FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE Trophy Guide

How to Unlock

Free a party member who has been bound by an enemy during battle. Certain enemies in Final Fantasy VII Remake can grab, restrain, or otherwise immobilize one of your characters. When this happens, the affected character becomes unable to act until the enemy releases them or another party member intervenes. One of the earliest opportunities is the Scorpion Sentinel boss fight in Chapter 1. During the encounter, the Scorpion Sentinel may grab Cloud or Barret with one of its attacks. When a character becomes restrained, you'll see a Bound status notification. Immediately switch to the other party member using Up or Down on the directional pad. Attack the enemy holding your teammate until it releases them. Bonds of Friendship unlocks once you successfully free the restrained character.

Tip

Don't worry if you miss this opportunity against the Scorpion Sentinel. Several later enemies can also restrain party members, so you'll have plenty of chances throughout the story. When someone becomes bound, prioritize attacking the responsible enemy instead of continuing with your previous target. Switching characters frequently is also a valuable habit for managing ATB and avoiding unnecessary damage.

Warning

The restrained character must be freed by another party member's intervention. Simply waiting for the enemy to release them may not satisfy the trophy requirement. You don't need to defeat the enemy afterward to earn the trophy. Cloud may claim he works alone, but even an ex-SOLDIER occasionally needs someone to pry him out of a giant robot's claws.

How to Unlock

Complete Chapter 13, A Broken World. Following the destruction of the Sector 7 plate, Cloud, Tifa, and Barret search the devastated slums for survivors. Follow the story objectives through the damaged neighborhoods and return to areas affected by the collapse. You'll eventually discover an underground Shinra research facility beneath the ruins. Explore the laboratory, defeat its security systems and experimental creatures, and progress through the story until Barret becomes separated from Cloud and Tifa. During this section, control Barret and use his ranged attacks to clear obstacles and eliminate enemies from a distance. The chapter's main boss is the Failed Experiment, a large creature supported by smaller enemies. Use Barret's ranged attacks to target vulnerable areas and switch between available characters as the fight progresses. Eliminate smaller creatures when they interfere with your attacks, and keep your party healed. Defeat the Failed Experiment and continue through the remaining story events to finish Chapter 13. Broken Dreams unlocks automatically.

Tip

Barret's ranged combat is particularly useful throughout the underground facility. Build his ATB with regular attacks and Overcharge, then use Maximum Fury or other powerful abilities against tougher enemies. Before leaving the chapter, check vending machines for music discs and visit any available shops for weapons you haven't purchased.

Warning

Broken Dreams is a mandatory story trophy and cannot be missed. The laboratory contains several dangerous encounters, so avoid wasting all your MP on ordinary enemies. If you're replaying Chapter 13 on Hard difficulty, remember that items are disabled. Equip Healing, Revival, and Prayer Materia to maintain your party without relying entirely on MP. Cloud and the others are trying to save their friends, while Shinra has somehow found enough spare budget to build a secret monster laboratory beneath the neighborhood. Priorities.

How to Unlock

Complete Chapter 18, Destiny's Crossroads. This is the final chapter of Final Fantasy VII Remake and begins with Cloud and the party escaping Shinra Headquarters. During the opening motorcycle sequence, defeat the pursuing Shinra forces and survive the battle against the Motor Ball. After reaching the end of the highway, continue through the story to confront the Whisper Harbinger and its accompanying enemies. Use your strongest abilities to pressure the Whispers, maintain your party's health, and take advantage of stagger opportunities. The final encounter is against Sephiroth. Use Cloud's Punisher Mode and Counterstance to respond to melee attacks, avoid Sephiroth's stronger abilities, and use Limit Breaks when you have a clear opening. Defeat Sephiroth and finish the concluding story events to complete Chapter 18 and unlock Destiny's Crossroads.

Tip

Equip Healing, Revival, and HP Up Materia before the final encounters. Magnify linked with Healing is especially helpful for keeping your entire party alive. Save your strongest abilities and Limit Breaks for important stagger windows. Completing Chapter 18 also unlocks Chapter Select and Hard difficulty, allowing you to begin working toward Hardened Veteran.

Warning

This is a mandatory story trophy and cannot be missed. Completing Chapter 18 on Easy, Normal, or Classic difficulty unlocks Hard Mode, but you'll still need to complete every chapter on Hard to earn Hardened Veteran. During your Hard Mode replay, conserve MP throughout the final encounters because items are disabled and MP recovery is limited. Cloud's first assignment was supposed to be a straightforward reactor job. Eighteen chapters later, he's fighting destiny itself. That contract definitely needs renegotiating.

