FF7: Ever Crisis Tier List – Best Character and Weapon Combos

Summary #

FF7: Ever Crisis allows players to obtain all characters for free, and uses a weapon Gacha system. There are 9 playable characters, each with 7-10 different weapons to choose from.

Characters can equip 1 primary weapon, 1 secondary weapon, and up to 3 sub weapons. 

This table shows the differences among primary, secondary and sub weapons.

Here’s my initial impression of the character and their recommended roles and best weapons based on end game stats.

Click here to view the end game stats of all weapons.

Meta #

It’s important for readers to learn about the battle mechanics.

In FF7: Ever Crisis you have 3 characters on a field, with a set amount of time to clear a stage.

There are some stages that are DPS checks. As such, offensive abilities are preferred over defensive abilities.

It is recommended to focus on building DPS for at least two units, with the bare minimum to get by for survival. Losing a stage only costs you 1 stamina. Completing a stage uses up all stamina required to enter that stage.

During CBT, the two main bosses that was fought in live Co-op were weak to Lightning and Earth.

This made Cloud (access to lightning damage) and Glenn/Aerith (access to earth damage) the best units for those stages. 

Elemental advantage bonus in this game is huge, and makes weapons specializing in certain elements stronger than neutral elemental weapons.

The Broadway Saiyan does a great job of explaining the Battle System in video here.

Strongest Weapons by Damage Types #

The tables below are ranked based on one metric alone: Damage.

Earth #

Pic	Name	Unit	ATK	MATK	HEAL	C. Ability	ATB	R. Ability 1	R. Ability 2	Spt. Materia	Source	Score
	Wizer Staff	Aerith	415	540	229	Deal 540% MAG Earth damage [Range: All Enemies].	4	HP +250/100%	Earth Ability Potency +120%	MATK +20%.MATK +20%.Sigils defeated by matching Sigial Materia during Attack Shift Count +2.	Gacha	10
	Jiggy Fam	Glenn	470	492	225	Deal 520% MAG Earth damage [Range: All Enemies].	4	MATK +100/50%	Earth Ability Potency +120%	MATK +20%.MATK +20%.Sigils defeated by matching Sigial Materia during Attack Shift Count +2.	Gacha	9.9

Fire #

Pic	Name	Unit	ATK	MATK	HEAL	C. Ability	ATB	R. Ability 1	R. Ability 2	Spt. Materia	Score
	Flame Projector	Barret	487	501	212	Deal 520% MAG Fire damage [Range: All Enemies].	4	MATK +100/50%	Fire Ability Potency +120%	MATK +20%.MATK +20%.MATK +20%.	10
	Rage Collar	Red XIII	405	530	238	Deal 750% PHY Fire damage [Range: Single Enemy].	4	PATK +50/25%MATK +50/25%	Fire Ability Potency +120%	PATK/MATK +10%.PATK/MATK +10%.PATK/MATK +10%.	10
	Crewkicker	Glenn	535	441	218	Deal 750% PHY Fire damage [Range: Single Enemy].	4	HP +250/100%	Fire Ability Potency +120%	PATK/MATK +10%.PATK/MATK +10%.PATK/MATK +10%.	9.9
	Crystal Sword (Z)	Zack	427	436	273	Deal 520% MAG Fire damage [Range: All Enemies].	4	PATK +50/25%MATK +50/25%	Fire Ability Potency +120%	MATK +20%MATK +20%.Sigils defeated by matching Sigial Materia during Attack Shift Count +2.	9.8
	Ifrit’s Sword	Zack	422	436	212	Deal 450% MAG Fire damage [Range: Single Enemy].	4	Ice Resistance +50%	HP +250/100%	PATK/MATK +10%.MATK +20%.MATK +20%.	9.0
	Inferno Grave	Glenn	436	444	207	Deal 450% MAG. Fire damage [Range: Single Enemy].	4	Ice Resistance +50%	PATK +50/25%MATK +50/25%	PATK/MATK +10%.PATK/MATK +10%.PATK/MATK +10%.	9.0

