The buster sword (バスターソード, Basutāsōdo?)[note 1] is an iconic weapon in the Final Fantasy VII series, first appearing in Final Fantasy VII. It is the trademark weapon of Cloud Strife and was wielded before him by Zack Fair and Angeal Hewley. The buster sword serves as an iconic image for Cloud and Final Fantasy VII due to its massive size and is wielded by Cloud in most of his appearances.
Throughout the Final Fantasy VII series, the buster sword is often equippable, normally as Cloud's basic weapon. In the original Final Fantasy VII, it is his first and most basic weapon, but in the Final Fantasy VII remake project, with upgradeable weapons, the buster sword typically provides Cloud with rounded stats. The buster sword is also equipped by Zack in Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-, but is more relevant in the story than in gameplay.
The buster sword has also since appeared in several other games in the Final Fantasy series, connected with Cloud or otherwise.
History
Early history
The buster sword that eventually came to be used by Cloud and Zack[note 1] was forged by Angeal Hewley's father in the hopes that he would become an honorable warrior. He and wife, Gillian Hewley, were forced to borrow a lot of money, but in the process of returning the money, Angeal's father succumbed to fatigue.[2]
Throughout his life, Angeal treated the weapon more as a source of pride than a weapon to be used. He was pictured in many family photos holding the buster sword with pride and care.[2] He rarely used the weapon, reasoning to Zack that use of the weapon brought about "wear, tear, and rust".[3]
Genesis War
Due to SOLDIER cell degradation, Angeal eventually became Angeal Penance, which Zack defeated. An indebted and mortally wounded Angeal reverted to his human form once defeated by Zack and passed on the buster sword—the symbolic embodiment of his dreams and honor—to him before fading into the lifestream.[4]
Honoring Angeal, Zack only used the blunt side of the buster sword. During the Nibelheim Incident, when using it to defend Tifa Lockhart, he echoed Angeal's reasoning that this was to avoid wear, tear, and rust brought about by use. When Cloud Strife asked him about it, also commenting that he had rarely seen Zack use it, Zack responded that the sword was a symbol of his "dreams and honor", thanking Cloud for reminding him.[5]
When Zack was gunned down outside Midgar, he passed on the buster sword to Cloud, which represented his honor and dreams. He named Cloud his "living legacy" and proof of his life before passing away.[6]
Original continuity
Meteorfall
Cloud took on the buster sword thereafter, becoming a mercenary as he moved to Midgar for work, eventually joining Barret Wallace's Avalanche cell. Unlike Zack, who wore the buster sword on his back with the blade's edge is facing down, Cloud had the sword's blade facing out, possibly for quicker use of the blade itself. Cloud used the sword more regularly than Zack or Barret.
Post-crisis
The Buster Sword's appearance.
Sometime after Final Fantasy VII, Cloud placed the Buster Sword on the cliff where Zack had his last stand as a memorial. The sword rusts and becomes covered in dirt. In place of the buster sword, during Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, Cloud wielded the Fusion Swords, which took on the silhouette of the buster sword when connected.
During the ending of Advent Children Complete, Cloud moves the polished buster sword to the Sector 5 slums church.
Remake continuity
Cloud used the buster sword in Final Fantasy VII Remake and onward. During Remake, when Biggs offered to upgrade it, Cloud initially refused until Biggs convinced him that it could be modified to improve it. After Cloud used the modified version and approved of it, Biggs asked him about it, to which Cloud responded that he and the sword had "been through a lot", triggering a lapse in memory.[7]
Characteristics
Cloud by Tetsuya Nomura.
The buster sword is classified as an enormous broadsword. From tip to handle, it is approximately five to six feet long, with a single-edged large blade approximately one foot wide. In Cloud's Final Fantasy VII artwork, the blade is a lighter color on the bladed edge, while the rest of the blade is dark gray, and the handguard appears to be bolted or riveted into place. There are two holes near the handguard, variably said to be materia slots or where Cloud clips the sword onto his back. In more detailed iterations, the handle is a reddish knurled material. This design is used in most spin-off appearances. In the Kingdom Hearts series, Cloud wields a buster sword of this design wrapped in bandages.
