Best Early-Game Build for Red XIII in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth (FF7)

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth has a unique cast of characters, and each of them brings their various fighting styles to the table. To make getting through the early game a breeze, it’s worth utilizing their skill sets as best you can. Here’s our best early game build for Red XIII in FF7 Rebirth.

Best Equipment, Materia, and Folios for Red XIII in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth (FF7)

In FF7 Rebirth, Red XIII is a demon at up-close-and-personal combat and, for those skilled at blocking and parrying, can become even deadlier with his unique Vengeance Mode ability. Although he lacks ranged attacks, his speed and aggressive fighting style will ensure that few enemies can escape his savage assaults.

Best Early Equipment for Red XIII

• Weapon – Red XIII starts with his Mythril Collar, a more-than-adequate weapon that can carry him through the early stages of the game.
• Armor – Most early-game armor works fine for Cloud, like Metal Bracer or Leather Bangle. When you can obtain it, the Queensguard Bangle provides great defense and has the bonus of including two linked Materia slots.
• Accessory – Any accessory that increases Red’s attack power is valuable, like the Power Wristguards. Later on, the Aureate Pinion can be used to increase his speed even greater.

Best Early Materia for Red XIII

• HP Up – Red XIII will be face-to-face often with his enemies, meaning he’s bound to take damage here and there. Increasing his HP pool will help deal with that.
• Precision Defense Focus – With Vengeance Mode at his disposal, Red XIII excels when utilizing blocking and parrying. This Materia increases the window in which perfect parries can be done, making Red a formidable fighter.
• Fire/Ice/Lightning with Elemental Materia – Linking a magic spell with Elemental Materia will imbue the user’s attacks with that element, which is fantastic with Red XIII, as he’ll be slashing and clawing his enemies to pieces quite often.
• Weapon Skill: Enduring Vengeance

Best Early Folios for Red XIII

• Syngery Skill: Wild Charge – A great skill to toss out when a deadly barrage is needed against an enemy.
• Max HP Up – Since Red XIII will be in the front lines, it’s always good to increase his health pool when available.
• Enhanced Counterspin – Increases the damage of Red’s counterspin ability, giving him even more AoE damage potential.
• Wind Current – Red XIII lacks in the ranged department, so adding elemental attacks that cost no MP will always help.
• Static Shock – For the same reasoning as above, this gives Red a ranged Lightning spell to cast without needing MP.

Red XIII is perfect for players who enjoy the thrill of fast-paced battles with the option to block, parry, and retaliate with deadly force. His Vengeance Mode enhances his offensive capabilities even further and allows him to sustain himself with self-healing attacks like Siphoned Fang. When you need to dish out true pain to your foes, Red XIII is the goodest boy.

For more guides on character skill sets, check out our guide on the best early-game builds for Barret in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.