Final Fantasy VII: Secrets and Side Quests

Unlock the full potential of your Final Fantasy VII adventure with our comprehensive guide, 'Final Fantasy VII: Secrets and Side Quests.' Embark on a thrilling journey beyond the main storyline by delving into elusive hidden quests, uncovering key rewards, and mastering the art of managing your precious time and resources. Our guide also reveals the secrets to unlocking hidden areas and delving deep into the rich lore that makes this classic game truly timeless. Get ready to elevate your gaming experience and discover everything Final Fantasy VII has to offer with our expertly crafted tips and strategies.

Read on to dive into the essential subtopics: Finding Hidden Quests, Key Rewards from Side Quests, Managing Time and Resources, Unlocking Secret Areas, and Exploring Hidden Lore.

Final Fantasy VII: Secrets and Side Quests

Finding Hidden Quests

Final Fantasy VII is packed with content, from exciting main story beats to mysterious hidden quests. Some of these quests give you cool items, powerful Materia, or even new characters! Knowing where to look can make a big difference in your journey through Midgar and beyond. Here's how you can uncover these hidden gems.

Talk To Everyone

One of the best ways to find hidden quests is by chatting with every NPC (non-playable character) you encounter. People in towns and along your journey often drop clues or directly give you side quests. Make sure to revisit places after significant story events since new dialogues can trigger quests that weren’t available before.

Check Every Nook and Cranny

Exploring areas thoroughly can pay off big-time. Hidden quests and items are often tucked away in corners of the map or behind objects. Don’t rush through environments--take the time to explore every nook and cranny.

Key Quest Locations

While it's essential to explore everywhere, some spots are particularly dense with hidden quests:

• Wall Market: This area in Midgar has several quests ranging from helping locals to participating in wacky mini-games. Make sure to revisit here during different parts of the story.

• Cosmo Canyon: Connected deeply to Red XIII’s backstory, this place has quests that help you understand more about the game's lore. Plus, some quests here reward valuable items.

• Wutai: When you reach Wutai, don’t just breeze through it. This location has a whole chain of quests, especially tied to Yuffie, one of the optional characters.

Optional Characters Quests

Speaking of optional characters, did you know you can recruit Vincent and Yuffie? These characters have their own side quests:

• Yuffie: You can find Yuffie in several forests after you get the Tiny Bronco or go on foot. Defeat her in battle, then answer her questions correctly to recruit her. In Wutai, she'll lead you on a series of quests involving stolen Materia.

• Vincent: Head to the Shinra Mansion in Nibelheim. Solve a puzzle involving a safe to access Vincent’s room. He’ll join you and has a quest involving his dark past and some secret bosses.

Return to Earlier Locations

As the story progresses, returning to earlier locations can unlock new quests. Places like Nibelheim, Gold Saucer, and even the starting area of Midgar change over time. Characters you meet earlier might need help again, or new NPCs might offer quests that reflect your progress in the game.

Use the PHS System

Don’t forget to switch out party members using the PHS system. Different characters can trigger different dialogues and quests. For example, some optional quests will only appear if you have specific characters in your party when visiting specific places.

Hidden Materia and Items

Some quests reward you with powerful Materia or items that are not available elsewhere. For example:

• Desert Prison: In the Corel Desert Prison, you can get the ‘Enemy Skill’ Materia from one of the prisoners.

• Fort Condor: This location offers a series of battles where you can win rare Materia and items.

Don’t Forget the Gold Saucer

Gold Saucer isn’t just about mini-games; it’s a goldmine for hidden quests. Participation in the Battle Square can lead to unique items, and revisiting with different characters can unlock special dialogue and side events.

Pro Tips

• Save Often: Make a habit of saving before key locations or dialogues that might trigger quests so you can reload if needed.

• Check Quests Online: While discovering on your own is fun, sometimes checking a quest list can ensure you don’t miss anything.

• Enjoy the Journey: Remember, hidden quests often provide deeper insight into the world and characters of Final Fantasy VII. Take your time and enjoy every moment.

By following these tips, you'll be well on your way to finding all the hidden quests in Final Fantasy VII. Happy hunting!