Concept art for Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children.
In Compilation of Final Fantasy VII releases, namely Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children and Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-, the buster sword has a more detailed design. The blade is more visually split into two segments, with a darker side that tapers into the edged side. The handguard in this iteration is colored gold and has ornate swirl designs, the part of the blade bearing the two holes is raised slightly and sectioned off from the rest of the blade, and there is detailed plating set on the blade on each side along the blunt edge. The handle appears to be made of red leather. In Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII, this design is used with additional gold coloring along the raised section around the slots. In Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion, the buster sword design is reverted to how it appears in Final Fantasy VII, likely for continuity with the Final Fantasy VII remake project.
In Final Fantasy VII Remake, the weapon's design is an amalgam of the original and the Compilation version. It features the dark end leading to the blade with a taper as seen in the Compilation, along with the more defined linked materia slots and plating. The blade is now visibly sharpened perpendicularly to the edge, rather than parallel. The gold tinted segments at each end of the handle have been made silver, the materia slots are slightly different, and the lining around their raised area has been recolored to be uniform with the surrounding metal. The gold swirl designs adorning the width of the hilt have been removed, with a metal clasping taking their place, making it more faithful to the original design. The handle is wrapped in overlapping brown leather from the guard to the pommel. For the first time, the materia equipped onto the blade is visible.
The angle of the blade leading to the tip is approximately 137°.
Gameplay
Final Fantasy VII
The Buster Sword on the title screen.
The Buster Sword is Cloud's default weapon. It cannot be sold or thrown due to Cloud using it in cutscenes and minigames. The Buster Sword has a base power of 18 and a base accuracy of 96%. It has two linked Materia slots and deals Cut attribute damage.
On the title screen, the Buster Sword appears suspended over the ground surrounded by a black background. Buster Sword also represents the Weapon is Broken handicap on the Battle Square handicap reels.
Final Fantasy VII Remake
The Buster Sword is again Cloud's default weapon. Its menu description alludes to the name of the original game's normal battle theme, "Those Who Fight". The sword has a heavily worn exterior, with innumerable scratches visible along its length. For the first time, the materia slotted into it is visible on the in-game model. In the final scene of the game, it is covered in grime and the handle is worn where it is held.
The Buster Sword has balanced stats toward both physical and magic damage. Because weapons in Remake are upgradeable and Cloud's playstyle makes him viable for both types of damage, it is a good option for Cloud throughout the game. The weapon teaches the Focused Thrust ability.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
The Buster Sword is again Cloud's default weapon and teaches Focused Thrust. Its design remains the same as in Remake. The sword similarly has balanced stats. Buster Sword can now also be used by Zack.
Gilgamesh carries a replica of the Buster Sword on his back called the "Busted Sword". During the "Brutal Challenge: Rulers of the Outer Worlds" from Chadley's Combat Simulator, he wields it in combat.
Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-
Striking with the Buster Sword.
The Buster Sword is obtained naturally in the story for Zack.
In the PlayStation Portable version, Zack's weapon is merely cosmetic. In Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion, Zack gains a new battle stance with the Buster Sword, reminiscent of Cloud's Punisher Mode in Final Fantasy VII Remake, where he can expend AP to guard and counter-attack and use strong attacks that hit harder and make him immune to interruption.
It is possible to battle Minerva before having obtained the Buster Sword in the story, especially in New Game+. The Minerva battle starts off with a cutscene showing Zack with the Buster Sword, even if it hasn't been obtained yet, and because the cutscene transfers directly into the battle, the Buster Sword remains on Zack for the battle.
Final Fantasy VII G-Bike
Cloud wields the Buster Sword.
Cloud brandished the Buster Sword and attacked enemies while riding the Hardy-Daytona. It used the design seen in the Compilation with the ornamental base.
Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis
The Buster Sword is Cloud's default weapon. It carries the Braver Core Ability. It cannot be drawn, but copies of the weapon for augmentation can be obtained from the Crisis Medal exchange. Only one copy (worth 200 Buster Sword Parts) may be obtained per calendar month.
A separate, similar weapon exists for Zack in the form of the Buster Sword Origin, which must be obtained by the same means and with the same caveats.
Other appearances
Final Fantasy IX
Zidane examining a weapon that resembles the Buster Sword.
A weapon similar to the Buster Sword can be found in a weapon shop in Lindblum. If Zidane inspects it, he will refer to to "a guy with spiky hair" who wielded a sword like it.
Final Fantasy XII
Gilgamesh uses a fake Buster Sword, along with many other iconic swords from other Final Fantasy games. The kanji character on the sword means "replica", or "fake", and has four slots instead of two.
The fake Buster Sword can be used by player characters via hacking.
Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII
A sword far heavier than any sword has rights to be, yet a true 1st Class will wield it with ease.
Description.
The Buster Sword is a greatsword-type weapon available to Lightning through downloadable content. It raises Strength by 360 points and Stagger Power by 12%.
Final Fantasy XIV
The Buster Sword appears during "Braver" Limit Break.
The Braver and Blade Dance Limit Breaks feature a Buster Sword made of light and are used by all melee DPS jobs.
Final Fantasy XVI
Taking up this cold, unassuming steel in one's hands invokes strange yet familiar images of friendship and rivalry, love and loss, while the notches along its blade speak of hardship immeasurable.
Description
The Buster Sword is a free DLC weapon for Clive. It has attack power of 160. Unlike other weapons, Clive's scabbard disappears when using it due to its size.
Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
Sword made for felling monsters.
Description
The Buster Sword is a sword-class weapon wielded by the Soldier, Warrior, and Dragoon classes. It has 35 power, 5 defense, and teaches the ability Mindbreak to Soldiers and Warriors and Wyrmtamer to Dragoons.
Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift
If you're in the business of monster slaying, you need look no further than this sword.
Description
The Buster Sword is a weapon for the Soldier, Warrior, Dragoon jobs and Spellblade. It no longer teaches Wyrmtamer to Dragoons, but teaches Blood Price to Spellblades.
Dissidia Final Fantasy (2008)
The Buster Sword is Cloud's weapon in his normal outfit, with its design based on the original Buster Sword from Final Fantasy VII, but more detailed. The Buster Sword glows orange when using an HP attack, referring to the Limit Break system in Final Fantasy VII.
Bartz uses the Buster Sword during two of his moves, Climbarrel and Sidehazzard, when he mimics Cloud, specifically his Climhazzard attack.
The Buster Sword is also an equippable weapon usable by Cloud obtained in Destiny Odyssey VII-1. It is a level 1 Greatsword that gives +4 ATK.
Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy
The Buster Sword is used by Cloud in both his default and "Steady Light" outfits, reusing its design from the original Dissidia. It also appears in Cloud's downloadable costume, his Kingdom Hearts look, where it takes on the wrapped appearance it has in Kingdom Hearts. Bartz still wields the blade in his mimicked moveset, but due to changes in his moveset, he only uses it in one move as opposed to the original two.
As in the original Dissidia, Buster Sword is also an exclusive weapon for Cloud and can found in his chapter of the 013 story. Its stats have been increased to Attack +22 and Defense -2.
Dissidia Final Fantasy NT
The Buster Sword is Cloud's default weapon, based on the weapon's appearance in Final Fantasy VII. Like all other characters' weapons, equipping it offers no advantages or disadvantages.
Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia
Multiple versions of the Buster Sword are available as weapons for Cloud and Zack. Cloud's original model from VII is a 4★ greatsword, while all others are 5★ greatswords. Cloud's Dissidia NT variant has also been available, but has been bundled with specific loot crates when Cloud is a featured character.
