How Old is Cloud Strife in Final Fantasy VII?

With backstories as fleshed out and detailed as the ones in Final Fantasy it’s fun to look at trivia. For example, do you know there’s a canon age and birthdate of Cloud Strife in Final Fantasy VII?

According to The Final Fantasy VII Ultimania, The iconic protagonist of Final Fantasy VII was born on August 11, 1986. Hey, we just missed his 38th birthday! I find it odd to think that the world of Final Fantasy VII not only follows our real world years, but our Julian Calendar as well!

How old is Cloud in Final Fantasy VII

The events of Final Fantasy VII take place primarily in the year 2007. In the Final Fantasy universe it is written as 0007 (so I guess it is a little different from ours). This makes Cloud 21 years old during the events of the original game. Cloud’s age is significant, as it places him in a period of life where he’s grappling with the heavy burdens of his past. This is including his time in SOLDIER and the trauma he experiences from the Nibelheim incident.

The Nibelheim incident, by the way, took place in 0002. This means that Cloud was only 15 years old when he had to deal with … all of that. I couldn’t imagine. This also puts Cloud’s age around 14 or so during Crisis Core and about 20 or so by the end of the game.

Fast forward to Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children, the CGI film that takes place two years after the events of the original game. Cloud is 23 years old here. The movie explores Cloud’s continued struggles with his past, survivor’s guilt, and the new threats that emerge after the defeat of Sephiroth. His age here is reflective of his ongoing journey toward self-acceptance and redemption.

What is Cloud’s age in the Remake timeline?

In the Final Fantasy VII Remake, Cloud’s age remains consistent with the original game. He’s still 21 years old during the events in Midgar. The remake, while expanding on various aspects of the story and character development, does not alter Cloud’s age or birthday. This continuity helps maintain the integrity of his character’s timeline, while still building on new aspects.

Final Fantasy VII is available on the PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC. Final Fantasy VII Remake is available on the PS4, PS5, and PC.