Ice #

Pic	Name	Unit	ATK	MATK	HEAL	C. Ability	ATB	R. Ability 1	R. Ability 2	Spt. Materia	Score
	Silver Staff	Aerith	410	561	221	Deal 540% MAG Ice damage [Range: All Enemies].	4	PATK +50/25%MATK +50/25%	Ice Ability Potency +120%	PATK/MATK +10%.PATK/MATK +10%.MATK +20%.	10
	Absolute Royal	Matt	432	506	238	Deal 540% MAG Ice damage [Range: All Enemies].	4	MATK +100/50%	Ice Ability Potency +120%	MATK +20%.MATK +20%.Sigils defeated by matching Sigial Materia during Attack Shift Count +2.	9.9
	Enhance Sword	Cloud	463	540	205	Deal 520% MAG Ice damage [Range: All Enemies].	4	PATK +50/25%MATK +50/25%	Ice Ability Potency +120%	PATK/MATK +10%.MATK +20%.MATK +20%.	9.7
	Shiva Cannon	Barret	410	450	208	Deal 450% MAG Ice damage [Range: Single Enemy]	4	Fire Resist. +50%	PATK +50/25%MATK +50/25%	PATK/MATK +10%.MATK +20%.MATK +20%.	9.0
	Shiva’s Blade	Cloud	388	480	208	Deal 450% MAG Ice damage [Range: Single Enemy]	4	Fire Resist. +50%	HP +250/100%	PATK/MATK + 10%.MATK +20%.MATK +20%.	9.0

Lightning #

Pic	Name	Unit	ATK	MATK	HEAL	C. Ability	ATB	R. Ability 1	R. Ability 2	Spt. Materia	Score
	Murasame	Cloud	573	422	208	Deal 750% PHY Lightning damage [Range: Single Enemy].	4	PATK +100/50%	Lightning Ability Potency +120%	PATK +20%.PATK +20%.Sigils defeated by matching Sigial Materia during Attack Shift Count +2.	10.0
	Wizard Staff	Aerith	420	528	233	Deal 540% MAG Lightning damage [Range: All Enemies].	4	MATK +100/50%	Lightning Ability Potency +120%	MATK +20%.MATK +20%.MATK +20%.	9.9
	Shockbuster	Glenn	480	492	221	Deal 520% MAG Lightning damage [Range: All Enemies].	4	PATK +50/25%MATK +50/25%	Lightning Ability Potency +120%	PATK/MATK +10%.PATK/MATK +10%.PATK/MATK +10%.	9.8
	Crystal Gloves	Tifa	463	528	212	Deal 500% MAG Lightning damage [Range: All Enemies].	4	HP +250/100%	Lightning Ability Potency +120%	MATK +20%.MATK +20%.Sigils defeated by matching Sigial Materia during Attack Shift Count +2.	9.7
	Ramuh’s Staff	Aerith	393	465	212	Deal 480% MAG Lightning damage [Range: Single Enemy].	4	Water Resist. +50%	HP +250/100%	PATK/MATK +10%.MATK +20%.MATK +20%.	9.2
	Rifle of Levin	Lucia	422	453	204	Deal 420% MAG Lightning damage [ange: Single Enemy].	4	Water Resist. +50%	PATK +50/25%MATK +50/25%	PATK/MATK +10%.MATK +20%.MATK +20%.	9.0

Water #

Pic	Name	Unit	ATK	MATK	HEAL	C. Ability	ATB	R. Ability 1	R. Ability 2	Spt. Materia	Score
	Maritime Sword	Cloud	552	444	208	Deal 750% PHY Water damage [Range: Single Enemy].	4	PATK +100/50%	Water Ability Potency +120%	PATK +20%.PATK +20%.Sigils defeated by matching Sigil Materia during Attack Shift Count +2.	10
	Serpent Eater	Lucia	458	528	214	Deal 790% PHY Water damage [Range: Single Enemy].	4	HP +250/100%	Water Ability Potency +120%	PATK/MATK +10%.PATK +20%.PATK +20%.	9.9
	Orthodox Raven	Matt	422	523	233	Deal 540% MAG Water damage [Range: All Enemies].	4	HP +250/100%	Water Ability Potency +120%	MATK +20%. MATK +20%.MATK +20%.	9.8
	Noble Collar	Red XIII	388	552	235	Deal 520% MAG Water damage [Range: All Enemies].	4	PATK +50/25%MATK +50/25%	Water Ability Potency +120%	PATK/MATK +10%.MATK +20%.Sigils defeated by matching Sigial Materia during Attack Shift Count +2.	9.8

Wind #

Pic	Name	Unit	ATK	MATK	HEAL	C. Ability	ATB	R. Ability 1	R. Ability 2	Spt. Materia	Score
	Motor Drive	Tifa	523	458	217	Deal 790% PHY Wind damage [Range: Single Enemy].	4	PATK +100/50%	Wind Ability Potency +120%	PATK +20%.PATK +20%.PATK +20%.	10
	Falchion	Zack	508	420	242	Deal 520% PHY Wind damage [Range: All Enemies].	4	PATK +100/50%	Wind Ability Potency +120%	PATK/MATK +10%.PATK/MATK +10%.PATK +20%.	9.9
	Pulse Gun	Lucia	508	463	221	Deal 500% MAG Wind damage [Range: All Enemies].	4	PATK +50/25%MATK +50/25%	Wind Ability Potency +120%	PATK/MATK +10%.PATK/MATK +10%.Sigils defeated by matching Sigial Materia during Attack Shift Count +2.	9.8