Key Rewards from Side Quests

In Final Fantasy VII, side quests are more than just a break from the main storyline--they're a treasure trove of incredible rewards! Get ready to uncover some of the coolest weapons, items, and Materia as you explore these hidden missions.

1. Ultimate Weapons

Each character in FFVII has an Ultimate Weapon, providing unmatched power. Here are a few notable ones you can get from side quests:

• Cloud's Ultima Weapon: Win it in the Battle Square of the Gold Saucer after defeating Ultima Weapon.
• Barret's Missing Score: Found in Midgar during the return, on the stairs near the Sister Ray.
• Tifa's Premium Heart: Check out Wall Market's shop with the broken machine. Fix it to get this awesome weapon.

2. Limit Break Manuals

Unlocking a character’s strongest move requires their Level 4 Limit Break Manual. Here are some key locations:

• Cosmo Memory (Red XIII): Beat the optional boss in the safe in the Shinra Mansion.
• Final Heaven (Tifa): Play the piano in Nibelheim after acquiring the "Grieve" video.
• Great Gospel (Aeris): Complete the sleeping man's quest near Junon.

3. Knights of the Round Materia

One of the most powerful Materia in the game, Knights of the Round, can be yours by breeding a Gold Chocobo. This allows you to fly to Round Island, where this Materia is hidden.

4. W-Item Materia

The W-Item Materia is amazing because it lets you use two items in one turn. You can find it when you're infiltrating Midgar for the final showdown, in the tunnels pathway.

5. Enemy Skill Materia

There are four Enemy Skill Materia in the game--each can learn a variety of powerful magical abilities:

• Found in:
  • Shinra Headquarters (60th floor)
  • Junon (near the parade)
  • Forgotten City (near Bugenhagen's observatory)
  • Chocobo Sage’s house

6. Omnislash (Cloud)

Cloud’s ultimate Limit Break, Omnislash, is obtainable in the Battle Square. Rack up enough Battle Points (BP)--32,000 to be exact--and you'll walk away with this devastating move.

7. Mystile Armor

This defensive gear gives impressive dodge rates. Pick it up in Midgar when reclaiming the Sister Ray or snag it from a treasure chest in the Northern Cave.

8. Master Materia

Master Materia is a combination of multiple types of Materia into one. Obtain these from the Weapons Master in Kalm:

• Master Magic: Master all Magic Materia.
• Master Command: Master all Command Materia.
• Master Summon: Master all Summon Materia.

9. Underwater Materia

This nifty little Materia removes the time limit during the fight against Emerald Weapon. It can be earned by morphing a Ghost Ship enemy in the Underwater Reactor and giving the item to the Kalm traveler.

10. Ribbon

A highly sought accessory, the Ribbon protects you from all status ailments. You can find this in several places, including the Temple of the Ancients and Gaea’s Cliff.

By diving into these side quests, not only do you get to experience some of FFVII's most fun and challenging content, but you also gear up your party with the top-notch equipment and skills needed to face even the toughest of enemies. Happy questing, and may your adventures lead you to victory!

Managing Time and Resources in Final Fantasy VII

Final Fantasy VII is an expansive game with tons of content to explore. Knowing how to manage your time and resources efficiently is key to making the most out of Cloud and his friends' epic journey. Let's dive into some tips to help you keep things under control and make your playthrough as smooth as possible!

Planning Your Explorations

Final Fantasy VII is filled with hidden treasures, side quests, and secret bosses. To avoid spending countless hours wandering aimlessly, it's a good idea to have a rough plan of action. Here's how to do it:

1. Main Story First: Focus on the main storyline initially. This will unlock more areas and make side quests more accessible.
2. Side Quests Second: After completing major story events, take the time to revisit locations and check for new side quests. They often provide useful rewards like rare items and powerful Materia.

Resource Management

Resource management is crucial in Final Fantasy VII. Your limited supplies, Gil (the in-game currency), and Materia (magical orbs that grant abilities) can make or break your adventure. Here's how to keep it all in check:

Gil Management

1. Avoid Unnecessary Purchases: Don't spend Gil on items you don’t need immediately. Prioritize weapons, armor, and items that will provide a real benefit in combat.
2. Sell Old Equipment: When you upgrade to new gear, sell your old equipment. This frees up space and gives you some Gil to work with.
3. Battle Wisely: Regularly engage in battles to earn Gil and stock up on items. But don't overdo it--grinding too much can drain your resources quickly.

