Cloud can deeply develop his relationship with the various characters in the middle chapter of the Remake trilogy. One example is none other than Aerith Gainsborough. In this guide, you will learn how to romance Aerith while playing Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
How to romance Aerith in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth
To date and romance Aerith in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, you must ensure her Bonds of Friendship meter reaches the maximum rank prior to the Gold Saucer date in Chapter 12.
Chapter 2 – Kalm Clock Tower Date
- Aerith: “Wanna climb the clock tower together”?
- Cloud: “Sure. Let’s.”
Chapter 2 side quest – Flowers from the Hill
Flowers from the Hill is a companion side quest that becomes available after speaking to Chloe at Bill’s Chocobo Ranch. Follow the quest marker to pick flowers with Aerith and help make a flower crown for Chloe.
Chapter 4 side quest – Stuck in a Rut
This ranch-related side quest takes place at Gabe’s Chocobo Ranch, right outside of Under Junon. Visit the rainwright, collecting the materials necessary to repair Gabe’s chocobo carriage. This also unlocks fast travel between the Grasslands and Junon regions.
Chapter 4 – Under Junon Inn
- Aerith: “Do you remember the first time we met?”
- Cloud: “You shoved a flower at me.”
Chapter 4 event – Junon Parade
The Junon parade is the first event providing bonus relationship points. When Cloud receives a promotion, you must locate all the Midgar 7th Infranty troops around Junon to unlock additional options for your parade performance.
After all 10 infantry troops are found, you can select harder performances to receive point bonuses. Finish the QTEs and score at least 100,000 points to receive rewards from Heidegger and Rufus Shinra. This increases your bond with both Aerith and Tifa.
Chapter 6 missable bonus: Costa del Sol swimwear
Aerith (and Tifa) need to be wearing the same type of beachwear as Cloud.
| Cloud Outfit | Aerith Outfit (match) |
|---|---|
| Ocean Chocbo | Floral Delight |
| Wild Surf | Pink Mermaid |
The game notifies you if Aerith has the same taste in beachwear as Cloud once they join the rest of the party on the beach. If they match, you will receive a boost right away.
Chapter 6 missable bonus: Costa del Sol beach battle
When Shinra forces arrive on the beach, choose Aerith and Barret as your duo.
Chapter 6 – Costa del Sol beach
- Aerith: “I start thinking things so dark and ugly it scares me.”
- Cloud: “They’re just thoughts.”
Chapter 7 side quest: Rendezvous in Costa del Sol
During this side quest, Cloud and Aerith are on a date in a tropical resort. The goal is to help three fashion designers by following instructions. They ask you to play additional mini-games, searching the nearby beach for shells. Give Yorda the biggest shell you find and enjoy the show.
Chapter 9 – Gongaga Village
- Aerith: “Pretty selfish, huh? Waltzing in there, stirring up memories…”
- Cloud: “They didn’t seem to mind.”
Chapter 9 side quest: The Spice of Life
To unlock this side quest, you first need to finish the “Teach Me, Great Warrior” side quest in Gongaga Village with Yuffie. It requires you to help Cissnei gather mushrooms, produce, and salt in and around the village.
Chapter 10 – Watcher of the Vale
- Dialogue: What will you do?
- Cloud: “Encourage her.”
Chapter 10 side quest: Absence of a Sign
Visit three separate locations to take specific pictures of the sky. The photos need to match the skywatchers’ phenomena reports with at least 80% accuracy. Emulate the photos to the best of your ability using references, and be certain to take shots of Aerith when you have the chance.
Chapter 11 – Nibelheim Watch Tower
- Aerith: “You never came up here hopin’ she’d wave?”
- Cloud: “Sounds like something I’d do.”
Chapter 12 side quest: Beneath Still Waters
To unlock the quest, you must complete the “Tides of War and Worry” side quest with Yuffie in Under Junon. You will work with the Midgar 7th Infantry and help them defeat a dangerous fiend in the area. This requires you to defeat Hell Rider II twice to beat the mission.
Chapter 12 side quest: Woodland Vigil
Complete the “Escape from Endless Writer’s Block” side quest in Gongaga Village with Barret to unlock “Woodland Vigil.” Help Cissnei scout the area near the village and take care of the fiends that have appeared. Climb her watchtower and investigate three different locations to find the Gigantoad.
Aerith Gold Saucer Date
The Gold Saucer date in Chapter 12 takes place after you find Dio and agree to a request. Be certain that all of Aerith’s side quests are done before resting at the Haunted Hotel. This is the point of no return.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is an action role-playing game developed by Square Enix and initially released in 2024 for PlayStation 5.
