FF7 Rebirth is a standalone story that is part of the Final Fantasy VII Remake project, developed by Square Enix and released in 2024 for PlayStation 5 (PS5).
The game follows the events of Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, a prequel to the original Final Fantasy VII, and features Zack Fair, a former SOLDIER who escapes from Shinra and tries to reach Midgar with Cloud Strife.
The game features a revamped and expanded combat system, a stunning and dynamic world, and a deep and emotional story. The game also has a demo version, which covers the first chapter of the game, where Zack and Cloud visit Nibelheim and encounter Sephiroth.
The demo was released in 2023, and many players have already played it. But what if you want to skip the first chapter in the full game and save some time?
How to Skip Chapter 1 in FF7 Rebirth?
If you have already played and completed the Nibelheim mission in the FF7 Rebirth demo, then the game will allow you to skip most of it in the full game. However, you will need to enable this option before you start the game. Here are the steps to do so:
- Complete the FF7 Rebirth demo (you do not need to complete the Junon portion)
- Go to the main menu of FF7 Rebirth
- Choose “Bonuses” – the fifth option
- Choose “Check Saved Data”
- You should be notified of any rewards and your ability to skip the Nibelheim portion
Once you start the game, you will still need to play through the opening segment, where Zack and Cloud escape from Shinra and encounter the Turks. You will also need to play through the first part of the Nibelheim mission, where you control Sephiroth and fight some monsters.
However, after that, you will be given the option to skip the rest of the chapter, which includes the Nibelheim reactor, the flashback, and the confrontation with Sephiroth.
This will save you about an hour of gameplay time, and you will be able to jump right into the second chapter, where Zack and Cloud head to Junon.
Note that skipping the first chapter will not affect your progress, rewards, or achievements in the game. You will still be able to access all the content and features of the game, as well as replay the first chapter later if you wish.
However, if you have not played the demo, or if you want to experience the full story and gameplay of the first chapter, you will not be able to skip it.