Cloud Strife (Dissidia 012)/Builds

Cloud

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Overview

Cloud has a lot of flexibility with builds. He can be built for damage via high base bravery, wall rushes and / or Side by Side . Plenty of options for EX are available, with Heaven's Cloud intake range boost, Aerith focused chases and EX Cores. Even Center of the World builds are possible, though not necessarily go-to choices in competitive play. Adamant Chains makes Cloud's air dodges safer thanks to the increased travel distance, and it can branch into a Bravery Boost on Dodge or an EX focused hybrid set.

Physical damage, wall rush and critical hits are all good ways to increase Cloud's damage. He also benefits from various boosts that First to Victory and Together as One provide, though they're often secondary in hybrid or Side by Side builds respectively. With so many ways to build Cloud, he can be easily tailored for many matchups and player preferences.

Damage (Side by Side + High Base BRV)

Stats
HP	9376
CP	480
BRV	1493
ATK	177
DEF	184
LUK	60
Max Booster	x4.9

Special Effect: None

Equipment
Assist	Kuja
Weapon	Piggy's Stick
Hand	Chainsaw
Head	Royal Crown
Body	Maximillian
Accessory 1	Hyper Ring
Accessory 2	Sniper Eye
Accessory 3	Dismay Shock
Accessory 4	Battle Hammer
Accessory 5	BRV = 0
Accessory 6	Empty EX Gauge
Accessory 7	Summon Unused
Accessory 8	Pre-EX Mode
Accessory 9	Pre-EX Revenge
Accessory 10	Side by Side
Summon	Rubicante

Bravery attacks
Ground	Aerial
Sonic Break	Slashing Blow
Branch: Finishing Touch	Branch: Omnislash Version 5
↑+ Double Cut	↑+ Double Cut
↓+ Firaga	↓+ Rising Fang
HP attacks
Ground	Aerial
Cross-slash	Braver
	↓+ Meteorain

indicates a "Gear" extra ability or the use of CP / Equipment glitch. The total CP cost will assume the glitch is done.

Build Overview

High burst damage with each wall rush assist combo. At base bravery a single HP link can do over 2000 HP damage (e.g. 1651 + 696 HP WR), and another 2000+ after Kuja assist.

With First Strike extra ability, a single assist combo can get very close to bravery breaking high defense characters, including Exdeath.

Further investment into damage is possible at the expense of other abilities, maximum health or meter depletion. If the opponent uses the Disable First Attack extra ability, Cloud's critical hit rate is lowered, greatly reducing the likelihood of reaching a bravery break with the first assist combo.

Basic Abilities

Actions
Ground Evasion
Midair Evasion
Ground Block
Midair Block
Aerial Recovery
Recovery Attack
Controlled Recovery
Wall Jump
Air Dash
Free Air Dash
Ground Dash
Multi Air Slide
Free Air Dash Boost
Assist Gauge Up Dash
Speed Boost
Jump Times Boost+
Ground Evasion Boost
Midair Evasion Boost
Evasion Boost
Descent Speed Boost

Support
Always Target Indicator
EX Core Lock On
Assist Lock On

Extra
Precision Evasion
First Strike
Disable Counterattack
EXP to Assist
Best Dresser

CP
440 / 450

CP Allocation

10 points are available. Auto Assist Lock On can shut down attempts at interrupting Cloud before he lands a hit, and Gambler's Spirit helps Cloud get back to base bravery faster on hit.

Substitutes

Substitutes

Equipment / Ability	Substitute	Notes
Dismay Shock	Hero's Seal	Against opponents who also use Side by Side , this is a good initial HP damage increase. Raises initial bravery to 2239.
Maximillian	Auto Crossbow	Damage increase, with even lower max health. Auto Crossbow adds another +79 base bravery and +15 % physical damage on top. Do the equip glitch to wear this machine-type equipment.
First Strike	Speed Boost++ Counterattack Assist Critical Boost	If First Strike is removed, 25 points are available instead. In that case, Counterattack is good, but it's commonly nullified with competitive builds. Assist Critical Boost can increase Kuja assist's damage. Speed Boost++ helps Cloud move faster.

Attacks (Staple)

These attacks are recommended regardless of matchup, stage or player preference.

Double Cut (ground & midair)

Safe pokes for approaching and building assist gauge.

Sonic Break + Finishing Touch

HP link into high damage assist combos.

