► FFVII MUST INSTALL MODS - COMPENDIUM ◄ [2024] Square Enix, formerly known as Squaresoft, released Final Fantasy VII (JP) for the Sony PlayStation 1 on 31 January 1997 (PC: 1998; PC Re-release e-Store: 2012; PC Steam: 2013.) In its first decade, FFVII sold more than 10 million copies worldwide, including several reprints. The first Final Fantasy in the series to use full-motion video, pre-rendered 3D backgrounds, and richer 3D graphics and sound design. One of the most technically advanced RPGs of its time, FFVII was a huge critical and commercial success, completely redefining the Final Fantasy franchise and helping to cement Sony's then-nascent position in the home console market with the original PlayStation.
The universe of mods is vast and ever-expanding. The "campus" or origin of the growing modding scene can be traced back to the creation of Qhimm's website and forum in 1999, too many are part of the endless "wall of fame": Qhimm, Ficedula, Alhexx, Aali and so on; the dedication and perseverance of the community, together with the constant evolution of hardware and software, has allowed for high level results. With the advent of a new advanced driver called
FFNx,
created by TrueOdin in late 2020, there have been real generational leaps. With the
team behind FFNx, we experienced
Cosmos Lighting: a feature that adds real-time lighting and shadows;
Cosmos FMV: a character replacement mod for CG footage;
Cosmos Limit Break: backgrounds extended for true widescreen;
Cosmos Gaia: a worldmap rendering and analog controls overhaul; and even a day/night time cycle feature, all thanks to Cosmos; the music layer has also been completely reworked to bring you the best audio experience as well as a new dubbing system by TrueOdin and a ton of music enhancements by myst6re including OpenPSF; last but not least the 60 FPS progressive mod finalised by vertex2995 that breathed new life into the game, once you try it you will never go back. You will love discovering the many other
features! Special thanks go to the following specialists who stepped into the scene: TrueOdin, Cosmos, vertex2995, myst6re, but also to all the modders who, free of charge, give us new excitement and contribute daily to the modding scene... in this regard, it is obligatory to mention Satsuki Yatoshi with the SYW mod and its multi-technique AI upscaling for all the graphics components. You'll find other mod authors mentioned in the threads below. Let's break the monotony and continue with the list of must-install mods for 7H!
Which mod shall I use? []
For a true FF7 Remastered, improved but still closer to the OG experience, we have got you covered. Below is a list of
15 must-install mods, all in order of priority.
Buy FF7 PC Steam, install 7th Heaven. Once you have launched the 7th Heaven mod manager,
search for the mod name in the Browse Catalog tab and install it from there. Make sure you press the Auto Sort 1/9 button after installing all mods. Activate and configure it. Ensure your 7H and FFNx are both updated to the latest canary available from Settings>General Settings. Ensure the flag is set to ON in General Settings>Auto Sort Mods by Default.
Must Install Mods - Cosmo Memory {MUST INSTALL ☆} - Configure the mod by double-clicking on it: If you are using Echo-S 7 then disable "Voiced Attacks". If you want vanilla SFX you must disable Cosmo Memory mod; I strongly advise against disabling it: Cosmo Memory's meticulously crafted special effects will undoubtedly enhance your gaming experience. These HQ sounds are designed to immerse you in the game world and create a sense of realism.
