FINAL FANTASY VII Modding Guide for First-Timers (PC and Steam Deck)

How to install FF7 and 7th Heaven Mod Manager on PC and Steam Deck, the best mods for an updated first-time friendly experience, and more.

Intro

Thank you for the 100 Ratings and over 200 Favorites!

This guide is based on info from this forum post.[forums.qhimm.com]

Also check out my Final Fantasy IX Modding Guide!
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3068861646
The purpose of this guide is to mod FF7 to keep things as close to the original as possible, while putting a nice polish on the whole thing. Character Models are updated, textures and backgrounds have been upscaled. Audio should be mostly the same, except for added SFX. The biggest change is the UI. There are also a few gameplay tweaks.

Features:

• 60/30 FPS
  
  
• 30 FPS FMVs
  
  
• Widescreen
  
  
• New world character models that respect the style of the original
  
  
• New battle models
  
  
• Improved UI
  
  
• Upscaled Battle Textures
  
  
• Upscaled Field Textures
  
  
• Upscaled Mini-game Textures
  
  
• Improved Lighting
  
  
• Original PS1 Music
  
  
• Added Sound Effects to Battles, Battle Voices, Ambient Noise, Footsteps
  
  
• Improved Spell Textures
  
  
• New Upscaled World Map with Free Camera Movement, Real-Time Lighting, and Extended View Distance
  
  
• Modern Spell Names
  
  
• Gameplay Tweaks
  
  
  • True Wait Mode
    
    
  • Auto-Sense (Scan/Libra)
    
    
  • Save/PHS Anywhere
    
    
  • EXP/AP Boosts
    
    
  • EXP Share
    
    
  • More Materia Combos
    
    
  • Limit Command Rework
    
    
  • Easier Steals
    
    
  • Better Morph
  
  
• Modern Control layouts for Keyboard and swapped Confirm and Cancel buttons
  
  
• Analog Controls and Auto-run
  
  
• Steam compatibly and Achievements

Mod Comparison Images

Old Main Menu UI

New Main Menu UI

Original

New Upscaled Textures and Character Models

Original

New Upscaled Battle Textures, Character Models, and Modern UI

Original

New Avatars with translucent backgrounds

Original Spell Names

Modern Spell Names

Original World Map

Original Max Camera Distance

New World Map Textures

New unlocked camera angles let you zoom in or…

ZOOM WAY OUT! - UAV ONLINE

Installation

• Install FINAL FANTASY VII

  1. Download and Install the game with Steam.
     
     
     • Pirated copies of the game won't work.
     
     
  2. Run the game at least once to make sure it works.
  
  

• Installing the 7th Heaven Mod Manager

  WARNING: 7th Heaven locks the game's language to English.
  
  
  1. Download the 7th Heaven Setup Executable from here[7thheaven.rocks] or directly from this link[highwind.7thheaven.rocks].
     
     
  2. Run the executable.
     
     
     1. If your Firewall blocks the application, choose to run anyway.
        
        
     2. The installer should automatically install the dependencies, but if you have dependency popups when starting 7th Heaven, then please also install .NET Desktop Runtime[dotnet.microsoft.com] (both x86 and x64).
        
        
     3. Also install the Microsoft Visual C++ 2015, 2017, 2019, 2022 Redistributable[learn.microsoft.com] libraries (x86 and x64).

7HMM Setup

1. Run 7th Heaven – If the application asks you to install updates, just click 'no' for now.
   
   
   
   
2. At the top left of the window, open Settings>General Settings.
   
   
   
   

   IMPORTANT: THIS MUST BE DONE FIRST.

   1. In the Paths Box at the top, change the 'FF7 Exe:' file path to the FF7.exe file in the steam installation folder (Probably C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\FINAL FANTASY VII).
      
      
      
      
      • The application will make a copy of FF7 in C:\Games\Final Fantasy VII. This will be your modding environment.
        
        
      • This will change the FF7 Exe: file path to C:\Games\Final Fantasy VII\FF7.exe.
      
      Note: 7th Heaven and FFNx each come in two flavors:
      
      
      1. Stable (Recommended): this is a fully tested, and hopefully, bug free release.
         
         • It is commonly accepted for long gameplay sessions and generic users. If in doubt, use this one first.
           
         • With the stable version, you will probably get messages about updates when you open 7th Heaven.
         
         
      2. Canary: this is like a nightly release, but untested. Feel free to use it at your own risk.
         
         • If you have issues with stable, try switching to Canary; or if you want to try the latest development updates going on in FFNx.
      
      
   2. Under Channel Management for 7th Heaven, choose stable (or Canary), and Check for Updates.
      
      • If there is an update, read the message and make sure it is for your desired version.
        
      • When 7th Heaven is updated, the application will restart and apply updates.
      
      
   3. Do the same with FFNx. Select stable (or Canary), and Check for Updates.
      
      • When FFNx is updated, the game driver settings will be reset to default.
      
      
   4. Once all updates are installed, click Reset Defaults. This should add 2 folders in the additional folders section: ‘widescreen’ and ‘mesh’, if these weren’t already installed.
      
      

      NOTE: How to Update 7th Heaven and FFNx

      Whenever I want to check for updates, or install new updates, I follow these steps to make sure I am on the latest version of my desired version (stable or canary).
      
      
      1. Don't use pop-up boxes to install updates, but if you do, read them carefully. Some of these will ask if you want to change to the other version.
         
         
      2. Open General Settings > Channel Management:
         

         • IMPORTANT: Click the drop-down for 7th Heaven and choose your desired version (Stable/Canary)

           (EVEN IF YOUR DESIRED VERSION IS ALREADY SELECTED).

         • With Canary, a dialog box will open, click OK.
           
