Materia and party preparation
A starter guide to Final Fantasy VII: equip materia to gain commands, use linked slots for combinations, review equipment growth, keep a recovery option ready.
Original Final Fantasy VII and ports of that game; not Remake or Rebirth.
Equip Materia to gain commands
Magic and other abilities come from equipped Materia. Check weapon and armour slots when changing equipment so an upgrade does not leave you without a useful command.
Use linked slots for combinations
Support Materia works with compatible Materia in connected slots. Test a combination in an ordinary battle before relying on it during a boss fight.
Review equipment growth
Equipment differs in Materia slots and growth as well as attack or defence. Choose based on whether you need immediate battle strength or want to develop your Materia.
Keep a recovery option ready
Spread essential recovery across your party where possible. A single healer is less useful when that character is incapacitated and nobody else has an item or spell ready.
Recheck the slots after an equipment change
A new weapon or armour can change slot count, linked pairs and Materia growth. Refit essential commands before leaving the menu, and read which combinations need connected slots. Keep one recovery option outside the only character carrying healing magic. A higher attack value may be attractive for an immediate fight, while another piece can be better for growing Materia; choose the equipment for the job you actually intend to do.
Save before a story location changes access
The campaign expands well beyond Midgar, but major transitions can change whether a particular scene or item can be revisited. Use several save slots and inspect an area before leaving when collection matters. Optional recruits have their own acquisition sequences, and Enemy Skills need the Materia equipped for the relevant enemy attack. A general story victory does not automatically complete those side systems.