Cloud Strife (Dissidia 012)

Cloud

General	Starter Guide	Combos	Strategy	Frame Data
Matchups	Builds	Match Videos	Gallery	Resources

Info
Name	Cloud Strife (クラウド・ストライフ)
Original game	Final Fantasy VII
Base ATK (LV100)	110 (Average)
Base DEF (LV100)	112 (High)
Run Speed	7 (Average)
Dash Speed	77F (Average / Good)
Fall Speed	87F (Below Average)
Fall Speed Ratio After Dodge	39 (Below Average)
Fastest BRV	13F (Double Cut)
Fastest HP	41F (Cross Slash)
1-Hit HP	Yes (Meteorain)
HP Links	Yes
Command Block	No
Weapon	Sword, Greatsword, Katana, Spear
Armor	Shields, Bangles, Hats, Helms, Clothing, Light Armor, Large Shields, Chestplates
Exclusive weapons	Buster Sword, Force Stealer, Butterfly Edge, Fenrir
Unlock
Alignment	Chaos (012) Cosmos (013)
Voice Actor (JP)	Takahiro Sakurai
Voice Actor (ENG)	Steve Burton

Overview

Cloud Strife is primarily a close-range fighter who utilises a variety of pokes, huge sword swings and projectiles to establish his advantage. When fighting on the ground, Cloud can apply standard fare movement to close gaps and engage with straightforward, yet effective braveries or attempt to sneak in damage from further away with four different projectiles. Keeping his opponent in check with Ranged Mid Firagas, poking with Double Cut, setting up extended combos with Fire and dodge punishing with Sonic Break, it's all here. In the air Cloud trades most ranged tools for melee attacks that cover different positions, lending to a more close-range oriented playstyle.

Regardless of where you play Cloud, he has access to a quick poke with Double Cut to test waters, punish dodges and safely build assist meter with. Sonic Break (ground) and Slashing Blow (air) braveries can also branch out into a dedicated HP attack with great wall rush potential, enabling meter independent damage output that can grow exponentially with resources. Thanks to his great assist synergy and good base stats, Cloud has a lot of flexibility with builds; Bravery Boost on Dodge, EX Cores or Assist oriented builds with Side by Side . And they're all worth investing in - Side by Side enables consistent burst damage while his EX Mode allows him to guard crush with just bravery attacks alone, with increased damage multipliers on attacks that scale the more health he has remaining.

These traits make Cloud akin to an all-rounder much like Warrior of Light, with an emphasis on damage output instead of defense. But he is not without flaws. For one, his HP links from braveries are fairly long and punishable when Assist Changed out of, which can limit his damage output to bravery enders when the opponent has assist meter. Cloud's air dodges also pose a risk to him, as he is slow to fall after performing one and lacks effective guarding attacks to discourage dodge punishment. He often relies on clashing with Double Cut to compensate and if he cannot land HP attacks, he will rely on Double Cut (and assist) even more to make ends meet.

Cloud's horizontal tracking is good, though not top of the line. With serviceable run & dash speed, but below average travel speed and max range with Braver, Cloud can struggle to punish blocks and dodges from further away. While he has no problem whiff punishing with vertical attacks such as Rising Fang and Braver, they have more situational application and reward overall. Similiarly, lingering higher priority projectiles can be powered through with Braver, but will leave him wide open for whiff punishment. Cloud can generate a good amount of EX or Assist on hit, but capitalising on it may prove challenging at times.

Historically Cloud has been usually ranked at high tier in competitive play. He has tools for many different situations along with good attributes, which make him a fundamentally sound character. Verticality, post-dodge defense, Assist Change counterplay, as well as lack of aerial mid range attacks and utility for traps can give him trouble. However, his straightforward moveset is fairly easy to pick up and lends well to close-range duels such as against Squall and Vaan. Cloud is a good character for new and experienced players alike who can lay a solid foundation for understanding nuances of the metagame.