           
           
         • Do the same with FFNx as well.
         
         
      3. Then click 'Check for Updates':
         
         • When 7th Heaven is updated, the application will update and restart.
           
         • When FFNx is updated, your Game Driver settings will be reset and will need to be reconfigured.
         
         
      4. Click Save, then Click OK when the next box opens.
         
         
      5. I like to close 7th Heaven and reopen it, because it gets rid of the update available message.
      
      
   5. Toggle your options like so. You will never want to ignore compatibility.
      
      
      
      
   6. Click Save, then Click OK when the next box opens.
   
   

   NOTE: I would highly recommend using a controller. Cosmos Gaia World Textures mod is not usable with keyboard.

   
   
3. Open Settings>Controls
   
   
   1. For both keyboard and controller, set your preset to unab0mb's Choice + PlayStation (Swap AB-XO) as seen above. This changes the confirm button to A or X, and adds modern PC keyboard controls to the game.
      
      
      
      
   2. Click 'Close' – the save button doesn't seem to work on this menu and close works just fine.
   
   
4. Open Open>Game Launcher
   
   You don't need to change any of these settings, but this is where you can adjust your audio settings. Ambient and movie volume can't be adjusted in game, and voice volume is for Echo-S 7 and battle voices.
   
   
   
   
5. Open Settings>Game Driver
   
   
   1. Set your Graphic Setting like so, but with your monitor’s native resolution. Use Antialiasing if you wish.
      
      
      
      For your Graphics API, if you get crashes with Auto try:
      
      • Nvidia - DX11
        
      • AMD - DX12
        
      • Steam Deck - DX12
      
      
   2. Turn on Analogue Controls and Auto Run
      
      
      
      
   3. Set your Advanced settings like so, optionally showing the FPS counter.
      
      
      
      
   4. Save and close
   
   

   WARNING: Did I mention that the Game Driver Settings are reset when you update FFNx?

   
   
6. Click Play in the Top Left to Run the Game to make sure it starts.
   
   

   NOTE: You can uninstall FF7 from Steam to save space now, if you wish.

Moving Your Save Files

To transfer your game saves from the steam version of the game to the modded version of the game

1. Copy your save.xx.ff7 files from:
   
   
   • %USERPROFILE%\Documents\Square Enix\FINAL FANTASY VII Steam\user_#
   
   
2. Paste your save files here:
   
   
   • C:\Games\Final Fantasy VII\save

Installing Mods

The Mods I have selected are just my opinion on what works well for a first-time playthrough.

If there are any mods on your mod list on the right, delete them. Most of them have newer versions that we will use instead.

7th Heaven Mod Manager (7HMM) comes with a full catalog of mods you can easily add to your game, but you can also import mods from other websites.

To import mod .iro files that are not included in the 7HMM Catalog:

1. Click the Import Mod button in the top right corner.
   
   
2. Choose to Import from IRO File
   
   
   
   
3. Browse for your file and import your desired .iro file. Click OK.
   
   
4. The Mod will Now be on your Mod List. You may need to manually set the mod's category using the drop-down menu.

7HMM Catalog

Mods can be downloaded directly from 7HMM by clicking the 'Browse Catalog' tab at the top of the window.

I will list my recommended mods by category.

WARNING: Due to the release of FF7 Rebirth, 7th Heaven is facing an increase of interest. Download speeds may suffer due to high traffic, especially on Steam Deck.

Animations

The following list of settings was exported from 7HMM using my settings. I reformatted the layout for readability purposes.

I will BOLD my notes and comments.

In the mod manager, most mod settings will have a description, and some have pictures.

Settings will be formatted like this:

"Setting Name" = "Option Name" (Option #)

The Option # is usually something like:
0 = default or false
1 = option 1 or true
2+ = 3 would be the 4th option on the list because 0 is the default. This is sometimes inconsistent, though.

60/30 FPS Gameplay

This lets you play the game with 60 or 30 FPS.

"FPS Mode" = "Full 60 FPS" (3)
"Advanced Field Animation (60 FPS)" = "NinostyleHD animations" (2)
"Field mode 60 FPS Fix" = True (1)

Battle Models

1. FF7 Remake Tifa in (Fake)Ninostyle for battles[www.nexusmods.com]

   
   
   

   This mod is completely optional. You can skip it if you want to use Tifa’s original outfit.
   
   You can download the file here.[www.nexusmods.com](You will need to be signed in to Nexus Mods)[www.nexusmods.com]

   
   

2. Ninostyle Battle

   

   This adds better character models to battle

   
   "Cloud" = "Nino Cloud" (1)
   "Barret" = "Nino Barret v3.0" (1)
   "Tifa" = "No Change" (0)
   

   Turn this on if you aren’t using Denton’s Remake Tifa

   
   "Aerith" = "Nino Aerith" (1)
   "Red XIII" = "Nino Red XIII" (1)
   "Yuffie" = "Nino Yuffie" (1)
   "Cait Sith" = "Nino Cait Sith" (1)
   "Vincent" = "Nino Vincent" (1)
   "Cid" = "Nino Cid" (1)
   "Sephiroth" = "Nino Sephiroth" (1)
   "Jessie Mod" = "No Change" (0)
   "Other" = "Nino Other" (1)
   "Ansgar's Busterizer" = True (1)
   

   Optional: Turn this on if you want to always use the Buster Sword.

Honorable Mention: ModdersHaven Base Model Pack[www.nexusmods.com]

by ModdersHaven

• Updated world, battle, magic, field, mini-game, etc. Every 3D aspect of the game is included in this pack. If you prefer other popular character models, but would like to update the rest of the game, this is the pack you want.
  
