Final Fantasy VII Revelation: Pre-Launch Checklist – Save Data & Combat Prep

Since its reveal at Summer Game Fest, Square Enix has positioned Final Fantasy VII Revelation around three pillars: Highwind exploration, the FITS hybrid combat loop, and a playable roster that finally includes Vincent Valentine and Cid. If you are starting on PlayStation 5 with existing Remake Intergrade and Rebirth save data, you will begin with bonus Summon Materia-Chocobo & Moogle from Intergrade and Phoenix from Rebirth. If you are moving to PC, Nintendo Switch 2, or Xbox Series X|S without those legacy saves, plan for a clean start; cross-progression has not been announced. Lock these three areas down before launch day.

Secure Your Save Data Bonuses Now

The easiest bonus to lose is the one you accidentally delete. On PS5, do not remove your Remake Intergrade or Rebirth saves before Revelation reads them. The game detects existing save data and distributes the rewards early in the story:

• FFVII Remake Intergrade save data → Chocobo & Moogle Summon Materia
• FFVII Rebirth save data → Phoenix Summon Materia

There is no workaround if those files are gone. If you are switching from PS5 to PC or another console, there is currently no path to import those bonuses. Decide now whether those summons are worth replaying the earlier entries on your new platform, or whether you will accept a fresh start.

Practice the FITS Combat Rhythm

Revelation refines the hybrid action/ATB combat into the FITS system, which tightens the intervals between action mode and command selection. The biggest day-one friction point is treating fights like pure action and ignoring the ATB economy. Spend time in Rebirth rehearsing the habit of building two ATB bars before spending them on synergized abilities rather than firing commands the moment one segment fills. That pacing carries directly into Revelation’s loop, where unspent bars translate into faster stagger pressure and better team coordination.

Since director Naoki Hamaguchi has emphasized seamless character swapping, practice swapping mid-combo in older content now. If your muscle memory is locked to one lead character, Revelation will punish that rigidity.

Prep for Highwind Exploration and New Party Members

The Highwind is more than a fast-travel menu. Square Enix has positioned it as a genuine exploration pillar, which means you will be managing gear and materia loadouts between ground zones and airship segments. Before Revelation arrives, review how your Rebirth materia sets handle mixed terrain so you are not rebuilding from scratch every time you board.

Also resist the urge to bench the new arrivals. Vincent Valentine and Cid join the playable roster, and they are not just story guests. Vincent’s ranged pressure and Cid’s aerial/dragoon-style attacks fill gaps that the original Remake trio cannot cover. If your current strategy revolves entirely around Cloud, Tifa, and Aerith, start experimenting with Barret and Yuffie in Rebirth now; it will make integrating Vincent and Cid much smoother.

Avoid These Common Pre-Launch Mistakes

• Deleting old saves to free up space before Revelation checks them.
• Assuming Steam or Xbox will read PS5 save files through cloud sync-there is no announced cross-save.
• Ignoring materia that boosts movement or ATB generation; FITS rewards speed more than raw damage.
• Planning a party without accounting for the Highwind’s role as a mobile base.

Platform Check

PS5 players with existing saves are in the best position. PC, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X|S players should treat Revelation as a standalone start unless Square Enix confirms cross-progression before launch. Do not bank on a last-minute patch to bridge console ecosystems.