How to Unlock

Complete Chapter 17, Deliverance from Chaos. After reuniting with Aerith, the party must escape Hojo's laboratory and make its way through Shinra Headquarters. Follow the main story objectives through the research facility, switching between separate groups of characters as the chapter progresses. You'll face numerous experimental creatures, mechanical enemies, and difficult combat encounters while navigating the laboratory's interconnected rooms. Eventually, Cloud confronts Rufus Shinra in a challenging one-on-one boss battle. Use Punisher Mode and Counterstance to punish Rufus's attacks when appropriate. Avoid attacking recklessly while he's guarding, and exploit the brief openings created when he reloads. After defeating Rufus, continue through the story as the remaining party members face the Arsenal, a heavily armored mechanical boss. Use Barret's ranged attacks and Aerith's magic to damage the Arsenal while taking cover from its powerful ranged attacks. Defeat the Arsenal and complete the remaining story events to finish Chapter 17. Emerging from Chaos unlocks automatically.

Tip

After completing the story once, replay Chapter 17 to access the expanded Shinra Combat Simulator in Hojo's laboratory. This simulator contains the Malboro encounter for That's the Smell and the Pride and Joy Prototype challenge for Ultimate Weapon. Completing Pride and Joy awards the Götterdämmerung accessory, which is extremely useful during the remaining Hard Mode chapters.

Warning

Emerging from Chaos is a mandatory story trophy and cannot be missed. The expanded combat challenges aren't available during your initial story playthrough. They unlock after completing the game and gaining access to Chapter Select. On Hard difficulty, conserve MP throughout Hojo's laboratory. You'll need healing resources for Rufus, the Arsenal, and the chapter's other difficult encounters. Shinra has an entire headquarters filled with security systems, experimental monsters, and elite soldiers. Cloud's response is to walk straight through the front door and keep going. Subtlety was never part of the contract.

How to Unlock

Complete Chapter 2, Fateful Encounters. After escaping the reactor, Cloud must navigate the streets of Midgar while Shinra security forces search for AVALANCHE. Follow the main story objectives through the city, dealing with enemy patrols and navigating the streets toward the evacuation point. During the chapter, you'll encounter Aerith for the first time and experience several important story events. Continue following the route toward the train station until you're confronted by Shinra troops and the Huntsman, a heavily shielded enemy. Use Cloud's Punisher Mode and counterattacks to pressure melee opponents. When facing shielded enemies, attack from favorable angles and use abilities to build their stagger gauges. Defeat the Huntsman and the remaining security forces, then continue toward the train. Escape Artist unlocks automatically after Cloud boards the train and Chapter 2 concludes.

Tip

Practice guarding and counterattacking while using Punisher Mode. Learning these mechanics early will help enormously during your eventual Hard Mode playthrough. Look around for useful items and Materia as you move through the city, but don't worry about missing anything permanently. Chapter Select becomes available after completing the story.

Warning

Escape Artist is awarded through mandatory story progression and cannot be missed. You don't need to defeat every optional enemy or meet any special combat conditions. Cloud has barely finished his first job, and Shinra has already turned his commute into a citywide manhunt. Welcome to Midgar.

How to Unlock

Complete Chapter 6, Light the Way. Cloud, Tifa, and Barret must navigate the elevated maintenance platforms surrounding Mako Reactor 5. Your main objective is to restore power to the cargo platform by shutting down three enormous Sun Lamps. Follow the walkways, operate the machinery, and defeat the mechanical enemies guarding the area. Pay attention to your surroundings as you travel between platforms. Some paths lead to useful Materia and equipment that are easy to overlook. After disabling all three Sun Lamps, return to the main cargo platform and activate the elevator to continue toward the reactor. Proceed through the remaining story objectives and meet Biggs to complete Chapter 6. Lights Out unlocks automatically.

Tip

Before taking the main cargo elevator, complete the optional Discovery objective behind the ventilation fans. Use the smaller elevator west of the main platform, activate the control panel, and defeat the enemies within 60 seconds to access the Chocobo & Moogle Summon Materia. Collecting it unlocks Cleanup Crew and provides another summon for your collection.

Warning

Lights Out is a mandatory story trophy and cannot be missed. However, leaving the chapter without collecting Chocobo & Moogle means you'll need to return through Chapter Select after completing the story. Make sure you've explored the optional ventilation area before departing. Cloud has defeated countless Shinra soldiers, but apparently the real challenge is convincing three oversized light bulbs to turn off.

How to Unlock

Level up any Materia orb for the first time. Materia are magical orbs that grant characters additional spells, abilities, and statistical bonuses when equipped in their weapons or armor. Most Materia gain Ability Points, or AP, whenever you defeat enemies while the Materia is equipped. Accumulating enough AP increases the Materia's level, unlocking stronger spells or improving its effects. To earn this trophy, open the Materia & Equipment menu and equip a Materia orb that can level up. Healing, Fire, Ice, and Lightning Materia are all suitable choices. Continue fighting enemies with the Materia equipped until it gains enough AP to reach its next level. Materia for Beginners unlocks automatically when the first Materia levels up. You don't need to cast spells or actively use the Materia during combat. Having it equipped while earning AP is sufficient.