• Better Monster Models, Summon Models, and Beast Form Models

You can use this mod if you wish, but be warned, you will get odd, unintended spell effects. This is due to the mod not being compatible with the current spell texture mods.

Battle Textures

1. [Tsunamods] SYW Unified Battle Textures

   
   

   This adds better textures to the battlefields

   
   "SYW Unified Battle Textures" = True (1)
   
   

2. AxlRose's Blender v1

   This adds better lighting to battles

   
   "Blender" = "Blender - ON" (1)

Field Models

Ninostyle Chibi

This adds better character models to the world. This should include NPCs and vehicles.

"Chibi Field and World Models" = "On" (1)

"L@zar0's Upgrades" = "On" (1)
"Efryt's Little Work" = "On" (1)
"Tifa Remake Outfit" = "On" (1)

This gives Tifa her remake outfit on her field model. Turn this off if you aren’t using Denton’s Remake Tifa, just for consistency.

"Dynamic Weapons (BETA)" = "Dynamic Weapons - Off" (0)

I would keep this off, because It's not fully functional yet.

"Buggy" = "Original Colors - NinoStyle" (1)
"Chocobo" = "NinoStyle" (2)

Both options are called “NinoStyle”. I like the second one.

"Highwind" = "NinoStyle" (1)

Both options are called “NinoStyle”. Use the one that’s an airship.

"Submarine" = "NinoStyle" (1)
"Tiny Bronco" = "NinoStyle" (1)
"Cargo Ship" = "NinoStyle" (1)
"Gelnika" = "NinoStyle" (1)

Field Textures

Cosmos Limit Break

This adds upscaled textures to the field backgrounds. This also allows the game to be played in widescreen mode. On a controller, you can use the Right Stick to move the camera to view the area.

"Cosmos Limit Break Field Textures" = "Cosmos Limit Break (16:9)" (1)

Most modern monitors are 16:9, but the Steam Deck is 16:10.

"Advanced Texture Animations" = "Recommended (99% Animated Fields)" (1)

Gameplay

1. Gameplay Tweaks - Qhimm Catalog

   
   

   This adds gameplay tweaks and cheats. All are optional, but some are recommended.

   
   "======Tweaks======"
   
   "Always Run (PC)" = False (0)
   

   Always Run can be set in the game drivers now

   
   "Always Run (STEAM DECK)" = False (0)
   "Clock Fix" = False (0)
   "Great Glacier Unlimited Steps" = True (1)
   

   Recommended: this removes a very frustrating mechanic from one area of the game.

   
   "Increase Sense Limit" = False (0)
   

   This lets you use sense to see HP higher than 65,535. This is off because another mod does this better.

   
   "Invincible" = False (0)
   "Lock Inventory" = False (0)
   "Lucky Cait Sith" = False (0)
   "Lucky Tifa" (Lucky Tifa) = True (1)
   

   Optional: This just makes Tifa’s limit break less RNG and more consistent.

   
   "Save/PHS Anywhere" = True (1)
   

   Optional: Saving anywhere is nice, but can sometimes break the game. Rotate your saves if you use this (You should rotate your saves anyway).

   
   "Sync Barret Opening" = False (0)
   
   "======Stats======"
   
   

   Cheats: use if you want more AP/EXP, or to make enemies stronger.

   "AP Boost" = "No Boost" (0)
   "EXP Boost" = "No Boost" (0)
   "Enemy HP Boost" = "No Boost" (0)
   "Enemy Level Boost" = "No Boost" (0)
   
   

2. Postscriptthree's Gameplay Tweaks

   
   

   More Tweaks and Cheats

   
   "======Gameplay Adjustments======"
   
   "True Wait Mode" = "On" (0)
   

   Optional: This stops the ATB clock when any party member has a full ATB bar. Lets you take your time in combat without enemies taking potshots at you, or even gives you the freedom to look away, eat, or talk to chat (if you have a chat).

   
   "Break Damage/HP Limit" = "Off" (0)
   

   Optional: This lets you break the 9999 damage limit. You can break the damage limit, but breaking the HP/MP Limit breaks the UI.

   
   "Multi-Linked Slots" = "Off" (0)
   "In-Battle PHS" = False (0)
   "Party Randomizer" = False (0)
   "Battle Randomizer" = "Off" (0)
   "Solo Challenge" = "Off" (0)
   "Limit Command Rework" = True (1)
   

   Gives you more freedom with your limit breaks. You can save your limits without losing the attack command, and also allow you to use limits from earlier levels. Lower level Limit Breaks use less of the Limit Guage.

   
   
   
   "Counters Add Effects" = False (0)
   

   This mod makes counter-attacks that use a materia command also use the effects that materia is paired with. This works especially well with Multi-Linked Slots, letting you make combos like Command Counter+Deathblow+HP Absorb, which results in your counter-deathblows absorbing HP.

   
   "More Materia Pairs" = True (1)
   

   This allows you to pair Double Cut and Slash-All materia with support materia. Now you don't need to use the Master Command materia workaround. Also allows you to pair command materia with all to make things like steal-all before you get mega all.

   
   "======Quality of Life/Convenience======"
   
   "Sense Adjustments" (Sense) = "Auto and Show Steals/Morphs" (4)
   

   This lets you sense all enemies HP. Auto lets you always have sense active. You can also show an enemy’s stealable/morph items.
   To show enemy HP, activate combat help/tooltips by pressing Delete, Select/Share, or Back/View.
   While targeting an enemy, press:
   Square + Circle to show Stealable Items
   
   Square + X to show Morphable Items

   
   
   "Battle Animation Skip" = "Off" (0)
   "Dialogue Turbo" = "Off" (0)
   "EXP Share" = "On" (1)
   

   This lets your inactive party members gain EXP and/or AP

   
   "Party Leader Override" = "Off" (0)
   "No Battle Music" = False (0)
   "Specific Music Fix" = True (1)
   

   Description says this fixes something, so turn it on I guess.

