Cloud Strife’s appearance in Final Fantasy Tactics remains one of the most exciting crossovers in the franchise. Summoning the ex-SOLDIER into Ivalice isn’t straightforward—it’s a multi-step side quest that stretches across Chapter 4, involving rare items, optional battles, and familiar faces. If you’re determined to add Cloud to your party, here’s the full guide.
Things You Need Before Starting Cloud’s Quest
Before you begin, make sure of the following:
- Mustadio must be in your party (he joins in Chapter 2, and you cannot dismiss him).
- You need to progress into Chapter 4 of the story.
- Patience is required—this questline ties together multiple side stories, including Beowulf, Reis, and Construct battles.
See also: How to Recruit Monsters and Enemy Units in Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles
Step 1: Investigate Goug’s Metallic Sphere
Travel to the Clockwork City of Goug once you reach Chapter 4. A cutscene introduces a mysterious sphere that requires the Aquarius Zodiac Stone to activate.
Step 2: The Haunted Mine and Beowulf
- Visit the Mining Town of Gollund and read the rumor The Haunted Mine at the tavern.
- Head to the Royal City of Lesalia, where you’ll meet Beowulf. Choose the second dialogue option to recruit him.
- Return to Gollund and battle through four difficult encounters, eventually rescuing Reis the dragon. Both Beowulf and Reis officially join your party, and you earn the Aquarius Stone.
Step 3: Awakening Construct 8
Return to Goug and use the Aquarius Stone on the machine to recruit Construct 8.
Step 4: Continue Story Progression
Push forward with the main story until you complete the battles at Fort Besselat, after which Orlandeau joins your army. He’s one of the strongest units in the game, and his presence helps with upcoming fights.
Step 5: The Flower Girl in Sal Ghidos
Once Sal Ghidos becomes available, visit and buy a flower from the peddler (who bears a strong resemblance to Aerith). Select the second option: “Very well, I’ll have a flower.”
Step 6: Unlocking the Nelveska Temple
- Go to Zeltennia’s Tavern and read the rumor The Cursed Island of Nelveska.
- Travel to the newly unlocked Nelveska Temple.
- Defeat Construct 7 (beware of Hydras and Cockatrices in this fight). Winning earns you the Cancer Stone, and a cutscene restores Reis to her human form.
Step 7: Summoning Cloud
Take the Cancer Stone back to Goug. The machine activates again, summoning Cloud Strife into Ivalice. True to character, he panics, mutters about Sephiroth, and runs away.
Step 8: Rescue Cloud at Sal Ghidos
Head back to Sal Ghidos for a battle where you must protect Cloud from thugs. Once the enemies are defeated, Cloud officially joins your party as a Soldier class unit. He arrives equipped with the Materia Blade, essential for unlocking his Limit Break skillset.
How Cloud Performs in Battle
Cloud’s special job, Soldier, grants access to iconic Limit Breaks such as Braver, Cross-Slash, Meteorain, Finishing Touch, and Omnislash. However, he can only use these abilities if the Materia Blade is equipped.
Since he joins relatively late in the game, at a lower level compared to your main force, you’ll need to dedicate time to training him. Still, his Limit Breaks can devastate enemies and offer nostalgic flair for Final Fantasy VII fans.
Related Guides You Might Like:
- How to Recruit Monsters and Enemy Units in Final Fantasy Tactics
- Beddha Sandwaste Battle Guide – How to Defeat Barich in Final Fantasy Tactics
- Outlying Church Battle Guide – Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles
- Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles Review (4.5/5)
Secret Weapon: The Materia Blade+
In the original FFT, you had to find Cloud’s weapon at Mount Bervenia. In The Ivalice Chronicles, he starts with it, but a superior upgrade exists:
- Enter a random battle at Mount Bervenia.
- On the highest pillar, use the Treasure Hunter ability (or a unit with at least 4–5 Jump) to uncover the Materia Blade+.
- This weapon boasts higher physical attack and bonus Magic Attack, making it one of Cloud’s best gear options.
Recruiting Cloud in Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles is more than just fan service—it’s a layered quest that ties together several side stories and rewards persistence with one of the most recognizable heroes in gaming. While he joins late and requires effort to level, his Limit Breaks and unique flair make him a memorable addition to your roster. Play Now!
