Unleash Barret’s Inner Juggernaut: The Ultimate Tank Build in Final Fantasy VII Remake

So, you want to turn Barret Wallace into an unkillable wall, a walking fortress of Mako energy and raw determination? You’ve come to the right place! Let’s face it, sometimes you just need a character who can soak up damage like a sponge, letting Cloud and the rest of the crew dish out the hurt. We’re diving deep into crafting the perfect tank build for Barret in Final Fantasy VII Remake, transforming him from a support character into the ultimate damage sponge.

Barret’s Role as a Tank in FFVII Remake

Barret, with his powerful gun-arm and innate toughness, is a prime candidate for a tank role. While Cloud excels at dealing damage and Tifa brings the flurry of fists, Barret can draw enemy attention and absorb their attacks, allowing your other party members to operate more freely. Think of him as the offensive line for your Shinra-busting football team; he’s there to protect the quarterback (Cloud) and give the running back (Tifa or Aerith) room to maneuver. His heavy attacks can also stagger enemies, making him more than just a meat shield.

Essential Materia for a Barret Tank Build

Materia is key to unlocking Barret’s tanking potential. Certain Materia drastically enhance his survivability and ability to draw aggro. Consider equipping the following: Provoke, to actively taunt enemies and force them to target Barret; HP Up, to significantly increase his health pool; Steadfast Block, to reduce damage taken while blocking and increase ATB charge rate; and Healing, for self-sustain and emergency healing when your healer is occupied. With these Materia, Barret can withstand considerable punishment and keep the pressure off his teammates.

Provoke

The Provoke Materia is arguably the most crucial piece of the puzzle. It allows Barret to actively draw enemy attention, ensuring that they focus their attacks on him rather than your more vulnerable party members. It essentially turns Barret into a walking target sign. Mastering the timing of Provoke is essential, as using it strategically can dictate the flow of battle. Don’t spam it mindlessly; use it when enemies are targeting allies or when you need to create an opening for a powerful attack. It’s your “taunt” ability, plain and simple, and the cornerstone of any successful tank build.

HP Up

This one’s a no-brainer. More health equals more survivability. Equipping multiple HP Up Materia will dramatically increase Barret’s maximum HP, allowing him to withstand significantly more damage. Think of it like equipping him with extra armor plating. Each level of HP Up Materia adds a substantial chunk of HP, turning him into a veritable tank. Prioritize leveling up HP Up Materia and equip as many as possible. This simple addition is crucial for any character intended to withstand a beating.

Steadfast Block

Steadfast Block provides a dual benefit: it reduces damage taken while blocking and increases ATB charge rate. Blocking is a fundamental mechanic in FFVII Remake, and Steadfast Block makes it far more effective. By reducing the damage he takes while guarding, you effectively extend his health bar. The increased ATB charge rate is equally valuable. By charging his ATB gauge faster, Barret can utilize his abilities more frequently, whether it’s healing himself, using Provoke, or unleashing a powerful attack. It’s a win-win situation that enhances both his defensive and offensive capabilities.

Healing

While Barret isn’t a dedicated healer, equipping the Healing Materia grants him access to Cure and Cura, allowing him to patch himself up in a pinch. This can be invaluable when your designated healer is busy or incapacitated. It gives Barret a degree of self-sufficiency, reducing the burden on your support characters. Consider pairing Healing with other Materia that increase its effectiveness, such as Magic Up or Magnify (for group heals when necessary). Having a backup healing option can be the difference between victory and defeat in challenging encounters.

Choosing the Right Weapons and Armor for a Tank Barret

Selecting the right equipment is just as crucial as choosing the right Materia. Focus on weapons and armor that enhance Barret’s HP, defense, and vitality. His weapons, while offering damage potential, can also be tailored to improve his tanking ability. The same goes for his armor; look for pieces with high physical defense and HP boosts. Remember, the goal isn’t to maximize his damage output but to maximize his survivability and ability to draw enemy attention.