   
   "======Balance Adjustments======"
   
   "Enemy Speed Multiplier" = "Off" (0)
   "Easier Steals" = "Double Base Rate And Level Impact" (2)
   

   This improves the item stealing rate. The steal rate is too low by default.

   
   "Status Speed Multiplier" = "Normal Speed" (0)
   "Morph Damage Adjuster" = "1" (3)
   

   This lets you increase the damage morph does, up to 1x attack damage. Since you need to kill the enemy with morph for it to work, this helps a bit.

Media

1. [Tsunamods] Cosmo Memory

   

   Adds additional sound effects to the game

   
   "Center Battle SFX" = True (1)
   "Menu Sounds" "Vanilla" (3)
   

   I don’t like the Updated Vanilla sounds, I think they just sound wrong. You can also use the Remake sounds, but this is a drastic change. You can preview the sounds using the green preview button at the bottom of the menu. Volumes can be adjusted in Game Launcher Settings.

   
   "Voiced Attacks" = True (1)
   "Field Ambience" = True (1)
   "Battle Ambience" = True (1)
   "Movie Sounds" = False (0)
   

   We want this setting off

   
   "Field Footsteps" = True (1)
   "World Map Footsteps" = True (1)
   
   

2. Cosmos FMV (30 fps)

   This adds 30 fps FMVs to the game and even adds the Ninostyle Chibi models into FMVs. New update adds non-chibi models to the opening fmv. Other non-chibi cutscenes are in development.
   Note: These FMVs are in a 4:3 aspect ratio and won't fill the whole screen. There are black bars on the sides and the top and bottom. Also, the opening FMV has music, so you can't use custom music for the opening.

   
   "character type" = "NinoStyle Chibi" (2)
   "character type (non-chibi cutscenes)" = "NinoStyle" (1)
   
   

3. The Reunion FF7 PSX OST mod[thereunion.live]

   
   

   The default music that comes with the game is not the same exact music that came with the original PS1 release.
   
   This is the story I found on the mod’s forum post:[forums.qhimm.com]

   In the case of FFVII, the 1997 PS1 OST was composed by Nobuo Uematsu[vgmpf.com] using mainly MIDI synthesizers in 8 months instead of the usual 2 years that previous Final Fantasy titles took; Uematsu sacrificed advanced audio quality and voice performance to minimize the game's load time, although he was not happy with the loss of quality that was required at the time. FFVII was the first game in the series to feature a track with digitized vocals: "One-Winged Angel", the song has been called Uematsu's "most recognizable contribution" to the music of the Final Fantasy series. Later, the OST for the 1998 PC version was released, which came with a license for Yamaha Corporation's S-YXG70 software synthesizer, which converted the 100 or so original music tracks into XG format files; although the quality is obviously high, the final result is slightly different from the original PS1. On top of that, the official PC re-release has poorly converted OGG files and not bug-free files, hence the need for modding.

   
   

   The Reunion FF7 PSX OST mod replaces the game's music with OGG files that sound just like the original PS1 music.

   
   

   • Download The Reunion FF7 PSX OST mod from this link.[drive.google.com] The file is 212 MB.

   
   

   NOTE: If you wish to use the EDMusic FF7 Soundtrack mod, you can use it combined with The Reunion mod. Sort EDMusic above this mod.

   
   I'm not including the mod config for this mod because the list of song is very long. Just use default settings.

Honorable Mention: Echo-S 7

by Tsunamods Team

• Adds voice acting to the game.
  
• Rewrites the script
  
• Day/Night system
  
• Automatic text progression

Echo-S isn’t great for first playthroughs, because it changes too much. Still an impressive mod.

Note: Unless you plan on actually using Echo-S, don't download it and add it to your load order. It majorly screws up the auto-sort.

If you want to use Echo-S, deactivate Wizard Staff and IFRIT. They are not compatible. Then, when you activate Echo-S, it should modify other mods to make itself work. Sort mods, then click play to see if there are any new errors. If so, follow the error messages.

Honorable Mention: EDMusic FF7 Soundtrack

by unab0mb and Enrico Deiana

You can listen to the playlist here.

Remixed and remastered soundtrack replacement for about 40% of the game's music.

I believe you can combine this with The Reunion mod by simply putting this above The Reunion in the load order. EDMusic would have priority and The Reunion fills in the gaps. If you choose to use this, don't miss out on the Original OST, which I will link below.
NOTE: Ironically, the opening music doesn't seem to work, but the Bombing Mission music does.

FINAL FANTASY VII OG OST

Minigames

[Tsunamods] SYW Unified Minigames Textures

This improves mini-game textures

"SYW Unified Minigames Textures" (SYWU) = "English" (1)

Miscellaneous

[Tsunamods] Wizard Staff

This mod adds modern spell names to the game

"Spell Names" = True (1)

Spell Textures

[Tsunamods] SYW Unified Spell Textures

This improves spell textures

"HD Spell textures" = "English" (1)

User Interface - Part 1

1. Choose Your Avatar Mod Pack (Pick One*)

   *You can use IFRIT just for the Intro Logo Skip with the other avatars.

   1. IFRIT - FF7 Interface Tweaks

      
      

      You can use this just for the avatars and/or Intro Logos.