Tip

Equip Materia across your entire active party so several orbs gain AP simultaneously. Begin leveling Healing, Revival, HP Up, MP Up, and other useful Materia early. Strong Materia become particularly important during Hard Mode, where items cannot be used. After completing the story, you'll earn triple AP, making postgame battles an excellent opportunity to finish leveling your Materia.

Warning

Not every Materia can gain levels. Choose an orb with an AP progression bar and additional levels available. Materia that have already reached their maximum level won't help unlock this trophy. You only need to level up one Materia once, not master it completely. Mastering multiple types becomes important later for Chadley's Battle Intel Reports. In Midgar, carrying magical rocks is apparently a perfectly normal way to become stronger. Forget protein shakes; Cloud just needs more glowing marbles.

How to Unlock

Complete Chapter 3, Home Sweet Slum. After escaping Shinra's forces, Cloud arrives in the Sector 7 Slums and reunites with Tifa. Follow the main story objectives to meet the residents, visit Seventh Heaven, and begin taking mercenary jobs around the neighborhood. You'll be introduced to Chadley, who provides Assess Materia and unlocks Battle Intel Reports. These reports become important for several later trophies, so begin working on them early. Continue the main story until Cloud confronts a group of troublemakers known as the Hoodlums. Defeat them, then progress through the remaining story events. Mercenary Endeavors unlocks automatically after completing Chapter 3.

Tip

Chapter 3 contains six sidequests. Complete all six during your first playthrough to work toward Best in the Business and unlock Tifa's Alone at Last discovery event. During that event, choose Sporty or Exotic for Tifa's outfit if you're following the Platinum Roadmap's recommended bridal dress order. You can also earn Heavenly Dart Player at Seventh Heaven and begin collecting music discs for Disc Jockey.

Warning

Mercenary Endeavors cannot be missed, but the choices you make during Chapter 3 affect Tifa's bridal outfit later in Chapter 9. For Dressed to the Nines, finish Chapter 3 after selecting your preferred outfit so the choice is preserved when using Chapter Select. Cloud came to the slums looking for work. Within a few hours, he's finding lost cats and collecting payments from neighbors. Mercenary life isn't quite what SOLDIER recruitment posters promised.

How to Unlock

Complete Chapter 9, The Town That Never Sleeps. Cloud and Aerith travel to Wall Market to find Tifa and gain access to Don Corneo's mansion. Follow the main story objectives through the Collapsed Expressway, solve the robotic-arm puzzles, and explore Wall Market. You'll eventually enter the Corneo Colosseum, where Cloud and Aerith must win a series of battles culminating in the Hell House boss fight. Hell House changes its elemental affinities throughout the battle. Use Assess to identify its current weakness and attack with the appropriate magic rather than relying entirely on physical damage. After winning the tournament, continue the story through Madame M's preparations and the Honeybee Inn sequence. Once Cloud's disguise is complete, proceed to Don Corneo's mansion and finish the remaining story events. Never the Bride unlocks automatically after completing Chapter 9.

Tip

Chapter 9 contains several important Platinum objectives, including Sultan of Squat, Dancing Queen, Returning Champion, and bridal outfit progress for Dressed to the Nines. During your first playthrough, follow the quest path involving The Party Never Stops and A Dynamite Body. The former is required for The Johnny Experience. Immediately after defeating Hell House, return to the Colosseum and complete Aerith's available solo challenge before progressing too far into the story. This is important for unlocking the Pride and Joy Prototype challenge later.

Warning

Never the Bride cannot be missed, but Chapter 9 contains mutually exclusive sidequests. You'll need Chapter Select to complete the alternate quest path for Best in the Business. Make a manual save before the Honeybee Inn dance. Earning Dancing Queen requires a strong performance, and failing means replaying the sequence. Remember that Cloud's bridal outfit depends on which Chapter 9 sidequests you complete. Cloud has survived military operations, giant robots, and collapsing infrastructure. Now he must conquer Wall Market's most terrifying challenge: looking fabulous under pressure.

How to Unlock

Complete Chapter 4, Mad Dash. Chapter 4 begins with Cloud joining Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge on a motorcycle mission through Midgar. During the opening sequence, defeat pursuing Shinra troops and survive the motorcycle battle against Roche. After reaching the residential district, follow Jessie and complete the mission objectives while fighting Shinra security forces. You'll eventually face Roche again, this time in a traditional combat encounter. Use Cloud's Punisher Mode to counter his melee attacks and pressure him whenever he leaves himself vulnerable. Return to the Sector 7 Slums and continue through the remaining story events, including the encounter with the mysterious Spectres. After completing the chapter's final objectives and departing for the next mission, Night on the Town unlocks automatically.

