Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth: Complete Guide To Affinity
For no fewer than 11 of Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth's 14 chapters, plus the vast majority of its side quests, the game dangles the Affinity System in front of players. You'll periodically be shown circles over Aerith's, Tifa's, Barret's, Red XIII's, and Yuffie's heads, and the color and fullness of the circles broadly indicates the character's affection ranking toward Cloud at any given time.
RelatedFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirth: Gold Saucer Guide
It's not all fun and games at Final Fantasy VII Rebirth's Gold Saucer. Actually, yes, it is.
PostsThe payoff - a date sequence in Chapter 12 at the Gold Saucer - is well worth the hassle of keeping track, so in this guide, we'll chart every chance you'll get to increase affinity with your preferred candidate.
What Is Affinity In Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth?
Absent in FF7 Remake but a huge part of FF7 Rebirth, the Affinity System gives players a chance to deepen Cloud's relationships with most of the playable cast. The culmination is the game determining which character serves as Cloud's 'date' in Chapter 12.
We put date in quotation marks, because the romantic vibes only truly pop in a couple of them - and you can probably predict which ones. But they're all quite special, and well worth seeing.
There are a couple of key ways to increase affinity over the course of the earlier 11 chapters.
- Engaging in side quests starring specific party members. Finishing them will notify you that 'Your relationship with [character] has changed'.
- Answering dialogue choices in ways which please the party member in question.
You won't be able to see which character will contribute to a given side quest ahead of time, but once you do, make it a point to complete the side quest with the best result. Cloud's Affinity with them will go up more per great results.
Side quests often offer dialogue choices for the character outside the main story's scattered moments.
Conversely, you will need to make a choice to speak with them at times in order to trigger dialogue choices that won't occur automatically in the obligatory script bits.
Dialogue choices range from bad, average, to good. This is our own rating system, however - it's more accurate to say that you will get one, two, or three points toward Affnity with your reply depending on whether it's the best, the middle, or the worst selection.
How To Raise Aerith's Affinity
It might surprise you to know, but neither Aerith nor Tifa have especially more affinity-elevating opportunities than the rest of the party. For as much weight as can be lended to the likelihood that folks will aim for one or the other, you'll have to work just as hard.
Side Quests Which Raise Aerith's Affinity
The following side quests are great for raising Aerith's affinity towards Cloud. Per our testing, we're fairly certain that optimal outcomes will produce better 'affinity yields', so follow those directions to the letter!
Side Quest
First Available
Region
Flowers from the Hill
Chapter 2
Grasslands
Stuck in a Rut
Chapter 4
Junon
Rendezvous at Costa del Sol
Chapter 7
Corel
The Spice of Life
Chapter 9
Gongaga
Absence of a Sign
Chapter 10
Cosmo Canyon
Beneath Still Waters
Chapter 12
Junon
Woodland Vigil
Chapter 12
Gongaga
Dialogue Options Which Raise Aerith's Affinity
The following dialogue choices are confirmed to help raise Aerith's Affinity to varying degrees.
Aerith's Line
Cloud's Best Response
Chapter
Location
"Want to climb the clock tower together?"
"Sure, let's."
2
Kalm
"Do you remember the first time we met?"
"You shoved a flower at me."
4
Junon
"I start thinking things so dark and ugly that it scares me."
"They're just thoughts."
6
Costa del Sol
"Waltzing in there, stirring up memories..."
"You're too hard on yourself."
9
Gongaga
(What will you do?)
Encourage her.
10
Cosmo Canyon
"You never came up here hopin' she'd wave?"
"Sounds like something I'd do."
11
Nibelheim
More Ways To Raise Aerith's Affinity
There are a few one-time boosts to Aerith's affinity rating. We apologize if we've missed any, but we'll keep tabs and update if so!
- Performing well during the Junon Parade sequence in Chapter 4.
- Choosing beach attire that 'matches Aerith's taste in swimwear' in Costa del Sol in Chapter 6. This is done by picking the same row (top choice or bottom choice) for Cloud and Aerith for both pieces.
- Costa del Sol: When choiced between either Tifa and Red XIII or Aerith and Barret, pick Barret and Aerith.
How To Raise Tifa's Affinity
Plenty of players will prefer to see Cloud hook up with Tifa during the Chapter 12 date, and yes, the romantic undertones are here in full force for the pair. Here's how to make the magic happen.