      
      "Interface Compatibility" = "ESUI / ESUI Theme" (2)
      "Menu Tweaks" = "No Change" (0)
      "Battle Interface" = "No Change" (0)
      "Bottom Battle UI" = False (0)
      "Avatar" = "OG Enhanced Alternative" (3)
      
      
      OR
      
      "Avatar" = "Slanted Transparent" (9)
      
      

      These avatars are really close to the originals and have a nice translucent background

      
      "Avatar Resolution" = (0)
      "Dialogue Transparency" = "No Change" (0)
      "Intro Logos" = "Skip Logos" (4)
      

      You can Skip the Logos when you start the game, or you can update the logos

      
      

   2. Minmin Avatar Pack (Doesn't Auto-sort)

      Upscaled Default Avatars with Transparent Backgrounds. There's only one option for each character.

      
      
      

   3. Wictoriously Avatar Pack (Doesn't Auto-sort)

      Alternative avatars from official artworks

      
      
      "Aerith" = "reiletuag v2 ESUI Thinnest" (3)
      "Barret" = "reiletuag v2 ESUI Thinnest" (3)
      "Cait Sith" = "reiletuag v2 ESUI Thinnest" (3)
      "Cid" = "reiletuag v2 ESUI Thinnest" (3)
      "Cloud" = "reiletuag v2 ESUI Thinnest" (3)
      "Cloud Young" = "reiletuag v2 ESUI Thinnest" (3)
      "Red XIII" = "reiletuag v2 ESUI Thinnest" (3)
      "Sephiroth" = "rimavelle v2 ESUI Thinnest" (4)
      "Tifa" = "reiletuag v2 ESUI Thinnest" (3)
      "Vincent" = "reiletuag v2 ESUI Thinnest" (3)
      "Yuffie" = "reiletuag v2 ESUI Thinnest" (3)
   
   

2. [Tsunamods] Finishing Touch

   
   

   UI Overhaul, requires Enhanced Stock UI
   NOTE: You can also Optionally use the Retouch mod here, but not both Retouch and FT.

   
   "======Backgrounds======"
   

   Optional: Backgrounds by the artist Lap Pun Cheung

   
   "Prelude" = "No Change" (0)
   "Start Screen" = "OFF" (0)
   "Game Over" = False (0)
   
   "======UI Theme======"
   
   "UI Theme" = "On" (1)
   "Color Scheme" = "Vanilla" (0)
   "EXP Bar Toggle" = "Exp Bars Enabled" (0)
   "Field Dialog Box Transparency" = "Stock - Default" (0)
   "Transparency Strength" = "Default" (0)
   "Field Cursor Visibility" = "Default" (0)
   "World Map Position" = "Bottom Right" (0)
   "Battle View" = "Finishing Touch" (10)
   

   This setting changes the Battle U

   "Battle Avatars" = "Show Avatars and Names" (2)
   

   Personal Preference: You can turn the names on with this setting. Having names on might make it easier to see your active character.

   
   
   
   "Transparent Battle Boxes" = "Off - Default" (0)
   "Battle Menu Artifacting Fix" = True (1)
   "Help Box Transparency" = "No Box, Text Only" (1)
   "Keys/Controller Buttons" = "PSX" (3)
   

   Multiple Mods Change the Controller button Icons and layout. Use the icons for the controller or keyboard you use. You can use a keyboard if that is what is most comfortable for you, but I would recommend a controller.
   This is the option to swap the OK and CANCEL commands. I would choose to swap them to be consistent with modern games. The Controller layout should be changed in the 7HMM settings>controls menu, as these have priority.

   
   "Field Buttons" = True (1)
   

   You definitely want this on. This will change the on-screen button prompts to the actual button instead of the command name. The mod has a preview image to show what I mean.

   
   "Expanded Icons" "On" (1)
   "Dialogue Avatars" = True (1)
   "Icon Order" = "2 - A:B/X:O - OK:Cancel - Swap" (2)
   

   This is the option to swap the OK and CANCEL commands. I would choose to swap them to be consistent with modern games. The Controller layout should be changed in the 7HMM settings>controls menu, because that has priority.

   
   "Button Mapping" = "Off" (0)
   
   "======Avatars======"
   
   

   Portraits Borderless Feathered

   
   

   Chibi Transparent

   
   

   FFVI Sprites

   
   

   Brave Exvius

   
   "Avatars" = "OFF" (0)
   

   This should be off, unless you want to use one of these avatars instead of the ones from Step 1.

   
   "Mini Avatars" = "FFVI Sprites Animated - FT Theme" (15)
   

   I fell in love with these FFVI Sprites as soon as I saw them. They are even animated in combat. They will show up in combat and during dialog with your party members.

   
   

3. [Tsunamods] Enhanced Stock UI

   
   

   This mod is needed for IFRIT, Finishing Touch, and Retouch. I’m not sure what is left over after these settings are overwritten, so just copy my settings besides the controller icons.

   
   "======Main Options======"
   
   "Enhanced Stock" = True (1)
   "ESUI Start Screen" = False (0)
   
   "======Menu Options======"
   
   "Items + Materia Icons" = "Colored Items + Standard Materia" (3)
   "Expanded Icons" = "On - Icon Set 1" (1)
   "Cursor Style" = "Finger" (1)
   "UI Border Thickness" = "Thinner Borders" (1)
   "Font Brightness" = "Bright Fonts" (2)
   "ESUI Avatar Set" = True (1)
   "Transparency Strength" = "Default" (0)
   "EXP Bar Toggle" = "Exp Bars Enabled" (0)
   "Main Menu Width"= False (0)
   
   "======Field Options======"
   
   "Field Icons" = True (1)
   "Field Dialog Avatars" = "On" (1)
   "Field Dialog Box Style" = "ESUI" (1)
   "Field Dialog Box Transparency" = "Stock" (0)
   "Field Finger Cursor Visibility" = "Default" (0)
   
   "======World Screen======"
   