Tip

The motorcycle sequence is your opportunity to earn Biker Boy. Finish with minimal damage to receive Jessie's highest praise. Playing on Easy difficulty makes that challenge considerably more manageable. If you fail, you can retry Chapter 4 through Chapter Select after completing the story. Use the Roche duel to practice blocking, counterattacking, and switching between Cloud's combat modes. These skills become particularly valuable on Hard difficulty.

Warning

Night on the Town is a mandatory story trophy and cannot be missed. Biker Boy is a separate trophy with a performance requirement. Simply surviving the motorcycle sequence isn't enough to earn it. Jessie's idea of a relaxing evening involves high-speed motorcycle combat, breaking into a Shinra facility, and fighting a dramatic swordsman. At least nobody can accuse her of planning a boring date.

How to Unlock

Complete Chapter 16, The Belly of the Beast. Cloud, Tifa, and Barret finally reach Shinra Headquarters to rescue Aerith. Begin by fighting through the building's parking garage, defeating Shinra security officers and mechanical enemies. Once inside, progress through the lobby and upper floors while following the main story objectives. During Tifa's section in the lobby, you'll need to navigate an environmental puzzle to reach the reception area. Continue exploring Shinra Headquarters, gathering information, and locating the route to Hojo's laboratory. Eventually, you'll encounter Specimen H0512, a powerful experimental creature supported by smaller enemies. Focus on its vulnerable appendages to build pressure, eliminate supporting enemies when necessary, and use your strongest abilities during stagger opportunities. Defeat Specimen H0512 and complete the remaining story events to finish Chapter 16. No Appointment Needed unlocks automatically.

Tip

Chapter 16 contains several important collectibles. During Tifa's lobby sequence, look for a purple treasure chest containing her Purple Pain weapon. Instead of immediately climbing the ladder, explore the nearby monkey bars to reach it. You can also obtain Barret's EKG Cannon from Hart by paying him 10,000 gil after speaking with Mayor Domino. Both weapons are required for Weapons Expert.

Warning

No Appointment Needed cannot be missed, but Purple Pain is easily overlooked during the lobby sequence. You can revisit Chapter 16 through Chapter Select after completing the story, although collecting the weapon now avoids unnecessary repetition. Purple Pain also teaches True Strike, one of Tifa's most useful abilities for earning Staggering Feat. Cloud's rescue plan involves entering Shinra Headquarters without an appointment, fighting the security department, and wandering through corporate offices. Somehow, it's still more efficient than calling reception.

How to Unlock

Complete Chapter 1, No. 1 Reactor. The game begins with Cloud joining AVALANCHE on a mission to destroy one of Shinra's Mako Reactors. Follow Barret and the other AVALANCHE members through the reactor while defeating security officers, guard dogs, and mechanical enemies. Use Cloud's Punisher Mode against close-range opponents and switch to Barret when attacking distant targets. At the reactor's core, you'll face the Scorpion Sentinel, the chapter's main boss. Use Barret's Thunder magic to exploit its lightning weakness, take cover when it prepares its powerful laser attack, and target vulnerable parts when opportunities arise. After defeating the boss, plant the explosive and escape the reactor before the countdown expires. Onetime Gig unlocks automatically after completing Chapter 1.

Tip

Use this chapter to practice switching characters, building ATB, and exploiting enemy weaknesses. You can also earn Warming Up, Weakened Resolve, Bonds of Friendship, and Staggering Start during the opening mission.

Warning

Onetime Gig is a mandatory story trophy and cannot be missed. You don't need to complete any optional challenges or defeat the Scorpion Sentinel on a particular difficulty. Cloud's first mercenary assignment involves fighting a giant robot and outrunning an exploding reactor. That hourly rate suddenly seems negotiable.

How to Unlock

Complete Chapter 11, Haunted. Cloud, Tifa, and Aerith must cross the abandoned Train Graveyard to reach the Sector 7 support pillar. Follow the story objectives while exploring the derelict railway cars, activating switches, and moving trains to create new pathways. The area contains ghostly enemies that can be difficult to attack when they become temporarily immune to physical damage. Use magic and Assess to identify effective strategies. During the chapter, you'll encounter the Ghoul boss. Its physical and ghostly forms have different vulnerabilities, so adjust your attacks based on its current state. Later, you'll face Eligor, a dangerous enemy that attacks from a flying chariot. Use Ice magic to exploit its weakness and attack whenever it becomes vulnerable. Be prepared to deal with Reflect during the battle, as it can interfere with magic-based healing. Defeat Eligor and complete the remaining story objectives to finish Chapter 11. Paranormal Investigator unlocks automatically.

