Final Fantasy VII Remake is a game of substantial length. Although it may not rival Persona 5 in terms of duration, it follows the time-honored tradition of JRPGs when it comes to its overall playtime. Due to its linear narrative, there are ample opportunities for players to overlook certain aspects if they proceed solely with the main story before tying up loose ends.
Thankfully, unlike some other beloved classics in the genre, Square Enix’s ambitious remake utilizes chapters to divide its campaign into easily digestible segments. But how many chapters does Final Fantasy VII Remake consist of, and how much time does it take to complete?
The Number of Chapters in Final Fantasy VII Remake
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Final Fantasy VII Remake doesn’t follow the path of the few recent mainline Final Fantasy games that compressed everything into a mere seven chapters to make a whimsical nod to its own title. Instead, the mission to dismantle Shinra spans across a total of 18 chapters. While some chapters may not be as extravagant as others, they all contribute to the overall narrative. Bear in mind, however, that completing a chapter does not necessarily result in a massive payoff.
The Length of Final Fantasy VII Remake
The completion time for Final Fantasy VII Remake typically ranges from 35 to 40 hours, depending on your playstyle. This duration aligns with the goals of many exceptional JRPGs and raises the question of whether Square Enix’s illustrious 30-year-old franchise was the catalyst for this trend.
Our estimate is derived not only from our own experience with the game but also from the average completion times reported by other individuals and media outlets during its release. This estimation includes completing all side quests. Since exploration is not a significant aspect, players can expect a consistent completion time.
If we factor in post-game content, such as optional bosses and the challenging Hard Mode unlocked after the initial 40-hour playthrough, the total playtime may extend to approximately 100 hours. This estimation accounts for the deaths players may encounter and the necessary character leveling required to conquer these additional challenges.
Points of No Return in Final Fantasy VII Remake
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In true JRPG fashion, there comes a juncture in every epic tale of adventure and heroism where it becomes impossible to revert to the previous state. At this point, any missed side quests and items are forever lost. It could be due to injuries, casualties, an inaccessibility caused by a dangerous obstacle, or even the obliteration of a previously accessible area.
To clarify, we are not saying that such catastrophic events occur in Final Fantasy VII Remake. However, there are instances where leaving side quests and missions unfinished is a possibility if one is not cautious. Here are the points where this becomes relevant:
Chapter 3
Location: Sector 7 Slums
Once you have concluded the Mako Reactor missions, you will find yourself in the Sector 7 Slums. During this period, while you try to collect your payment for the job and witness Jessie’s continued attempts to flirt with you, there is ample time to complete a few errands for the locals.
The point of no return in this chapter is evident. Your primary objective will be to proceed to Seventh Heaven and advance the story. Should you have any pending side quests, you will be asked to confirm if you are ready to leave the town. If necessary, ensure that all outstanding tasks are completed before proceeding.
Chapter 8
Location: Sector 5 Slums
After accompanying Aerith for a short time, you will arrive at the Sector 5 Slums, specifically the Center District. Here, you will have access to an additional set of six side quests. The first quest involves securing the elusive Moogle Medals, essential for obtaining two different quest items required later in the game. For further information, refer to our comprehensive guide.
Several other quests, such as “The Angel of the Slums,” consist of chained missions that continue in later chapters. It is crucial to finish these quests before reaching Chapter 8’s conclusion. Some quests are relatively lengthy, so ensure that each one is fully resolved before progressing.
Chapter 9
Location: Wall Market
Once you reach Wall Market and have some spare time following the dubious events that unfold, you will have the opportunity to engage in three different side quests. With the exception of “The Party Never Stops,” these quests are relatively short, and they won’t significantly impede your main mission.
Attempting to enter Don Corneo’s mansion while Aerith prepares for her audition will automatically transition you to Chapter 10. Therefore, make sure to wrap up these quests before reaching that point.
Chapter 14
Location: Wall Market and Sector 5 Slums
This is the final stretch. Chapter 14 offers the most extensive selection of side quests throughout the entire game, taking place in both Wall Market and the Chapter 5 Slums. Despite involving certain storylines from previous quests, these new ventures can still be embarked upon even if their precursor quests were missed. Be prepared to spend a significant amount of time traveling throughout the various slums of Midgar to complete these missions.
Technically, you can initiate these quests as soon as Chapter 14 allows you to regain control of your characters. However, progressing through what appears to be a point of no return at Don Corneo’s mansion is necessary to conclude the mission related to his secret stash locations. The Moogle Medal guide contains the whereabouts of each stash.
After exploring the mansion and resurfacing from the sewers, Leslie will inform you about the real point of no return. At this juncture, you will utilize his grapple guns to scale the wall into the city, subsequently forfeiting the opportunity to complete the remaining side quests.
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