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Chapter 3, titled “Deeper into Darkness,” is the third principal chapter in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, picking up right after the events of Chapter 2, “A New Journey Begins,” with the defeat of Midgardsormr. In our Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth guide, we will offer an exhaustive walkthrough for Chapter 3, detailing all the essential information and strategies you’ll need to navigate through “Deeper into Darkness.”
Chapter 3, “Deeper into Darkness,” picks up seamlessly from the closing cutscene of Chapter 2, with Cloud regaining consciousness in the Old Republic Tunnels. Here, you resume control as Cloud follows the enigmatic hooded figures encountered previously. Navigate the straightforward cavernous path and take advantage of the Rest Stop, Shop, and Folios machine to resupply or bolster your party’s capabilities. Aerith will notice the hooded figures again, but a sudden rockslide causes one to lose their footing, leading to what seems like a fatal fall. Despite this, Barret is determined to pursue and attempt a rescue, departing from the group with Red XIII in tow.
Forge ahead through the cavern, engaging foes and collecting treasures such as the AP Up Materia and Sylph Gloves. The route is unambiguous, ensuring an easy trek. You’ll eventually encounter an obstructive mine cart. Instead of pushing it forward, you’ll find that pulling it back is necessary to clear the way. Upon reaching a more expansive section of the cave where the party suggests an exit might be near, head left across the bridge. Here, you’ll need to push the mine cart at the end of the path outwards so it comes to rest beneath the damaged ladder, creating a makeshift step that allows you to ascend.
Crossing the bridge, you’ll discover a concealed ladder to your right. This ladder grants you access to a lower level teeming with adversaries and additional supplies. To continue through the Mythril Quarry, retrace your steps to the previous location and take a left. Past the Ogres and up the ladder, you’ll find another Rest Stop and Shops for perusal. Proceed further from there.
In the subsequent area, you’ll overhear a conversation between two individuals. Tifa inadvertently reveals your presence, leading to a confrontation with the familiar Rude and the new adversary, Elena. Elena, with her vulnerability to Wind, should be your initial target before shifting your attention to Rude. It’s wise to reserve your Summons and Limit Breaks for Rude since he presents a greater challenge, particularly when he deploys his shield.
After overcoming both opponents, Tseng arrives and sends Barret and Red XIII deeper into the cave. The perspective shifts to Barret, who has the ability to shoot at environmental crystals. Collect the Renegade’s Collar from the purple chest on your left, then continue on your quest to regroup with Cloud, Aerith, and Tifa. Upon reaching a larger space, you’ll notice a sizable tree in the distance that can be climbed; this tree becomes your new objective. To reach it, you can either ascend the sloped rocks on your left or first venture into the pool on your right to acquire the MP Up Materia, then climb up from there.
Upon reaching the summit, use your gunfire to dislodge the boulders and forge ahead. To your right, there will be a series of ledges that allow you to climb even higher. This route takes you to the Excavation Site, a hotbed of resources and enemies. After you’ve looted the area and gained some XP, head to the rear where a high ledge sits tantalizingly out of reach. Turn around to locate a lever that, when pulled, will alter the track’s direction. This adjustment will enable you to haul the mine cart into position, creating a makeshift step to access the ledge.
Continue along the path, confront the Ogre, and shatter the boulder that impedes your progress. Soon, you’ll glimpse your companions—Cloud, Aerith, and Tifa—across a chasm. They require assistance to repair the bridge, so as Barret, veer left and discharge your weapon to knock down two ladders. Ascend the ladder on the left to find more foes, a Rest Stop, Shops, and crucially, a lever and mine cart.
Once the enemies are dispatched, operate the lever first, then maneuver the mine cart out onto the bridge. You’ll need to eliminate another boulder before you can push the cart to the end of the track. There, you’ll find it surrounded by valuable resources.
Activate the lever to realign the tracks, enabling you to shove the mine cart down the incline. This action will knock the shipping container out of the way, restoring the bridge so your team can cross over to the upper level of the chamber where you initially discovered the mine cart. Make your way there, and your team will uncover a fresh route for you, with a Lightning Materia awaiting on the opposite side.
Descend the new pathway into an area where you’ll encounter a Mythril Golem, marking your next significant battle. This formidable foe features a main health bar as well as separate HP reserves for its head, spine, and arms. Disabling these parts is a temporary measure, but it can provide short-term advantages. The golem has a weakness to Lightning attacks, so use this to your advantage by combining your Abilities to stagger it swiftly, then go all out with Limit Breaks and Summons when they’re ready. With a decent stock of Potions and Phoenix Downs on hand, the Mythril Golem should be manageable.
After triumphing in battle, proceed along the newly opened path to regroup with your allies. Following the ensuing cutscene, control will switch back to Cloud, and you’ll continue your pursuit of the enigmatic hooded figures.
Having vanquished several clusters of foes, you’ll emerge into an open area outdoors. Here, a procession of the robed figures stands before you. Chapter 3 draws to a close as the team beholds the sight of Junon in the distance.