Non-Elemental #

Pic	Name	Unit	ATK	MATK	HEAL	C. Ability	ATB	R. Ability 1	R. Ability 2	Spt. Materia	Score
	Sonic Striker	Tifa	528	453	217	Deal 990% PHY Non-elem. damage [Range: Single Enemy] (Critical hit rate: 10%).	4	PATK +50/25%MATK +50/25%	Water Resist. +50%	PATK/MATK +10%.PATK/MATK +10%.PATK +20%.	10.0
	Enemy Launcher	Barret	549	436	214	Deal 650% PHY Non-elem. damage [Range: All Enemies](Critical hit rate: 10%).	4	PATK +50/25%MATK +50/25%	Atk Stance Cmd. Gauge Max: Phys. Ability Potency +80%	PATK/MATK +10%. PATK +20%.PATK +20%.	10.0
	Mythril Saber	Cloud	475	518	210	Deal 940% MAG Non-elem damage [Range: Single Enemy] (Critical hit rate: 10%).	4	MATK +100/50%	Atk Stance Cmd. Gauge Max: Phys. and Mag. Ability Potency +40%	PATK/MATK +10%.MATK +20%.MATK +20%.	10.0
	Powersoul	Tifa	470	549	197	Deal 900% MAG Non-elem damage [Range: Single Enemy] (Critical hit rate: 10%).	4	HP +250/100%	ATK Stance Cmd. Gauge Max: Mag. Ability Potency +80%	PATK/MATK +10%.MATK +20%.MATK +20%.	9.9
	Heavy Hauser	Barret	518	441	226	Deal 940% PHY Non-elem. damage [Range: Single Enemy] (Critical hit rate: 10%).	4	PATK +50/25%MATK +50/25%	Atk Stance Cmd. Gauge Max: Phys. and Mag. Ability Potency +40%	PATK +20%.PATK +20%.Sigils defeated by matching Sigil Materia during Attack Shift Count +2.	9.9
	Mad Minute	Lucia	501	465	222	Deal 540% PHY Non-elem. damage [Range: Single Enemy] (Critical hit rate: 10%). Also, Magic Attack is decreased [Pot.: High] [Range: Single Enemy] [Dur.: 25s]. [Extended: +8s] [Max. pot.: High].	4	HP +250/100%	Atk Stance Cmd. Gauge Max. Phys. Ability Potency +80%	PATK +20%. PATK +20%.PATK +20%.	9.8
	Apocalypse	Cloud	530	436	222	Deal 940% damage PHY Non-elem. damage [Range: Single Enemy] (Critical hit rate: 10%).	4	PATK +50/25%MATK +50/25%	Wind Ability Potency +120%	PATK +20%.PATK +20%.PATK +20%.	9.8
	Zweihander	Zack	561	410	221	Deal 940% PHY Non-elem. damage [Range: Single Enemy] (Critical hit rate: 10%).	4	PATK +50/25%MATK +50/25%	Fire Resist. +50%	PATK/MATK +10%.PATK +20%.Heal +20%.	9.8
	Arc Sword	Zack	436	540	218	Deal 510% MAG Non-elem. damage [Range: Single Enemy] (Critical hit rate: 10%). Also, Magic Defense is decreased [Pot.: High] [Range: Single Enemy] [Dur.: 25s]. [Extended: +8s] [Max. pot.: High].	4	MATK +100/50%	Water Resist. +50%	MATK +20%.MATK +20%.MATK +20%.	9.7
	Broadsword: Axis	Matt	410	501	250	Deal 900% PHY Non-elem. damage [Range: Single Enemy] (Critical hit rate: 10%).	4	PATK +100/50%	Lightning Ability Potency +120%	PATK/MATK +10%.PATK/MATK +10%.PATK/MATK +10%.	9.7
	W Machine	Barret	561	441	205	Deal 510% PHY Non-elem. damage [Range: Single Enemy] (Critical hit rate: 10%). Also, Physical Defense is decreased [Pot.: High] [Range: Single Enemy] [Dur.: 25s]. [Extended: +8s] [Max. pot.: High].	4	PATK +100/50%	Lightning Resist. +50%	PATK +20%.PATK +20%.PATK +20%.	9.7
	Rest in Peace	Glenn	583	422	204	Deal 750% PHY Non-elem. damage [Range: Single Enemy] (Critical hit rate: 10%).	4	PATK +50/25%MATK +50/25%	Wind Resist. +50%	PATK/MATK +10%.PATK/MATK +10%.PATK/MATK +10%.	9.6
	Cutlass	Zack	484	463	233	Deal 510% PHY Non-elem. damage [Range: Single Enemy] (Critical hit rate: 10%). Also, Physical Defense is decreased [Pot.: High] [Range: Single Enemy] [Dur.: 25s]. [Extended: +8s] [Max. pot.: High].	4	PDEF +80%	Atk Stance Cmd. Gauge Max: Phys. and Mag. Ability Potency +40%	PATK/MATK +10%.PATK +20%.PATK +20%.	9.5