Strengths

Weaknesses

Solid, easy and straightforward gameplay with an intuitive moveset and standard mobility. Ground combat - Pokes, HP conversions and ranged attacks provide a well rounded arsenal for grounded interactions. Damage - With powerful wall rush moves, assist and an extensive ground combo game, Cloud can secure a lot of damage with a single opening. Meter generation - Cloud can whiff for assist meter consistently and build a good amount of meter on hit with Double Cut and HP links. Build variety - Cloud supports a myriad of build styles that are known to be effective in competitive play. Flexible assist synergy thanks to wall rush potential and Double Cut confirms. EX Mode lets Cloud to power through blocks with Melee High priority braveries and he deals more damage the more health he has, creating one of the most damaging EX Bursts in the game. High base defense of 112 at LV100 reduces bravery damage taken more than majority of the cast

Vulnerable HP links can limit Cloud's opportunities for HP damage against characters who can escape with Assist Change more often. Floaty aerial dodges and lack of a blocking dodge cover can make air dodging more susceptible to dodge punishment at higher levels of play Relative linearity - Cloud has good tools for close-range combat, but well placed blocks, traps and vertical positioning can give him a bit of trouble. This can manifest as higher risk on whiff, unfavorable trades or demand for precise dashes. Without ground projectiles, his ground combat is about on par with aerial combat which will require strong fundamentals and micro-optimisations to compensate.

Bravery Attacks

Ground

	Base Damage	7, 13 (20)
	Startup Frame	13F
	Damage Type	Physical
	Priority	Melee Low
	EX Force	90
	Effects	Chase
	Cancels
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Close] Quick slash. Low power, fast execution.

	Base Damage	8, 12, 25 (45)
	Startup Frame	21F
	Damage Type	Physical
	Priority	Melee Low
	EX Force	30
	Effects	Wall Rush, Absorb
	Cancels
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Close] Strike with three powerful blows. Sends foe flying.

	Base Damage	3 x 4, 8, 15 (35)
	Startup Frame	27F
	Damage Type	Physical
	Priority	Melee Low
	EX Force	30
	Effects	Wall Rush
	Cancels
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Mid] Charging attack. Slow strike, easy to wall rush.

	Base Damage	15, 5, 10 (30)
	Startup Frame	37F
	Damage Type	Magical
	Priority	Melee Mid (sword), Ranged Low (projectile)
	EX Force	90
	Effects	Chase
	Cancels
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Mid] Launch shockwave. Fast, but has weak homing.

	Base Damage	each (7, 10)
	Startup Frame	25F
	Damage Type	Magical
	Priority	Ranged Mid
	EX Force	0
	Effects	-
	Cancels
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Long] Shoot three fireballs. Short range, but can restrain opponent with explosions.

	Base Damage	5 x 3 (15)
	Startup Frame	25F
	Damage Type	Magical
	Priority	Ranged Low
	EX Force	0
	Effects	-
	Cancels
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Long] Hurl fireball. Faster than Fire.

	Base Damage	10
	Startup Frame	25F
	Damage Type	Magical
	Priority	Ranged Low
	EX Force	0
	Effects	-
	Cancels
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Long] Hurl fireball. Slowly tracks opponent.

Aerial

	Base Damage	5, 10, 25 (40)
	Startup Frame	21F
	Damage Type	Physical
	Priority	Melee Low
	EX Force	30
	Effects	Wall Rush
	Cancels
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Close] Powerful slashes. Change combo with analog stick.

	Base Damage	25
	Startup Frame	25F
	Damage Type	Physical
	Priority	Melee Low
	EX Force	0
	Effects	Wall Rush
	Cancels
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

Diving attack, scooping foe with sword. Useful from above.

	Base Damage	3, 1 x 10, 17 (30)
	Startup Frame	21F
	Damage Type	Physical
	Priority	Melee Low
	EX Force	33
	Effects	Wall Rush
	Cancels
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

Powerful upward lunge. Effective near ceiling.

