Buster Sword

The Buster Sword is a weapon that first appeared in Final Fantasy VII and has since appeared in several other games in the Final Fantasy series. It is Cloud Strife's trademark weapon, and was wielded before him by Zack Fair and Angeal Hewley. The Buster Sword serves as an iconic image for Cloud and Final Fantasy VII due to its massive size and is wielded by Cloud in most of his appearances.
==Design==
The Buster Sword is classified as an enormous broadsword. From tip to handle, it is approximately five to six feet long, with a single-edged large blade approximately one foot wide. In Cloud's Final Fantasy VII artwork, the blade is a lighter color on the bladed edge, while the rest of the blade is dark gray, and the handguard appears to be bolted or riveted into place. There are two holes near the handguard, variably said to be materia slots, or where Cloud clips the sword onto his back. In more detailed iterations, the handle is a reddish knurled material. This design is used in most spin-off appearances. In the Kingdom Hearts series, Cloud wields a Buster Sword of this design wrapped in bandages.
In Compilation of Final Fantasy VII releases, namely Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children and Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-, the Buster Sword has a more detailed design. The blade is more visually split into two segments, with a darker side that tapers into the edged side. The handguard in this iteration is colored gold and has ornate swirl designs, the part of the blade bearing the two holes is raised slightly and sectioned off from the rest of the blade, and there is detailed plating set on the blade on each side along the blunt edge. The handle appears to be made of red leather. In Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII, this design is used with additional gold coloring along the raised section around the slots. In Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion, the Buster Sword design is reverted to how it appears in Final Fantasy VII , likely for continuity with the Final Fantasy VII remake project.
In Final Fantasy VII Remake, the weapon's design is an amalgam of the original and the Compilation version. It features the dark end leading to the blade with a taper as seen in the Compilation, along with the more defined linked materia slots and plating. The blade is now visibly sharpened perpendicularly to the edge, rather than parallel. The gold tinted segments at each end of the handle have been made silver, the materia slots are slightly different and the lining around their raised area has been recolored to be uniform with the surrounding metal. The gold swirl designs adorning the width of the hilt have been removed, with a metal clasping taking their place, making it more faithful to the original design. The handle is wrapped in overlapping brown leather from the guard to the pommel. For the first time, the materia equipped onto the blade is visible.
The angle of the blade leading to the tip is approximately 137°.
==Appearances==
===Final Fantasy VII series===
====Final Fantasy VII====
The Buster Sword is Cloud's default weapon. It cannot be sold or thrown due to Cloud using it in cutscenes and minigames. The Buster Sword has a base power of 18 and a base accuracy of 96%. It has two linked Materia slots.
On the title screen, the Buster Sword appears suspended over the ground surrounded by a black background. Buster Sword also represents the Weapon is Broken handicap on the Battle Square handicap reels.
====Final Fantasy VII Remake====
The Buster Sword is again Cloud's default weapon. Its menu description alludes to the name of the original game's normal battle theme, "Those Who Fight". The sword has a heavily worn exterior, with innumerable scratches visible along its length. For the first time, the materia slotted into it is visible on the in-game model. In the final scene of the game, it is covered in grime, and the handle is worn where it is held.
====Final Fantasy VII Rebirth====
====Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children====
Sometime after Final Fantasy VII, Cloud places the Buster Sword on the cliff where Zack had his last stand as a memorial. The sword rusts and becomes covered in dirt. In place of the Buster Sword Cloud wields the Fusion Swords, which take on the silhouette of the Buster Sword when connected.
During the ending of Advent Children Complete, Cloud moves the polished Buster Sword to the Sector 5 slums church.
====Before Crisis -Final Fantasy VII-====
When the Player Turk is infiltrating Icicle base with Zack, the latter wields the Buster Sword.
====Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-====
The Buster Sword's origins are revealed with Angeal Hewley as its original owner, whose father had the blade forged when Angeal joined SOLDIER. His parents borrowed the money for the sword, and Angeal's father worked as much as he could to pay back the debt, eventually falling ill and passing away. Angeal cares for the sword in his father's memory, using it as little as possible to avoid it being damaged, instead fighting with a standard SOLDIER sword.