	V39	Lucia	518	463	217	Deal 690% PHY Non-elem. damage [Range: All Enemies] (Critical hit rate: 10%).	4	PATK +50/25%MATK +50/25%	Fire Resist. +50%	PATK +20%.PATK +20%.Ice +30%.	9.5
	Type-99 Longsword	Zack	518	432	231	Deal 750% PHY Non-elem. damage [Range: Single Enemy] (Critical hit rate: 10%).	4	PATK +50/25%MATK +50/25%	Critical DMG +120%	PATK +20%.PATK +20%.PATK +20%.	9.5
	Black Rifle	Lucia	561	427	212	Deal 790% PHY Non-elem. damage [Range: Single Enemy] (Critical hit rate: 10%). Also, Ailment: Silence is applied [Range: Single Enemy] [Rate: 30%] [Dur.: 5s].	4	PATK +100/50%	Critical DMG +120%	PATK/MATK +10%.PATK/MATK +10%.PATK/MATK +10%.	9.5
	Hardedge	Cloud	540	453	210	Deal 510% PHY Non-elem. damage [Range: Single Enemy] (Critical hit rate: 10%). Also, Physical Defense is decreased [Pot. High] [Range: Single Enemy] [Dur.: 25s]. [Extended: +8s] [Max. pot.: High].	4	PATK +50/25%MATK +50/25%	Wind Resistance +50%	PATK/MATK + 10%.PATK/MATK +10%.PATK +20%.	9.4
	Personal Style	Glenn	528	448	218	Deal 940% PHY Non-elem. damage [Range: Single Enemy] (Critical hit rate: 10%).	4	HP +250/100%	Water Ability Potency +120%	PATK +20%.PATK +20%.PATK +20%.	9.4
	Apology in Hell	Glenn	513	463	218	Deal 940% PHY Non-elem. damage [Range: Single Enemy] (Critical hit rate: 10%).	4	PATK +50/25%MATK +50/25%	Ice Resist. +50%	PATK/MATK +10%.PATK/MATK +10%.PATK/MATK +10%.	9.4
	Tiger Fangs	Tifa	561	444	204	Deal 540% PHY Non-elem. damage [Range: Single Enemy] (Critical hit rate: 10%). Also, Magic Attack is decreased [Pot.: High] [Range: Single Enemy] [Dur.: 25s]. [Extended: +8s] [Max. pot.: High].	4	MATK +100/50%	Critical DMG +120%	PATK/MATK +10%.PATK +20%.PATK +20%.	9.3
	Piece of Cake	Glenn	552	436	212	Deal 510% PHY Non-elem. damage [Range: Single Enemy] (Critical hit rate: 10%). Also, Physical Defense is decreased [Pot.: High] [Range: Single Enemy] [Dur.: 25s]. [Extended: +8s] [Max. pot.: High].	4	PDEF +80%	Ice Resist. +50%	PATK +20%.PATK +20%.PATK +20%.	9.3
	Buster Sword	Cloud	513	449	218	Deal 750% PHY Non-elem. damage [Range: Single Enemy] (Critical hit rate: 10%). When matching Sigils are destroyed, x1.5 damage.	4	HP +250/100%	PATK +50/25%MATK +50/25%	PATK/MATK +10%.PATK +20%.Sigils defeated by matching Sigil Materia during Attack Shift Count +2.	9.3
	Leather Collar	Red XIII	518	458	218	Deal 940% PHY Non-elem. damage [Range: Single Enemy] (Critical hit rate: 10%).	2	HP +250/100%	Earth Ability Potency +120%	PATK +20%.PATK +20%.Heal +20%.	9.3
	Gatling Gun	Barret	523	448	221	Deal 750% PHY Non-elem. damage [Range: Single Enemy] (Critical hit rate: 10%).	4	HP +250/100%	Water Resist. +50%	PATK/MATK +10%.PATK/MATK +10%.PATK +20%.	9.2
	Striking Staff	Aerith	506	444	231	Deal 900% PHY Non-elem. damage [Range: Single Enemy] (Critical hit rate: 10%).	4	PATK +50/25%MATK +50/25%	Limit Break DMG +85%	PATK/MATK +10%.PATK/MATK +10%.Heal +20%.	9.2
	Junk Collar	Red XIII	506	463	222	Deal 510% PHY Non-elem. damage [Range: Single Enemy] (Critical hit rate: 10%). Also, Magic Attack is decreased [Pot.: High] [Range: Single Enemy] [Dur.: 25s]. [Extended: +8s] [Max. pot.: High].	4	PDEF +80%	Fire Resist. +50%	PATK/MATK +10%.PATK +20%.PATK +20%.	9.1

