Howling Smash is a synergy skill in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, used by Cloud Strife with Red XIII. It is unlocked in his folio. The skill performs a combo of three moves in tandem against an enemy.
In the ability's animation, Cloud swings his sword three times in a combo while Red XIII swipes to deal magic attacks.
An alternative to the ability, Bullet Batter, exists with Barret Wallace. Cloud has two different types of offensive synergy skills in Power Cleave and Spell Blade.
Obtained[]
Howling Smash is one of two abilities, along with Bullet Batter, obtained by unlocking the Ranged Blade skill core on Cloud's folio. It is available at party level 1 and costs 5 SP.
Use[]
Howling Smash deals moderate ranged magic damage to a target. Cloud's Operator Mode allows him to deal ranged magic attacks without interrupting Red XIII by dodge-rolling and attacking, but these deal less damage. As such, this can be effective against flying or distant enemies, or enemies resisting physical damage.
Howling Smash is a magic attack, dependent on Cloud's 
Magic Attack. If Cloud either is built toward magic damage, or is using it against an enemy that resists physical damage, it can be effective.