Angeal entrusts the Buster Sword to Zack as a symbol of passing on his honor and dreams. Zack uses the blade more frequently than Angeal, but swings to hit with the blunt edge. When Zack is gunned down outside Midgar, he passes on the Buster Sword to Cloud, naming him his living legacy and proof of his life.
When Zack has the Buster Sword on his back the blade's edge is facing down, while Cloud later on has the sword's blade facing out, possibly for quicker use of the blade itself.
It is possible to battle Minerva before having obtained the Buster Sword in the story, especially in New Game+. The Minerva battle starts off with a cutscene showing Zack with the Buster Sword even if it hasn't been obtained yet, and because the cutscene transfers directly into the battle, the Buster Sword remains on Zack for the battle.
In the PlayStation Portable version, Zack's weapon is merely cosmetic. In Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Reunion, Zack gains a new battle stance with the Buster Sword, reminiscent of Cloud's Punisher Mode in Final Fantasy VII Remake, where he can expend AP to guard and counter-attack, and use strong attacks that hit harder and make him immune to interruption.
====Final Fantasy VII G-Bike====
Cloud brandished the Buster Sword and attacked enemies while riding the Hardy-Daytona. It used the design seen in the Compilation with the ornamental base.
====Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis====
The Buster Sword is Cloud's default weapon. It carries the Braver Core Ability. It cannot be drawn, but copies of the weapon for augmentation can be obtained from the Crisis Medal exchange. Only one copy (worth 200 Buster Sword Parts) may be obtained per calendar month.
===Final Fantasy IX===
right|thumb|Zidane examining a weapon that resembles the Buster Sword.
A weapon similar to the Buster Sword can be found in a weapon shop in Lindblum. If Zidane inspects it, he will refer to to "a guy with spiky hair" who wielded a sword like it.
===Final Fantasy XII===
Gilgamesh uses a fake Buster Sword, along with many other iconic swords from other Final Fantasy games. The kanji character on the sword means "replica", or "fake", and has four slots instead of two.
The fake Buster Sword can be used by player characters via hacking.
===Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII===
The Buster Sword is a greatsword-type weapon available to Lightning through downloadable content. It raises Strength by 360 points and Stagger Power by 12%.
===Final Fantasy XIV===
The Braver and Blade Dance Limit Breaks feature a Buster Sword made of light, and are used by all melee DPS jobs.
===Final Fantasy XVI===
The Buster Sword is a free DLC weapon for Clive. It has attack power of 160. Unlike other weapons, Clive's scabbard disappears when using it due to its size.
===Final Fantasy Tactics Advance===
The Buster Sword is a sword-class weapon wielded by the Soldier, Warrior, and Dragoon classes. It has 35 power, 5 defense, and teaches the ability Mindbreak to Soldiers and Warriors, and Wyrmtamer to Dragoons.
====Final Fantasy Tactics A2: Grimoire of the Rift====
The Buster Sword is a weapon for the Soldier, Warrior, Dragoon jobs and Spellblade. It no longer teaches Wyrmtamer to Dragoons, but teaches Blood Price to Spellblades.
===Dissidia Final Fantasy (2008)===
The Buster Sword is Cloud's weapon in his normal outfit, with its design based on the original Buster Sword from Final Fantasy VII, but more detailed. The Buster Sword glows orange when using an HP attack, referring to the Limit Break system in Final Fantasy VII.
Bartz uses the Buster Sword during two of his moves, Climbarrel and Sidehazzard, when he mimics Cloud, specifically his Climhazzard attack.
The Buster Sword is also an equippable weapon usable by Cloud obtained in Destiny Odyssey VII-1. It is a level 1 Greatsword that gives +4 ATK.
