unlocked by completing Chadley’s VR mission after analyzing enough enemies with the Assess Materia. This requires you to analyze at least 10 different enemy types. This is a good early-game goal since Chadley’s missions grant powerful rewards. Shiva is the perfect counter to fire-based enemies, so keep her handy for those encounters. Having a cool (pun intended) ice summon is essential for any well-rounded team.

Fat Chocobo

The Fat Chocobo can be acquired by completing another of Chadley’s VR missions. This one becomes available after you progress further into the story and analyze even more enemy types. It’s worth the effort, as the Fat Chocobo deals significant physical damage with its body slams. Plus, the sheer absurdity of a giant chocobo squashing enemies is endlessly entertaining. Consider it the ultimate “chonky” summon.

Leviathan

Leviathan, the serpent of the sea, is unlocked after completing a VR mission offered by Chadley later in the game. This requires analyzing a significant number of enemy types and progressing through the main story. Leviathan’s water-based attacks are excellent against fire-based foes, and its ranged attacks can hit enemies from afar. Every team needs a good sea monster; it is just a fact.

Bahamut

Bahamut, the king of dragons, is unlocked by completing another VR mission from Chadley. This is one of the most challenging missions, requiring you to have a strong party and well-leveled Materia. Bahamut is arguably the strongest summon in the game, unleashing devastating attacks that can obliterate even the toughest enemies. Earning the Dragon King is like hitting the jackpot – pure power!

Cactuar

Cactuar is a summon obtained by completing a specific side quest in the Wall Market area. This side quest involves helping a mysterious figure with some unusual requests. Cactuar is known for its “1000 Needles” attack, which always deals 1000 damage, regardless of enemy defense. This can be incredibly useful for taking down enemies with high HP. You know that this green guy is going to pack a punch (or rather, a thousand needles!).

Carbuncle

Carbuncle, the ruby-eyed guardian, was initially a pre-order bonus for certain editions or a separate DLC purchase. If you didn’t pre-order, check your platform’s store. Carbuncle provides valuable support with its Reflect buff, which can bounce magic attacks back at enemies. This makes it an excellent choice for dealing with magic-heavy opponents. It is an absolute lifesaver in certain situations, especially when facing powerful mages.

Optimizing Your Summons: Materia Synergies and Strategies

Simply equipping a Summon Materia isn’t enough to maximize its effectiveness. You need to consider how it synergizes with other Materia and how you utilize it in combat. Understanding these strategies is key to turning your summons into unstoppable forces. Let’s explore some effective combinations and tactics.

Materia Linkages

Linking your Summon Materia with other Materia can greatly enhance its performance. For example, linking it with MP Up Materia will increase the amount of MP you have, allowing you to cast more spells and use summons more frequently. Similarly, linking it with Magic Up Materia will boost the damage of your summon’s magical attacks. Experimentation is key to finding the best combinations for your playstyle. It is like mixing different flavors of ice cream – some combinations are just better than others.

Strategic Deployment

Knowing when to unleash your summon is just as important as having the right Materia equipped. Summons become available once the Summon Gauge fills up during battle, typically after taking or dealing a certain amount of damage. Save your summons for tough encounters or when you need a burst of damage to turn the tide of battle. Timing is everything. Think of it like saving your ultimate move in a fighting game – unleash it at the perfect moment for maximum impact.

Summon Abilities

During the summon’s time on the battlefield, you can command it to perform specific abilities. These abilities consume ATB charges and allow you to control the summon’s actions. Learn each summon’s unique abilities and use them strategically to maximize their effectiveness. For example, Ifrit can unleash a powerful Hellfire attack, while Shiva can freeze enemies with Diamond Dust. Knowing these moves will make your summons even more impactful. Think of it as having a remote control for your own personal deity of destruction.

Choosing the Right Summon for the Encounter

Not all summons are created equal, and some are more effective against certain enemies than others. Consider the enemy’s weaknesses and resistances when selecting your Summon Materia. For example, Ifrit is perfect for fire-weak enemies, while Shiva is ideal for ice-weak opponents. Tailoring your summons to the specific encounter can make a huge difference in the outcome of the battle. Think of it as choosing the right tool for the job. You wouldn’t use a hammer to screw in a bolt (hopefully!), would you?

Understanding elemental weaknesses is crucial for maximizing damage output. Fire-based summons like Ifrit are highly effective against ice-type enemies, while ice-based summons like Shiva excel against fire-type foes. Water-based summons like Leviathan are also effective against fire-type enemies. This elemental rock-paper-scissors system adds another layer of strategy to combat. Learning these relationships is essential for becoming a true master of summons.

Beyond elemental weaknesses, consider the enemy’s attack patterns and vulnerabilities. Some summons are better suited for dealing with large groups of enemies, while others excel at single-target damage. Experiment with different summons to find the ones that work best for your preferred playstyle and the challenges you face. There really isn’t a “one size fits all” summon, so finding what works best in a given situation is critical.

Don’t be afraid to switch up your Summon Materia based on the situation. Before entering a new area, assess the types of enemies you’re likely to encounter and equip the appropriate summons accordingly. This proactive approach can give you a significant advantage in battle. It’s all about preparation and strategic thinking.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Summon Materia

Still have questions about Summon Materia? Here are some frequently asked questions to help you further understand these powerful abilities.

How do I trigger a summon in battle?

The Summon Gauge fills up during battle as you take and deal damage. Once it’s full, a “Summon” command will appear in the command menu of one of your party members. Select it to unleash your summon. Note that some battles may restrict summon usage.

Can I control my summon's actions?

Yes! Once summoned, you can use ATB charges to command your summon to perform specific abilities. Each summon has its unique set of abilities, so experiment to find the most effective ones. Timing is important when it comes to unleashing powerful abilities!

Do summons level up?

No, Summon Materia itself does not level up in the same way as other Materia. However, as you progress through the game and level up your characters and other Materia, your summons will become more effective due to the increased stats of your party members and the synergistic effects of linked Materia. In the end, a rising tide lifts all boats.