	Base Damage	7, 13 (20)
	Startup Frame	13F
	Damage Type	Physical
	Priority	Melee Low
	EX Force	90
	Effects	Chase
	Cancels
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Close] Quick slash. Low power, fast execution.

HP Attacks

Ground

	Base Damage	5, 5 (10)
	Startup Frame	41F
	Damage Type	Physical
	Priority	Melee High
	EX Force	30
	Effects	Wall Rush
	Cancels
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Close] Break through defenses with cross-shaped slashes.

	Base Damage	each (10)
	Startup Frame	21F (up), 81F (down)
	Damage Type	Magical
	Priority	Ranged Mid (up), Ranged High (down)
	EX Force	each 60
	Effects	-
	Cancels
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Long] Send countless meteors towards opponent.

	Base Damage	1 x 4, 2 x 5 (+ = 34)
	Startup Frame	?
	Damage Type	Physical
	Priority	Melee High
	EX Force	27
	Effects	Wall Rush
	Cancels
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

Branching from Sonic Break. [Combo] A whirlwind of attacks.

Aerial

	Base Damage	2, 1 x N (4+)
	Startup Frame	47F
	Damage Type	Physical
	Priority	Melee High
	EX Force	each 15
	Effects	Wall Rush
	Cancels
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Close] Midair charge. Effective against any height.

	Base Damage	each (10)
	Startup Frame	21F (up), 81F (down)
	Damage Type	Magical
	Priority	Ranged Mid (up), Ranged High (down)
	EX Force	each 60
	Effects	-
	Cancels
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

[Long] Send countless meteors towards opponent.

No horizontal tracking unlike the ground version.

	Base Damage	2 x 4, 5, 7 (+ = 35)
	Startup Frame	?
	Damage Type	Physical
	Priority	?
	EX Force	36
	Effects	Wall Rush
	Cancels
	Assist Gain (Hit)
	CP (Mastered)	30 (15)
	Unlocked at level	Mastered at AP

Branching from Slashing Blow. [Combo] Series of speedy slices.

EX Mode: Equipped Ultima Weapon! / The power of mako!

Effects:

• Regen
• Critical Boost
• Ultima Weapon (CRUSH)
• Ultima Weapon (ATK)

Ultima Weapon (CRUSH)

[Always active while in EX Mode] Each attack becomes even heavier, crushing all attempts at blocking.

All Melee attacks become Melee High priority.

Ultima Weapon (ATK)

[Always active while in EX Mode] The higher the user's HP, the sharper the weapon's blade.

Damage multiplier scales to x1~x2 accordingly to current HP%, round down to nearest integer.

EX Burst: Omnislash

An attack slicing the opponent over and over. Repeatedly press circle to raise the gauge.

Damage multiplier (initial)	Damage multiplier (rest)	Type
14, 14 (28)	2 x 20 (40) (68 total)	Physical

Combos

Main article: Cloud (Combos)

Solo

Cloud has multiple solo combos thanks to Fire starters and Climhazzard second hit's natural recovery. While Climhazzard (2)'s followups are limited to two braveries, they're good and require no prior setup. Fire is a bit different here; Technically just about any move can be followed up after Fire, but this requires the projectile hitting later, after Cloud can move. But even in close range Cloud can at least chain Fire into other ground braveries, provided he isn't too close to the opponent.

Condition Combo Base Damage EX Notes
Ground starter Climhazzard (2) > Double Cut 40 120 Video Base Damage (Breakdown): 8, 12 > 20 Opponent Assist (Comrade's Vow): 60 EX Force (Breakdown): 30 > 90 More EX compared to Slashing Blow, and has easier timing. If in doubt, do this, because Cloud can still combo into an assist with Double Cut. Repeatedly pressing Double Cut is fairly reliable.
Projectile starter Fire > LL > Sonic Break (2) > Finishing Touch 44 + HP WR 57 Video Base Damage (Breakdown): 10 > 8, 12 > 14 Opponent Assist (Comrade's Vow): 66 EX Force (Breakdown): 0 > 30 > 27
Ground starter, must hit airborne opponent Double Cut (1) > Cross-slash 17 + HP WR 60 Video Base Damage (Breakdown): 7 > 5, 5 + HP WR Opponent Assist (Comrade's Vow): 25 EX Force (Breakdown): 30 > 30 If the opponent misses their dodge after landing, or performs a neutral dodge, Cross-slash can have an even easier time connecting... assuming the opponent doesn't have Precision Evasion equipped. Please do not confuse this for being a fake combo; The timing is relatively strict, so there is room for human error.

