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“Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth” opens its first major chapter by continuing directly from where the “Final Fantasy 7 Remake” concluded, featuring Zack’s daring rescue of Cloud. This segment, labeled as an Interlude, starts with a news broadcast scene, after which players take control of Zack. The initial task is straightforward: guide Zack through a building, exiting into a debris-strewn landscape. Upon encountering helicopters, you’ll face two groups of enemies. Dispatch them with simple attacks, setting the stage for Aerith’s rescue in the ensuing cutscene.
As the narrative unfolds, the game transports players five years into the past for a flashback, marking the true commencement of Chapter 1. Here, you will control Sephiroth on a mission alongside Cloud, engaging in combat with an adversary. After triumphing in battle, the scene abruptly shifts to the present, where Cloud, Tifa, and Barret are found sharing their recollections of that mission. As the story of that fateful day is retold, you will step into Cloud’s shoes once again.
Upon taking control, you’re free to wander through the village, where you can uncover several treasure chests. When you ascend to the hilltop’s main square, you have the opportunity to interact with the water tower, visit both your and Tifa’s homes, and even try your hand at playing the piano inside Tifa’s residence. These experiential interactions are well worth your time, so it’s highly recommended to engage with them. Once you’ve soaked in the sights and sounds, proceed to The Nidhogg Hotel. Here, you should find Sephiroth on the upper floor, who will suggest that Cloud takes some time to rest.
As the story in “Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth: Chapter 1” continues, the following day begins with Tifa joining Cloud and Sephiroth on their ascent toward Mt. Nibel. The path ahead is straightforward, so simply follow Tifa, breaking any boxes along the way to collect extra items. During your journey, you will encounter a pair of insectoid foes, which serves as the perfect opportunity for a combat tutorial and the chance to earn a few Trophies.
Resume your ascent with Tifa up the mountain post-battle, overcoming any adversaries you encounter. Pay special attention after crossing the bridge where you’ll face aerial enemies; utilizing Spells is the most effective strategy against them. Cloud will then branch off for a solitary segment where he is introduced to Materia through a tutorial. During this tutorial, you’ll learn how to equip the Assess Materia.
As the chapter progresses, Cloud is tasked with clearing a path of foes to facilitate the group’s progress up the mountain. The route is straightforward and well-defined, eliminating any concern about losing your way. Keep an eye out for boxes scattered along the path, as they contain valuable items. Eventually, you’ll find yourself at an impasse, and it’s at this juncture that Tifa will signal to Cloud to take an alternate route.
Retrace your steps and Tifa will resume her role as navigator. Follow her as she leads you through a narrow opening in the rocks to regroup with the others. At the summit, Sephiroth will operate a terminal, granting entry to a Mako Measurement Facility. Traverse the facility, ensuring you collect the Level Boost Materia en route, and board the elevator. Upon reaching the top, you’ll be challenged by a Screamer, which has a vulnerability to Fire magic.
After vanquishing the Screamer, ascend two flights of stairs to discover an elevator that’s been shut down due to mako gas contamination. To resolve this, approach the machinery to the right and interact with it. This allows you to disperse the gas clouds, thereby reactivating the elevator. Once operational, the elevator will transport you back outdoors to a direct path leading you ever closer to the reactor.
During your journey across the bridge to the reactor, an unexpected lightning strike will sever the bridge, plunging Cloud, Tifa, and Sephiroth into the wild river below.
The story resumes a few hours later, with Sephiroth now accompanying your party. Ascend the cliffside, take a moment to recuperate on the bench to replenish HP and MP, then seize the HP Up Materia for equipping. After dispatching the nearby foes, make your way into the cave and head left towards the mako spring, triggering a cutscene.
Upon regaining control, navigate through the cave, confronting and overcoming any opposition you face. Once outside, climb the rock face, defeat any hostile creatures, and carefully move along the wooden ledge to reach the next area. Here, you can descend to claim a Magnify Materia. Resume your journey on the primary route until you reach an open battleground, where you’ll face a Zu and be introduced to Synergy Skills through a tutorial. After the Zu is defeated, ascend the stairs, collect the Precision Defense Focus Materia located on the rooftop, and continue your ascent.
Once again, you will encounter an elevator that is inoperative due to mako gas. As you did previously, locate the nearby machine and utilize it to clear the gas. This time, however, you’ll need to first open the double doors to bring the machine out. To vacuum the last patch of mako gas near the barrels, maneuver the machine back to its original position and exploit the gap in the fence.
Upon reaching the top of the elevator, make use of the Rest Stop to refresh yourself if necessary, and proceed through the cave to trigger another cutscene. Your next challenge is a battle against the Materia Guardian. Begin by using the Assess Materia to identify its weakness to Fire. Armed with this information, combine Fire Spells with your physical attacks to inflict damage. When the Guardian climbs onto the ceiling and targets you with a laser, cast Fire on one of its legs to force it back to the ground, creating an opportunity to stagger it. As you progress, the boss will leap into a cloud of mako gas, cueing you to employ a Synergy Ability named Double Helix.
A brief return to the present will transition back to Cloud taking control as he and Sephiroth make their way into the reactor. Descend using the elevator, pass through the blast doors to your right, and head down the ladder to initiate a cutscene.
Sephiroth instructs Cloud to switch off an external valve, which Cloud accomplishes by repeatedly pressing L2 and R2. Once this task is completed, re-enter the previous room to watch a sequence of cutscenes unfold.
As the narrative progresses, Sephiroth has vanished into the night, and it is up to you to locate him. Make your way downstairs to discover that he has gone to Shinra Manor. Exit and turn left, ascending the stairs along with the villagers to reach Shinra Manor. Once inside, enter the dining area on the left and look for a door with a green button next to it. Press this button to access the elevator, which will take you down to the basement.
In the basement, you’ll come across Sephiroth immersed in research within a library setting. Several pivotal cutscenes will play out, shedding light on the backstory of Sephiroth’s character.
Upon exiting Shinra Manor and regaining control of Cloud, a shocking scene unfolds as the village is ablaze. Hurry back to uncover the cause of the conflagration. First, make your way to your own home to ensure that Cloud’s mother is safe. Proceed to the town square where you’ll be confronted with burning debris blocking your path, which ultimately redirects you along an alternate route through a nearby building. Make your way towards the designated house, but be prepared for an interception by Sephiroth. Pursue Sephiroth, using L2 and R2 to crawl, as he carries out a ruthless assault on the villagers. A lengthy succession of cutscenes will follow, detailing the ensuing events.
Returning to the current timeline, Cloud is roused from sleep by a nocturnal knocking at his door, with Tifa on the other side. Engage in conversation with her for a brief exchange. Accompany Tifa as she steps out to the balcony, and then ascend to the rooftop for a deeper conversation. Once the discussion is concluded, return to your room, where a brief cutscene will signal the end of Chapter 1.
Up Next: Chapter 2 – A New Journey Begins