Item Management

1. Stock Up on Healing Items: Ensure you have a good supply of Potions, Ethers, and Phoenix Downs. You don't want to be stuck in a tight spot without them.
2. Use Materia to Heal: Equip characters with Restore Materia. This allows you to use healing spells without consuming items, conserving your stockpile for emergencies.
3. Save Items for Boss Fights: Use your strongest items, such as Elixirs and Mega Potions, during tough boss fights rather than regular battles.

Efficient Use of Materia

Materia is the cornerstone of your characters' magical and combat abilities. Managing Materia effectively can turn the tide in many battles.

1. Complementary Materia: Pair Materia that works well together. For example, combine All Materia with Restore to heal your entire party.
2. Covering Weaknesses: Assign Materia that cover your characters' weaknesses. Give a physically weak character powerful offensive Materia to balance their abilities.
3. Balanced Loadout: Ensure your team has a balanced set of offensive, defensive, and support Materia. This enables you to adapt to different situations easily.

Time Management

Final Fantasy VII can be quite time-consuming, so make sure you're playing efficiently:

1. Fast Travel: Once unlocked, take advantage of fast travel methods like the Chocobo or the Highwind to save time moving between locations.
2. Save Regularly: Save your game frequently, especially before tackling significant challenges. This allows you to avoid losing progress if things go south.
3. Prioritize: Decide which quests and activities are most important to you. Some side quests offer huge benefits, while others are mainly for fun.

Conclusion

Remember, there's no right or wrong way to play Final Fantasy VII, but managing your time and resources can enhance your overall experience. By planning your journey, managing Gil and items wisely, and making the best use of Materia, you'll be better equipped to face whatever challenges come your way. Happy gaming! 🚀

Unlocking Secret Areas

Final Fantasy VII is packed with hidden places that are waiting for you to discover. These secret areas often come with rare items, powerful weapons, and exciting new story elements. Ready to dive into the unknown? Here's a guide to some of the most sought-after secret areas in FFVII.

Ancient Forest

How to Find It

The Ancient Forest can be accessed in two ways.

1. Chocobo Route:

   • You need a green, black, or gold Chocobo. Use them to cross the mountains near Cosmo Canyon.

2. Defeat Ultimate Weapon:

   • Once you bring down Ultimate Weapon, it creates a pathway to the Ancient Forest from Cosmo Canyon.

What’s Inside

In the Ancient Forest, you’ll navigate through puzzles involving removing plants and using insects to reach hard-to-access areas. Unique treasures here include:

• Typhon Materia: A powerful summon materia.
• Apocalypse Sword: A triple Materia growth sword for Cloud.
• Minerva Band: Great armor for your female characters.

Wutai (Yuffie’s Side Quest)

How to Start

First, make sure Yuffie is on your team. Head over to the area near Gongaga Village, and Yuffie will eventually steal your Materia.

What to Do

Track Yuffie to Wutai and participate in her side quest. Look out for secret areas in the Pagoda to find hidden treasures and strong enemies.

Rewards

• Leviathan Materia: You get this summon after defeating Godo, Yuffie’s father.
• Dragoon Lance: One of Cid’s most powerful weapons.

Sunken Gelnika

How to Access

You need the submarine for this. Travel to the southeast corner of the ocean, near Junon. Dive underwater to find the sunken Gelnika.

What’s Inside

The Gelnika is loaded with high-tier items and tough enemies. Here’s what you can snag:

• Hades Materia: Adds a powerful new summon to your arsenal.
• Heaven’s Cloud: A great sword for Cloud.
• Conformer: Yuffie’s ultimate weapon, which deals more damage based on the enemy level.

Forgotten Capital (Optional Visit)

How to Get There

Fly the Highwind to the northern continent and reach the Forgotten Capital. This area is usually part of the main story, but coming back later can reap more rewards.

What to Explore

Revisit the City of the Ancients to find:

• Comet Materia: A high-damage magic materia.
• Enemy Skills: Pick up hidden skills for your Enemy Skill Materia from the enemies here.

Northern Cave Secrets

How to Access

The Northern Cave becomes available toward the end of the game.