====Dissidia 012 Final Fantasy====
The Buster Sword is used by Cloud in both his default and "Steady Light" outfits, reusing its design from the original Dissidia. It also appears in Cloud's downloadable costume, his Kingdom Hearts look, where it takes on the wrapped appearance it has in Kingdom Hearts. Bartz still wields the blade in his mimicked moveset, but due to changes in his moveset he only uses it in one move as opposed to the original two.
As in the original Dissidia, Buster Sword is also an exclusive weapon for Cloud, and can found in his chapter of the 013 story. Its stats have been increased to Attack +22 and Defense -2.
====Dissidia Final Fantasy NT====
The Buster Sword is Cloud's default weapon, based on the weapon's appearance in Final Fantasy VII. Like all other characters' weapons, equipping it offers no advantages or disadvantages.
====Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia====
Multiple versions of the Buster Sword are available as weapons for Cloud and Zack. Cloud's original model from VII is a 4★ greatsword, while all others are 5★ greatswords. Cloud's Dissidia NT variant has also been available, but has been bundled with specific loot crates when Cloud is a featured character. 
===Theatrhythm Final Fantasy and Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call===
Cloud wields the Buster Sword in his character model.
===Pictlogica Final Fantasy===
===Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade===
===Final Fantasy Artniks===
===Final Fantasy Record Keeper===
===Final Fantasy Explorers===
===Final Fantasy Brave Exvius===
Buster Sword is a Great Sword that provides +35 ATK, and can be obtained by buying it for 1,500 gil at Grandport, Industrial City Dilmagia, Town of Kolts, Aquapolis Olderion, and Downtown Zoldaad, found in a chest at Zadehl Westersand - Exploration, or crafted using 3x Broken Blade, 14x Silver Ore, and 300 gil.
Buster Sword (KH) is a Great Sword STMR obtained from Cloud (KH), providing +180 ATK, is Two-Handed, has a damage variance of 100-160%, and gives +50% Accuracy.
 
===Mobius Final Fantasy===
The Buster Sword was acquired with the "SOLDIER 1st Class" Job card, itself based on Cloud's initial appearance, as its signature weapon. The weapon could be earned and then upgraded to its regular +, Bis, and X grades by mastering the job.
===World of Final Fantasy===
Cloud wields the Buster Sword in his character model.
===Final Fantasy Trading Card Game===
Buster Sword appears as a weapon, requiring three Thunder CP to use, and one Thunder and one Shine CP to remove it from the equipped character and return it to the hand. When a Forward equipped with the Buster Sword is moved to the Break Zone from the field, Buster Sword allows the player to select a Forward on the field with a lower cost than the original Forward equipped with the Buster Sword, and equip the Buster Sword to the new Forward.
==Non-Final Fantasy guest appearances==
===Ehrgeiz: God Bless the Ring===
The Buster Sword appears as a 2-handed sword within the Forsaken Dungeon. It provides 57 Weapon Atk, 10 Durability, +2 Speed, and -1 Consumption Rate. Only Masuda Koji can equip this weapon. It is obtained from a monster drop on the Floors 10-12. Both Cloud and Zack can wield the Buster Sword during Arcade Mode.
===Kingdom Hearts series===
Cloud wields the Buster Sword wrapped in bandages in all of his appearances in the Kingdom Hearts series, except Kingdom Hearts II, where he wields a wrapped Fusion Sword in its stead.
The Keyblade is based on the Buster Sword, and is a long, heavy, metal weapon based upon long reach and powerful attacks with two holes near the hilt. It is won by defeating Cloud in the Olympus Coliseum, and appears in Kingdom Hearts, Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories, Kingdom Hearts Re:Chain of Memories, and Kingdom Hearts Re:coded.
===Super Smash Bros. series===
In both Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS & Wii U and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Cloud wields his iconic Buster Sword in his odd-numbered costumes, based on the Dissidia series version of his Final Fantasy VII design. Additionally, Kirby can utilize a Buster Sword of his own, after inhaling Cloud and gaining Blade Beam as his Copy Ability.
==Other media==
===Games===
A weapon called the Buster Sword appears in the Monster Hunter game series. While it more greatly resembles a cleaver, it bears the same overall design.