Healing #

Pic	Name	Unit	HEAL	C. Ability	ATB	R. Ability 1	R. Ability 2	Spt. Materia	Score
	Fairy Tale	Aerith	284	MAG Heal is cast [Pot.: 74% of heal strength] [Range: All Allies].	5	Heal Potency +50/100%	Earth Resist. +50%	PATK/MATK +10%.MATK +20%.MATK +20%.	10.0
	Lifeguard Wraps	Tifa	242	Mag. heal is cast. [Pot.: 54% of Healing Pot.] [Range: All Allies]	4	Heal Potency +50/100%	Fire Resist. +50%	PATK/MATK +10%.MATK +20%.Heal +20%.	9.9
	Prime Number	Matt	268	MAG heal is cast [Pot.: 74% of heal strength] [Range: All Allies].	5	Heal Potency +50/100%	Lightning Resist. +50%	MATK +20%.MATK +20%.Buff/Debuff Time +20%.	9.9
	Crystal Sword	Cloud	260	MAG heal is cast [Pot.: 71% of heal strength] [Range: All Allies].	5	Heal Potency +50/100%	Earth Resist. +50%	PATK/MATK +10%.MATK +20%.MATK +20%.	9.8
	Platinum Collar	Red XIII	217	Mag. heal is cast. [Pot.: 11% of Healing Pot.] [Range: All Allies] [Also, Regen is applied] [Range: All Allies]. [Dur.: 18s] [Extended: +s].	5	Heal Potency +50/100%	Earth Resist. +50%	PATK/MATK +10%.MATK +20%.Buff/Debuff Time +20%.	9.5
	Enhance Sword (Z)	Zack	222	MAG heal is cast [Pot.: 141% of heal strength] [Range: Single Ally].	5	Heal Potency +50/100%	Atk Stance Cmd. Gauge Max: Phys. and Mag. Ability Potency +40%	PATK/MATK +10%.MATK +20%.Lightning +30%.	8.5
	Espee Rapiere Next-G	Matt	284	MAG heal is cast [Pot.: 148% of heal strength] [Range: Single Ally].	5	MDEF +80%	Atk Stance Cmd. Gauge Max. Mag. Ability Potency +80%	MATK +20%.MATK +20%.Fire +30%.	8.0
	Rubber Collar	Red XIII	273	MAG heal is cast [Pot.: 113% of heal strength] [Range: Single Ally]. Also, Regen is applied [Range: Single Ally] [Dur.: 9s].	5	PDEF +80%	Limit Break DMG +85%	PATK/MATK +10%.PATK/MATK +10%.MATK +20%.	8.0
	Hardcore Squad	Glenn	221	Physical and magical defense is increased. [Pot.: Mid] [Range: All Allies] [Dur.: 14s]. [Extended: +4s]. Mag. heal is cast. [Pot.: 9% of Healing Pot.] [Range: All Allies].	5	Heal Potency +50/100%	Critical DMG +120%	MATK +20%.MATK +20%.MATK +20%.	7.0
	Guard Stick	Aerith	252	Magic Defense is increased [Pot.: High] [Range: Single Ally] [Dur.: 38s]. [Extended: +12s] [Max. pot.: High]. Also, MAG heal is cast [Pot.: 15% of heal strength] [Range: Single Ally].	4	Heal Potency +50/100%	Limit Break DMG +85%	PATK/MATK +10%.MATK +20%.Buff/Debuff Time +20%.	6.5
	Heavy Vulcan	Barret	263	Magic Defense is increased [Pot.: High] [Range: Single Ally] [Dur.: 38s]. [Extended: +12s] [Max. pot.: High]. Also, MAG heal is cast [Pot.: 13% of heal strength] [Range: Single Ally].	4	MDEF +80%	Earth Ability Potency +120%	PATK/MATK +10%.MATK +20%.Buff/Debuff Time +20%.	6.0
	Assault Gun	Barret	225	Physical Defense is increased [Pot.: High] [Range: All Allies] [Dur.: 14s]. [Extended: +4s] [Max. pot.: High]. Also, PHY heal is cast [Pot.: 6% of heal strength] [Range: All Allies].	4	Heal Potency +50/100%	Ice Resist. +50%	PATK/MATK +10%.MATK +20%.Lightning +30%.	6.0
	Defender	Zack	252	Defense is increased [Pot.: High] [Range: Single Ally] [Dur.: 38s]. [Extended: +12s] [Max. pot.: High]. Also, Regen is applied [Range: Single] [Dur.: 9s]. MAG heal is cast [Pot.: 13% of heal strength] [Range: Single Ally].	4	Heal Potency +50/100%	Ice Ability Potency +120%	PATK/MATK +10%.MATK +20%.Buff/Debuff Time +20%.	5.5
	Mythril Rod	Aerith	268	Physical Defense is increased [Pot.: Mid] [Range: All Allies] [Dur.: 14s]. [Extended: +4s] [Max. pot.: Mid]. Also, Magic Defense is increased [Pot.: Mid] [Range: All Allies] [Dur.: 14s]. [Extended: +4s] [Max. pot.: Mid]. MAG heal is cast [Pot.: 9% of healing potency] [Range: All Allies].	5	MDEF +80%	Lightning Resist. +50%	PATK/MATK +10%.PATK/MATK +10%.Buff/Debuff Time +20%.	5.0
	Core Defender	Matt	222	Magic Defense is increased. [Pot.: High] [Range: All Allies] [Dur.: 14s]. [Extended: +4s] [Max. pot.: High] Also, Mag. heal is cast. [Pot.: 7% of Healing Pot.] [Range: All Allies].	4	MATK +100/50%	Water Resist. +50%	PATK/MATK +10%.PATK/MATK +10%.Wind +30%	4.0
	Sleek Collar	Red XIII	242	Magic Defense is increased [Pot.: High] [Range: All Allies] [Dur.: 14s]. [Extended: +4s] [Max. pot.: High]. Also, MAG heal is cast [Pot.: 6% of heal strength] [Range: All Allies]	4	MDEF +80%	Wind Resist. +50%	PATK/MATK +10%.MATK +20%.Buff/Debuff Time +20%.	3.2
	Butterfly Edge	Cloud	210	Physical Defense is increased [Pot.: High] [Range: Single Ally] [Dur.: 38s]. [Extended: +12s] [Max. pot.: High]. Also, MAG heal is cast [Pot.: 13% of heal strength] [Range: Single Ally].	4	HP +250/100%	Limit Break DMG +85%	PATK/MATK +10%.PATK/MATK +10%.Ice +30%.	3.0
	SSR1976	Lucia	210	Magic Defense is increased. [Pot.: High] [Range: Single Ally] [Dur.: 38s]. [Extended: +12s] [Max. pot.: High] Also, Mag. heal is cast. [Pot.: 13% of Healing Pot.] [Range: Single Ally].	4	HP +250/100%	Lightning Ability Potency +120%	MATK +20%.MATK +20%.Buff/Debuff Time +20%.	3.0