Side Quests Which Raise Tifa's Affinity
Side Quest
First Available
Region
A Rare Card Lost
Chapter 2
Grasslands
Calling All Frogs
Chapter 4
Junon
Dreaming of Blue Skies
Chapter 4
Junon
Bodybuilders in a Bind
Chapter 7
Corel
My White-Haired Angel
Chapter 11
Nibel
Gold Cup or Bust
Chapter 12
Corel
Sand and Circuses
Chapter 12
Corel
Dialogue Options Which Raise Tifa's Affinity
Speak love into the air by picking these best-in-class dialogue options between Cloud and Tifa:
Tifa's Line
Cloud's Best Response
Chapter
Location
"This tank remind you of anything?"
"The place I made that promise to you."
2
Kalm
"Do you remember a guy named Emilio?"
"Only person from the village I remember is you."
4
Junon
"Feels like it's been ages since Seventh Heaven."
"Lot's happened since then."
6
Costa del Sol
"What sort of thing would you go for?"
"Gotta go with pot roast."
9
Gongaga
"Did I sound as awkward as I felt?"
"You did good."
10
Cosmo Canyon
"It was taking a toll... and then you showed up."
"Have I helped you get through it all?"
11
Nibelheim
More Ways To Raise Tifa's Affinity
Similar to Aerith, we've spotted three one-time ways to raise affinity with Tifa. They are, in fact, the same three ways as Aerith's:
- Performing well during the Junon Parade sequence in Chapter 4.
- Choosing beach attire that 'matches Tifa's taste in swimwear' in Costa del Sol in Chapter 6. This is done by picking the same row (top choice or bottom choice) for Cloud and Tifa for both pieces.
- Costa del Sol: When choiced between either Tifa and Red XIII or Aerith and Barret, pick Tifa and Red XIII.
Amusingly enough, you can gain affinity with both Aerith and Tifa if you have all three characters select the top or bottom rows for their swimwear picks.
How To Raise Barret's Affinity
Let's say you'd rather not see Cloud share some tender moments with Aerith or Tifa. Don't count out the rest of the gang. Barret's 'date' sequence with Cloud is actually quite sweet, and it shows a cool side of our favorite gunarm-toting resistance fighter.
Side Quests Which Raise Barret's Affinity
Side Quest
First Available
Region
Lifeline in Peril
Chapter 2
Grasslands
When Words Won't Do
Chapter 4
Junon
Missing Mr. Birdie
Chapter 7
Corel
The Pursuit of Perfection
Chapter 9
Gongaga
Hustle and Grind
Chapter 12
Grasslands
Escape from Writer's Block
Chapter 12
Gongaga
Lament of the Damned
Chapter 12
Nibel
Dialogue Options Which Raise Barret's Affinity
Barret's Line
Cloud's Best Response
Chapter
Location
"Not gonna have a drop till Seventh Heaven's back up and running."
"First one's on me."
2
Kalm
"What do you think Yuffie wants with us?"
"Your autograph."
4
Junon
"I couldn't do a damn thing for those poor bastards."
"You tried. That's all you can do."
6
Costa del Sol
"Wonder what kind of stuff we'd end up growin'."
"Mushrooms."
9
Gongaga
"So, what - we sit here and 'theorize'?"
"No, we fight."
10
Cosmo Canyon
"We gotta do something, right?"
"Hell yeah, you're right. Screw them."
11
Nibelheim
More Ways To Raise Barret's Affinity
At a few points in the main story, you will have a chance to raise Barret's affinity with Cloud by doing things just so:
- Costa del Sol: When choiced between either Tifa and Red XIII or Aerith and Barret, pick Barret and Aerith.
- Mount Corel: During the mine cart mini-game, you're given an option to alter the track to either Barret's taste or Yuffie's. Pick Barret's.
- Corel Prison: The turret-like mini-game on the back of the buggy has Barret fend off Shinra forces. Perform well enough for a boost.
How To Raise Red XIII's Affinity
Red XIII, Nanaki, labratdog - call him what you like, but Red XIII has plenty of affinity opportunities in Rebirth. In fact, heck, we've heard multiple cases of folks accidentally ending up with Red. This can happen if several party members are high up; Red has plenty of chances!