Tip

Equip Steal Materia before fighting Eligor. Aerith's Bladed Staff can only be obtained by stealing it from this boss. You'll need the weapon and its unique ability, Lustrous Shield, for Weapons Expert. Keep attempting Steal until you successfully obtain the weapon, then defeat Eligor normally. If you don't have Steal Materia yet, obtain it from Chadley after completing the required Battle Intel Report.

Warning

Paranormal Investigator cannot be missed, but Aerith's Bladed Staff is easily overlooked because it isn't found in a treasure chest or ordinary shop. You can return through Chapter Select after completing the story, but doing so requires replaying much of Chapter 11. Confirm that you've successfully stolen the Bladed Staff before defeating Eligor. Ghosts, haunted trains, and a flying chariot boss. At this point, Cloud should really ask whether his mercenary contract covers supernatural hazards.

How to Unlock

Complete Chapter 14, In Search of Hope. Cloud, Tifa, and Barret regroup after the events in Sector 7 and begin preparing to rescue Aerith from Shinra Headquarters. Chapter 14 offers one of the largest opportunities for optional exploration and sidequests in Final Fantasy VII Remake. Follow the main story until you regain access to the Sector 5 Slums, Sector 6 Slums, and Wall Market. Complete the available sidequests, gather useful equipment, and prepare your party before continuing toward Shinra Headquarters. Eventually, Leslie will guide the party into the sewers to recover an important item. Progress through the tunnels and defeat Abzu for a second time. Use Fire magic, powerful abilities, and effective stagger management to overcome the encounter. After escaping the sewers, return to the surface and proceed toward the wall marked with Avalanche graffiti. Climb the wall to complete Chapter 14 and unlock Picking Up the Pieces.

Tip

Complete all nine Chapter 14 sidequests during your first playthrough. This is important for Best in the Business and provides the safest route to Divine Gratitude. Before climbing the wall, collect the Letter from the Guardian Angel from the ground near the final objective. Picking it up unlocks Divine Gratitude and rewards an extremely useful Elemental Materia. Chapter 14 also contains Whack-a-Box Wunderkind and Peeress of Pull-Ups. Complete both minigame challenges before moving on.

Warning

Picking Up the Pieces cannot be missed, but climbing the wall ends your opportunity to explore Chapter 14 during that playthrough. The game provides a point-of-no-return warning before you leave. Treat it seriously and finish your available sidequests, minigames, and collectible hunting first. You can return through Chapter Select after completing the story, but that means repeating portions of the chapter. The world is falling apart, Aerith has been kidnapped, and Cloud still has time to help people find missing chocobos. A true professional never abandons his side hustle.

How to Unlock

Complete Chapter 5, Dogged Pursuit. Cloud, Tifa, and Barret begin their next mission aboard a train heading toward Mako Reactor 5. After Shinra's security systems identify the group, you'll be forced to escape onto the railway tracks and continue toward the reactor on foot. Follow the route through the maintenance tunnels while fighting Shinra soldiers, mechanical enemies, and security systems. Pay attention to Stamp graffiti and environmental clues that help guide you through the underground passages. Near the end of the chapter, you'll encounter the Crab Warden, a large mechanical boss guarding the railway. Use Lightning magic against its mechanical components and target its legs to pressure and stagger it. When it exposes additional weaponry, adjust your positioning to avoid its attacks while continuing to exploit its weakness. Defeat the Crab Warden and proceed toward Mako Reactor 5 to complete Chapter 5. Plan E unlocks automatically.

Tip

Keep Lightning Materia equipped on at least one character. Many mechanical enemies throughout Midgar are vulnerable to lightning damage. Barret's ranged attacks are useful against difficult-to-reach targets, while Tifa excels at building pressure and increasing damage during stagger windows. Look for vending machines containing music discs as you progress through the tunnels.

Warning

Plan E is story-related and cannot be missed. You don't need to complete any special objectives or defeat the Crab Warden on a particular difficulty. However, learning its attack patterns now will help when you return for the mandatory Hard Mode playthrough. Shinra's train security system has one flaw: detecting Cloud just means he gets to fight his way through an entirely different section of the city. Excellent security, questionable results.

How to Unlock

Complete Chapter 8, Budding Bodyguard. After the events at Mako Reactor 5, Cloud awakens inside the Sector 5 church and meets Aerith. Follow the story objectives to escape the church, avoid Shinra's pursuit, and escort Aerith through the Sector 5 Slums. You'll eventually arrive at the neighborhood surrounding the Leaf House, where several optional sidequests become available. Continue helping Aerith and progressing through the chapter until you're ready to return to her house. Along the way, you'll face Reno and later Rude. Use Cloud's Punisher Mode to counter melee attacks and switch characters when an enemy begins focusing its attention on your current party member. After completing the remaining story events and leaving Aerith's house, Chapter 8 concludes. Reunited unlocks automatically.