Slashing Blow + Omnislash Version 5

HP link into high damage assist combos.

Firaga

Mid priority keepout and high damage filler during ground Kuja assist combo.

Attacks (Flexible)

These attacks are great to have, but can be swapped or removed depending on matchup, stage or player preference.

Rising Fang

This sees more use on average due to its vertical movement and assist conversion opportunities. A good whiff punisher against slower moves when done from below.

Aerial Fang

This move can hit more reliably against grounded opponents, but it won't generate EX Force on hit.

Attacks (Avoid)

Generally not recommended due to being outclassed by other attacks or having little to no distinct utility.

Blade Beam

Cloud can combo into Kuja assist with this, but not having Firaga is a considerable damage loss during assist combos.

Fire

Cloud doesn't need Fire extension when his burst damage is already very high with this build.

Fira

Doesn't provide any notable utility compared to other projectiles.

Hybrid (EX + Damage)

Stats
HP	9109
CP	450
BRV	1115
ATK	179
DEF	184
LUK	60
Max Booster	x1.3

Special Effect: None

Equipment
Assist	Kuja
Weapon	Fenrir
Hand	Chainsaw
Head	Oath Veil
Body	Auto Crossbow
Accessory 1	Muscle Belt
Accessory 2	Sniper Eye
Accessory 3	Dismay Shock
Accessory 4	Battle Hammer
Accessory 5	Summon Unused
Accessory 6	White Drop
Accessory 7	White Drop
Accessory 8	White Gem
Accessory 9	Tenacious Attacker
Accessory 10	Glutton
Summon	Rubicante

Bravery attacks
Ground	Aerial
Climhazzard	Slashing Blow
	Branch: Omnislash Version 5
↑+ Double Cut	↑+ Double Cut
↓+ Firaga	↓+ Rising Fang
HP attacks
Ground	Aerial
Cross-slash	Braver
	↓+ Meteorain

indicates a "Gear" extra ability or the use of CP / Equipment glitch. The total CP cost will assume the glitch is done.

Build Overview

This is a hybrid build that emphasizes damage and EX absorption. Maximum health is on the lower side, but Cloud gets a +50 % wall rush HP damage increase from Fenrir , Chainsaw and Sniper Eye . Climhazzard is equipped instead of Sonic Break, with the expectation that the player will use Climhazzard (2) combos.

Auto Crossbow adds +15 % physical damage, which is what Cloud usually does. Meter depletion is accounted for with the accessories, but it is a low amount. The x1.3 booster doesn't add much, though it has consistent uptime with a counter summon equipped. Increased EX absorption and consistent EX intake with Tenacious Attacker and Glutton . The extra abilities ensure a higher critical hit rate, especially during assist combos.

Basic Abilities

Actions
Ground Evasion
Midair Evasion
Ground Block
Midair Block
Aerial Recovery
Recovery Attack
Controlled Recovery
Wall Jump
Free Air Dash
Ground Dash
Free Air Dash Boost
Assist Gauge Up Dash
Speed Boost++
Jump Boost
Ground Evasion Boost
Midair Evasion Boost
Evasion Boost
Descent Speed Boost

Support
Always Target Indicator
EX Core Lock On
Assist Lock On
RPG Mode Boost

Extra
Precision Evasion
Counterattack
Sneak Attack
Gambler's Spirit
Assist Critical Boost
Disable Counterattack
EXP to Assist

CP
450 / 450

CP Allocation

All points are used in this build. If faster running speed is not necessary for the player, it can be removed to free up 30 points. Removing Gambler's Spirit adds another 5 points. With that many points, it is possible raise base bravery further by equipping Best Dresser extra ability. +100 more base BRV isn't mandatory, but can slightly increase hp damage output.

Substitutes

Substitutes

Equipment / Ability	Substitute	Notes
Dismay Shock	First to Victory	If opponent uses Side by Side , EX depletion is not necessary. First to Victory provides a small overall boost to assist and EX, which can help Cloud fill 1 assist gauge faster.

Attacks (Staple)

These attacks are recommended regardless of matchup, stage or player preference.

Double Cut (ground & midair)

Safe pokes that generate the most EX out of Cloud's braveries.

Slashing Blow + Omnislash Version 5

Tried-and-true BRV > HP link with high damage potential.

Firaga

Mid priority keepout and assist combo filler for high damage.