Side Quests Which Raise Red XIII's Affinity
Side Quest
First Available
Region
Livestock's Bane
Chapter 2
Grasslands
Where the Wind Blows
Chapter 2
Grasslands
The Hardest Sell
Chapter 4
Junon
Of Robed Men and Ransoms
Chapter 7
Corel
O Chicken, Where Art Thou
Chapter 9
Gongaga
From Whence Life Flows
Chapter 10
Cosmo Canyon
Promises to Keep
Chapter 10
Cosmo Canyon
Dialogue Options Which Raise Red XIII's Affinity
Red's Line
Cloud's Best Response
Chapter
Location
"One can never be too careful with Shinra."
"I knew I could count on you."
2
Kalm
"I doubt I'll smell Shinra till it's too late."
"We'll manage."
4
Junon
"I know I should strive to maintain my composure around him. But..."
"Don't sweat it."
6
Costa del Sol
"Just forget I said anything."
"I'll lend an ear."
10
Cosmo Canyon
"No one wants to hear people badmouth their hometown."
"This isn't my hometown."
11
Nibelheim
"It was taking a toll... and then you showed up."
"Have I helped you get through it all?"
11
Nibelheim
More Ways To Raise Red XIII's Affinity
There's a few more ways to get that affinity going with Red:
- Duel him at Queen's Blood in Chapter 5.
- Costa del Sol: When choiced between either Tifa and Red XIII or Aerith and Barret, pick Barret and Aerith.
- Win the brawl with Dio upon first entry to the Gold Saucer.
How To Raise Yuffie's Affinity
Yuffie's pseudo-date is, as might be expected, pretty darn funny. It's vintage Yuffie, after all. But much like the rest of the characters, there's some insight into Yuffie that you can't quite find elsewhere. It's surely worth looking up online if nothing else!
Side Quests Which Raise Yuffie's Affinity
Side Quest
First Available
Region
The Saga of the Seaside Inn
Chapter 7
Corel
Teach Me, Great Warrior
Chapter 9
Gongaga
Bonds of Trust
Chapter 10
Cosmo Canyon
Esoteric Secrets of the Elders
Chapter 11
Nibel
Tides of War and Worry
Chapter 12
Junon
Trouble in Paradise
Chapter 12
Corel
Victim of Circumstance
Chapter 12
Cosmo Canyon
Dialogue Options Which Raise Yuffie's Affinity
Tifa's Line
Cloud's Best Response
Chapter
Location
"This tank remind you of anything?"
"The place I made that promise to you."
2
Kalm
"Do you remember a guy named Emilio?"
"Only person from the village I remember is you."
4
Junon
"Feels like it's been ages since Seventh Heaven."
"Lot's happened since then."
6
Costa del Sol
"What sort of thing would you go for?"
"Gotta go with pot roast."
9
Gongaga
"Did I sound as awkward as I felt?"
"You did good."
10
Cosmo Canyon
"It was taking a toll... and then you showed up."
"Have I helped you get through it all?"
11
Nibelheim
More Ways To Raise Yuffie's Affinity
Even though she joins later than the other candidates, there are still some keen ways to give this ninja a fighting chance:
- Tell Yuffie you like her beach attire in Costa del Sol, prior to her joining up. You can find her at the ice cream truck.
- Mount Corel: During the mine cart mini-game, you're given an option to alter the track to either Barret's taste or Yuffie's. Pick Yuffie's.
Synergy Abilities Raise Everyone's Affinity
Last but not least, consider Synergy Abilities when aiming for a certain affinity boost. The first time Cloud activates a new Synergy Ability with someone, their affinity rating increases, which actually means you can work to prevent certain pairings by not using these.
Don't let that stop you from doing so - Synergy Abilities are great! - but it's something to consider if you feel like you're very close with multiple candidates. There's no way to view the specific rating, since FF7 Rebirth prefers to leave a bit of mystery to the result!
Chapter Select Lets You Pick Your Partner
As a sweet perk for completing the game, the unlockable Chapter Select includes the option to pick which character you want to see with Cloud at the Gold Saucer date when you boot up Chapter 12 from the menu.
There is a bit of a catch: the character must have a fairly high affinity rating with Cloud in order to be eligible for this quick pick.
But honestly, there are so many affinity-boosting side quests in FF7 Rebirth that you'll need to skip lots of content not to have everyone pretty high up already heading into Chapter 12.
NextHow Long Does It Take To Beat Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth?
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