Do you want to learn about the ATB system in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth (FF7R)? If yes, you will learn about ATB, in this guide.
What is ATB in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth? The Active Time Battle (ATB) system is the core of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth’s (FF7R) hybrid real-time and turn-based combat. Learning to charge and leverage your ATB gauges effectively will grant access to powerful spells, abilities, and items to turn the tide of battle in your favor.
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The ATB system in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is really different from the Final Fantasy 7 Remake. So, it’s ideal for you to learn the fundamentals and advanced techniques. This guide covers fundamental ATB, what strategies you can use, and advanced techniques to master the system.
ATB System Fundamentals
ATB is one of the core combat mechanics in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. Here are some ATB system fundamentals in the game:
- ATB charges in segments represented by bars.
- If you perform actions, you’ll spend ATB segments.
- Powerful moves may cost multiple ATB segments.
- ATB continually charges outside of combat at a slow rate.
You need to manage your ATB bars efficiently. It is crucial as they enable the usage of your strongest attacks. Always keep an eye on your current ATB levels in the upper-right corner of the screen during combat.
Charging ATB Bars
ATB charges automatically in combat over time. But you can speed up the process if you do these:
- Attacking: Landing hits on enemies rapidly fills the gauge.
- Parrying: Parrying can speed up ATB bars fast, especially Perfect Parries.
- Tactical Mode: Time slows, but ATB still charges normally.
- Synergizing: Grants both characters large ATB gains.
You need to string together combos, land parries and utilize Tactical Mode to accelerate your ATB generation.
Conserving ATB
It’s sometimes strategic to conserve ATB charges. Here are a few tips you need to follow:
- Don’t overheal: Use life-saving spells only when needed.
- Wait for Stagger: Unload when the enemy is vulnerable.
- Watch Pruned debuffs: May disable certain ATB abilities.
- Don’t use ATB all the time: Conserve ATB for the boss.
Letting gauges max out is wasteful—find moments to unload impact fully.
Advanced ATB Tactics
First Strike Materia: First Strike begins battles with 1 ATB segment. It’s extremely useful for early game-changers like Assess, Barrier or Haste.
Tactical Switching: I suggest you to switch characters after casting major ATB abilities. This allows others to charge ATB while lengthy animations play out.
L1 Shortcuts: You can access commonly used spells/abilities faster through shortcuts. You should customize them under Battle Settings.
Synergizing: Properly chaining Synergized Attacks together builds ATB rapidly by hitting multiple enemies. So, synergize your characters when you can.
Enemy Intel: You should assess Materia. It reveals what enemy abilities can be interrupted with ATB attacks. Use it wisely.
Overpower Mode: The characters in Overpower Mode gain ATB segments every time they land a hit. You can fill up the ATB bars faster while in Overpower Mode.
Key ATB Management Tips
- Always have First Strike equipped on someone.
- Parry often to expedite ATB charging.
- Switch to inactive characters when animations play.
- Assess enemies to enable weaknesses.
- Use items instead of Cure spells to conserve MP.
- Tactical Mode can buy time to select ATB options.
- Assign shortcuts for most used moves.
- Build ATB before Stagger, then unload.
Fluidly managing your ATB gauges is crucial to combat effectiveness in FF7R. With practice, you’ll intuitively charge ATB quickly, conserve it when needed, and unleash your most impactful abilities, spells, and items at the perfect moments to turn the tide of any battle in your favor.
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