EX Revenge

Condition Combo Base Damage EX Notes

Air starter, close to opponent Full EX Gauge Double Cut > Double Cut > Double Cut > Double Cut > Slashing Blow (1) > Omnislash Ver. 5 115 + HP WR ~36+ Video Base Damage (Breakdown): 20 > 20 > 20 > 20 > 35 + HP WR Opponent Assist (Comrade's Vow): 172 EX Force (Breakdown): 0-30 + ~36 A staple close-range EX Revenge combo. Easy to do, good damage and works in most areas. Cloud must be close to the opponent to land all four Double Cuts. If he activates EX Revenge from further distance, he has to settle for three or even two Double Cuts before doing Slashing Blow. Cloud generates no EX with Double Cuts during EX Revenge, and he has to land Slashing Blow before Double Cut's pushback pushes the opponent away. Therefore it is likely that Cloud may not get as much EX from Slashing Blow as he normally would.

Assist

Cloud's wall rushes are great for starting assist combos. Since he has many moves that can wall rush, most of his attacks are good combo starters. Some assists can also pick up from unfinished braveries, of which Double Cut first hit (midair) is among the most important starters.

Kuja

Condition Combo Base Damage EX Notes
Punish starter, no Wall Rush Climhazzard (2) > Kuja > AC > Slashing Blow (1) > Omnislash 5 105 + HP WR 96 Video Base Damage (Breakdown): 20 > 50 (Kuja) > 35 + HP WR Opponent Assist (Comrade's Vow): 157 EX Force (Breakdown): 30 > 30 + 36 If Climhazzard's last hit were to send the opponent into a banish trap, Kuja can be called earlier to avoid it.
Poke / Punish starter, Wall Rush Sonic Break > WR > Kuja > AC > Slashing Blow (1) > Omnislash Ver. 5 130 + WR + HP WR 96 Video Base Damage (Breakdown): 45 + WR > 50 > 35 + HP WR Opponent Assist (Comrade's Vow): 232 EX Force (Breakdown): 30 > 30 + 36 Basic wall rush combo. Good damage and relatively easy to do.
HP starter, Wall Rush Cross-slash > WR > Kuja > AC > Slashing Blow (1) > Omnislash 5 95 + HP WR x2 96 Video Base Damage (Breakdown): 10 + HP WR > 50 (Kuja) > 35 + HP WR Opponent Assist (Comrade's Vow): 145 EX Force (Breakdown): 30 > 30 + 36 Basic wall rush combo. Cross-slash is good at pursuing grounded opponents and the reward is decent, even though the move itself is risky to use.
Poke starter, no wall Double Cut (1) > Kuja > AC > Slashing Blow (1) > Omnislash 5 92 96 Video Base Damage (Breakdown): 7 > 50 > 35 + HP WR Opponent Assist (Comrade's Vow): 138 EX Force (Breakdown): 30 > 30 + 36 One of Cloud's primary air combo starters. The first hit has just enough hit stun for an assist conversion, but there isn't much time to react. A basic, but valuable combo at all levels of play.
Gap closer / Punish starter, Wall Rush Slashing Blow (1) > Omnislash 5 > WR > Kuja > Firaga > AC > S. Blow (1) > Omnislash 5 ~168 + HP WR x2 132 Video Base Damage (Breakdown): 35 + HP WR > 47 (Kuja) + 51 > 35 + HP WR Opponent Assist (Comrade's Vow): 255 EX Force (Breakdown): 30 + 36 > 0 > 30 + 36 One of the highest damaging staple combos for Cloud. Cloud is positioned very well to do a Firaga filler during Kuja's multi-hits for a lot of damage. Firaga should hit as Kuja's multi-hits begin and subsequently shred through opponent's bravery.

