Mastering Weapon Upgrades in Final Fantasy VII Remake

Alright, Shinra soldiers and SOLDIER hopefuls! Ready to take your weapons in Final Fantasy VII Remake from “meh” to “mighty”? You’ve got your Buster Sword, your Gatling Gun, maybe even some fancy nail bat action, but are you truly maximizing their potential? This guide will show you how to squeeze every last drop of power from your arsenal, turning Cloud and the gang into unstoppable forces against those corporate goons. Let’s dive in and unlock the hidden potential within your favorite FFVII Remake weapons!

Understanding Weapon Proficiency and Core Stats

Let’s start with the basics. In Final Fantasy VII Remake, weapons aren’t just sticks with stats. They’re personalized extensions of each character, each with its own unique growth path. Every weapon has core stats like Attack, Magic Attack, Physical Defense, and Magic Defense. These stats determine the raw power of your attacks and your resilience against enemy assaults. As you use a weapon, your Weapon Proficiency increases, opening up new slots for Materia, and granting you access to its Weapon Abilities. Think of it like leveling up a character, but for your trusty sword or gun instead. The more you fight, the stronger your gear becomes.

AP Grinding: The Key to Unlocking Weapon Abilities

Weapon Abilities are special moves tied to specific weapons. Mastering these abilities allows you to use them with any weapon, which is huge. The trick here is AP (Ability Points). AP is gained after battles, and the amount you get depends on the weapon being equipped. The best way to master a weapon ability is to equip the weapon with the ability you wish to learn, and equip any materia that increase AP gains, such as AP Up materia. This can be found in a few locations in the game, so you may want to have multiple to stack the effect. When you’re equipped, grind against enemies that die easily. Focus on quantity over quality; more battles, more AP! Consider locations like the Shinra Combat Simulator for consistent and repeatable encounters.

Weapon Upgrades: Unlocking the Full Potential

This is where the fun really begins. As you progress through Final Fantasy VII Remake, you will find Weapon Upgrade Cores. Think of these cores as skill trees for your weapons. They allow you to customize your stats and unlock new abilities tailored to your playstyle. Cores typically focus on improving core stats such as increasing attack damage, improving critical hit chance, adding magic attack to the weapon, improving HP or MP. Some cores also unlock new passive abilities that enhance combat effectiveness. Make sure you take time to read and analyze which cores are best for you, and plan out your upgrade route!

Navigating the Weapon Upgrade Screen

Access the weapon upgrade screen via the Main Menu. Select the character whose weapon you wish to upgrade, then select “Weapon Upgrade.” You’ll see a screen showing your current weapon and the available cores. Each core requires SP (Skill Points), which you earn as you level up your characters. Carefully consider each upgrade, because you cannot refund SP in this game, so there’s no going back!

Prioritizing Stats Based on Playstyle

The beauty of the weapon upgrade system is its flexibility. A Cloud player who loves dealing massive physical damage should focus on upgrading Strength and Critical Hit Rate. If you prefer using magic, focus on Magic Attack and MP. For characters like Barret, you might prioritize HP and Defense to turn him into a tank. Remember, there’s no “one size fits all” solution. Experiment and find what works best for you. It’s all about adapting and making your weapons an extension of your own personal fighting style.

Acquiring Weapon Upgrade Materials

SP isn’t the only thing you’ll need to upgrade your weapons. You’ll also need a variety of materials to unlock certain cores and enhance their effects. These materials can be found scattered throughout the world, earned by completing side quests, or purchased from vendors. Some rarer materials are only obtained by defeating specific enemies or completing optional challenges. So, exploring every nook and cranny of Midgar, and completing side quests, is crucial.

Common Materials and Where to Find Them

Common materials like Iron Ore, Mythril Ore, and Ether are relatively easy to find by exploring. Keep an eye out for glowing spots on the ground – these often indicate a nearby material. Vendors in towns and settlements also sell basic materials. Don’t be afraid to spend a few gil to stock up on essentials. Consider it an investment in your future butt-kicking abilities.

Rare Materials and How to Obtain Them

Rare materials like Moogle Medals, Chocobo Feathers, and specific enemy drops are more challenging to acquire. Moogle Medals are often found in breakable Shinra boxes or given as rewards for side quests. Chocobo Feathers can be found by examining Chocobo stops throughout the world. For enemy-specific drops, consult a guide to identify which enemies drop the material you need and where they are located. Then, get ready for a grind!

