Final Fantasy 7 Remake Hard Mode: 10 ESSENTIAL Secrets, Tips & Tricks

8. Invest In ATB Assist & Stagger Materia

Hard mode is all about team synergy, and if you forwent ATB Assist and Stagger materia to focus on spells or chained attacks before, you need them now.

Party combos will vary by player, but I found the most success with Cloud, Tifa and Barret. Give the latter an ATB Assist materia, and whilst hanging back to deal ranged damage, Barret will boost Cloud and Tifa's upfront assault.

Give an ATB Stagger materia to Cloud and/or Tifa, and once a boss is staggered, that too will boost their ATB gauges, letting you bust out Cloud's Infinity's End, or Tifa's Chi Trap/True Strike for massage damage.

Any "three way" setup of ATB materia will consistently boost the entire party, meaning that when something gets staggered, you can keep the pressure on.