Do I Need to Play FF7 Remake Before Rebirth?

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s launch is fast approaching, and players cannot wait to dive into the journey with Cloud, Barret, Tifa, Aerith, and Red XIII to take down Sephiroth and Shinra. The trailers for the game look fantastic and have caught the attention of newbies and dedicated fans alike. Those fresh to the franchise want to know if they need to play Remake before starting Rebirth. 

Do I Need to Play FF7 Remake Before Rebirth?

The official Final Fantasy 7 Twitter/X account shared a post saying Square Enix "made preparations" so new players won't have to play the Remake.

The FF7 Rebirth information page also states that players don’t need to play FF7 Remake before the sequel. Rebirth continues Remake, but the former is still a standalone title. 

Veterans and newcomers can enjoy the latest entry in the FF7 remake project since the trilogy doesn’t copy the original game’s exact storyline. The remake stayed true to most of the 1997 version of the game but steered from some canon events with the addition of Whispers. Rebirth will do the same, as major events may not end up how fans expect.

Does FF7 Remake Save Give Me a Head Start in Rebirth?

Players cannot transfer any abilities, weapons, etc., from Remake to Rebirth. Gamers can receive exclusive rewards in the sequel if they have a save file from the first game. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Director Naoki Hamaguchi stated players can get these Rebirth bonuses. Here’s what they can get if they have save data in Final Fantasy 7 Remake, Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade, or Final Fantasy 7 Remake Episode INTERmission on a PlayStation 5:

Final Fantasy 7 Remake save file reward:

• Summon Materia: Leviathan

Final Fantasy 7 Remake Episode INTERmission save file reward:

• Summon Materia: Ramuh