Weapons

While Barret’s weapons do offer damage stats, focus on those that provide defensive bonuses. The Steel Pincers, for example, are a great early-game option due to their high defense stat. Later on, consider weapons like the Wrecking Ball, which offers significant HP boosts and defensive capabilities. Don’t be afraid to sacrifice some damage for improved survivability. Remember, a dead DPS deals no damage, but a durable tank keeps the pressure off the entire party. Choosing weapons that enhance his defensive capabilities is a crucial step towards building a successful tank.

Armor

When selecting armor, prioritize pieces with high physical defense and HP boosts. The Iron Bangle is a solid early-game choice, while later options like the Chain Bangle and the Mythril Armlet offer even greater defensive stats and HP bonuses. Look for armor that complements your Materia choices. If you’re focusing heavily on HP Up Materia, choose armor with high physical defense to create a truly resilient tank. The key is to balance defense and HP to create a character who can withstand a barrage of attacks.

Optimizing Barret’s Stats for Tanking

Beyond Materia and equipment, consider investing in stats that further enhance Barret’s tanking abilities. Focus on maximizing his HP, vitality, and defense. While strength and magic are important for dealing damage and casting spells, they are less critical for a dedicated tank build. By prioritizing HP, vitality, and defense, you can transform Barret into an unkillable wall that can withstand even the most devastating attacks.

HP and Vitality

HP is the cornerstone of any tank build. Maximize Barret’s HP through Materia, equipment, and stat investments. Vitality is equally important, as it increases his resistance to status ailments. A tank that’s constantly afflicted with poison, silence, or sleep is effectively useless. Prioritizing vitality ensures that Barret can maintain his focus and continue to absorb damage, even under duress. These two stats work in tandem to create a character that can withstand a significant amount of punishment.

Defense

Physical defense is essential for reducing the damage Barret takes from physical attacks. Focus on equipping armor with high physical defense stats. Consider using accessories that further enhance his defense. Remember, every point of defense reduces the amount of damage he takes, extending his survivability and allowing your healers to focus on other party members. Don’t underestimate the importance of physical defense; it’s a crucial component of any successful tank build.

Advanced Strategies for Playing a Tank Barret

Once you’ve geared Barret with the right Materia and equipment, it’s time to master the art of playing him as a tank. This involves understanding enemy attack patterns, using Provoke strategically, and knowing when to block or dodge. A successful tank doesn’t just absorb damage; they actively control the battlefield, dictating the flow of combat and protecting their allies.

Strategic Provoke Usage

Don’t just spam Provoke mindlessly. Instead, use it strategically to redirect enemy attacks away from vulnerable allies. Pay attention to enemy targeting patterns and use Provoke when they’re about to target Cloud or Aerith. You can also use it to interrupt enemy attacks or reposition them to create openings for your other party members. Mastering the timing and placement of Provoke is essential for maximizing its effectiveness and controlling the battlefield.

Blocking and Dodging

Blocking is a fundamental mechanic in FFVII Remake, and Barret is particularly well-suited for it. Use Steadfast Block to reduce damage taken while blocking and increase ATB charge rate. However, don’t rely solely on blocking. Some attacks are unblockable and must be dodged. Learn enemy attack patterns and practice dodging to minimize the damage Barret takes. A combination of blocking and dodging is the key to maximizing his survivability.

Synergy with Other Party Members

A successful tank build isn’t just about individual performance; it’s about synergy with the rest of the party. Communicate with your teammates and coordinate your actions. Ensure that your healer is prepared to support Barret and that your DPS characters are ready to capitalize on the openings he creates. A well-coordinated team can overcome even the most challenging encounters, and Barret’s tanking abilities are a crucial component of that synergy.

FAQ

Q

A: While other characters can be built to be somewhat tanky, Barret is naturally well-suited for the role due to his high HP and defensive stats. His abilities and weapon choices further enhance his tanking potential. Ultimately, the “best” tank depends on your playstyle and party composition, but Barret is a strong and reliable choice.

Q

A: While Provoke, HP Up, Steadfast Block, and Healing are essential, you can also consider adding Cure, Barrier, or even elemental defense Materia to further enhance his survivability and utility. Elemental Materia, when linked to an “absorb” materia can allow Barret to absorb elemental attacks!

Q

A: With the addition of new accessories and equipment in Intergrade, you can further optimize Barret’s tanking abilities. Explore the new content and experiment with different combinations to find what works best for your playstyle.