Builds

Builds here.

Stats
HP	9376
CP	480
BRV	1493
ATK	177
DEF	184
LUK	60
Max Booster	x3.5

Special Effect: None

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

{{{dataBRV}}} {{{dataHP}}}

Bravery attacks
Ground	Aerial
HP attacks
Ground	Aerial

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

Best Dresser extra ability equipped.

Substitutes

Equipment	Replacement	Notes
Battle Hammer / Dismay Shock	Hero's Seal	Initial HP damage increase, raises initial bravery to 2239. If opponent also uses Side by Side, replace Dismay Shock.
Maximillian	Auto Crossbow	Damage increase, with even lower max health. Instead of equipping Maximillian, Auto Crossbow adds another +79 base bravery and +15 % physical damage on top. Do CP glitch to equip this machine-category equipment.

High burst damage with each wall rush assist combo. With First Strike extra ability, a single Slashing Blow > Omnislash Version 5 wall rush with Kuja assist can output 4,632 HP damage. Even Exdeath with Adamant Chains set at 187 defense can be left near bravery break and if enough critical hits are activated, will break him too. Which is to say, the damage potential is high.

Further investment into damage is possible at the expense of other abilities (equipping Assist Critical Boost instead of Counterattack, for example), maximum health or meter depletion. However, if the opponent uses the Disable First Attack extra ability, Cloud's critical hit rate can fall, greatly reducing the likelihood of reaching a bravery break with a single assist combo.

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 (CP Glitch)
Head	Oath Veil (CP Glitch)
Body	Auto Crossbow (CP Glitch)
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

{{{dataBRV}}} {{{dataHP}}}

Bravery attacks
Ground	Aerial
HP attacks
Ground	Aerial

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

Substitutes

Equipment	Replacement	Notes

Assist

Cloud's assist data

Type	Attack	Startup	Position	Spawn	Damage multiplier	Effects
BRV	Sonic Break	21F	Ground	Opponent	8, 12, 25 (45)	Wall Rush
BRV	Slashing Blow	21F	Air	Opponent	5, 10, 25 (40)	Wall Rush
HP	Cross-slash	41F	Ground	Opponent	5, 5 (10)	Wall Rush
HP	Braver	47F	Air	Opponent	2, 1 x N (4+)	Wall Rush

Assists

One of Cloud's distinct strengths is his synergy with a myriad of assists in the game. In addition to powerhouse assists like Kuja, Aerith and Jecht, Cloud can also work with Onion Knight and Ultimecia.

Wiki Roadmap (012 Cloud Strife)

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Page	Completed	In progress	To-do	Score
General				35 / 86
Pros / Cons	Mostly done.			2 / ?
Overview / Character Data	Done.		Rewrite the overview to be shorter. Distribute its contents more evenly across Cloud sections and pages.	1 / 2
Bravery Attacks	Ability info, images, overviews.	Edit based on feedback.		5 / 5
HP Attacks	Ability info, images, overviews.	Edit based on feedback.		5 / 5
EX Mode	Basic info, image(s).			3 / 3
Combos	Solo combos. Kuja assist combos.		Add more assists than just Kuja.	7 / 7
Builds	2 builds.		Add recommended attacks like on Tifa's page. Add more builds and overviews like with Tifa as well.	2 / 10
Assist	Assist data, Cloud assist overview and synergies for Cloud.	Edit based on feedback.		3 / 3
Matchups			Create page. Matchup tips and analysis.	0 / 32
Frame Data			Create page.	0 / 1
Starter Guide		Edit based on feedback.		7 / 8
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