   "World Map Position" = "Bottom Right" (0)
   
   "======Battle Menu Options======"
   
   "Battle View" = "Minimal UI v2" (5)
   "Battle Avatars" = "Show Both" (2)
   "Transparent Battle Boxes" = False (0)
   "No Battle Boxes" = False (0)
   "Help Box Text Only Toggle" = "No Box, Text Only" (1)
   "Battle Menu Artifacting Fix" = True (1)
   "Aspect Ratio Override" = False (0)
   
   "======Controller Options======"
   
   "Controller Icons" = "Modern PSX Icons" (3)
   "Icon Order" = "2 - A:B/X:O - OK:Cancel - Swap" (2)
   "Button Mapping" = False (0)
   
   "======ECHOS Options======"
   
   "Echos Menu" = "Not using ECHOS" (0)
   
   "======Steam Deck======"
   
   "Steam Deck Mod" = "Not using Steam Deck" (0)

User Interface - Part 2

Choose your Backgrounds Mod - You can mix and match

These mod packs let you improve the Prelude background, Starting Menu background, and Game Over background. You can also use the backgrounds from Finishing Touch or Retouch.

1. [Tsunamods] SYW Unified UI

   Higher resolution versions of the default backgrounds.

   
   
   
   
   "HD Fonts and icons" = "Off" (0)
   

   This must be off when using ESUI

   
   "HD avatars" = False (0)
   "HD credits" = "English HD credits" (1)
   "HD game over screen" = "English HD game over" (1)
   "HD indicators" = False (0)
   "HD new game buster sword" = True (1)
   
   

2. Backgrounds - Various Authors

   by Qhimm Modding Community
   

   A selection of Start Menu Backgrounds and a higher resolution Game Over background

   
   
   
   "Start Menu" = "7 - Buster Glare by yongkykun" (7)
   "Game Over" = "1 - Game Over" (1)

Honorable Mention: Retouch

by Bonez

• FF7 Remake Themed UI
  
• Remake Avatars
  
• Remake Battle UI
  
• Pairs nicely with Cosmo Memory Remake Sounds

I really like this UI, but it’s probably better for people who have already played Remake. If you want to use this, use this instead of Finishing Touch.

World Textures

Choose your World Texture Mod - Pick One

Cosmos Gaia does NOT have keyboard camera controls, making it incompatible for keyboard users (unless you can handle not turning the camera).
Keyboard users should try SYW Unified WorldMap Textures instead.

1. Cosmos Gaia

   This is a complete rework of the world map, including improved textures, analog camera controls, unlocked zoom, and improved view distance. Recommended for Controller Users.

   
   "Cosmos Gaia" = "Cosmos Gaia" (1)
   
   

2. SYW Unified WorldMap Textures

   by Satsuki_Yatoshi
   
   

   Upscaled World Map Textures. Recommended for Keyboard Users.

   
   "SYW Unified Worldmap Textures" = True (1)

Finishing Mod Setup

Once you have finished configuring your mod settings, press the Auto-Sort Button to make sure the load order is correct. Then click Play to make sure the game can start. If you get a load order error, turn off Auto Sort in General Settings and manually reorder the mods by either dragging the mod or using the arrows on the right menu. Minmin Avatar Pack and Wictoriously Avatar Pack do not auto-sort. Put them above Finishing Touch.

If everything’s working, you can relax and enjoy Final Fantasy VII!

Black Chocobo Save Editor

Website Link[www.blackchocobo.com]
Download Here[github.com] You can download this application on Steam Deck directly from the Discover Software Center.

Current Features

• Open All Kinds Of FF7 Saves, PC, Psx, Emulator Formats, PS3, PSP
  
• Insert New Games (default Savemap) to slots, or make a New Game + From your Old Saves
  
• Export Saves As PC PSX or MCR/MCD
  
• Full slot management! copy/paste and import slots to your saves
  
• Edit: Characters, Chocobos, Items, Materia
  
• Edit: In-Game Options & Save Region
  
• Edit: Quest Progression & Save Location
  
• Edit: PHS pool (have a cloudless party)
  
• Import/Export Character Stat Files
  
• Detect and export non ff7 psx saves from virtual memory card formats
  
• Currently in 5 languages (English, Spanish, French, German and Japanese)

Steam Deck Installation

Installation

This is mostly the same info from the video, just in text form. The video will also show you how to reinstall this if you had a previous set-up and wish to switch to this new, optimal version.

1. Install FF7 on Steam and run the game at least once.
   
   • If you are on desktop mode, run this in windowed mode so you have an easy way to exit the game. If you don't, you will need to start a new game and watch the opening before you can exit the game from the menu.
   
   
2. Switch to Steam Desktop Mode
   
   
3. If you have a designated Games folder or favorite file location, create a new folder named ‘7th Heaven’. This will be where we install 7th Heaven.
   
   
4. Go to this link[github.com] and download 7thDeck and save to your downloads folder. https://github.com/dotaxis/7thDeck if you don’t have this guide opened in your web browser.
   
   
5. Extract the archive from the zip file.
   
   
6. In the 7thDeck-master folder right-click the Install.sh file and click ‘Run in Konsole’ follow the prompts that open. When asked to choose an installation path for 7th Heaven, choose your new 7th Heaven folder. Don’t install 7th Heaven in your FF7 game directory.
   
