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Just like in the original Final Fantasy VII that released in 1997, a big scene in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth gives you the chance to join one of the members of your party on a “date” at the Gold Saucer. Rebirth reworks that scene to be less about a rivalry between Tifa and Aerith for Cloud’s affections, and more of a measure of your bond with your favorite characters and the friendships you’ve developed with them. While Tifa and Aerith’s scenes are the only romantic ones, you can also bro down with Barret, who–as usual–has some words of wisdom for Cloud as their friendship deepens. Of course, spoilers abound from here on out.
How to date Barret in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth
As with the other characters, you need to increase Barret’s relationship meter is the highest among the party members when you return to the Gold Saucer and seek out Dio in Chapter 12. You’ll want Barret’s affinity for Cloud as high as you can get it before you rest at the Haunted Hotel in Ghost Square for the night, as this is when the scene begins. The good news is, you’ll be warned that you have a chance to travel the world and complete side quests before you trigger the scene, which will provide an opportunity to enhance your relationship stats.
We run down all these mechanics in our romance and relationships guide. Below, you’ll find the important moments and decisions that will affect Cloud’s relationship with Barret, and the items you should definitely complete to make sure you trigger the scene you want. Generally, though, try to remember the following as you’re developing your relationship:
- Side quests – Try to complete the Barret ones before you rest at the Haunted Hotel in Chapter 12. You can tell which side quests involve Barret because he’ll be present in the cutscenes where the quest-giver explains what they need. You can also see which character is associated with a quest on the Quest menu; look for the character’s mugshot in the bottom-right corner of the quest’s banner on the left side of the screen.
- Conversations – Pick the best answer out of the three options. Barret likes answers that suggest taking a hard stance against Shinra and that flatter his sense of leadership. So, you know, be nice to him, and pick dialogue choices that encourage him to keep up the fight. Whenever the party splits up, make sure to run around and talk to everyone for some of these opportunities.
- Events – These relationship boosts are missable depending on your actions. They’re usually pretty straightforward–if you can make a choice to help Barret, do that.
- Synergy Skills and Synergy Abilities – You get an affinity boost the first time you use any Synergy Skills or Abilities that partner Barret with Cloud.