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BUYING GUIDE · 2026

5 Best Crisis Core Materia Builds & Gaming Gear of 2026 | FF7 Reunion Guide

Tom ReevesBy Tom Reeves, Senior Electronics & TV Editor· Updated Jun 2026· 5 picks tested
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Quick verdict

Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII Reunion is one of 2026's best value JRPGs - it is affordable, deep, and emotionally resonant if you are a Final Fantasy VII fan. Getting the most out of the materia system is the game's primary depth driver, and a good strategy guide transforms a good playthrough into a great one. Pair the game with the Arctis Nova 7 headset and you will hear Ishimoto's remastered score exactly as intend

🏆 Our Top Pick
Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII Reunion - PS5 Version

Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII Reunion - PS5 Version

The PS5 edition of Crisis Core Reunion runs at 4K/60fps and takes full advantage of the DualSense controller's haptic feedback during combat. The materia fusion system - where you combine and upgrade materias using the Digital Mind Wave (DMW) slot mechanic - is a deep, rewarding loop that rewards experimentation. On PS5, load times are virtually instant, which matters during mission grinding.

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Maximize your Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII Reunion playthrough with the best materia builds, strategy guides, and gaming accessories reviewed for 2026. Spoiler-light and beginner-friendly.

Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII Reunion is one of the most beloved JRPGs of the last two decades, and the 2022 remaster brings Zack Fair’s story to a new generation with HD visuals and a re-recorded soundtrack. Whether you are building the perfect materia loadout, looking for a strategy guide to navigate the missions, or upgrading your gaming setup to get the most out of the experience, this guide covers the five best products to maximize your playthrough in 2026.

How we test

We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.

At a glance

PickBest forScore
Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII Reunion - PS5 VersionCheck price
Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII Reunion - Nintendo Switch VersionCheck price
Crisis Core Strategy Guide - Best Materia Fusion ReferenceCheck price
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 - Best Headset for the Remastered SoundtrackCheck price
Gaming Chair - Best for Long Materia Grinding SessionsCheck price

The picks, reviewed

Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII Reunion - PS5 Version

Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII Reunion - PS5 Version

The PS5 edition of Crisis Core Reunion runs at 4K/60fps and takes full advantage of the DualSense controller's haptic feedback during combat. The materia fusion system - where you combine and upgrade materias using the Digital Mind Wave (DMW) slot mechanic - is a deep, rewarding loop that rewards experimentation. On PS5, load times are virtually instant, which matters during mission grinding.

Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII Reunion - Nintendo Switch Version

The Nintendo Switch version of Crisis Core Reunion is a technical achievement for the hardware. While it runs at lower resolution than PS5, the ability to play handheld makes grinding the extra materia missions far more convenient - you can chip away at 300 missions during commutes or breaks rather than sitting at a TV. The game's cel-shaded aesthetic holds up well on the Switch's screen.

Crisis Core Strategy Guide - Best Materia Fusion Reference

Crisis Core Strategy Guide - Best Materia Fusion Reference

A physical or digital strategy guide is genuinely valuable for Crisis Core because the materia fusion system has hundreds of combinations that are not fully explained in-game. The best guides include complete fusion charts, mission walkthroughs for unlocking rare materias like Costly Punch and Genji equipment, and DMW percentage tables.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 - Best Headset for the Remastered Soundtrack

Crisis Core Reunion's remastered soundtrack by Takeharu Ishimoto is one of the highlights of the remaster. The original compositions have been re-recorded with full orchestration, and a quality headset makes the difference between hearing the music and truly experiencing it. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 offers wide soundstage, clear highs for Aerith's theme, and deep bass for the battle tracks.

Gaming Chair - Best for Long Materia Grinding Sessions

Gaming Chair - Best for Long Materia Grinding Sessions

The materia fusion grind in Crisis Core Reunion can run long - especially if you are farming the materials needed for top-tier builds like max-level Costly Punch or a fully stacked HP/MP Up setup. A supportive gaming chair with lumbar support and adjustable armrests makes multi-hour sessions far less punishing on your back.

What to look for

Platform choice

PS5 delivers the best visuals and load speeds. Nintendo Switch wins on portability. PC via Steam is a strong option if you want mod support and higher frame rates.

Guide format

Physical guides are great as desk references while you play. Digital PDFs or Amazon Kindle editions are searchable, which is better for looking up specific materia fusion combinations quickly.

Headset connectivity

If you play on multiple platforms, choose a headset with a USB dongle for wireless and a 3.5mm cable as a backup. The SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7 covers both modes.

Chair budget

You do not need to spend on a gaming chair. A chair with adjustable lumbar handles most gaming sessions fine. Spend more only if you are at your desk 6+ hours a day.

Our verdict

Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII Reunion is one of 2026's best value JRPGs - it is affordable, deep, and emotionally resonant if you are a Final Fantasy VII fan. Getting the most out of the materia system is the game's primary depth driver, and a good strategy guide transforms a good playthrough into a great one. Pair the game with the Arctis Nova 7 headset and you will hear Ishimoto's remastered score exactly as intend

FAQs

What is the best materia setup for a beginner in Crisis Core FF7 Reunion?

For beginners, focus on pairing a strong offensive materia like Fire or Assault Twister with a healing option like Curaga and a support slot for AP Up. This triangle keeps Zack alive through most story missions. You can fill the fourth slot with Costly Punch once you understand the DMW fusion system better in later chapters.

Is Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII Reunion worth buying in 2026?

Absolutely. Crisis Core Reunion is a remaster of the 2007 PSP classic, rebuilt with HD graphics, a fully voiced soundtrack remix, and modern combat controls. It is the essential backstory to Final Fantasy VII and Advent Children. Whether you are a series veteran or a newcomer, it delivers around 30 hours of compelling content.

What gaming accessories improve the Crisis Core experience?

A quality headset makes the remastered soundtrack and voice acting significantly more immersive. A comfortable gaming chair helps during longer grinding sessions when building out materia fusions. For PC players, a mechanical keyboard can improve responsiveness during the action-RPG combat compared to a standard membrane keyboard.

Tom Reeves
Tom ReevesSenior Electronics & TV Editor

Tom Reeves has reviewed consumer electronics for over a decade, with a focus on televisions, monitors, laptops, and smart home devices. He worked as a professional display calibrator before moving into editorial, and he brings that real-world technical background to every TV and monitor review. At TheTestedHub, Tom covers display calibration, computer monitors, laptops and 2-in-1s, smart home platforms, home theater setups, and HDR performance.

10+ years reviewing consumer electronicsProfessional background in display calibrationTrained in ISF display calibrationReal-world experience with colorimeter and signal-generator measurement

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