- AavockESUI {MUST INSTALL ☆}{NEW ☆}- Configure the mod by double clicking on it. Ensure Enhanced Stock UI is enabled first and always ON if using AavockESUI [otherwise use Finishing Touch mod for FF12 inspired UI] [or Retouch mod for Remake battle UI with neat Ever Crisis options]
- Enhanced Stock UI {MUST INSTALL ☆}- Configure the mod by double clicking on it. Ensure ESUI is always ON if using AavockESUI or Finishing Touch or Retouch [If you want to play without ESUI+AavockESUI then I recommend the mod "SYW Unified Menus and Fonts"]
- Echo-S 7 {MUST INSTALL ☆}{2nd Playthrough} - Configure the mod by double-clicking on it: 1) Set Music to "OFF" if you are using the OG music mod "FFNx FF7Music". 2) Set music volume to 65% and voice volume to 75% in 7H Settings>Game Launcher Settings. 3) If you want to turn off the voice layer volume and just play the retranslation, go to 7H Settings>Game Launcher>Set Voice Volume to 0%. [Place manually Cosmos FMV above Echo-S 7 if you don't want Echo-S 7 opening and ending] [Note: vanilla SFX built in, recorded from PS1] [Unfortunately, Echo-S has not yet fully implemented the "Field Mode Fix" from the 60FPS mod, but it will not affect your playthru] [otherwise if not interested in Voice Acting, but you want closer-to-vanilla OG experience for your 1st Playthrough then try Shinra Archaeology Cut retranslation mod with a ton of unique features]
- Cosmos FMV (30FPS) {MUST INSTALL ☆} - Configure the mod by double-clicking on it: Enable "Ninostyle Chibi"
- 60/30 FPS Gameplay {MUST INSTALL ☆} - Configure the mod by double-clicking on it: Enable "Field Mode Fix" and "Ninostyle animations"
- Ninostyle Battle {MUST INSTALL ☆}
- SYW Unified Battle Textures {MUST INSTALL ☆}
- AxlRose Blender {MUST INSTALL ☆} - Place it under SYW Unified Battle Textures
- Ninostyle Chibi {MUST INSTALL ☆} 1) Configure the mod by double clicking on it: Enable "L@zar0's upgrades". 2) Disable "Efryt's Little Work". 3) Disable "Dynamic Weapons BETA". [If you want to play with 1st Class SOLDIER uniform, including OG gloves, and matching Ninostyle Battle model then I recommend adding Soldier 1st Ninostyle mod] [If you want to play without Ninostyle Chibi but with OG Vanilla blocky models, I recommend the mod "Mouth Texture Replacer"]
- Cosmos Limit Break {MUST INSTALL ☆}{NEW ☆} - Configure the mod by double-clicking on it: "Advanced Texture Animations" set it to "Recommended 99% Animated Fields". If you get a slowdown, set it to "Light". [If you are not interested in true widescreen 16:9 and previously 4:3 only field background textures painstakingly extended using AI and extensive manual editing then use: SYW Unified Fields Textures]
- FFNx FF7Music {MUST INSTALL ☆} - Configure the mod by double-clicking on it: Enable "Synchronize Music". If you want the Cloud's subconscious music crescendo bug fixed. [Note that this mod contains superior PS1 bugless files] [please note: the ogg tracks in the standard PC version have lower clarity and volume due to higher compression, as well as looping issues and music bugs compared with PS1 version, the FFNx FF7Music mod fix all these issues] [otherwise use: FFVII Ever Crisis OST mod for a remaster] [or ReMusic mod for Remake OST] [or else use alternative soundtrack options]
- SYW Unified Minigame Textures {MUST INSTALL ☆}
- SYW Unified Spells Textures {MUST INSTALL ☆}
- Cosmos Gaia {MUST INSTALL ☆}{NEW ☆} - This mod turns on automatically Advanced Lighting even if it's off [If you are not interested in the Advanced Lighting and in true widescreen 16:9 worldmap overhaul that re-implements terrain rendering, analog movement, camera controls, real-time lighting and extended view distance then use: SYW Unified WorldMap Textures]
You are now ready to start. However, if you want to tweak and change some of the mods that are not to your taste, or simply prefer a different style, or just want to go wild, then continue with the
optional mods below. Also,
you are free to look for more mods in Browse Catalog tab and play as you wish. It goes without saying that there are hundreds of mods that can enhance your gameplay experience. One such mod is
Postscriptthree's Tweaks.Disclaimer: Remember, you can't have multiple mods that strive to achieve the same thing. Also, the Qhimm thread links above are used for reference, you still need to download the mod from the 7th Heaven mod manager, search for the mod name in the Browse Catalog tab and install it from there.
The idea behind creating this list is to make life easier for the end users, since not everyone is an expert.▂ ▃ ▄ ▅ ▆ ▇ █ █ ▇ ▆ ▅ ▄ ▃ ▂
Optional Mods (check Compatibility Troubleshooter) You will also find
18 optional mods below, if you want to activate these mods you must check the "Compatibility Troubleshooter" section below, in terms of not having mod conflict.
