Final Fantasy VII Remake version differences

The following is a list of version differences between releases of Final Fantasy VII Remake.

See also: Final Fantasy VII Rebirth gameplay changes

PlayStation 4

The original iteration of Final Fantasy VII Remake released worldwide on April 10th, 2020.

Intergrade

An updated version of Final Fantasy VII Remake with the additional title Intergrade, was released on June 10th, 2021 as a timed exclusive on PlayStation 5, featuring numerous improvements and an additional story episode starring Yuffie Kisaragi. It was released on Microsoft Windows for the Epic Games Store on December 16th, 2021 followed by a Steam release on June 17th, 2022. It will release for Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox on PC on January 22nd, 2026.

Visuals & performance

Improved lighting & fog effects.

The door with the correct texture.

One of the primary changes to Final Fantasy VII Remake are its improved performance and graphical capabilities, taken advantage on the ninth-generation game consoles and high-end computers:

• Textures - Higher-quality textures that improve the static and blurry backgrounds, specifically in locations set during the day such as the Sector 7 Slums. In addition, several glitched textures which displayed incorrectly, such as the doors of the Stargazer Heights apartments, have been fixed.
• Lighting - Stronger lightning in lamp and light objects with improved ray-tracing, as well as visual reflections on glass and mirror objects.
• Fog Effects - Stronger fog effects in specific scenes and locations, such as the Honeybee Inn dance sequence, Sewer System and Train Graveyard, improving on the visual atmosphere.
• Display Modes - Two display modes can be chosen depending on the player's preference:
  • Graphics Mode - Prioritizes image quality and 4K resolution at 30fps.
  • Performance Mode - Prioritizes less sharper but more fluid graphics action at 60fps.
• Loading Times - Significantly improved loading times, either when loading a save file or during a scene transition.
• DualSense - Additional controller support for immersive haptic feedback.
  • In the Japanese version, the button layout uses to confirm and to cancel to reflect the universal button layout on PlayStation 5.
• Adjusted Text - Some texted display options during specific sequences have been adjusted, e.g. the option for selecting Tifa's dress now displays "refined" instead of "mature", matching Cloud's voice line.

New features

• Photo Mode - A photo mode is accessible from the pause screen; all actions whether in the field or during battles are paused and the current user interface is removed, allowing players to adjust the camera, add color filters and alter effects to the field of view. During cutscenes, the angles cannot be changed, but color filters can still be used.
  • If paused during flashback scenes featuring the sepia tone, the tone will be removed and display in the actual colors.
• Additional Difficulty - Normal (Classic) is now available as an option.
• Episode INTERmission - A new playable story with Yuffie Kisaragi as the main protagonist, set between the events of Chapter 8: Budding Bodyguard and Chapter 12: Fight for Survival. It can be accessed from the title screen.
• New Superboss - Weiss, the Immaculate is available to fight as a superboss after completing Episode INTERmission. He can be fought in the Shinra Combat Simulator only during Chapter 17: Deliverance from Chaos.
• Square Enix Account Link - An option to link a Square Enix Members account. For the PC version, this feature is exclusive in non-Asian territories.

Other

• Game Upgrade - If the player owns a copy of the disc version of Final Fantasy VII Remake for PlayStation 4, they can upgrade to the PlayStation 5 digital version of the game at no additional cost, though Episode INTERmission must be purchased separately.
  • The Japanese version of the upgrade must be purchased for ¥100 (yen).
• Lyrical Changes - The lyrics of the opening theme, "Midgar, City of Mako" have changed from "One-Winged Angel" to "Advent: One-Winged Angel".

Gameplay changes

Several changes were made to both mechanics and combat:

Materia

• Synergy Materia no longer consumes ATB or MP.
• Magnify Materia has a wider range.
• The cooldown times of ATB Boost Materia at each level are halved, which now range from 180s–60s, thus providing ATB at twice the frequency.
• Parry Materia can now be cancelled out faster, increasing the frame of invulnerability when dodging.

Cloud

• Braver and Infinity's End both deal increased damage and have improved tracking within Cloud's range.

Barret

• Point Blank's explosive range has a wider radius as well as increased damage.

Tifa

• Overpower can be chained from Whirling Uppercut.
• Focused Strike is more susceptible to the interrupt mechanic.

Aerith

• Ray of Judgment is less susceptible to the interrupt mechanic.

Combat

• Unblockable attacks from enemies now display a visual red warning symbol next to their attack name.
• Aero magic now has hitstun similarly to Ice magic, and activates quicker.
• Limits grant temporary invulnerability; the user does not take damage until their sequence is over.
• Numerous abilities can be attack-cancelled much faster.
• Basic and special attacks can be cancelled out of more consistently with blocking, dodging, abilities and spells.
• Several enemies have reduced total HP.

Version 1.003

On February 25th, 2024, all versions of the game were updated to 1.003 ahead of the release of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.

• The design of Tifa's Nibel guide outfit in the Nibelheim flashback is altered, now in-line with its updated design seen in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
• In the ending, Aerith's line "I miss it. The steel sky" is changed to "This sky... I don't like it." This wording more closely matches the original translation.
• Various bug fixes.

Version 1.004

The update 1.004 was released on December 13th, 2024.

• Head Start - An additional new game mode. When selecting "NEW GAME" on the title screen, the player has the option to start the game with the character level and inventory already powered up. This option is available for both the main game and Episode INTERmission.
• Fast Forward - A fast forward option is added to cutscenes, allowing the player to watch the cutscene at either 1.5x or 2x speed without skipping the cutscene entirely.

Version 1.005

• Addressed an issue where the DualSense Wireless Controller would not receive haptic feedback.

2026 re-release

• Streamlined Progression - An exclusive feature added to the Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X/S ports that enables boosters to battles, though these may not always available in specific situations:
  • Max HP - Hit Points are always maxed out, even when attacked by an enemy. Additionally, this feature prevents attacks that inflict Instant Death.
  • Max MP - Magic Points are always maxed out, preventing depletion when casting spells.
  • Max Limit Gauge - The Limit gauge is maxed out when entering battles, and using them will not deplete the gauge.
  • Max ATB Gauge - The Active Time Battle gauges are maxed out, with no restrictions when using multiple actions.
  • 9999 Damage - Damage is constantly maxed at 9999.