Final Fantasy Tactics How to Get Cloud
Cloud Strife is one of the most iconic characters in the Final Fantasy series, and yes, he can be recruited in Final Fantasy Tactics. The process takes patience, as you’ll need to move through several story events, acquire special stones, and visit key cities. By the end, Cloud joins your party permanently with his own unique Limit skills.
How to Unlock Cloud in Final Fantasy Tactics
To recruit Cloud, you must be in Chapter 4. Make sure Mustadio is in your party, since he is required to start this questline. Do not dismiss him at any point.
Begin by traveling to the Clockwork City of Goug in Chapter 4. You’ll see a cutscene involving a metallic sphere. From here, you must gather special Zodiac Stones and progress through several battles and side quests.
Step by Step Cloud Recruitment
Acquire the Aquarius Stone
After the initial scene in Goug, head to the tavern in Gollund and read the rumor “The Haunted Mine.” Travel to Lesalia, where you can recruit Beowulf by choosing the second dialogue option. With Beowulf, fight four battles in Gollund to rescue Reis and gain the Aquarius Stone. Return to Goug to awaken Construct 8.
Progress to Fort Besselat
Continue the main story until after the Fort Besselat battles. Orlandeau will join your party during this part, making the upcoming fights much easier.
Buy the Flower in Sal Ghidos
Once Fort Besselat is complete, visit the Trade City of Sal Ghidos and purchase a flower from the flower peddler. This is required to trigger Cloud’s appearance later.
Acquire the Cancer Stone
Go to the tavern in Zeltennia and read the rumor “The Cursed Island of Nelveska.” This unlocks Nelveska Temple. Fight and defeat Construct 7 there to earn the Cancer Stone. Afterward, Reis will transform back into her human form and can rejoin your party.
Return to Goug
With the Cancer Stone, return again to Goug. A new machine activates, and Cloud will appear in a short cutscene before fleeing to Sal Ghidos.
Rescue Cloud in Sal Ghidos
Head back to Sal Ghidos. A battle starts where Cloud is under attack. Win this fight and Cloud will finally join your party, equipped with the Materia Blade, which allows him to use his Limit skills.
Cloud’s Secret Weapon: Materia Blade+
You can further power up Cloud by obtaining the Materia Blade+. Travel to Mount Bervenia and check the top pillar using Treasure Hunter or a unit with high Jump. This upgraded sword boosts both physical and magical attack power, making Cloud much stronger.
Final Blurb
Getting Cloud in Final Fantasy Tactics is a long chain of events, but the reward is worth it. Between the special battles, Zodiac Stones, and required characters, this questline is one of the most detailed recruitments in the game. Cloud’s Limit abilities and the Materia Blade+ give you a unique powerhouse for the endgame.
FAQ
How early can you recruit Cloud?
You can only start the questline in Chapter 4, after reaching the Clockwork City of Goug.
Do you need Mustadio to recruit Cloud?
Yes, Mustadio must remain in your party the entire time. If you dismiss him, the questline will not work.
What weapon unlocks Cloud’s Limit abilities?
Cloud needs the Materia Blade or Materia Blade+ to use his signature Limit abilities in battle.
Is Cloud strong compared to other recruits?
Cloud can deal huge damage with Limits, but he joins late in the game. Units like Orlandeau are stronger overall, though Cloud’s skills add variety to your team.
Can you miss the chance to recruit Cloud?
Yes, if you dismiss required characters like Mustadio, Beowulf, or Reis, you will lock yourself out of completing the questline.