Tip

Complete all six Chapter 8 sidequests during your first playthrough. This earns progress toward Best in the Business and determines Aerith's most elaborate bridal outfit for Dressed to the Nines. The Kids on Patrol sidequest unlocks A Verified Hero, which introduces Whack-a-Box and allows you to earn Crate Annihilator. This is also an excellent chapter for collecting music discs, meeting Chadley, and completing additional Battle Intel Reports.

Warning

Reunited cannot be missed, but the number of Chapter 8 sidequests you complete determines which outfit Aerith wears in Chapter 9. For the recommended Platinum route, complete all six quests during your first playthrough, then use Chapter Select later for the other two dress variations. Finish the chapter before jumping elsewhere if you need its sidequest choices preserved for the dress route. Cloud's newest bodyguard assignment involves protecting a flower seller from helicopters, elite Shinra operatives, and a surprisingly dangerous trip through the rooftops. He really should start charging overtime.

How to Unlock

Help decorate the Leaf House with a floral arrangement during Chapter 8, Budding Bodyguard. After meeting Aerith, follow the main story objectives through the Sector 5 Slums until you reach her house. Cloud and Aerith will visit her flower garden, where Aerith asks Cloud to help choose flowers for the children at the Leaf House. Select the flowers you prefer and accompany Aerith to deliver them. Continue progressing through the chapter until the sidequests become available. Later, while traveling back toward Aerith's house, you'll pass the Leaf House again. A woman outside will stop Cloud and show him the completed flower arrangement. Say It with Flowers unlocks automatically after this interaction.

Tip

The flowers you choose affect the appearance of the arrangement, but you don't need a particular combination to earn the trophy. Simply follow the story objectives and continue through Chapter 8. While exploring the Sector 5 Slums, complete all six available sidequests to work toward Best in the Business and Aerith's bridal outfits for Dressed to the Nines.

Warning

Say It with Flowers is story-related and cannot be missed during normal progression. Delivering the flowers isn't the exact moment the trophy unlocks. Continue through the chapter until the Leaf House representative shows you the finished arrangement. You don't need to reload or repeat the flower-selection sequence if the trophy doesn't appear immediately. Cloud has fought giant robots and escaped exploding reactors, but today his most important assignment is helping Aerith arrange flowers. A surprisingly peaceful addition to his mercenary résumé.

How to Unlock

Complete Chapter 10, Rough Waters. After the events at Don Corneo's mansion, Cloud, Tifa, and Aerith find themselves trapped in the sewers beneath Midgar. The chapter begins with a battle against Abzu, a powerful monster that uses physical attacks, water-based abilities, and environmental hazards. Use Fire magic to exploit Abzu's elemental weakness and concentrate your attacks whenever the boss becomes pressured. Watch for its charging attacks and take advantage of opportunities to stagger it. Keep your party healed throughout the encounter, especially when Abzu begins using stronger attacks. After defeating Abzu, navigate the sewer tunnels, operate the drainage controls, and solve the environmental puzzles needed to reopen blocked pathways. Continue following the main story objectives until the party reaches the exit. Sewer Survivor unlocks automatically after completing Chapter 10.

Tip

Equip Fire Materia before the Abzu encounter. Elemental weaknesses are especially valuable for building pressure and reducing lengthy boss fights. Aerith provides excellent ranged magic and healing support, while Tifa can build stagger quickly and exploit openings. Use this chapter to practice managing three characters simultaneously. Efficient ATB usage and character switching become essential during Hard Mode.

Warning

Sewer Survivor is a mandatory story trophy and cannot be missed. Abzu can deal substantial damage with its charging attacks, so avoid clustering your characters when possible. On Hard difficulty, items are disabled and MP recovery is limited. Conserve resources and rely on efficient healing abilities rather than repeatedly casting expensive spells. After surviving an encounter with Don Corneo, Cloud's reward is a sewer full of monsters. Midgar's hospitality department really needs work.

How to Unlock

Obtain three different bridal candidate outfits during Chapter 9. As part of the main story, Cloud, Tifa, and Aerith prepare to infiltrate Don Corneo's mansion. Each character receives a special outfit, with its appearance determined by decisions made throughout the game. Tifa's outfit depends on your Chapter 3 choices. Completing all six sidequests unlocks the Alone at Last discovery event, where you can choose Mature, Sporty, or Exotic. Aerith's outfit depends on how many sidequests you complete during Chapter 8. Cloud's outfit depends on the optional sidequest route you follow during Chapter 9. Continue through Chapter 9 until you've seen Tifa, Aerith, and Cloud wearing their respective bridal outfits. Once all three outfits have been recorded, Snappy Dresser unlocks automatically. You don't need to obtain any particular combination of outfits for this trophy.