Climhazzard

Telegraphed, but generates more EX (and assist) when combo'd into aerial Double Cut. In terms of overall meter gain, Climhazzard has higher reward on hit.

Attacks (Flexible)

These attacks are great to have, but can be swapped or removed depending on matchup, stage or player preference.

Rising Fang

This sees more use on average due to its vertical movement and assist conversion opportunities. A good whiff punisher against slower moves when done from below.

Aerial Fang

This move can hit more reliably against grounded opponents, but it won't generate EX Force on hit.

Attacks (Avoid)

Generally not recommended due to being outclassed by other attacks or having little to no distinct utility.

Fira

Doesn't provide any notable utility compared to other projectiles.

Hybrid (EX Intake + Seal of Lufenia)

Stats
HP	10299
CP	450
BRV	996
ATK	178
DEF	183
LUK	60
Max Booster	x3.5

Special Effect: Seal of Lufenia

Equipment
Assist	Kuja
Weapon	Heaven's Cloud
Hand	Lufenian Dirk
Head	Lufenian Headband
Body	Lufenian Vest
Accessory 1	Muscle Belt
Accessory 2	Battle Hammer
Accessory 3	Large Gap in HP
Accessory 4	Summon Unused
Accessory 5	Pre-EX Mode
Accessory 6	Pre-EX Revenge
Accessory 7	White Drop
Accessory 8	White Drop
Accessory 9	White Gem
Accessory 10	Tenacious Attacker
Summon	Rubicante

Bravery attacks
Ground	Aerial
Sonic Break	Slashing Blow
Branch: Finishing Touch	Branch: Omnislash Version 5
↑+ Double Cut	↑+ Double Cut
↓+ Firaga	↓+ Rising Fang
HP attacks
Ground	Aerial
Cross-slash	Braver
	↓+ Meteorain

indicates a "Gear" extra ability or the use of CP / Equipment glitch. The total CP cost will assume the glitch is done.

Actions
Ground Evasion
Midair Evasion
Ground Block
Midair Block
Aerial Recovery
Recovery Attack
Controlled Recovery
Wall Jump
Air Dash
Free Air Dash
Ground Dash
Multi Air Slide
Free Air Dash Boost
Assist Gauge Up Dash
Jump Times Boost+
Ground Evasion Boost
Midair Evasion Boost
Evasion Boost
Descent Speed Boost

Support
Always Target Indicator
EX Core Lock On
Assist Lock On

Extra
Precision Evasion
Counterattack
Sneak Attack
Gambler's Spirit
Disable Counterattack
EXP to Assist

CP
435 / 450

Build Overview

This is an EX build that focuses on EX absorption via accessories and Heaven's Cloud's EX intake range. White Drops and White Gem increase EX absorption by 20 % in total. Heaven's Cloud doesn't have top-of-the-line ATK, but the EX intake range boost makes it much easier to grab EX Force. Tenacious Attacker lets Cloud absorb EX even when he is attacking. This way he doesn't have to chase after landing Double Cut. The more Double Cuts Cloud lands, the faster the EX gauge fills up. Firaga doesn't generate any EX, but it's a high damage filler move during ground Kuja assist, perfect after Omnislash Version 5.

Seal of Lufenia's special effect has a good amount of EX depletion on it. Every time Cloud gets an HP wall rush, the depletion happens twice. That adds up quickly in assist combos that start with an HP link, such as Omnislash Version 5. Lufenian Dirk has 72 DEF instead of 73, but the boost in ATK is nice when Heaven's Cloud only has 67 ATK.

Jump Times Boost+ adds two air jumps, which can be used to safely move around while airborne. Extra abilities Counterattack and Sneak Attack increase critical hit rate for bravery damage and Precision Evasion can get Cloud out of tight spots if he dodges just before he gets hit.

CP Allocation

15 CP are available for basic action abilities (jump boost, speed boost), support abilities (Auto Assist Lock On) or extra abilities (Precision Jump, Achy, First Strike).

Attacks (Staple)

These attacks are recommended regardless of matchup, stage or player preference.

Double Cut (ground & midair)

Safe pokes that generate the most EX out of Cloud's braveries.

Slashing Blow + Omnislash Version 5

Tried-and-true BRV > HP link with high damage potential.

Attacks (Flexible)

These attacks are great to have, but can be swapped or removed depending on matchup, stage or player preference.