The Buster Sword appears in the online game Fallen Sword.
There is a sword that appears in the sandbox game Terraria called the Breaker Blade that resembles the Buster Sword and its name serves as wordplay of that of the Buster Sword.
There is a Buster Sword at the Weapon Rack in Pocket God.
The Buster Sword can be unlocked and subsequently eaten in the mobile game Hungry Oni. The item description "A spiky haired guy carried something similar", reflects the reference to Final Fantasy IX.
The Buster Sword appeared in Puzzle & Dragons as part of the Final Fantasy collaboration.
The Buster Sword makes a cameo in the indie game Evoland, though it is called the Legendary Sword. It is obtained at the end of the second dungeon.
The Buster Sword can be found in Just Cause 3 as an Easter Egg, stuck to the side of a snowy mountain.
In Summon Night Swordcraft Story for the Game Boy Advance, resembles the Buster Sword. Its flavor text ris "Huge, but otherwise plain, sword".
The Breaker Blade from Terraria is based on the Buster Sword, and its name is synonymous.
===Television===
The Buster Sword is inside Finn and Jake's brother Jermaine's house in season 6 episode 33 of the Cartoon Network show Adventure Time. Jake tries to use the sword to fight invading demons, but he finds the sword too heavy to wield.
===Fandom===
In 8-Bit Theater, the Buster Sword is seen in parodical form during the main crew's early attempts at recruiting more teammates, when a Cloud-like character attempts to show off the sword to Fighter as a qualification and is subsequently crushed under it when it falls over. In the epilogue, when Fighter and Black Mage realize they are lost, the Buster Sword is seen along with the Revolver in "Akbar's Not Useless Tools" shop.
==Non-specific appearances==
Since the Buster Sword is Cloud's default sword, he uses it as his weapon in almost all of his spin-off appearances, including Ehrgeiz: God Bless the Ring, the Itadaki Street series, and Chocobo Racing. In Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call, Cloud and Zack both wield the Buster Sword, Cloud's based on its Final Fantasy VII design and Zack's on its Compilation design.
==Behind the scenes==
In the earliest concept sketches (see Gallery) Cloud's sword was smaller and thinner and had a single slot used to attach the weapon to a stud on Cloud's back. The handle had a hanging chain similar to Squall's Revolver in Final Fantasy VIII. A magnet on the suspender on Cloud's back was used to hold the sword in place. In The Reunion Files for Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, Tetsuya Nomura stated his original vision of the Buster Sword was unrefined steel, and he referred to it as "the Giant Kitchen Knife". Having stated that Cloud's imagery was based on the samurai martial artist luminary Musashi Miyamoto, the size and design of the Buster Sword are reminiscent of the oar carved suburito waster sword used by him in his duel against rival Sasaki Kojiro, and in contrast to their rival's weapons, as Musashi believed that swords like nodachi were unwieldly and left one open.
In an early version of Cloud's official poster (the finalized version of this image was used as the cover art for Final Fantasy VII in North America) that was used in Square's (now deleted) original Final Fantasy VII website, and also used as a promo shot for early magazine articles on Final Fantasy VII, a "beta" version of the Buster Sword can be seen. Here the Buster Sword has only one slot, the proportions are different, and the slot takes up a larger percentage of the sword's width, the sword's sharp edge is held to the opposite side, and in proportion to Cloud the early Buster Sword looks longer.
In early footage of Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, before the Fusion Swords were designed, Cloud was shown fighting Kadaj wielding the Buster Sword that had the swirl design on the handguard, but not the blade etchings. The fight is identical to a portion of their battle in the completed film, albeit slowed down considerably.
===Other===
A replica of the Buster Sword was made as a placeholder weapon for Tidus during the development of Final Fantasy X. It can still be found in the game's internal files as dummied content, but can only be obtained by hacking. If hacked into the game, Tidus attacks with the sword's blunt edge.
