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For better or worse, Final Fantasy 7 is arguably the most polarizing installment in the iconic video game series from Square Enix. The game features memorable characters and setpieces that have been used in other games, as well as feature films.
But Final Fantasy 7 is also known for introducing famous weapons like the Buster Sword. The massive blade is comically large compared to other swords, and while it’s one of the weaker weapons in the game, the Buster Sword became the most famous. We take a look at the history of Cloud Strife’s weapon and where else you might’ve seen this sword.
The Importance Of The Buster Sword
The Buster Sword is Cloud’s default weapon in Final Fantasy 7, as well as the main featured image on the game’s main menu.
With its massive blade, the Buster Sword is considered as an oversized broadsword. Two slots near the handle are used to equip Materia, but it wasn’t until Final Fantasy 7 Remake that you could specifically see the Materia.
Early concept art of the Buster Sword showed the design to be thinner and smaller with only one Materia slot instead of two.
Forging Of The Buster Sword
Although the Buster Sword first appeared in Final Fantasy 7 as Cloud Strife’s primary weapon, its origins do not lie with him. The sword was originally forged by Angeal Hewley’s stepfather before the events of Crisis Core - Final Fantasy 7.
The unnamed blacksmith crafted the blade for his wife Gillian Hewley as a symbol of their family’s honor. Unfortunately, the blacksmith died shortly after finishing the weapon from extreme fatigue.
Angeal joined SOLDIER, the elite military force, and although he carried the Buster Sword with him, he rarely used it. He treated the sword with extreme care and believed it would tarnish in value or break if he used it.
Zack And Cloud Wielding The Buster Sword
After some time, Angeal elevated through the SOLDIER ranks and eventually became a mentor to a young cadet named Zack Fair. During a mission, Zack mentions how Angeal hardly uses the Buster Sword, and he tells him how it’s more special than Zack.
Later on, Angeal loses control and fights Zack. Ultimately, Zack overpowers Angeal but mortally wounds his former mentor. Before Angeal dies, he gives Zack the Buster Sword so his pupil would remember his past honor.
For a brief period, Zack wields the Buster Sword and uses it in battle, contrasing Angeal who used it sparingly. However, Zack typically swings to hit with the blunt edge instead of the blade, possibly to limit his attacks to non-lethal.
Zack’s time in SOLDIER led him to meet Cloud Strife. The pair were extremely similar in appearance except Zack’s hair was black and Cloud’s was blonde.
When returning to Midgar, the pair were attacked just outside the city. Similar to Angeal giving him the blade before he died, Zack gave Cloud the Buster Sword.
Although you can change Cloud's weapon during Final Fantasy 7 and Remake, all the cutscenes feature Cloud wielding the Buster Sword.
It's his trademark weapon, and he uses it throughout his battle against Sephiroth. However, after the destruction caused by the Meteor, Cloud leaves the weapon on a cliff as a remembrance.
Appearances Of The Buster Sword In Other Media
Besides Final Fantasy 7 and its spin-offs, the Buster Sword has appeared most famously in Kingdom Hearts, Final Fantasy 12, Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13, Monster Hunter, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Adventure Time.
Kingdom Hearts | Cloud appears in the Kingdom Hearts series first as a mercenary hired by Hades. This iteration of the Buster Sword is wrapped completely in bandages. The Metal Chocobo Keyblade that Sora unlocks after defeating Cloud is heavily inspired by the Buster Sword. |
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Final Fantasy Advent Children | Following the events of Final Fantasy 7, the planet is healing from the impact of the Meteor. Cloud stuck the Buster Sword in the ground as a symbol of what they're fighting for and he uses Fusion Swords that can appear like the Buster Sword. |
Final Fantasy 12 | In the boss fight against Gilgamesh, the Elite Mark uses various iconic Final Fantasy swords including the Buster Sword. The weapon is shown with four slots instead of two and a word on the blade that means "fake." |
Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy 13 | Through downloadable content, Lightning can wield the Buster Sword. It raises her Stagger Power by 12 percent and her Strength by 360 points. |
Monster Hunter | The Buster Sword maintains a similar overall design but it's treated more like a cleaver than a broadsword. |
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate | Cloud Strife is a playable character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and wields the Buster Sword. If Kirby swallows Cloud then they can use the weapon as well. |
Adventure Time | The Buster Sword appeared in episode 33 of the sixth season inside Jermaine's (Finn and Jake's brother's) house. They tried to wield the sword against demons, but it was too heavy to use. |