Buster Sword (VII) is a 4★ Greatsword for Cloud that enables access to the ability ATK +36. It provides 33 HP, 10 DEF, 62-107 iBRV, 798-1488 mBRV, 263-488 ATK, and adds 10-20 CP.
Buster Sword NT Ver. (VII) is a 5★ Greatsword for Cloud that enables access to the ability New Insight. It provides 82 HP, 75 DEF, 195-270 iBRV, 2235-2925 mBRV, 759-984 ATK, and adds 35-50 CP.
Buster Sword ver. Z (VII) is a 5★ Greatsword for Zack that enables access to the ability SOLDIER Martial Arts. It provides 132 HP, 75 DEF, 173-233 iBRV, 2035-2665 mBRV, 732-957 ATK, and adds 35-50 CP.
Theatrhythm Final Fantasy and Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call
Cloud wields the Buster Sword in his character model.
Pictlogica Final Fantasy
This section about equipment in Pictlogica Final Fantasy is empty or needs to be expanded. You can help the Final Fantasy Wiki by expanding it.
Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade
This section about equipment in Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade is empty or needs to be expanded. You can help the Final Fantasy Wiki by expanding it.
Final Fantasy Artniks
This section about equipment in Final Fantasy Artniks is empty or needs to be expanded. You can help the Final Fantasy Wiki by expanding it.Final Fantasy Record Keeper
| Weapon | Category | Level | Attack | Magic | Mind |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Buster Sword (VII) | Swords | 1 | 76 | 0 | 0 |
| 20 | 109 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 30 | 126 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 35 | 135 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Additional stats: Accuracy +95 Unique Soul Break: Braver (Cloud) | |||||
| Buster Sword (VII-CC) (Buster Sword (CCVII))  | Swords | 1 | 80 | 0 | 0 |
| 20 | 115 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 30 | 132 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 35 | 141 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Additional stats: Accuracy +95 Unique Soul Break: Rush Assault (Zack) | |||||
| Hewley Buster (VII-CC) (Buster Sword H (CCVII))  | Swords | 1 | 97 | 0 | 0 |
| 20 | 132 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 30 | 149 | 0 | 0 | ||
| 35 | 158 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Additional stats: Accuracy +95 Super Soul Break: Wings of Pride (Angeal), ATK +10 when mastered | |||||
Final Fantasy Explorers
The giant sword of a champion from another world. Reduces AP cost.
Description
This section about equipment in Final Fantasy Explorers is empty or needs to be expanded. You can help the Final Fantasy Wiki by expanding it.Final Fantasy Brave Exvius
A wide sword as large as a full grown adult. Swinging it is a herculean task, but legend has it that a blond warrior with blue eyes from another world once wielded it with ease. It was a prized memento of the joys and sorrows he once shared with a certain friend. The buster sword doesn't have a scabbard, and its weight makes it particularly difficult to transport. It was therefore affixed with a magnetic component that allows it to be carried over the shoulder.
Description
A great sword from another world. This weapon is as large as a grown man, making it difficult for the average person to wield correctly. Its hilt is wrapped in tattered bandages, and it boasts more destructive power than the common blade. Some say that a swordsman from another world in search of a certain someone can wield this gigantic sword with great ease.
Kingdom Hearts version description
Buster Sword is a Great Sword that provides +35 ATK and can be obtained by buying it for 1,500 gil at Grandport, Industrial City Dilmagia, Town of Kolts, Aquapolis Olderion, and Downtown Zoldaad, found in a chest at Zadehl Westersand - Exploration, or crafted using 3x Broken Blade, 14x Silver Ore, and 300 gil.
Buster Sword (KH) is a Great Sword STMR obtained from Cloud (KH), providing +180 ATK, is Two-Handed, has a damage variance of 100-160%, and gives +50% Accuracy.