   The installer script will do its thing and do the following
   
   
   • Apply patches to FF7's proton prefix to accommodate 7th Heaven
     
     
   • Install 7th Heaven to a folder of your choosing (you must create this directory beforehand)
     
     
   • Add 7th Heaven to Steam and the KDE Launcher using a custom wrapper
     
     
   • (SteamOS Only) Add a custom controller config, so you can control the mouse with the trackpad without holding down the STEAM button
     
     
   • (SteamOS Only) Install a mod to 7th Heaven which automatically sets recommended graphics settings (Steam Deck Auto-Config by dotAXiS)
   
   
7. Run 7th Heaven
   
   
8. From this point, I think you are safe to follow my PC installation guide, with the exceptions:
   
   
   • You can skip the Game Driver settings
     
     
   • You don't need to change the FF7.exe filepath
     
     
   • The Mods listed in the following section. Don’t forget to sort your load order.

Differences in your mod settings for Steam Deck

1. Steam Deck Auto-Config by dotAXiS

   This mod automatically configures your Game Driver settings. If you manually change them with this activated, it will overwrite them.
   

   Note: Not sure why, but I needed this activated for the Speed Hack to work on my steam deck. Even DotAXiS was confused why.

   
   

2. Enhanced Stock UI

   "======Steam Deck======"
   "Steam Deck Mod"
   (deck) = "Using Steam Deck" (1)
   
   

3. Cosmos Limit Break

   "Cosmos Limit Break Field Textures"
   (LIMITBREAK) = "Cosmos Limit Break (16:10)" (2)

Steam Deck Settings

1. Switch to Game Mode
   
   
2. This should be default but make sure that in the System Settings>Display>Advanced make sure Enable Unified Frame Limit Management is activated.
   
   
3. Press the ‘...’ button>battery menu>Disable Frame Limit (On)
   This allows you to use the Speed Hack
   
   
4. Go to your library and find 7th Heaven. This is how you run the game.
   
   
5. Change the controller layout to the “Gamepad with Mouse Trackpad + Click”. The layout details should mention 7thDeck.
   
   
6. To run the game, ‘Play’ 7th Heaven, then click Play at the top left.
   
   
7. If you wish to skip the 7th Heaven Launcher with playing the game, you can add some launch options to 7th Heaven.
   To do this, click the gear icon on 7th Heaven in your library to open settings>properties, then add the variables "/launch /quit" (without the quotation marks) to the Launch Options box.
   This will automatically play FF7 when you start 7th Heaven, and also close 7th Heaven when you quit the game.
   If you want to change your mods and settings, just remove these launch options.

Pro Tips, Guide Links, and More

1. There is a character you will meet that you can name with the default name “Aeris” this is a mistranslation in the English version of the game. The canon name is “Aerith” and is used in all FF7 related media, including the Remake.
   
   
2. The name 'Cait Sith', meaning Cat Fairy, is traditionally pronounced "Cat-shee" in the Gaelic language, and is a creature from Celtic folklore. In FINAL FANTASY VII Rebirth, the English localization officially pronounces the name as "Kate-sith".
   
   
3. There are TWO optional party members in the game. You can mouse-over the following text to see hints. The hints are places and don’t include names.
   
   
   • In forests Detailed Guide[jegged.com]
     
     
   • In an old house Detailed Guide[jegged.com]
   
   
4. There is a major side quest/minigame in the late game that involves Chocobos. The game is fun, but also allows you to unlock the best abilities/equipment in the game. This can be started when you can “freely explore”. Detailed Guide[jegged.com]
   
   
5. A max level All Materia sells for 1,400,000 gil.
   
   
6. Certain enemies in the first half of the game will have fantastic stealable items that are better than anything you will get for hours. This guide shows the best stolen items and where to find them.[ff7.info] The ‘Steal’ Command becomes ‘Mug’ when the ‘Steal Materia’ reaches level 2. This can make stealing specific items harder because ‘Mug’ deals damage. I would keep a few extra level 1 ‘Steal Materia’ around if you want to ‘Steal’ instead of ‘Mug’.
   
   
7. When a Materia reaches the max AP level, or MASTER level, a new copy with 0 AP will be created. This is the only way to obtain duplicate copies of the rarest materias.
   
   
8. The AP Level of Magic Materia can unlock new spells, but with 'Command Materia' like 'All' or 'Summon Materia', the AP Level lets you use them a set amount each battle.
   
   
9. Arranging and Exchanging Materia
   
   
   • In the materia menu, you can move the cursor to the left and select the ‘Arrange’ option.
     
     
     • 'Arrange' sorts your materia for you
       
     • ‘Exchange’ opens the Exchange menu
       
     • 'Remove all' removes all of your equipped materia
       
     • 'Trash' lets you discard unwanted materia.
   • The 'Exchange' Menu
     
     
     • Lets you move a materia from one slot to another, or swap the slots of 2 materia.
       
       
     • You can swap all the materia between your weapon and your armor.
       
       
     • You can even swap or move the materia from one character to another.
       This is good for when you change party members.
       
     • You can also manage the materia of inactive party members here.
   
   
10. Final Fantasy VII Walkthrough[jegged.com]
    
    
11. Enemy Skill Materia (Blue Magic)[jegged.com] (Spoiler Warning)
    
    • To learn enemy skills, the party member with the materia equipped must be hit with the learnable skill.
      
    • Many of the enemy skills are very powerful
      
      • Beta is basically Firaga on all enemies with a lower MP cost
        
      • Trine is basically Thundaga on all enemies with a lower MP cost
        
      • Aqualung is basically Waterga on all enemies, which is good because there isn’t a Water Magic Materia
        
      • Big Guard casts Protect, Shell, and Haste on all party members
    • You can get four ‘Enemy Skill Materia’, but they do not share skills. (Getting Big Guard on one materia doesn’t unlock it on the other three)
    
    
12. Learning New Limit Breaks[jegged.com]
    
    • To learn the second Limit Break skill of a Limit Level, you must use the first limit break a set number of times. This amount is different for each character. For example, to learn Cross-slash, Cloud must use Braver 8 times.
      