What to Explore

Deep within the cave lies the final dungeon, but there are lots of optional paths and hidden treasures:

• Mystile Armor: Top-tier defense armor.
• W-Magic Materia: Allows casting two magic spells in a row.
• Counter Materia: Automatically counterattack when damaged.

Tips for Unlocking Secret Areas

1. Use a Guide Chocobo: Different Chocobos can reach areas you can't access otherwise. Breeding the right Chocobo is essential.
2. Explore Thoroughly: Hidden items and paths often appear in unlikely places. Check all nooks and crannies.
3. Level Up: Some areas contain powerful enemies. Make sure your party is strong enough to handle the toughest battles.

Unlocking these secret areas in Final Fantasy VII not only grants you extra adventures and loots but also enriches the entire gaming experience. Happy exploring!

Exploring Hidden Lore

Final Fantasy VII is packed with secrets and hidden lore that enhance the main story. From cryptic messages to mysterious characters, here are some of the juiciest bits of lore you might miss on your first playthrough.

The Shinra Mansion’s Dark Past

One of the most intriguing places is the Shinra Mansion in Nibelheim. This spooky mansion holds deep connections to the game’s antagonist, Sephiroth. Head straight to the basement to find Professor Hojo's secret lab. This is where Hojo conducted experiments on Sephiroth and other unsuspecting victims. Make sure to read all the documents lying around to uncover the chilling history of these experiments.

• Tip: Look for the hidden safe in the mansion. Solve the combination puzzle to face the optional boss, Lost Number, and earn key rewards like the Odin Materia.

“Loveless” - A Poetic Mystery

Around Midgar, you might notice posters and graffiti referencing "Loveless". This is a play created within the Final Fantasy VII universe. It explores themes of love and tragedy which, in many ways, mirror the game's plot. Delving into "Loveless" gives you a better understanding of characters like Genesis in the expanded lore from Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII.

The Life of Zack Fair

Zack Fair’s story is essential for understanding Cloud Strife's true past. Throughout the game, you'll find clues and flashbacks that hint at Zack's importance. Pay attention to Cloud's broken memories. Zack was a SOLDIER operative who influenced Cloud’s fate dramatically.

• Spotlight: Visit Gongaga to meet Zack’s parents, who provide heartfelt anecdotes that flesh out his backstory. Additionally, the optional content in Crisis Core explores Zack's life in depth.

Ancient Cetra Civilization

Aerith Gainsborough is one of the last descendants of the Cetra, an ancient race with a deep connection to the Planet and the Lifestream. Visit the Forgotten Capital and explore the ruins to learn more about this lost civilization. Their lore explains the game's metaphysical elements and provides critical insights into the Planet’s plight.

• Hidden Gem: Find and activate the various music box puzzles in the Forgotten Capital to uncover more about the Cetra and their prophecies.

Bugenhagen’s Observatory

Bugenhagen, the wise old sage in Cosmo Canyon, offers valuable knowledge about the Planet. Spend time with Bugenhagen in his observatory to learn about the Lifestream and the balance of life. His holographic projections explain the game's ecological themes and the dire consequences of exploiting the Planet's resources.

Vincent Valentine’s Dark Secrets

Vincent Valentine is an optional character with a brooding past tied to Shinra's twisted experiments. Visit the Shinra Mansion to find Vincent sleeping inside a coffin. His side quest reveals his tragic love story with Lucrecia and his transformation into an immortal being as a result of Hojo's experiments.

• Adventure: Complete Vincent’s side quests to unlock deeper lore and access his ultimate weapon, the Death Penalty, and his best limit break, Chaos.

The Weapons - Guardians of the Planet

The Planet's defenders, known as the Weapons, awaken in times of extreme threat. Emerald, Ruby, Diamond, and Ultima Weapons are colossal creatures born to protect the Planet from crises. Each battle against these behemoths unravels more about their origins and purpose.

• Challenge: Defeat each Weapon for powerful items and a substantial challenge. Emerald and Ruby Weapons are particularly tough and require strategic planning.

By exploring these hidden elements, you’ll gain a richer understanding of Final Fantasy VII’s intricate world. Dive deep into side quests and hidden areas to uncover secrets that make the game’s lore even more compelling.

Happy exploring!