Tip

Use your first playthrough to begin working toward Dressed to the Nines, which requires all nine possible bridal outfits. For an efficient route, choose Sporty or Exotic for Tifa in Chapter 3, complete all six Chapter 8 sidequests for Aerith's red dress, and complete The Party Never Stops and A Dynamite Body in Chapter 9 for Cloud's corresponding outfit. After completing the story, Chapter Select allows you to make different choices and collect the remaining outfits. Check System, then Play Log, to track how many dresses you've obtained.

Warning

Snappy Dresser is earned through mandatory story progression and cannot be missed. However, Dressed to the Nines requires all three outfit variations for each character, so careless decisions can result in additional chapter replays. When changing outfit requirements through Chapter Select, complete Chapters 3 and 8 after making the necessary choices so those decisions carry forward. Cloud has spent most of his career wearing the same dark outfit and carrying an oversized sword. Don Corneo's audition finally gives him an excuse to expand his wardrobe.

How to Unlock

Stagger an enemy for the first time. Every staggerable enemy has a stagger gauge displayed beneath its health bar. Attacking an enemy gradually fills this gauge, but exploiting elemental weaknesses and using certain abilities can increase it much faster. Once the gauge becomes completely full, the enemy enters a staggered state, temporarily leaving it vulnerable to increased damage. You can unlock Staggering Start during the opening section of Chapter 1 by repeatedly attacking a Shinra security enemy, such as a Guard Dog. Use Cloud's normal attacks to build ATB, then perform Focused Thrust to increase the target's stagger gauge. Continue attacking until the gauge fills completely. Staggering Start unlocks immediately when the enemy becomes staggered.

Tip

Use Assess Materia, obtained in Chapter 3, to identify enemy weaknesses and learn how to pressure them effectively. When an enemy becomes Pressured, abilities such as Cloud's Focused Thrust and Tifa's Focused Strike can build stagger rapidly. Learning how to stagger enemies is essential for later bosses and the Staggering Feat trophy, which requires increasing a staggered enemy's damage multiplier to 300%.

Warning

The trophy requires a full stagger, not merely placing an enemy into the Pressured state. Very weak enemies may die before their stagger gauge fills. If that happens, choose a tougher enemy and concentrate on building stagger instead of dealing maximum damage. Staggering Start is easily earned through normal progression. Nothing says you've mastered combat quite like hitting an enemy so hard that it temporarily forgets how to fight back.

How to Unlock

Complete Chapter 12, Fight for Survival. Cloud, Tifa, and Aerith return to Sector 7 as Shinra launches its attack on the support pillar holding up the plate. Follow the main story objectives and fight your way up the pillar while dealing with Shinra soldiers, aerial enemies, and heavily armed security forces. During the climb, you'll switch between party members as the story unfolds. Continue advancing toward the top while using Barret's ranged attacks to eliminate flying enemies and Cloud's abilities to handle close-range threats. At the summit, Cloud and Tifa face Reno and Rude in a major boss encounter. Focus on pressuring one opponent at a time rather than spreading damage between both Turks. Use Punisher Mode and Counterstance to punish Reno's melee attacks, then switch targets when Rude becomes vulnerable. Defeat both bosses and complete the remaining story events to finish Chapter 12. The Collapse unlocks automatically.

Tip

Keep Lightning Materia and Healing Materia equipped, and use Assess to identify each boss's vulnerabilities. When Rude attacks from his helicopter, use Barret's ranged attacks to pressure the aircraft and create opportunities to heal. During the final confrontation, concentrate your strongest abilities on one Turk to reduce the number of enemies attacking your party.

Warning

The Collapse is a mandatory story trophy and cannot be missed. You cannot prevent the major story events at the end of Chapter 12. Your performance during the pillar defense doesn't change the outcome or affect trophy eligibility. On Hard difficulty, conserve MP during the climb so you have enough resources for the Reno and Rude encounter. Shinra's latest business strategy involves dropping an entire city sector on its customers. Their public relations department has officially given up.

How to Unlock

Complete Chapter 15, The Day Midgar Stood Still. After leaving the Sector 6 Slums, Cloud, Tifa, and Barret begin climbing toward Shinra Headquarters through the wreckage of the collapsed Sector 7 plate. Follow the main story objectives across damaged highways, collapsed buildings, and construction platforms. Use the grappling gun whenever prompted to reach higher areas and continue toward the Shinra Building. You'll encounter numerous Shinra security forces along the way, including flying enemies that are easier to defeat using Barret's ranged attacks. Near the end of the chapter, you'll face the Valkyrie, a powerful airborne mechanical boss. Use Lightning magic to exploit its weakness and control Barret when the boss moves beyond Cloud and Tifa's reach. Avoid its powerful ranged attacks and take advantage of opportunities to pressure and stagger it. Defeat the Valkyrie and finish the remaining story objectives to complete Chapter 15. The Pizza in the Sky unlocks automatically.