This section about equipment in Final Fantasy Brave Exvius is empty or needs to be expanded. You can help the Final Fantasy Wiki by expanding it.War of the Visions: Final Fantasy Brave Exvius
This section about equipment in War of the Visions: Final Fantasy Brave Exvius is empty or needs to be expanded. You can help the Final Fantasy Wiki by expanding it.Mobius Final Fantasy
The Buster Sword was acquired with the "SOLDIER 1st Class" Job card, itself based on Cloud's initial appearance, as its signature weapon. The weapon could be earned and then upgraded to its regular +, Bis, and X grades by mastering the job.
This section about equipment in Mobius Final Fantasy is empty or needs to be expanded. You can help the Final Fantasy Wiki by expanding it.
World of Final Fantasy
Cloud wielding the Buster Sword.
Cloud wields the Buster Sword in his character model.
Final Fantasy Trading Card Game
Buster Sword appears as a weapon, requiring three Thunder CP to use and one Thunder and one Shine CP to remove it from the equipped character and return it to the hand. When a Forward equipped with the Buster Sword is moved to the Break Zone from the field, Buster Sword allows the player to select a Forward on the field with a lower cost than the original Forward equipped with the Buster Sword and equip the Buster Sword to the new Forward.
Non-Final Fantasy guest appearances
Ehrgeiz: God Bless the Ring
Used by Cloud.
Description
The Buster Sword appears as a 2-handed sword within the Forsaken Dungeon. It provides 57 Weapon Atk, 10 Durability, +2 Speed, and -1 Consumption Rate. Only Masuda Koji can equip this weapon. It is obtained from a monster drop on the Floors 10-12. Both Cloud and Zack can wield the Buster Sword during Arcade Mode.
Kingdom Hearts series
Cloud wields the Buster Sword wrapped in bandages in all of his appearances in the Kingdom Hearts series, except Kingdom Hearts II, where he wields a wrapped Fusion Sword in its stead.
The Metal Chocobo Keyblade is based on the Buster Sword and is a long, heavy, metal weapon based upon long reach and powerful attacks with two holes near the hilt. It is won by defeating Cloud in the Olympus Coliseum and appears in Kingdom Hearts, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories, and Kingdom Hearts Re:coded.
Super Smash Bros. series
Kirby's SOLDIER pride.
In both Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS & Wii U and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Cloud wields his iconic Buster Sword in his odd-numbered costumes, based on the Dissidia series version of his Final Fantasy VII design. Additionally, Kirby can utilize a Buster Sword of his own after inhaling Cloud and gaining Blade Beam as his Copy Ability.
Other media
Games
A weapon called the Buster Sword appears in the Monster Hunter game series. While it more greatly resembles a cleaver, it bears the same overall design.
The Buster Sword appears in the online game Fallen Sword.
There is a sword that appears in the sandbox game Terraria called the Breaker Blade that resembles the Buster Sword and its name serves as a wordplay of that of the Buster Sword.
There is a Buster Sword at the Weapon Rack in Pocket God.
The Buster Sword can be unlocked and subsequently eaten in the mobile game Hungry Oni. The item description "A spiky haired guy carried something similar" reflects the reference to Final Fantasy IX.
The Buster Sword appeared in Puzzle & Dragons as part of the Final Fantasy collaboration.
The Buster Sword makes a cameo in the indie game Evoland, though it is called the Legendary Sword. It is obtained at the end of the second dungeon.
The Buster Sword can be found in Just Cause 3 as an easter egg, stuck to the side of a snowy mountain.
In Summon Night Swordcraft Story for the Game Boy Advance, Chaves' Sword resembles the Buster Sword. Its flavor text is "Huge, but otherwise plain, sword".
The Breaker Blade from Terraria is based on the Buster Sword and its name is synonymous.
Television
The Buster Sword is inside Finn and Jake's brother, Jermaine's, house in season 6 episode 33 of the Cartoon Network show Adventure Time. Jake tries to use the sword to fight invading demons, but he finds the sword too heavy to wield.
Fandom
In 8-Bit Theater, the Buster Sword is seen in parodical form during the main crew's early attempts at recruiting more teammates when a Cloud-like character attempts to show off the sword to Fighter as a qualification and is subsequently crushed under it when it falls over. In the epilogue, when Fighter and Black Mage realize that they are lost, the Buster Sword is seen along with the Revolver in "Akbar's Not Useless Tools" shop.
