Cloud's Sword Explained: Buster Sword Origin, Power, and Legacy
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Few weapons in gaming history are as instantly recognizable as Cloud’s sword. Towering, iconic, and impossibly massive, the Buster Sword is more than just a blade—it’s a symbol. First seen in Final Fantasy VII, and now reimagined in the Final Fantasy VII Remake, this sword has transcended the boundaries of the franchise to become one of the most legendary weapons in pop culture.
But what makes Cloud’s sword so legendary? Why does this sword carry so much emotional and narrative weight? And more importantly, how did it come to be not just a weapon of war, but a symbol of identity, honor, and legacy?
This is the full breakdown of Cloud’s sword—its origin, its power, and why it remains the soul of Final Fantasy VII.
The Birth of the Buster Sword
Before it was Cloud’s weapon, the Buster Sword belonged to another hero. The original wielder of the blade was Angeal Hewley, a first-class SOLDIER and mentor to Zack Fair in Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII. Angeal believed the sword represented pride and honor, and because of that, he rarely used it in combat—keeping it mostly ceremonial and pristine.
Eventually, the Buster Sword was passed down to Zack Fair, a SOLDIER who fought with unmatched spirit and compassion. Unlike Angeal, Zack wielded the sword in battle, but he still carried his mentor’s belief that it was more than just a weapon. It was a legacy. A reminder of the values he stood for.
After Zack's tragic fall while protecting Cloud from Shinra forces, the torch—and the sword—was passed to Cloud Strife. This moment, seen in one of the most emotional scenes in the series, marks the true beginning of Cloud’s sword legacy. Cloud takes up the Buster Sword not just as a weapon, but as a symbol of the promise Zack made: to be a hero.
The Design: Form That Matches Purpose
Cloud’s sword is massive—roughly six feet long, with a blade nearly a foot wide. Its steel-gray color, angular design, and industrial look perfectly reflect the gritty, dystopian world of Midgar. There’s no ornate carving or magical gleam—just raw steel. That simplicity is deceptive. It communicates strength, survival, and burden.
Two holes near the hilt are designed for Materia slots, allowing the user to channel magical energy and summons through the blade. This detail shows that Cloud’s sword isn’t just brute force—it’s a conduit for tactical magic as well.
The Buster Sword’s impossible size raises questions of realism, but Final Fantasy VII never asks you to justify it. Instead, it leans into the fantasy. Cloud swings this blade with supernatural ease, which becomes a reflection of both his enhanced Mako-infused strength and the larger-than-life role he plays in the battle for the planet’s survival.
Power in the Hands of a Survivor
While Cloud’s sword has seen many battles, its true power lies not in stats or sharpness—it lies in the hands of the man who wields it. Cloud begins the story of Final Fantasy VII as a cold, detached mercenary, a far cry from the idealistic SOLDIER he pretends to be. His connection to the Buster Sword, like much of his identity, is fractured and rooted in confusion.
But as the story unfolds, so does the truth about his past. The sword becomes a focal point of Cloud’s memory, his trauma, and eventually, his redemption. It is through reclaiming his history—and understanding Zack’s sacrifice—that Cloud earns the right to carry the blade not as a stolen identity, but as a hero in his own right.
Every time Cloud draws that massive sword, it's not just a strike—it’s a statement. He carries the weight of fallen friends, lost dreams, and second chances. In that way, the Buster Sword evolves with Cloud. It starts as a borrowed weapon, but becomes an inseparable part of his soul.
The Buster Sword in Final Fantasy VII Remake
In the Final Fantasy VII Remake, Cloud’s sword receives a major upgrade—not just visually, but narratively. The Remake adds intricate detail to the blade, showing signs of wear, use, and maintenance. This helps ground the sword more deeply into the world, making it feel like a real weapon with a lived-in history.
Gameplay-wise, the Remake lets players choose between various swords, but the Buster Sword remains the default and most balanced weapon. It’s not the strongest in pure damage, but it represents a versatile mix of strength and magic. It’s also where Cloud’s combat journey begins—a reminder of his roots before he unlocks the full potential of his arsenal.
In terms of story, the Remake further solidifies the emotional connection between Cloud and his sword. Flashbacks to Zack, subtle memories, and haunting visions all circle back to the Buster Sword, constantly reminding players that this blade is tied to something much deeper than combat. It’s legacy, personified in cold steel.
A Symbol of Sacrifice and Legacy
No weapon in Final Fantasy is more iconic than Cloud’s sword. It’s become a cultural landmark—instantly recognizable, even to those who have never played the game. But more than that, it’s a narrative device.
The Buster Sword is a burden and a beacon. It represents the sacrifices made by Angeal and Zack. It carries the weight of promises and pain. It’s a sword that was never meant for battle, yet ended up changing the fate of the world.
In Cloud’s hands, it isn’t just a symbol of power—it’s a living reminder of what he lost and what he still fights for.
Cloud’s Sword and the Future of the Franchise
As the Final Fantasy VII Remake saga continues in Rebirth and beyond, Cloud’s sword will undoubtedly evolve alongside him. We may see new forms, different upgrades, or more advanced Materia integrations. But at its core, the Buster Sword will remain what it’s always been: a link between past and future.
Cloud’s growth as a character is inseparable from his connection to the sword. Whether he’s facing Sephiroth, the Whispers of fate, or the broken pieces of his memory, the Buster Sword will always be at his side. And every time he lifts it, fans will remember the journey that brought it to him—and the heroes who fell along the way.