==Merchandise==
The Buster Sword has appeared as Cloud's weapon in numerous merchandise of him. In 1997 the first Final Fantasy VII action figures manufactured by Bandai were released, and Cloud's figure comes with two weapons: the Buster Sword and the Hardedge. The Buster Sword in this set is uniformly gray, without the lighter colored edge as seen in the game. Cloud also wields the Buster Sword in all cold cast resin statues crafted by Kotobukiya.
Buster Sword has appeared in Final Fantasy Trading Arts figures with both Cloud and Zack. Cloud has the plain version while Zack's Buster Sword has cracks on the surface. The Zack figurine was released before Advent Children: Final Fantasy VII and Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII-, so the Buster Sword is still the original version without the more ornamental base. Cloud's Dissidia Final Fantasy Trading Arts figure also has the original Buster Sword, because that is the one he wields in that game.
Cloud's amiibo in his original outfit for Super Smash Bros. has the Buster Sword.
A limited edition PSP Slim was released along with Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- in Japan: the console bundled with the game, as well as a Buster Sword wrist strap. 77,777 units were available and all sold in one day. A similar bundle was also released in Europe, but lacked the Buster Sword wrist strap.
===Final Fantasy Play Arts Action Figures===
In 2007 Square Enix released Final Fantasy VII Play Arts figures. Cloud's comes with the Buster Sword. Its design is that from the original artwork, rather than the updated design from the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII. The deluxe set that comes with Cloud and the Hardy-Daytona also includes the Buster Sword.
In 2009 Square Enix released Crisis Core -Final Fantasy VII- Play Arts figures, Zack's figure including the Buster Sword. Unlike the Buster Sword in the Final Fantasy VII Play Arts figures released two years earlier, the Buster Sword Zack carries is the updated design from the Compilation of Final Fantasy VII.
Also in 2009 Square Enix released Cloud and Sephiroth as Kingdom Hearts Play Arts figures, Cloud's including a bandaged version of the Buster Sword.
===Replicas===
The chocolate parfait sold in Square Enix's Artnia cafe comes with a miniature replica of the Buster Sword. A full-scale model of the Buster Sword was built to commemorate the Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children Complete press screening party at the Sony Building in Tokyo. Another 1:1 scale replica was made and displayed at Tokyo Game Show 2019, this time based on the Final Fantasy VII Remake design. A sign displayed next to it measures its length at 185.5 centimeters (approx. 6.1 ft), while weighing about 7 kilograms (approx. 15.4 lbs). Similar builds were displayed at other events promoting the game.
A Buster Sword alarm clock was released as official merchandise for Final Fantasy VII Remake. It features the sword stuck on the ground, like the title screens of both original and remade Final Fantasy VII.
Based on various real-life solid metal replicas, even for an extremely strong person the Buster Sword is terribly balanced and egregiously difficult—if not impossible—to wield properly. A replica crafted with a solid steel blade weighs in at nearly 100 pounds.
==Gallery==
Cloud Strife Sketch2.png|Concept sketches of Cloud wielding a smaller Buster Sword.
Cloud Early Concept Art 2.jpg|Early concept art of Cloud with alternate Buster Sword.
Beta-cloud-prerelease.gif|Early version of Cloud's battle model wielding an early version of the Buster Sword.
VII Remake Cloud in Midgar.jpg|Buster Sword in Final Fantasy VII Remake.
FFVIIR_gameplay_June2019_08.jpg|Cloud wielding the sword in Remake
Buster Sword Church.jpg|The Buster Sword is moved to the Sector 5 Church in Advent Children Complete.
Angeal-chapter-end.jpg|Angeal and the Buster Sword in Crisis Core.
Buster Remake Replica.jpg|1:1 scale replica of the Remake iteration.
VIIGB Buster Sword Icon.jpg|Icon in Final Fantasy VII G-Bike.
WeaponIsBroken-ffvii-BSreel.png|Battle Square handicap icon.
Tidusbuster2.png|Tidus with the Buster Sword in Final Fantasy X.
FFXII Buster Sword.png|Final Fantasy XII.
Cloud-Strife-FFT-Artwork.png|Final Fantasy Tactics (only appears in this artwork).
