Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth was released to critical acclaim in 2024, featuring an expanded storyline based on the original game, more time with its memorable characters, and all the bells and whistles we’ve come to expect from modern Square Enix titles these days. Its boss fights are crazy, the graphics are wild, and it finally gave JRPG fans something to play on their PS5s. So, naturally, with this being more of a reimagining than a straight-up remake, it’d be safe to assume that one specific character’s death is just as confusing as ever, right? Yup. Let’s unpack it.
What’s the Backstory with Aerith?
If you’re not aware, the original Final Fantasy 7 was released on the PlayStation One to critical and commercial success. Fans of the game have now played two reimaginings, which are part of a trilogy, and that third title is coming sometime in the future. Oh, yeah, spoilers are ahead. You’ve been warned. But back to the main point, one of the biggest plot twists in gaming history occurred in Final Fantasy 7, with Aerith dying at the hands of villain Sephiroth right in front of the player’s and main character Cloud Strife’s eyes. This shocking moment was a permadeath that stayed with fans.
Other than the shock and gruesomeness of a 3D polygonal character being stabbed through the chest by a sword, it was also the end of a trope that involved giving characters extra lives to miraculously bring them like dying in a Mario game. Aerith was dead for good. You could never get her back.
But you already knew all that; you’re here to find out if the last living Cetra stays alive this time. Well, it’s complicated.
It’s Complicated…
In the original Final Fantasy 7, the events are pretty straightforward. Aerith dies, and the party continues the fight against Sephiroth. However, her death is made a little more complicated in the latest release. For a moment, it seems like this seminal moment is about to be changed forever, but alas — players are shown the events from what seems like three different timelines in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. One shows Aerith alive, one shows her dead, and another just shows her severely injured but still alive. Based on this event, it seems like Cloud and his group are in the timeline where Aerith dies.
Complicating it further is that Aerith continues to show up, perhaps leading some to wonder if Aerith is still alive in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth. However, it appears to be an Aerith from other timelines that is just aiding Cloud alongside some Ancient magicks. At the same time, her continued appearance in cutscenes is merely a figment of Cloud’s imagination. It’s worth noting that he can still talk to her and see her, but it’s obvious the others in the party are under the impression she is dead and cannot see her. In this vein, Cloud may be hallucinating Aerith once everything is said and done. Of course, with every hallucination, it’s still worth asking if it’s actually Aerith, a result of an outside source, or not actually her in the first place.
Unfortunately, though, fans will have to wait until the next release in the Final Fantasy 7 Remake trilogy to see what happens to the pink-ribbon-wearing Guard Stick wielder. So, make sure you keep it locked here on Power Up Gaming for more articles like this one.