      • You can increase the rate the limit gauge fills by fighting with the ‘Fury’ Status Effect. Fury Increases Limit gauge fill rate, but increases damage taken (The status ‘Sadness’ does the opposite). You can give yourself fury by using the item ‘Hyper’ on yourself (Hyper also cures ‘Sadness’). You can remove Fury with the item ‘Tranquilizer’.
    • To learn the next level limit break, each character must defeat a set number of enemies in battle. This number is different for each character. This means that the character must get the killing blow for it to count. For example, to learn the level 2 limit skill Blade Beam, Cloud must defeat 120 enemies in battle by getting the killing blow.
      
      • You can farm kills on weak enemies using All-Magic spells, enemy skills, and multi-target limit breaks. In the forests around Junon you can find packs of five enemies to grind on.
    • To learn a character's level 4 limit break, the character must reach level 3 first. Then you must find the level 4 limit skill as an item somewhere in the game and use it on the character that can use it.
      
    • Not all characters have 7 Limit Break Skills, and not all characters have 4 limit levels.

Controls and UI Colors

Cheats and Shortcuts can be activated using the following controls.

• Controller Type
  
  • Keyboard - some shortcuts are keyboard only
    
  • Playstation
    
  • Xbox
  
  
• Random Battles (Toggle)
  
  • Ctrl + B
    
  • L3, then
    
  • L3, then B
  
  
• Auto-Attack (Toggle)
  
  • Ctrl + A
    
  • L3, then
    
  • L3, then Y
  
  
• Skip Cutscene
  
  • Ctrl + S
    
  • L3, then
    
  • L3, then X
  
  
• Soft Reset (Do Not Soft Reset in Battle)
  
  • Ctrl+R
    
  • L3, then Select/Share+Start/Options
    
  • L3, then Back+Start
  
  
• Speed Hack
  
  • Increase/Decrease Speed
    
    • Ctrl + Up (Increase) / Down (Decrease)
      
    • L3, then L1 (Increase) / R1 (Decrease)
      
    • L3, the LB (Increase) / RB (Decrease)
    
    
  • Turn Speed Mode On/Off (Toggle)
    
    • Ctrl + Left/Right
      
    • L3, then L2/R2
      
    • L3, then LT/RT
  
  
• Toggle Music on Battle pause
  
  • Ctrl + M
  
  
• Fullscreen Mode
  
  • Alt + Enter
  
  
• Windowed Mode
  
  • Shift + Enter
  
  
• Aspect Ratio
  
  • Shift + Arrow Left/Right
  
  
• While using Postscriptthree's Gameplay Tweaks - Show Steals/Morphs with Sense option when targeting an enemy.
  
  • Show enemy HP by activating combat help/tooltips:
    
    • Delete
      
    • Select/Share
      
    • Back/View
    
    
  • Show Stealable Items
    
    • Insert + C
      
    • +
      
    • X + B
    
    
  • Show Morphable Items
    
    • Insert + X
      
    • +
      
    • X + A

The UI Colors are customizable in Configuration Settings


• Here are some UI color examples with the RGB color codes.
  
  • Default Blue
    
    (0,0,176) (0,0,128)
    (0,0,80) (0,0,32)
    
    
  • Miami Sunset (This is my current favorite)
    
    (200,150,0) (100,0,100)
    (100,0,100) (0,0,120)
    
    
  • Lemon Brisk
    
    (255,200,0) (0,176,255)
    (0,0,174) (0,153,0)
    
    
  • Purple Dusk
    
    (0,0,0) (25,0,50)
    (75,0,150) (0,0,0)
    
    
  • Dark Mode
    
    (10,10,10) (15,15,15)
    (20,20,20) (0,0,0)
    
    
  • Crimson
    
    (0,0,0) (50,0,0)
    (150,0,0) (0,0,0)
    
    
  • Here is a gallery with 52 UI color configurations[imgur.com] (Most of them are terrible)

Outro

Thanks for reading!

If you like the guide or found it helpful, give me a like and let me know in the comments.

If you have any corrections or suggestions, leave a comment.

If you have any errors or crashes, check if you missed something in the installation. I'm unfortunately not great at troubleshooting, but I'll try to help.

I am not a programmer, nor a mod developer. I'm not even particularly good with computers.

Shout out to dotaxis for writing the Steam Deck installation script, and to the Tsunamods Community Discord[discord.gg] for their excellent support.

Also check out my Final Fantasy IX Modding Guide!
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3068861646
Follow me on Bluesky[bsky.app]
or Twitter!

[copykatninja]

Thank you for this guide but the only issue I have having is that the item names do not appear in battle - how can I fix this?

[Gayboi Farti]

I appreciate this guide as I can tell this took some time. I cant modify anything in Enhanced Stock UI because of Finishing Touch. Is there a way I can modify the Battle View only in Enhanced Stock UI?

[kayoh]

Fixed by using DX11

[kayoh]

I followed all of the steps and it looks great, however in a 1 hour session I got two crashes/freezes. Anyone else getting this?

[lukeymookey]

Apologies if this has been said (I couldn’t see it):

Everything working perfectly except that I have no item names in battle screen. It says the number of items but no name…any ideas?!

[Mouk]

Amazing guide, thank you !

[Coach]

would any of these conflict with echo s? the voice acting mod

[AxelJaeger-XIII]

Hello, are there mods, compatibile with this guide, that change the font to one closer to the original? Thank you :)

[Ema Novamente]

the speed hack isnt working

[MrX]

Thanks a lot!
I've been wanting to play this game for a while now, but mods were always too intimidating to mess with for me. Very straightforward and easy to follow through.
As of now, the game starts fine.