Cloud Best Weapons #

Cloud is a top tier physical attacker with several single target nuking options. He is the strongest single target lightning DPS.

Recommended to be built as your team’s main single target nuker/boss killer.

Cloud’s best weapons are:

• 1. Murasame: Hyper single target lightning physical damage, and the 2nd highest PATK weapon in the game, both R. Abilities boost damage
  2. Maritime Sword: The best single target water physical damage option. Ranked lower that Murasame because there aren’t as many bosses weak to Water + crazy long skill animation time.
  3. Hardedge: Great nuking option that can also reduce enemy’s physical defense by a high amount; very versatile and useful in boss fights
  4. Apocalypse: His highest single target non-elemental physical damage, R. Abilities boost Wind so you can pair him up with Wind materia
  5. Mythril Saber: His highest single target non-elemental magical damage; only if you want to build him as a magic attacker
  6. Honorable Mention: Crystal Sword if you want to use Cloud as your dedicated healer, can heal all allies and regen for 3s
• It is normal to see Cloud paired with Murasame and Apocalypse for insane amounts of physical damage
• Hardedge is useful in all situations and can be paired with Murasame or Apocalypse if you don’t have any other PDEF breaker like Barret/Zack/Glenn
• If going magic route, you can pair Mythril Saber with Crystal Sword, as both weapons have high MAG stats
• Cloud’s samurai Stamp costume from Stamp boosts lightning potency, which is amazing for Murasame and lightning skills
• Early game, we get access to Buster Sword upgrade material for free, so feel free to level and use this weapon until you get access to better ones

Barret Best Weapons #

Barret is a long range physical attacker with multiple AOE damage options.

He has the highest HP in the game; doesn’t necessarily mean he’s the tankiest.

Recommended to be built as your team’s secondary damage dealer with wave clear and supportive options.