Non-specific appearances
Since the Buster Sword is Cloud's default sword, he uses it as his weapon in almost all of his spin-off appearances, including Ehrgeiz: God Bless the Ring, the Itadaki Street series, and Chocobo Racing. In Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call, Cloud and Zack both wield the Buster Sword. Cloud's based on its Final Fantasy VII design and Zack's on its Compilation design.
Behind the scenes
Design
Early Buster Sword.
In the earliest concept sketches (see Gallery), Cloud's sword was smaller and thinner and had a single slot used to attach the weapon to a stud on Cloud's back. The handle had a hanging chain similar to Squall's Revolver in Final Fantasy VIII. A magnet on the suspender on Cloud's back was used to hold the sword in place. In The Reunion Files for Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, Tetsuya Nomura stated that his original vision of the Buster Sword was unrefined steel and he referred to it as "the Giant Kitchen Knife". Having stated that Cloud's imagery was based on the samurai martial artist luminary Musashi Miyamoto, the size and design of the Buster Sword are reminiscent of the oar carved suburito waster sword used by him in his duel against rival Sasaki Kojiro and in contrast to their rival's weapons, as Musashi believed that swords like nodachi were unwieldly and left one open.
In an early version of Cloud's official poster (the finalized version of this image was used as the cover art for Final Fantasy VII in North America) that was used in Square's (now deleted) original Final Fantasy VII website and also used as a promo shot for early magazine articles on Final Fantasy VII, a "beta" version of the Buster Sword can be seen. Here, the Buster Sword has only one slot, the proportions are different, the slot takes up a larger percentage of the sword's width, the sword's sharp edge is held to the opposite side, and in proportion to Cloud, the early Buster Sword looks longer.
Cloud fights Kadaj with the Buster Sword in an Advent Children trailer.
In early footage of Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, before the Fusion Swords were designed, Cloud was shown fighting Kadaj wielding the Buster Sword that had the swirl design on the handguard, but not the blade etchings. The fight is identical to a portion of their battle in the completed film, albeit slowed down considerably.
Planned other appearances
A replica of the Buster Sword was made as a placeholder weapon for Tidus during the development of Final Fantasy X.[8] It can still be found in the game's internal files as dummied content, but can only be obtained by hacking. If hacked into the game, Tidus attacks with the sword's blunt edge.
Merchandise
Buster Sword wielded by Zack's Trading Arts figure.
The Buster Sword has appeared as Cloud's weapon in numerous merchandises of him. In 1997, the first Final Fantasy VII action figures manufactured by Bandai were released and Cloud's figure comes with two weapons: the Buster Sword and the Hardedge. The Buster Sword in this set is uniformly gray, without the lighter colored edge as seen in the game. Cloud also wields the Buster Sword in all cold cast resin statues crafted by Kotobukiya.
Buster Sword has appeared in Final Fantasy Trading Arts figures with both Cloud and Zack. Cloud has the plain version while Zack's Buster Sword has cracks on the surface. The Zack figurine was released before Advent Children: Final Fantasy VII and Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-, so the Buster Sword is still the original version without the more ornamental base. Cloud's Dissidia Final Fantasy Trading Arts figure also has the original Buster Sword because that is the one he wields in that game.
Cloud's amiibo 
in his original outfit for Super Smash Bros. has the Buster Sword.
A limited edition PSP Slim was released along with Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- in Japan: the console bundled with the game, as well as a Buster Sword wrist strap. 77,777 units were available and all sold in one day. A similar bundle was also released in Europe, but lacked the Buster Sword wrist strap.
Final Fantasy Play Arts Action Figures
Cloud holding the Buster Sword.
In 2007, Square Enix released Final Fantasy VII Play Arts figures. Cloud's comes with the Buster Sword. Its design is that from the original artwork, rather than the updated design from the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII. The deluxe set that comes with Cloud and the Hardy-Daytona also includes the Buster Sword.
