Party characters and combat roles
The original game’s nine playable characters, weapon styles and party-building considerations.
Spoiler notice: This guide discusses story progression or late-game content.
Original Final Fantasy VII and ports of that game; not Remake or Rebirth.
| Entry | Role or use |
|---|---|
| Cloud | Sword user and flexible front-line character |
| Barret | Gun-arm user |
| Tifa | Close-range fighter |
| Aerith | Magic-oriented support |
| Red XIII | Flexible physical and magic support |
| Yuffie | Optional ranged fighter |
| Cait Sith | Megaphone user with unusual Limits |
| Vincent | Optional gun user |
| Cid | Spear user |
Cloud
Sword user and flexible front-line character. A dependable physical attacker who can also carry support Materia. Avoid putting every essential healing and revival option on him when other party members can share them.
Barret
Gun-arm user. Many of his weapons allow safe back-row attacks, but not every gun-arm weapon is long range. Check the actual weapon before assuming row placement has no damage cost.
Tifa
Close-range fighter. Her Limit system uses timed slots. Practise the timing and keep her equipment current if she is a regular attacker rather than an occasional substitute.
Aerith
Magic-oriented support. Her magic strengths and supportive Limits make her valuable while available. Materia is transferable, so keep the wider party capable of healing too.
Red XIII
Flexible physical and magic support. Can fill gaps in a team rather than requiring one fixed role. Pick Materia according to the next encounter and the equipment you currently own.
Yuffie
Optional ranged fighter. Recruitment involves an optional encounter and correct follow-up choices. Her ranged weapons and later side content make her useful beyond simply expanding the roster.
Cait Sith
Megaphone user with unusual Limits. His Limit mechanics can be unpredictable. Keep a reliable recovery plan when experimenting rather than making a first boss attempt depend on a favourable outcome.
Vincent
Optional gun user. His Limits transform him and reduce direct control. Consider enemy resistances before transforming, especially when a form’s elemental attack could be counterproductive.
Cid
Spear user. A strong physical option with useful multi-hit Limit progression. Equip supportive Materia elsewhere when you want him concentrating on direct damage.
This is a curated reference to important entries, not a complete database. Follow the edition note: later remakes may change availability, names or mechanics.