Play FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE first, then FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH if you want the story in sequence. Remake reimagines the Midgar portion of the story; Rebirth is the next entry, following Cloud and his companions into the wider world. The sequel is described as standalone, so you can start there, but you will miss the earlier narrative lead-in.
Which game should you play first?
For a newcomer, the clearest order is FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE followed by FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH. Square Enix identifies Rebirth as the second game in the remake project and describes Remake as covering the Midgar portion of the story. Square Enix’s Rebirth FAQ explains the sequence.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
You can begin with Rebirth if you already know the story or simply want to jump in: Square Enix describes it as a standalone experience. “Standalone” means it can be played on its own, not that it contains all the preceding character and story context. If you want a refresher before starting, Square Enix provides an official recap of Remake.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →What changed from Remake to Rebirth?
The story moves beyond Midgar
Remake reimagines events through the party’s departure from Midgar. Rebirth continues from that point and takes the group across the wider world. They are consecutive parts of the remake project, not interchangeable versions of the same stretch of the story. Square Enix’s series FAQ and Rebirth game page describe that progression.
#1 Best Overall
- Weight: 0.25 lbs
- Great Gift Idea.
- Satisfaction Ensured.
- Produced with the highest grade materials
- Great for everyday use.
Rebirth gives exploration more room
Remake is more directed and story-focused. Director Naoki Hamaguchi said the team added more freedom, choice, and exploration to Rebirth. Its wider setting supports regions to explore, side quests, optional battles, and minigames alongside the main story. In a Square Enix Blog interview published February 29, 2024, Hamaguchi put it this way: “We’ve definitely tried to respond to that and added many more layers of freedom, choice, and exploration into FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH.”
Combat evolves rather than being replaced
Both games combine fast-paced real-time action with strategic commands. Rebirth builds on that approach with Synergy abilities, which let two party members join together in attacks, and more ways for party members to interact in combat. The developers have said they adapted elements of the original game to fit Rebirth rather than reproducing its mechanics unchanged. See Square Enix’s combat overview and developer interview.
Rank #2
- Immerse yourself in the city of Midgar like never before, with improved textures, lighting, and background environments
- Players can switch between two game modes: o "Graphics Mode" prioritises 4K high-resolution graphics o "Performance Mode" prioritises smooth action at 60 frames per second
- Capture and share your memorable moments from the game with a fully customisable “Photo Mode”
- Players can enjoy immersive battles by using the DualSense PlayStation 5 controller with its haptic feedback integration
Choose based on the experience you want
| If you care most about… | Better fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Following the narrative from its beginning | Remake first | It provides the Midgar story that leads into Rebirth. |
| A more directed, story-focused experience | Remake | Its structure is more focused on the main story. |
| Exploration and optional activities | Rebirth | It offers more freedom in what to explore and do next. |
| Jumping in without playing the first game | Rebirth is possible | Square Enix calls it standalone, though prior story context is missing; the official recap can help. |
Editions and platforms: check the version you are buying
Edition and format availability differs by game and platform, and current listings can vary by region. Check the store for your platform before buying.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE
Square Enix lists Remake INTERGRADE as available physically and digitally on PS5, and digitally on Steam and Epic Games Store. The publisher describes enhancements including improved textures, lighting, backgrounds, graphics and performance modes, photo mode, and DualSense haptics. Its platform and edition support page has the details. Check the specific platform listing to confirm what is included in the edition offered in your region.
Rank #3
FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH
Square Enix’s launch guide describes the PS5 Standard Edition as a physical two-disc release and also lists digital editions. Its physical Deluxe Edition includes a steelbook, mini soundtrack CD, and physical artbook; the Collector’s Edition includes a figure and other physical collectibles. Those are publisher-described contents, not confirmation that any particular retailer currently has stock. See the official Rebirth editions guide. Square Enix’s PC page describes digital editions for Steam and Epic Games Store; check its PC game page for platform details.
Buying both games together
Square Enix has documented a digital PC Twin Pack containing Remake and Rebirth. The cited product information does not establish current price or availability, so check the relevant store listing rather than assuming the bundle is currently offered. It is a digital PC bundle, not a physical PS5 package. See the official Rebirth page.
Rank #4
- Immerse yourself in the city of Midgar like never before, with improved textures, lighting, and background environments
- Players can switch between two game modes: "Graphics Mode" prioritizes 4K high-resolution graphics; "Performance Mode" prioritizes smooth action at 60 frames per second
- Capture and share your memorable moments from the game with a fully customizable “Photo Mode”
- Players can enjoy immersive battles by using the DualSense PlayStation 5 controller with its haptic feedback integration
- Play the brand-new episode featuring Yuffie and experience new combat and gameplay additions
Optional progression settings in Rebirth
For players who want less friction, Square Enix’s update notice lists optional Streamlined Progression settings, including more forgiving combat and item options, as well as New Game – Head Start. The notice says settings can be toggled by option. Because these features are version-dependent, consult the official update notice for the latest details on your platform.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The Amazon Exclusive Edition includes a FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH PS5 controller skin (inside the case) featuring Cloud and Sephiroth. This PS5 controller skin provides full coverage without buttons or sensor interference.
- An Expansive World: As the party searches for Sephiroth, explore the beautiful, expansive regions of the world and open up new areas to discover through unique forms of transportation
- Deepen their relationships to unleash powerful team based combos
- An Evolved Battle System: Combine strategic thinking with thrilling action combat alongside your comrades, including newly added characters
- Beyond the Walls of Fate: In this standalone adventure for fans and newcomers, Cloud and his comrades venture across the planet, their fates unwritten, making each step outside the dystopian city of Midgar fresh and mysterious
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
