Unleashing the Power: A Look at Final Fantasy VII Remake Summons

Okay, summoners, let’s talk! Final Fantasy VII Remake brought back some of the most iconic summons in gaming history, but not all of them are created equal. Whether you’re facing off against Sephiroth (again!) or just grinding through some Shinra troops, having the right summon can be a game-changer. So, which ones are absolute powerhouses, and which ones are… well, a little less impactful? Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of FFVII Remake’s summons and rank them based on usefulness, coolness factor, and overall impact in battle.

Ranking Final Fantasy VII Remake Summons: From Meh to Magnificent

Alright, before we jump into the specifics, let’s set some ground rules. This ranking isn’t just about raw damage output. We’re looking at factors like ease of use, availability, utility, and, of course, how awesome the summon looks. After all, in Final Fantasy, style points count for something, right? Think of it like choosing your favorite superhero – everyone has their reasons! Some want raw power, others prioritize strategic abilities, and some just love a cool costume.

S-Tier

These are the summons you’ll want to equip ASAP. They offer a mix of raw power, utility, and ease of use that makes them indispensable in almost any situation. They’re the equivalent of having a lightsaber in a sword fight – you’re just bringing a different level of power to the table.

Bahamut: The King of the Skies Reigns Supreme

Bahamut is the king for a reason. This summon is a total beast. His attacks hit like a truck, and his Megaflare is an absolute nuke. He’s relatively easy to obtain (post-game challenge in the Shinra Combat Simulator), and his damage output is simply unmatched. He’s the kind of summon that makes you feel like you’re actually calling upon a god of destruction. Imagine bringing a bazooka to a water gun fight – that’s Bahamut.

Ifrit: The Fiery Fury Unleashed

Ifrit is available pretty early on (you get him for pre-ordering the game, purchasing a digital version, or via DLC), and he remains incredibly useful throughout the entire game. His Hellfire attack is powerful and deals significant damage to enemies weak to fire, which are surprisingly common. Plus, his presence on the battlefield provides continuous fire damage, softening up enemies for your party to exploit. He’s the dependable friend you can always count on, setting things on fire, of course.

A-Tier

These summons are fantastic and can be incredibly powerful in the right circumstances. They might not be as universally useful as the S-tier summons, but they excel in certain battles or against specific enemy types. They’re like specialized tools – not always necessary, but perfect for the job when you need them.

Leviathan: Tsunami of Terror

Leviathan brings the ocean’s fury to your enemies. This summon deals massive water damage, making it invaluable against fire-based foes or anyone weak to water. The downside is that finding enemies particularly weak to water isn’t as common as finding fire-weak enemies. However, when you do face the right opponent, Leviathan turns the tide of battle completely. Think of him as your secret weapon against a particularly scorching boss fight.

Shiva: The Ice Queen’s Reign

Shiva is another solid summon with excellent utility. Her Diamond Dust attack is powerful and freezes enemies, providing a valuable opportunity to unleash follow-up attacks. She’s especially effective against fast-moving enemies or those who are constantly dodging. The freeze effect is akin to hitting the pause button in the middle of a chaotic fight, giving you a crucial advantage. She is also available early on, making her a reliable choice.

B-Tier

These summons are decent and can be useful in certain situations, but they’re often overshadowed by the higher-tier options. They might have niche abilities or require specific strategies to maximize their effectiveness. They’re like the backup singers in a band – they contribute, but they’re not the stars of the show.

Ramuh: The Thunder God’s Descent

Ramuh is a powerful summon that deals significant lightning damage. His Judgement Bolt is a visually impressive attack. However, he falls into the B-tier because lightning weakness isn’t as common as fire or ice. He is not available until late in the game. His lightning abilities are powerful, but niche.

Fat Chocobo: A Surprisingly Useful Friend

Don’t let the name fool you; Fat Chocobo is actually pretty useful. He deals decent damage and can stagger enemies effectively. He can be acquired by pre-ordering the game, purchasing a digital version, or via DLC. The downside is that his attacks are a bit slow and predictable. He’s not going to carry you through the game, but he can be a helpful addition to your summon roster. Think of him as the surprisingly strong teddy bear you keep around for comfort.

C-Tier

These summons are often underwhelming and not worth the summon slots. They might have some niche uses, but they’re generally outclassed by other options. Think of them as the participation trophies of the summon world – you got them, but you’re probably not going to brag about them.

Chocobo Chick: Cute, But Not Exactly Deadly

The Chocobo Chick is a cute summon, but its attacks are weak and don’t offer much in the way of utility. This is a pre-order or DLC bonus, making it only available at the start of the game. It is a nice little extra, but not something you’d rely on in a tough battle. She’s more of a novelty than a powerhouse.

Carbuncle: More Flash Than Substance

Carbuncle provides a party-wide Reflect buff, which can be useful in certain situations where enemies rely heavily on magic. However, these situations are relatively rare, making Carbuncle a niche pick. Plus, the Reflect buff only lasts for a short time. He’s a pretty gem, but not particularly impactful in most fights. Obtaining this summon requires purchasing a specific version of the game, making him harder to acquire.

Tips for Mastering Summons in Final Fantasy VII Remake

Now that you know which summons are the best, let’s talk about how to use them effectively. Summon materia has to be equipped to your characters. To call a summon into the fray, you’ll need to fill the summon gauge. This usually happens after dealing or receiving enough damage. Summons will fight alongside you, using their unique abilities and attacks. Once their time is up, they unleash their ultimate attack before departing.

Managing your summon’s abilities is key. As the summon fights, you can spend ATB charges to command them to use specific abilities. This allows you to tailor their actions to the situation, maximizing their effectiveness. Don’t just let them attack randomly; take control and make them count. Also, remember that different summons excel in different situations. Experiment and find the right summon for each encounter.

Furthermore, consider the synergy between your summons and your party composition. For example, if you’re using a lot of fire-based attacks, Ifrit can complement your strategy perfectly. Similarly, if you’re facing a boss that spams magic attacks, Carbuncle’s Reflect buff can provide a valuable advantage. Think of your summons as extensions of your party, working together to overcome any challenge.

The Future of Summons in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth and Beyond

With Final Fantasy VII Rebirth on the horizon, the possibilities for new and returning summons are incredibly exciting. We can expect to see more iconic summons from the original game make their debut, along with potentially some entirely new creations. Imagine the possibilities: Knights of the Round, Alexander, Eden – the list goes on! The developers have already shown their willingness to reimagine classic summons in new and exciting ways, so we can only anticipate even more creative and visually stunning summons in the future.

The integration of summons into the combat system is a core element of the Final Fantasy experience. Summons provide a sense of scale and grandeur to battles, making each encounter feel epic and memorable. As the Remake series continues, it’s clear that summons will play an even more significant role, adding depth and strategy to the gameplay. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the world of Final Fantasy VII, the summons are sure to leave a lasting impression.

FAQ

Which summon is best for dealing with multiple enemies?

Bahamut is fantastic for dealing with multiple enemies due to his wide-range attacks and devastating Megaflare. Ifrit is also effective with his continuous fire damage and Hellfire ability, which can hit multiple targets.

How do I get more summon materia?

Most summon materia can be obtained by completing specific side quests, battling powerful enemies in the Shinra Combat Simulator, or finding them in the environment. Keep an eye out for rumors and clues that might lead you to new summon materia.

Is it worth leveling up summon materia?

Yes, leveling up summon materia increases the summon’s duration on the battlefield, the potency of their attacks, and unlocks new abilities. It’s definitely worth investing in leveling up your favorite summons to maximize their effectiveness.