Although most installments in the Final Fantasy series are standalone experiences, following the remarkable popularity of Final Fantasy 7, the developers at Square chose to weave several references from this title into Final Fantasy Tactics. The standout inclusion is the protagonist Cloud Strife.

Players can recruit the spiky-haired hero by engaging with side quests in Final Fantasy Tactics, a process that remains valid in the 2025 remaster, Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles. The recruitment method is straightforward, but does involve a few key steps to remember.

How to Unlock Cloud in Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles

To secure Cloud’s addition to your team in Final Fantasy Tactics, players must first recruit Mustadio in Chapter 2 and keep him in the party until they progress to Chapter 4. Upon reaching this stage, they will need to revisit the Clockwork City of Goug, where Besrudio reveals a peculiar device unearthed during a tunnel excavation. This event leads to a Side Story set in the Mining Town of Gollund, allowing players to recruit Beowulf, Reis, and Construct 8 by its conclusion.

Later in Chapter 4, players will travel through Sal Ghidos and encounter a character that bears a striking resemblance to Aerith from Final Fantasy 7. Buying a flower from her prompts the need to return to the Clockwork City of Goug, where Besrudio has yet another unusual device. To activate this, players must visit Nelveska Temple and defeat Construct 7 to obtain the Cancer Stone. This stone can then be used in conjunction with the orrery to summon Cloud.

Unfortunately, when summoned, Cloud is startled and escapes. Players can easily track him down by returning to Sal Ghidos and confronting a group of assailants bothering Aerith. Once this is accomplished, players will have the option to bring Cloud into their party, beginning at level 24. Unlike his original appearance, he joins with the powerful Materia Blade and possesses a unique job called Soldier, giving him access to his iconic limit breaks such as Omnislash and Braver.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Recruiting Cloud in Final Fantasy Tactics

1. Recruit Mustadio during Chapter 2 and do not dismiss him.
2. Return to the Clockwork City of Goug in Chapter 4.
3. Complete the Mining Town of Gollund Side Story and recruit Beowulf, Reis, and Construct 8.
4. Continue the main storyline until reaching Sal Ghidos.
5. Purchase a flower from Aerith.
6. Go back to the Clockwork City of Goug.
7. Defeat Construct 7 in the Nelveska Temple.
8. Return to the Clockwork City of Goug again.
9. Go back to Sal Ghidos and defeat the group of thugs.
10. Recruit Cloud.