Barret’s best weapons are:

• 1. Enemy Launcher / Flame Projector : All weapons’ C. Ability are AOE, meaning they’re good for wave clearing. Enemy Launcher is the highest AOE non-elemental damage in the game, with the latter being Fire damage.
  2. Assault Gun: Increase physical defense of all allies by a high amount, and heals by a small amount. This is the only weapon that has this high of an AOE buffing ability in the game.
  3. W Machine: Each ability reduces enemy physical defense greatly, amazing support item for your physical DPS team
  4. Heavy Hauser: Barrett’s strongest single target damage option, non-elemental physical
• In boss fights, you can bring W Machine and Assault Gun. In mindless farming, bring any of his AOE damaging options for faster wave clearing. 
• Barret’s Stamp costume gives his bonus PATK potencies, making his wave clearing even faster.

Tifa Best Weapons #

Tifa is a superb physical and magical attacker, great at keeping your team alive by debuffing enemy damage.

She can cleanse herself of Silence and Poison ailments (unsure how useful this is).

She has the strongest single target Wind attack.

Recommended to be built as your team’s secondary damage dealer with debuffing options.

Tifa’s best weapons are:

• 1. Tiger Fangs / Leather Gloves: Single target PHY non-elemental nuke that decreases enemy magic attack / physical attack by a high amount; use it just before the boss nukes your team
  2. Lifeguard Wraps: The cheapest big AOE healing option at 4 ATB; also doesn’t heal as hard as Fairy Tale or Prime Number. Really needs Tifa’s summer outfit if you want to use Tifa as your healer.
  3. Motor Drive: Arguably her strongest DPS weapon and the strongest single target Wind PHY weapon in the game
  4. Kaiser Knuckles: Same as Tiger Fangs but decrease enemy magic defense instead of attack. This is ranked a bit lower IMO because the weapon’s R. Ability 1 and 2 increases her MDEF and Ice Resistance.
  5. Crystal Gloves: Great option for AOE lightning wave clearing and farming
• I would pick among these two: (Tiger Fangs / Leather Gloves / Kaiser Knuckles) for difficult content and boss fights
• Pick Motor Drive when fighting against enemies weak to Wind

Aerith Best Weapons #

Aerith is the best healer in the game, and has the only AOE healing limit break.

She is universally useful in difficult content as a dedicated healer so that the rest of your team don’t need to waste time healing.

Surprisingly, she also has the best AOE MAG Earth and Lightning damage (wow!).

Recommended to be built as a hybrid healer/magic damage dealer.

Aerith’s best weapons are:

• 1. Fairy Tale: The best AOE healing weapon in the game, largest healing potency, and weapon with the highest Heal stat in the game. R. Ability 1 further boosts Heal strength.
  2. Sun Umbrella: The best QOL enemy DEF debuff option in the game. It’s the weapon you set and forget on Aerith, just like Fairy Tale. Sun Umbrella makes her magic damage rocket with it’s two Mag DPS R Abilities.
  3. Wizard Staff / Wizer Staff / Silver Staff (Lightning / Earth / Ice): All three options are her AOE MAG damage options and great for wave clearing and farming.
  4. Full Metal Staff: AOE PHY non-elemental damage that decreases all enemies physical attack by a moderate amount.
  5. Mythril Rod: The best AOE physical and magic defense up buff that also heals a bit.
  6. Guard Stick: Buffs the magic defense of a single ally by a high amount and heal them a bit. R. Ability 1 boosts Heal Strength.
• I would 100% equip Fairy Tale to Aerith if it’s at 5* rarity (healing is AOE at 5* with boost).
• Assuming you need her purely for healing and nothing else, pair Fairy Tale with Guard Stick or Mythril Rod.
• If used as your magic DPS, pair Sun Umbrella with any one of her AOE staves.

Red XIII Best Weapons #

Red XIII is the best AOE regen user, which is interesting but feels weaker than flat healing (regen = 1 tick of heal every 3s).

He is the strongest AOE MAG water DPS and has the highest MATK weapon in the game.

Recommended role is to support your magic DPS units with AOE debuffs and regen.

Red XIII’s best weapons are:

• 1. Gold Collar: AOE MAG non-elemental damage that also reduces enemy magic defense by a moderate amount. This is the only weapon in the game that can AOE reduce enemy magic defense, making it useful for wave clearing. 
  2. Noble Collar: Strongest AOE magic Water damage weapon
  3. Platinum Collar: Heal and AOE Regen for all allies for 18s (6 ticks of regen for 77% total heal strength)
  4. Junk Collar: Single target non-elemental damage nuke and decrease enemy magic attack by a high amount
  5. Sleek Collar: AOE magic defense increase by a high amount with a tiny bit of healing
• I would have Red XII equip Gold Collar and paired with my AOE magic DPS units for fast wave clearing
• Equip Platinum Collar if you want him to be your main source of AOE healing
• P.S I did not include Seaside Collar, but you can go for it if your team mains lightning damage; WARNING it’s lightning resistance debuff only works on enemies that are already weak to lightning.