Tip

Equip Barret with Lightning Materia and use his ranged abilities against the Valkyrie. Keep your party spread out when possible to reduce the impact of large-area attacks. Inspect vending machines along the climbing route for music discs you still need for Disc Jockey.

Warning

The Pizza in the Sky is a mandatory story trophy and cannot be missed. On Hard difficulty, avoid wasting MP against ordinary enemies. Save enough resources for the Valkyrie encounter, where reliable healing and elemental damage are especially valuable. Climbing hundreds of feet through a destroyed city is difficult enough without Shinra sending a flying weapons platform to complain about trespassing.

How to Unlock

Complete Chapter 7, A Trap Is Sprung. After reaching Mako Reactor 5, Cloud, Tifa, and Barret must sabotage the reactor and escape before Shinra's forces overwhelm them. Progress through the facility while fighting security troops and mechanical enemies. During the chapter, you'll discover several keycards that can be used to remove components from the Airbuster, the enormous robot waiting at the end of the reactor. Removing certain components reduces the boss's available attacks or changes its combat capabilities, making the upcoming encounter easier. Continue through the reactor until you reach the security system requiring Cloud, Tifa, and Barret to operate synchronized switches. Once you've opened the main door, advance to the Airbuster encounter. Defeat the Airbuster to complete Chapter 7 and unlock Trapped like Sewer Rats.

Tip

Use the available keycards to disable Airbuster components before the fight. Reducing its Big Bomber ammunition and other dangerous capabilities can make the encounter more manageable, particularly on Hard difficulty. Lightning magic is useful against the mechanical boss, and Barret can attack when the Airbuster moves out of melee range.

Warning

This trophy is story-related and cannot be missed. Before leaving the switch puzzle area, access the optional Waste Recovery room by completing the additional synchronized switch sequences. Opening that room unlocks In Lockstep. Skipping it won't prevent story progression, but you'll need Chapter Select to return later. Shinra builds an elaborate trap, gives you the tools to dismantle its boss, and then provides several convenient terminals to help. Their security department may need a performance review.

How to Unlock

Win your first battle. Warming Up is one of the earliest trophies available in Final Fantasy VII Remake. At the beginning of Chapter 1, Cloud jumps from the train and immediately encounters a group of Shinra security officers. Follow the introductory combat instructions and defeat the enemies using Cloud's normal attacks. Press Square to attack and build your ATB gauge. Once you have enough ATB, you can also use abilities such as Focused Thrust to deal additional damage. Defeat every enemy in the encounter to win the battle. Warming Up unlocks automatically after your first victory.

Tip

Use the opening battles to become familiar with Cloud's two combat modes. Press Triangle to switch between Operator Mode and Punisher Mode. Punisher Mode delivers stronger melee attacks and allows Cloud to counter many close-range attacks while guarding. Practicing these mechanics early will help with tougher enemies and bosses throughout the game.

Warning

There are no special requirements beyond winning a battle. You don't need to play on a particular difficulty, use a specific ability, or defeat the enemies within a time limit. This trophy is effectively unmissable during normal story progression. One battle completed. Approximately an entire corporation's security department still to go. Cloud is officially warmed up.

How to Unlock

Exploit an enemy's elemental weakness. Enemies in Final Fantasy VII Remake have different strengths and weaknesses, including vulnerabilities to Fire, Ice, Lightning, and Wind. To earn this trophy, hit an enemy with an elemental attack that matches its weakness. One of the earliest opportunities is the Scorpion Sentinel boss fight in Chapter 1. The Scorpion Sentinel is a mechanical enemy vulnerable to Lightning. During the encounter, switch to Barret and use his Thunder spell when you have sufficient ATB and MP. Successfully hitting the Scorpion Sentinel with Lightning magic exploits its weakness and unlocks Weakened Resolve. You can also earn this trophy against many other enemies throughout the game. After obtaining Assess Materia from Chadley in Chapter 3, use Assess to reveal an enemy's elemental vulnerabilities and choose the corresponding spell.

Tip

Many mechanical enemies are weak to Lightning, human enemies to Fire, and flying enemies to Wind. These are useful general patterns, but always check with Assess because exceptions exist. Exploiting elemental weaknesses also helps pressure enemies and build their stagger gauges more efficiently. Keep different elemental Materia available so your party can adapt to different encounters.

Warning

You must successfully strike an enemy with an element it is actually weak against. Casting Fire, Ice, Lightning, or Wind magic against an enemy without the corresponding weakness won't unlock the trophy. Assess isn't required for Weakened Resolve, but it makes identifying the correct element much easier. Shinra spends a fortune developing advanced combat machines, only for Barret to discover that throwing a little electricity at them works wonders. Someone should tell the engineering department.