Optimal Weapon Choices for Each Character

Each character in Final Fantasy VII Remake has access to multiple weapons, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Choosing the right weapon for each character and situation can make a significant difference in combat. Let’s take a look at some optimal weapon choices for each character.

Cloud Strife

Cloud’s Buster Sword is iconic, but don’t underestimate his other options. The Iron Blade, for example, is an excellent choice for physical damage, while the Mythril Saber is perfect for magic-focused builds. The Twin Stinger swords are amazing for those who like speedy combat and crowd control, and his most powerful weapon is the Ultima Sword. Experiment with different weapons to find the one that best suits your playstyle. Remember, adaptability is key to surviving in Midgar.

Tifa Lockhart

Tifa’s gloves offer a unique blend of speed and power. The Leather Gloves are a solid starting point, but the Metal Knuckles provide a significant boost to Strength. If you prefer a more balanced approach, the Sonic Strikers offer a mix of Strength and Magic Attack. And, of course, don’t forget the Purple Pain gloves, which are great for increasing stagger damage. Tifa’s strength is in staggering enemies to allow for Cloud or Barret to deal high damage.

Barret Wallace

Barret is your tank, so choosing weapons that enhance his survivability is crucial. The Gatling Gun is a great starting weapon, but the Light Machine Gun and the Steel Pincers are excellent choices for increasing his HP and Defense. The Big Bertha is a powerhouse, sacrificing some defense for raw firepower. Consider the EKG Cannon if you want to support allies by healing them with his abilities. His weapons will determine whether he is a high-damage dealer, a tank, or a support player.

Aerith Gainsborough

Aerith is the team’s mage, so focus on weapons that boost her Magic Attack and MP. The Guard Stick is a decent starting point, but the Mythril Rod and Silver Staff are much better choices for maximizing her magical potential. The Bladed Staff is excellent for a more balanced approach, providing a mix of Magic Attack and Physical Attack. Aerith will be the key to clearing out groups of enemies and inflicting elemental weakness damage.

Advanced Strategies for Weapon Upgrades

Once you’ve mastered the basics of weapon upgrades, it’s time to delve into some advanced strategies. These tips and tricks can help you optimize your builds and take your combat skills to the next level.

Combining Materia and Weapon Upgrades

Materia and weapon upgrades are a match made in heaven. By carefully combining the two, you can create incredibly powerful builds. For example, equipping a weapon with high Magic Attack and then equipping powerful magic materia like Fire, Ice, or Lightning can turn Aerith into a magical nuke. Experiment with different combinations to find synergies that work for you. Don’t be afraid to get creative and try new things.

Understanding Weapon Ability Synergies

Some weapon abilities synergize well with others, creating powerful combos. For example, Cloud’s Braver ability can be followed up with a powerful attack to deal massive damage. Tifa’s Divekick ability can be used to quickly close the distance and stagger enemies. Learning these synergies and incorporating them into your combat strategy can give you a significant edge.

Adapting to Enemy Weaknesses

Every enemy in Final Fantasy VII Remake has weaknesses. Some are vulnerable to specific elements, while others are susceptible to physical attacks. By understanding these weaknesses and adapting your weapon upgrades and materia accordingly, you can exploit them and defeat enemies more easily. For example, if you’re fighting a fire-based enemy, equip a weapon with high Magic Defense and equip Ice materia. This will make you more resistant to their attacks and allow you to deal massive damage. In the end, it’s all about understanding your enemy.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Final Fantasy VII Remake Weapon Upgrades

How do I get more SP (Skill Points) for weapon upgrades?

SP is earned as your characters level up. The more they level, the more SP they receive to spend on weapon upgrades. Focus on completing quests, engaging in battles, and exploring new areas to gain experience and level up your characters as quickly as possible. So, grind away, SOLDIER!

Can I reset or refund my weapon upgrades?

Unfortunately, no. Once you’ve spent SP on a weapon upgrade, there’s no way to reset it or refund the points. This is why it’s important to carefully consider each upgrade before committing to it. Plan ahead, experiment, and find what works best for you, because once you’ve upgraded, there’s no going back.

What's the best weapon for each character in the game?

There’s no single “best” weapon for each character. The optimal weapon depends on your playstyle and the specific challenges you’re facing. However, generally speaking, the Ultima Weapon for Cloud, Purple Pain for Tifa, EKG Cannon for Barret, and the Silver Staff for Aerith are all strong contenders. Experiment with different weapons and find the ones that best suit your needs.