Zack Best Weapons #

Zack has top tier PHY and MAG damage and debuff options, amazing for single enemy/boss fights. 

For some reason, he is the only unit with an AOE elemental attack that’s based off of his physical stat.

Recommended to play the role of your main DPS.

Zack’s best weapons are:

• 1. Falchion: Strongest AOE PHY Wind damage weapon
  2. Zweihander: His strongest single target nuking option, PHY non-elemental damage; highest ATK weapon in the game with a 940% skill multiplier. Bonus: We get this weapon for free from Pre-reg rewards!
  3. Cutlass: Similar to Cloud’s Hardedge; strong single target physical non-elemental damage with PDEF break by a high amount
  4. Arc Sword: A strong single target MAG non-elemental damage with MDEF break by a high amount
  5. Crystal Sword (Z): 2nd strongest AOE MAG Fire damage weapon
• You can’t go wrong equipping Cutlass and Arc Sword on Zack to have the best of both worlds
• Use Falchion + Cutlass for wave clearing with physical
• Use Arc Sword + Crystal Sword (Z) for wave clearing with magic
• Zweihander is great if you have other units debuffing enemy PDEF like Cloud/Barret/Glenn

Matt Best Weapons #

Looking at the numbers… Matt has the highest PHY damage potential in the game when equipped with his stamp costume (costume from CBT, not out yet).

He is an absolute beast against single enemy / boss fights.

Matt has one of best AOE MAG ice damage, very similar to Aerith.

Recommended role is your main DPS, with huge single target debuffing options; can also replace Aerith as your main healer.

Matt’s best weapons are:

• 1. Killer Hornet* & Broadsword: Axis: Both weapons are huge single target non-elemental damage with 150% critical potency and 120% lightning ability potency respectively. What makes them stand out more is the fact their R. Ability 1 both boost PATK by +100/50%. (*Killer Hornet not out yet, but it was the next banner in CBT)
  2. Prime Number: 2nd best AOE healing weapon in the game; only losing out to Aerith’s Fairy Tale.
  3. Slick Beetle: Single target PHY non-elemental damage that can decrease enemy PATK by a high amount.
  4. Stingray: The MAG equivalent of Slick Beetle; decreases enemy MDEF by a high amount.
• Matt’s stamp costume in CBT had physical potency up, which makes his total physical potency potential greater than that of Cloud and Zack!
• Matt will be a very underestimated pick and you can’t go wrong building him.

Glenn Best Weapons #

Glenn has the highest physical attack weapon in the game with “Rest in Peace”, meaning you’ll most likely be using that as your sub weapon end game.

Recommended to be used as your secondary damage dealer or wave clearer.

Glenn’s best weapons are:

• 1. Jiggy Fam / Shockbuster (Earth / Lightning): Strong AOE elemental options, especially Jiggy Fam as the game has fewer Earth damage options than Lightning.
  2. Apology in Hell: His best single target non-elemental nuke with two very strong physical R abilities.
  3. Crewkicker: One of two strongest single target Fire weapons in the game.
  4. Piece of Cake: Similar to Barret’s W Machine, this weapon skill deals damage and reduces enemy physical def by a high amount.
• Glenn can take on the role of physical def debuff, but don’t sleep on his elemental damage
• I would equip Piece of Cake if your team doesn’t have any other PDEF breaker

Lucia Best Weapons #

Last but not least, Lucia is our sharpshooting queen with several unique characteristics. 

She is the only unit that can Silence an enemy for 5s (Silence = prevent enemy from using skills).

She is the only unit that can deal ST Water damage and AOE MAG Wind damage.

Recommended to play the role of main or secondary DPS.

Lucia’s best weapons are:

• 1. Serpent Eater: The strongest and only single target Water damage weapon
  2. Pulse Gun: The strongest and only AOE Wind MAG damage weapon
  3. Mad Minute: Single target non-elemental damage and reduce enemy’s magic ATK by a large amount. 
  4. Black Rifle: The only weapon in the game with a skill that can silence. Also deals great single target non-elemental damage. Unsure how powerful Silence will be. 
• You can’t go wrong building up Pulse Gun and Serpent Gun. Black Rifle is situational and requires more testing to understand the power of Silence. 
• Mad Minute with R. Ability 2 is the perfect support for your main damage dealers like Cloud, Zack, Matt, etc.

Damage Matrix #

One very important consideration is elemental advantage in this game. Certain elemental weapons are rarer than others, and may need to be prioritized.