Blade Beam

Cloud's only BRV projectile with good EX generation. Even if Blade Beam hits from a distance, Cloud can dodge towards the opponent and get most of the EX force.

Firaga

Mid priority keepout and high damage filler during ground Kuja assist. Doesn't generate EX force.

Attacks (Avoid)

Generally not recommended due to being outclassed by other attacks or having little to no distinct utility.

Fira

Doesn't provide any notable utility compared to other projectiles.

Hybrid (High Base BRV)

Stats
HP	9376
CP	450
BRV	1393
ATK	177
DEF	184
LUK	60
Max Booster	x3.3

Special Effect: -

Equipment
Assist	Kuja / Aerith
Weapon	Piggy's Stick
Hand	Chainsaw
Head	Royal Crown
Body	Maximillian
Accessory 1	Sniper Eye
Accessory 2	Dismay Shock
Accessory 3	Battle Hammer
Accessory 4	BRV = 0
Accessory 5	Summon Unused
Accessory 6	Pre-EX Mode
Accessory 7	Pre-EX Revenge
Accessory 8	Tenacious Attacker
Accessory 9	Glutton
Accessory 10	First to Victory
Summon	Rubicante

Bravery attacks
Ground	Aerial
Sonic Break	Slashing Blow
Branch: Finishing Touch	Branch: Omnislash Version 5
↑+ Double Cut	↑+ Double Cut
↓+ Firaga	↓+ Rising Fang
HP attacks
Ground	Aerial
Cross-slash	Braver
	↓+ Meteorain

indicates a "Gear" extra ability or the use of CP / Equipment glitch. The total CP cost will assume the glitch is done.

Build Overview

This is derivative of the damage build with Side by Side and high base bravery. There is some room to adjust the build to player's preference. This build doesn't use Side by Side, so Cloud can gain EX from attacks. Piggy's Stick doesn't have high attack, so it won't deal tons of bravery damage. That is no problem, because high base bravery ignores defense stat.

Basic Abilities

Actions
Ground Evasion
Midair Evasion
Ground Block
Midair Block
Aerial Recovery
Recovery Attack
Controlled Recovery
Wall Jump
Air Dash
Free Air Dash
Ground Dash
Multi Air Slide
Free Air Dash Boost
Assist Gauge Up Dash
Jump Times Boost+
Ground Evasion Boost
Midair Evasion Boost
Evasion Boost
Descent Speed Boost

Support
Always Target Indicator
EX Core Lock On
Assist Lock On

Extra
Precision Evasion
Disable Counterattack
EXP to Assist

CP
380 / 450

CP Allocation

70 points are available for various abilities.

For damage, raise critical hit rate with Counterattack, Sneak Attack or Assist Critical Boost. Best Dresser raises base BRV by 100, which is also a damage increase.

For movement, Speed Boosts and Jump Boosts can help move around in the air with low commitment.

Auto Assist Lock On is good against poorly timed assist interruptions.

Substitutes

Substitutes

Equipment / Ability	Substitute	Notes
First to Victory	Hyper Ring Muscle Belt	If initial meter boost isn't necessary, Cloud benefits from higher damage. Hyper Ring boosts everything, including Firaga, while Muscle Belt only boosts physical attacks.
Glutton	Large Gap in HP Aerial Winged Boots	Glutton is not essential in every matchup, so a strong booster can work well in its place. Winged Boots lets Cloud neglect banish traps' bravery drain in the few stages that have them.

Attacks (Staple)

These attacks are recommended regardless of matchup, stage or player preference.

Double Cut (ground & midair)

Safe pokes that generate the most EX out of Cloud's braveries.

Slashing Blow + Omnislash Version 5

Tried-and-true BRV > HP link with high damage potential.

Firaga

Mid priority keepout and assist combo filler for high damage.

Attacks (Flexible)

These attacks are great to have, but can be swapped or removed depending on matchup, stage or player preference.

Rising Fang

This sees more use on average due to its vertical movement and assist conversion opportunities. A good whiff punisher against slower moves when done from below.

Aerial Fang

This move can hit more reliably against grounded opponents, but it won't generate EX Force on hit.

Attacks (Avoid)

Generally not recommended due to being outclassed by other attacks or having little to no distinct utility.

Fira

Doesn't provide any notable utility compared to other projectiles.