Hold the button to gather strength, then release to unleash a powerful physical attack.

Description

Power Cleave is a synergy skill in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, used by Cloud Strife with either Tifa Lockhart or Cait Sith. It is unlocked in his folio. The skill charges up a strong, physical attack by holding the button, before releasing to unleash a powerful attack that does not consume ATB.

In the ability's animation, Cloud pulls back his sword while his party member charges, before unleashing it.

An alternative to the ability, Spell Blade, exists with other party members, which has more range but is not quite as strong. Cloud has two different types of offensive synergy skills in Bullet Batter and Howling Smash.

Obtained

Power Cleave is one of two abilities, along with Spell Blade, obtained by unlocking the Melee Blade skill core on Cloud's folio. It is available at party level 3 and costs 10 SP.

Use

Power Cleave can unleash significant damage particularly considering it does not consume ATB, and has very good range in comparison to Cloud's other abilities, but not as good as Spell Blade's. However, it is a slow ability and renders him vulnerable while charging it, during which it will interrupt a party member.

The ability can be very effective in certain circumstances, such as against slow or staggered enemies when Cloud is low on ATB, or is under Slow. In other cases, Power Cleave is still strong, but Cloud's weapon abilities such as Braver may be better choices due to quicker animation time.

Power Cleave is a physical attack, dependent on Cloud's Attack Power. If Cloud either is built toward physical damage, or is using it against an enemy that resists magic damage, it is preferable to use Power Cleave to Spell Blade.