opens with a look into the past. Five years into the past, to be precise. Much like the extensive flashback sequence from the original game, Cloud regales the party with the evܫents that led to Sephiroth's heel turn and the destruction of his and Tifa's hometown.

This time, Sephiroth is playable. That alone makes FF7 Rebirth's first chapter an hour-and-change for the ages. But though Sephiroth will most assuredly curbstomp muc🌳h of what dares to stand against you, there's still plenty you'll want to know as you open the door to the middle installment in this epic trilogy.

Brave Weird World

But before we get this flashback show on the road, we're treated to something entirely different. Zack's playable sequence that kicks off Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth wꦬas hidden pre-launch even from the press. That's dedication. So it's pretty likely that most players will be surprised heඣre.

And Zack is surprised, too. Midgar is in shambles, and most of Barret's Avalanche cell is dead, which doesn't quite track with wh🌞at's going on over at🧸 'our' side of the pond!

After the breathtaking opening scene, take control of Zack and follow the largely linear path forward through the wreckage. Along the way, you'll encounter several small groups of enemies, but Zack is a talented guy. Just evade as best as possible while building the ATB gauge.

Y♛ou can boot up the main menu when you're playing as Zack, but your only option🌺s involve saving, loading a file, and adjusting visuals, audio, and so forth.

The fight at the end of this short stretch is a harder ordeal. Near the chopper wreckage, a fair number of foes will move in for the kill. Loop around them whenever possible, taking advantage of Zack's relative nimbleness, and only use regular attacks enough to build the gauge.

It's better to play cautiously than🐎 recklessly here. Other than that, there's not much to say - this is a quick 🌳little prologue!

Homecoming

Now we're in the thick of things. Your first battle in the flashback is as Sephiroth, and your enemy is a single Disgorgon. This thing would hit your team back in Kalm like a truck, but all you have to do here is spam physical attacks and hit Counter and Parry a couple of times.

With the Disgorgon now mincemeat, Sephiroth and Cloud arrive in Nibelheim. You're soon given free rein to explore, so take advantage of this opportunity. Make sure you visit Tifa's house and go upstairs, where you'll find a piano. You can jam on it, leading to extra dialogue.

If you interact with the woman who gives Cloud sandwiches three times, you'll get a sandwich each time. It's funny stuff, especially since Cloud doesn't say a word - he just gobbles them down. You even get a message saying you're too full if you eat them all, though it doesn't affect anything.

When you're ready to hit the hay (which you can do anytime after visiting Cloud's mother), see the scene with Sephiroth on the second floor of the inn. Don't miss the chance to chat with Zangan, Tifa's martial arts instructor, on the first floor.

In the morning, some cutscenes will play, and then you'll be in control of Cloud as Sephiroth, Tifa, and two Shinra grunts begin their trek up the mountain. If you want to make sure you don't miss any of the cool credits that pop up on the screen, feel free to stand still a while.

Climb Time

You'll soon be given a taste of Cloud's combat skills five years ago, and... they're actually pretty good. The game will tell you what to do for most of these first skirmishes, but take the time to hammer down the fundamentals of dodging and countering, especially against aerial foes.

You can tinker with Cloud's Materia loadout a little bit if you boot up the menu. There are some good pieces here. We recommend you keep the Level Boost Materia linked to another elemental Materia, as it will grant Cloud better versions of these spells. They're all quite handy here.

When you're told to have Cloud find a way forward, your real goal is simply to... follow the path until you reach a dead end. There'll be a handful of fights in the meantime, and numerous crates to destroy with your sword for treasure, similar to the system in Remake.

Upon reaching the dead end, you'll be prompted to return to the rest of the team. Do so; after the rope bridge scene, press forward, this time with Sephiroth alongside you, as you blaze a path to the peak.

Stick with Sephiroth as your active party member for an easier time. He is, predictably, a powerhouse. You might still get hit a fair few times while you're learning the basics; this is, unfortunately, especially true if you're playing on the 30fps Graphics Mode, which is a little less responsive.

Taking Measurements

The route to the Nibel Mako Reactor is largely linear. Keep an eye out for Shinra crates to bash with Cloud's sword. As in Remake, these sometimes contain valuable items. Since this is set in the past, the only items you'll find are restorative consumables, but every little bit counts.

Soon, you'll be outside the Mako Measurement Facility. Sephiroth will handle entry. Follow the still-linear course until you see a menacing shadow ahead of you. You'll battle this foe alone. Have Cloud enter Punisher Mode, holding down R1 to block, which will deflect most hits.

When the Screamer, as it's called, uses Hammer Throw, avoid standing directly in front of it to avoid the bulk of the damage. You've got Cure, so use it when needed! Fire will pressure the Screamer, making quick work of it.

Departing from the Mako Measurement Facility will bring you close to a cutscene involving the rope bridge. When you come to, you'll be on a different part of the map.

Those yellow "steps" you'll be encountering are for climbing cliffs.💛 You're going to be bumping into several out here, once🎃 you're past the shimmying bit.

Don't miss the Magnify Materia a little past the summit of those climbing ledges. Extending the range of Cloud's Blizzard Materia is an excellent idea for the upcoming battles.

Monster Mash

You'll be battling multiple Screamers as you climb the ladders near the Mako Reactor, so use the skills you acquired going one-on-one earlier. There's a Precision Defense Materia halfway up the ladders,

Atop some covered crates to your left at the last level prior to the area with the second round of Mako vacuuming, look for a blue hue to obtain an Auto-Cast Materia. This one's good, too - it lets an uncontrolled ally automatically use the spell it's linked to.

That blue bench you'll see after the elevator ride and some more outdoor exploring is a rest spot, where you can recover your HP and MP. Use it, of course!

You'll be extra glad you did, since you're coming up on the game's first boss, the Materia Guardian. We have a full guide for how to defeat the Materia Guardian, so hop on over for our full analysis.

Broadly speaking, flank it whenever possible, cripple its legs when it climbs up, and control Sephiroth to hasten its downfall.

Into Darkness

Once you're inside the reactor with Tifa left behind, much of the remainder of the first chapter is rather on-rails. Witness the haunting cutscene inside the reactor after adjusting the valve.

When Cloud awakens, speak with the mayor and Zangan for som🌠e more ꦐdialogue that sheds light on Sephiroth's funk.

Exit the inn and chase the flashlight-wielding villagers to Shinra Manor. Make up for their fright by entering the foreboding structure yourself. There's not much to do here except to take a left and use the elevator.

Several locked doors will bar you from veering off-course en route to Sephiroth. Several cutscenes follow, but before chapter's end, you must navigate Cloud through the burning town.

It's scripted - you can't lose here - though that doesn't make it any less terrifying. And with that little doozy, Final Fantasy 7 ༒Rebirth's first chapter is official꧟ly behind you!