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Play FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE first, then FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH. INTERGRADE is the expanded first entry in the remake project; REBIRTH is its second game and continues the story beyond Midgar.
Why INTERGRADE comes first
Square Enix describes INTERGRADE as the expanded edition of FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE. It includes FF7R EPISODE INTERmission, a Yuffie-focused story arc set during the events of the base game. That makes INTERGRADE the natural starting point for someone beginning the remake project. Square Enix’s January 23, 2026 announcement outlines the edition and its included episode.
Why REBIRTH comes second
REBIRTH is the second game in the remake project. Cloud and the party leave Midgar for the wider world, continuing the story after the first entry. Starting with REBIRTH means entering the project at its second installment. Square Enix’s June 5, 2026 announcement identifies it as the second game and lists its platforms.
Do you need to play the original 1997 game first?
No prerequisite is established by the publisher guidance cited here. The supported order is the remake project’s own sequence: INTERGRADE, then REBIRTH. Playing the original FINAL FANTASY VII first is an optional choice if you want to experience that version of the story, not a stated requirement for beginning these games.
#1 Best Overall
- The award-winning FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE* retells the original story up to the escape from Midgar, with breathtaking visuals, fast-paced gameplay, and additional story elements. This RPG delivers unforgettable characters, a powerful narrative, and a hybrid battle system that blends real-time action with strategic, command-based combat. It also includes FF7R EPISODE INTERmission, a side story starring Yuffie Kisaragi that offers a fresh perspective running in parallel to Cloud’s journey.
- STUNNING VISUALS - Explore Midgar like never before with stunning visuals and richly detailed environments that bring the city’s layered, industrial districts to life, all while staying true to the spirit of the original game.
- DYNAMIC COMBAT WITH STRATEGIC DEPTH -The innovative battle system combines strategic command-based gameplay with fast-paced action. Seamlessly switch between characters, harness the power of materia, summon iconic creatures, and unleash devastating limit breaks.
- ICONIC CHARACTERS, UNFORGETTABLE STORY - Follow Cloud Strife, an ex-SOLDIER turned mercenary, as he joins Avalanche to take on the Shinra Electric Power Company. Cloud and his allies Barret, Tifa, and Aerith are pulled into a battle that will decide the fate of the planet.
- EXPANDED CONTENT - FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE offers quests, mini-games, and missions set in expanded areas of Midgar. Encounter new characters and experience exciting content that adds even more depth to the story.
What about the concluding game?
Square Enix announced FINAL FANTASY VII REVELATION for April 8, 2027, with planned releases for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Its announcement advises newcomers to catch up on the first two entries before the concluding game. Because April 8, 2027 is a future release date, check the publisher’s September 3, 2026 announcement for current availability and plans.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which version should you buy?
For the recommended starting game, look for FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE INTERGRADE on the platform you own. Square Enix lists INTERGRADE and REBIRTH for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC in the announcements linked above. Check the platform and edition on the actual store or retailer listing: a copy for one platform should not be assumed to work on another, and buying INTERGRADE does not mean you also own REBIRTH.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
Rank #4
- 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
Rank #3
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: "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
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.