D012 DLC Buster Sword.png|Bandaged Buster Sword used by Cloud in his Kingdom Hearts outfit in Dissidia 012.
Manikin-Buster Sword.png|Crystal Buster Sword used by Cloud's manikins in Dissidia and Dissidia 012.
Manikin Bartz-Buster Sword.png|Crystal Buster Sword used by Bartz's manikins in Dissidia and Dissidia 012.
DFFOO Buster Sword (VII).png|Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia [FFVII].
DFFOO Buster Sword ver. Z (VII).png|Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia [CC-VII].
DFFOO Buster Sword NT Ver. (VII).png|Dissidia Final Fantasy Opera Omnia [DFFNT].
Theatrhythm cloud.png|Theatrhythm Final Fantasy and Theatrhythm Final Fantasy Curtain Call.
PFF Angeal Illust.png|Buster Sword with Angeal in Pictlogica Final Fantasy.
PFF Cloud Illust.png|Buster Sword with Cloud in Pictlogica Final Fantasy.
PFF Zack Illust.png|Buster Sword with Zack in Pictlogica Final Fantasy.
FFAB Buster Sword R+.png|Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade (R+).
FFAB Buster Sword (Angeal) SSR.png|Angeal's Buster Sword in Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade (SSR).
FFAB Buster Sword (Zack) SSR.png|Zack's Buster Sword in Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade (SSR).
FFAB Buster Sword (Angeal) SSR+.png|Angeal's Buster Sword in Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade (SSR+).
FFAB Buster Sword (Zack) SSR+.png|Zack's Buster Sword in Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade (SSR+).
FFAB Buster Sword (Zack) UR.png|Zack's Buster Sword in Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade (UR).
FFAB Buster Sword UR+.png|Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade (UR+).
FFAB Buster Sword KH CR.png|Buster Sword (KH) in Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade (CR).
FFAB Buster Sword (Zack) UR+.png|Zack's Buster Sword in Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade (UR+).
FFAB Buster Sword (Zack) UUR.png|Zack's Buster Sword in Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade (UUR).
FFAB Buster Sword (Zack) VIICC UUR+.png|Zack's Buster Sword in Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade (UUR+).
FFAB Buster Sword (Zack) CR.png|Zack's Buster Sword in Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade (CR).
FFAB Buster Sword FFVII CR+.png|Final Fantasy Airborne Brigade (CR+).
FF7 Buster Sword R+ Artniks.png|Final Fantasy Artniks.
ATB Buster Sword.png|Cloud wielding the Buster Sword in All The Bravest.
FFRK Buster Sword KH.png|Kingdom Hearts version in Final Fantasy Record Keeper.
FFRK Buster Sword Sprite 2.png|Sprite in Final Fantasy Record Keeper.
FFRK Buster Sword Sprite.png|Sprite from boss version of Cloud in Final Fantasy Record Keeper.
FFBE Buster Sword.png|Final Fantasy Brave Exvius.
MFF Buster Sword FFVII.jpg|Mobius Final Fantasy.
Ehrgeiz Buster Sword.png|Ehrgeiz: God Bless the Ring.
MetalChocobo.png|The Metal Chocobo Keyblade in Kingdom Hearts, based on the Buster Sword.
Buster-Sword-Sunday.png|Buster Sword Parfait sold at Artnia.
FFVII_Remake_Vinyl_Buster.png|Part of the remake design as seen on the Final Fantasy VII Remake and Final Fantasy VII Vinyl case.
FFVIIR_Commemorative_Lottery_Buster_Sword_Medal.jpg|Buster Sword medal released as part of the Remake "Commemorative Lottery" event.
==Etymology==
The term "buster sword" may also be a corruption of the term "bastard sword", used to describe large two-handed swords in 17th century Europe. It may also be a reference to the supposed rain-making device "", created by Wilhelm Reich.
==Citations==
de:Panzerschwert
it:Buster Sword
ru:Бастер меч
Category:Greatswords
Category:Final Fantasy VII series
Category:Signature weapons