Remember: you can't have multiple mods that strive to achieve the same thing. Search for the mod name in the 7H Browse Catalog tab and install it from there. - Postscriptthree's Tweaks {Optional}{Gameplay Addons}{Recommended}
- Finishing Touch {Optional}{Recommended} - Must be used alongside Enhanced Stock UI
- Retouch {Optional}{Recommended} - Must be used alongside Enhanced Stock UI
- SYW Unified FMV {Optional} [15 FPS support is dropped, but a super old version 15 FPS is here]
- ModdersHaven Base Model Pack {Optional} - Get it on Nexus
- 60 FPS Animations for ChaOS {Optional}{NEW ☆} - Ensure this mod and also the other 60 FPS Gameplay are both on for ChaOS, this will fix Sephiroth 60 FPS bug
- ChaOS {Optional}
- AxlRose Battle Scenes {Optional}{Uncompleted}{WIP}
- Avalanche Arisen Battle Textures {Optional}
- Ninostyle HD Field Models {Optional}{Incomplete}
- Project Edge/Team Avalanche Remodeled HD Fields {Optional}{Uncompleted}{WIP}
- Bynyl FF7 Soundtrack {Optional}{Uncompleted}{WIP}{Recommended}
- ReMusic by Fewtch {Optional} - Get it on Nexus
- Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis OST by noctiztrio {Optional} - Get it on Nexus
- Ninostyle Complete MODDED V5 {Optional}{Bugged} - To fix hilt/head Dynamic Weapons glitch and to add cutscenes/game moments exceptions: manually import the aforementioned mod Ninostyle MODDED V5 and manually place it on top of Ninostyle Chibi mod in the load order, both must be ON. Be aware: even though this addon fix the hilt glitch, Kalm flashback, Zack's scene and many other scenes, sadly has a couple of bugs: Red's head flickering issue, Cid's model issue; use it at your own risk
- SYW Unified Menus and Fonts {Optional} - Configure the mod by double clicking on it: Enable English HD fonts, avatars, credits, game over, indicators and new game [If you are not using ESUI, FT, AESUI, Retouch then SYW UI is a must]
- High-Detail World Map {Optional}
- Realistic Subtle World Map Animations {Optional}
Noteworthy mods, but not ultra-compatible with all the aforementioned mods, try at your own risk:
New Threat Mod {Gameplay Mod}{2nd Playthrough}{Story changes involved}{Recommended}New Threat Combat Only {Combat rebalance Mod}60/30 FPS Animations for New Threat 2.0 - Ensure this mod and also the other 60/30 FPS Gameplay are both on fot NTGameplay Tweaks
- This is unsupported mod. Use at your own risk. Disable "Always Run" option due to incompatibility.The Cetra Project - 3D Model Pack {Optional}
- Get it on NexusGaia-VII Remaster - 3D Model Pack {Optional}
- Get it on NexusFFVII: Shinra Archaeology Cut - English ReTranslation {Uncompleted}{WIP}Traducciones XT - Spanish ReTranslationSYWU - Includes Néo-Midgar French ReTranslationCaledor Italian ReTranslation - Ensure SYW Unified Minigame Textures, SYW Unified UI Menu and Fonts are both turned OFF since included already, also turn OFF New Threat, Echo-S 7, AavockESUI, Retouch, Finishing Touch, Enhanced Stock UI, IFRIT, and KACTUAR since not compatible [any mods that modifies the script such as Gameplay mods etc. and other translation mods are not compatible]Unreleased:
Project Shampignon {WIP}▂ ▃ ▄ ▅ ▆ ▇ █ █ ▇ ▆ ▅ ▄ ▃ ▂
Compatibility Troubleshooter-If to use "Enhanced Stock UI" make sure you turn OFF the "HD Fonts and icons" by double tapping "SYW Unified Menus and Fonts".
-If to use one of the following "Finishing Touch" or "Retouch" or "AavockESUI" (can't use these at the same time) then you must install and activate "Enhanced Stock UI" as well as requirement.
-You must choose between "Finishing Touch" or "Retouch" or "AavockESUI"
-You must choose between "Project Edge/Team Avalanche Remodeled Fields" or "SYW Unified Fields Textures" or "Cosmos Limit Break" (unless you want to mix Project Edge with SYW Unified Fields Textures, only in this unique case you can place Project Edge on top of SYW Unified Fields.)
-You must choose between "SYW Unified FMV" or "Cosmos FMV (30FPS)" (can't use both at the same time.)
-You must choose between "Ninostyle Chibi" or "Ninostyle HD Field Models" or "ModdersHaven Base Model Pack" or "ChaOS" (can't use these at the same time.)
-You must choose between "Ninostyle Battle" or "ModdersHaven Base Model Pack" or "ChaOS" (can't use these at the same time.)
-You must choose between "AxlRose Battle Scenes" or "Avalanche Arisen Battle Textures" or "SYW Unified Battle Textures" (can't use these at the same time.)
-You must choose between "ReMusic" or "Deet's XG Music" or "Bynyl FF7 Soundtrack" or "FFNx FF7Music" (can't use these at the same time.)
-"Echo-S 7" should be listed under "Enhanced Stock UI"
-"Echo-S 7" and "New Threat" are not compatible with each other
-"Echo-S 7" and "ReMusic" are not compatible with each other
-"Cosmos Limit Break" and "SYW Unified Fields Textures" are not compatible with each other
-"Cosmos Limit Break" and "Project Edge/Team Avalanche Remodeled HD Fields" are not compatible with each other
-"Cosmos Gaia" and "SYW Unified WorldMap Textures" are not compatible with each other
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Game Driver SettingsFor an enhanced gameplay ensure as well to have these settings ON.