In 2009, Square Enix released Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Play Arts figures, with Zack's figure including the Buster Sword. Unlike the Buster Sword in the Final Fantasy VII Play Arts figures released two years earlier, the Buster Sword that Zack carries is the updated design from the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII.
Also in 2009, Square Enix released Cloud and Sephiroth as Kingdom Hearts Play Arts figures, with Cloud's including a bandaged version of the Buster Sword.
Replicas
Full-scale model of the Buster Sword.
The chocolate parfait sold in Square Enix's Artnia cafe comes with a miniature replica of the Buster Sword. A full-scale model of the Buster Sword was built to commemorate the Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Complete press screening party at the Sony Building in Tokyo. Another 1:1 scale replica was made and displayed at Tokyo Game Show 2019, this time based on the Final Fantasy VII Remake design. A sign displayed next to it measures its length at 185.5 centimeters (approx. 6.1 ft), while weighing about 7 kilograms (approx. 15.4 lbs). Similar builds were displayed at other events promoting the game.
A Buster Sword alarm clock 
was released as official merchandise for Final Fantasy VII Remake. It features the sword stuck on the ground, like the title screens of both original and remade Final Fantasy VII.
Based on various real-life solid metal replicas, even for an extremely strong person, the Buster Sword is terribly balanced and egregiously difficult—if not impossible—to wield properly. A replica crafted with a solid steel blade weighs in at nearly 100 pounds.
Gallery
![Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia [FFVII].](/wiki/File:DFFOO_Buster_Sword_(VII).png "DFFOO Buster Sword (VII).png (90 KB)")
![Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia [CC-VII].](/wiki/File:DFFOO_Buster_Sword_ver._Z_(VII).png "DFFOO Buster Sword ver. Z (VII).png (123 KB)")
![Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia [DFFNT].](/wiki/File:DFFOO_Buster_Sword_NT_Ver._(VII).png "DFFOO Buster Sword NT Ver. (VII).png (139 KB)")
_SSR.png "FFAB Buster Sword (Angeal) SSR.png (7 KB)")
_SSR.png "FFAB Buster Sword (Zack) SSR.png (7 KB)")
_SSR%2B.png "FFAB Buster Sword (Angeal) SSR+.png (8 KB)")
_SSR%2B.png "FFAB Buster Sword (Zack) SSR+.png (8 KB)")
_UR.png "FFAB Buster Sword (Zack) UR.png (23 KB)")
_UR%2B.png "FFAB Buster Sword (Zack) UR+.png (40 KB)")
_UUR.png "FFAB Buster Sword (Zack) UUR.png (9 KB)")
_VIICC_UUR%2B.png "FFAB Buster Sword (Zack) VIICC UUR+.png (9 KB)")
_CR.png "FFAB Buster Sword (Zack) CR.png (10 KB)")
Etymology
The word "buster" means a person who breaks up something, e.g. crime busters, or something big or unusual for its kind. It derives from the verb "bust".
The term "buster sword" may also be a corruption of the term "bastard sword", used to describe large two-handed swords in 17th century Europe. It may also be a reference to the supposed rain-making device "cloudbuster" created by Wilhelm Reich.
Notes
Annotations
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 In the script of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, "buster sword" is not treated as a proper noun as it is decapitalized.[1] This suggests that "buster sword" is merely a type of weapon rather than a unique one. However, no other known buster swords are seen throughout the world.
Citations
- ↑ Final Fantasy VII Rebirth script § "Interlude: A World Apart"
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- script § "Chapter 2"
- ↑ Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- script § "Chapter 1"
- ↑ Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- script § "Chapter 6"
- ↑ Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- script § "Chapter 8"
- ↑ Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- script § "Chapter 10"
- ↑ Final Fantasy VII Remake script § "A Job for the Neighborhood Watch"
- ↑ Final Fantasy Ultimania Archive Volume 3, p. 85