Red XIII, resembling a canine, made an appearance in Final Fantasy VII Remake but only in the later stages and not as a playable character. However, in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, he assumes the role of a fully functional party member. The question arises: when does he join?
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth commences with a prologue followed by a flashback set in Nibelheim five years prior to the main storyline’s start. Right after this segment, concurrent with the introduction of other party members, Red XIII becomes available.
He enters as a standard party member, offering players control and customization options. Equipped with a variety of collars that can host materia, he wields his claws in combat. Many of his abilities showcase acrobatic maneuvers, reminiscent of Tifa. His signature stance, Vengeance mode, activates gradually as you block attacks. While there’s no need to wait for it to fill completely, once initiated, it starts depleting, with the depletion rate subject to skill upgrades.
Personally, I appreciate Red XIII’s character, particularly his dynamic with Barrett. Hence, I was eager to include him in my party. However, upon using him extensively, I opted to swap him out. His combat style didn’t resonate with me, and I found his attacks somewhat monotonous and unreliable. While not the least favorable character, I prefer others over him.
Nevertheless, this is a matter of personal preference. I still value his role in the story. Additionally, there are instances in the game where party members are separated, necessitating the use of a more limited group that might include Red XIII.
Ultimately, the key point here is that Red XIII becomes available immediately at the start of Chapter 2.