- Graphics API: Auto - NVIDIA: DX11; AMD: DX12 and disable AMD Radeon anti-lag; Linux: Vulkan
- Resolution: Your Display Max Resolution
- Window mode: Fullscreen
- Aspect Ratio: Widescreen (16:9) - Report bugs here - It's not bug-free. If you picky just use Native (4:3)
- Antialiasing: OFF - No benefit in FF7 if you are already using internal resolution x4 or x6
- Anisotropic: ON - Yes, always ON in any game that has any kind of 3D in it
- Vertical Sync: OFF - Turn it ON only if suffering from screen tearing, to avoid screen tearing ensure your display refresh rate is at max
- Advanced Lighting: ON
- Analogue Controls - #2 - #3: Turn ON
- Gamepad Auto Run: ON
- Steam Compatibility: ON - If you want to unlock achievements during your playthrough turn this flag ON, and ensure that Steam is running in background
- Internal Resolution Scaler: *4x - For 1080p and 4K that's OK. Otherwise you will need to increase and find a value suitable for your screen resolution. FYI it's a super-sampling function and its sweet setting is 4 or 6 depending on the screen resolution
- NTSC-J Gamut Mode: ON - Noteworthy, but not ultra-compatible with all the mods
NTSC-J Gamut Mode - What is it? This feature simulate the color gamut of the 1990s Japanese television sets that FF7 and FF8 were originally designed for. Some info about it: For the end-user: to get the proper difference, you would want to also calibrate your monitor to 9300k color temperature.
For the modder: this Gamut Mode is appropriate for: Vanilla FF7; Mod assets that are upscales of the original assets; Mod assets made from scratch where the modder used the original assets as a color reference without doing a gamut conversion.
The modder that wants to "support" NTSC-J has to convert their textures using this
tool. Then convert their PNGs with this tool and afterwards convert eventually to DDS.
Also:
Some basic notion about color gamut.▂ ▃ ▄ ▅ ▆ ▇ █ █ ▇ ▆ ▅ ▄ ▃ ▂
Nitpicking []
1)
ReShade, Scanlines addon. - If you would like to simulate the CRT TV-like picture quality, adding scanlines and adjusting brightness and colors, then go for the following shader: "CRT_Royale". Install ReShade and select CRT_Royale. Alternative: "AdvancedCRT", or "CRT_Lottes", or "RetroArch_NTSC", or "CRT-Guest-Advanced" [Don't ask for settings. It's about how it looks on your monitor and your preference] 2)
PS1 Shadow addon. {Outdated}{Incompatible} by Pashtarot3)
No Battle Pyramid fix. by
Dangarfield - Replace file in data/battle directory (don't forget to backup)4)
Red XIII's avatar fix. by Aavock
- Import automatically in 7H by double clicking the IRO file inside the 7z archive5)
Spherical Black Materia fix. by
L@zar0 - Configure FFVII Models Fusion mod: Modelos de campo>Materia negra>EsféricaNoteworthy, but not ultra-compatible with all the mods:
6)
District 05 Gate, Midgar 5 truck, Corel Prison billboard fix. by
Cae7)
Midgar square clock fix. by Satsuki
8 )
SYW Graffiti fix.■ What's the First bombing mission canon date? Here we go:
[ ν ] - εγλ 0007 December 09 - 9:11PM (Official from Remake, time verified)
[ ν ] - εγλ 0007 December 09 - 10:15PM (the OG time is not official but assumed to be 2 hours prior the Aerith's meeting following Remake logic)
■ What's the Aerith's meeting canon date? Here we go:
[ ν ] - εγλ 0007 December 09 - 11:05PM (Official from Remake, time verified)
[ ν ] - εγλ 0007 December 10 - 12:09AM (Official from OG, time verified)
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Useful Links Frequently Asked Questions7H Mods Mirrors via browserIn-game ShortcutsAll-in-one solution: Satsuki Mod (SYW Unified)Black Chocobo - Save Game EditorSoundtrack OptionsQhimm Discord - "FF7-Support" channelTsunamods Discord - "FF7-Mod-Support" channelBuy FF7 Steam PC, Install 7th Heaven. Consider supporting your favourite mod and individual modder with the button "Donation Link" in within 7th Heaven Mod Manager in "My Mods>Mod Info" tab.
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Other FF7 related topics:
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