Choosing Between Stairs or Elevator in Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Which is Better?

In Chapter 16 of Final Fantasy 7 Remake: The Belly of the Beast, players encounter a pivotal decision: should they ascend via stairs or take the elevator to reach the 59th floor of the Shinra building? While some players may want to jump straight into action, others might seek more context before deciding. This guide aims to elucidate the stairs or elevator decision in Final Fantasy 7 Remake, providing players with all the insights they may need.

Updated on January 24, 2026: Following the launch of FF7 Remake Intergrade on platforms such as Nintendo Switch 2 and Xbox Series X/S, we’ve refreshed this guide to include additional details and images related to this choice. Notably, players will face this decision towards the conclusion of the storyline.

Elevator or Stairs: What Should You Choose in Final Fantasy 7 Remake?

Cloud, Tifa, and Barret in the elevator in FF7

The choice between the stairs and the elevator ultimately hinges on player preference. Regardless of which option is selected, Cloud, Tifa, and Barret will reach the 59th floor; the primary distinction lies in how they get there. Neither option yields special items, nor does either lead to achievements or trophies based on the choice made.

Here’s an in-depth look at each option:

Stairs: Choosing to take the stairs means players will guide Cloud and his friends through an engaging climb, as there’s no cutscene to automate the journey. This option provides players with the opportunity for some entertaining dialogue among the characters, although some may find the climb a bit tedious. Expect this route to take a few minutes longer than taking the elevator.
Elevator: Opting for the elevator rewards players with a cutscene where Cloud, Tifa, and Barret interact with various NPCs as they ascend. This scene includes some lore about the Shinra Corporation, though it does feature two interruptions for brief confrontations with Elite Security Officers. The elevator ride lasts around 3–4 minutes, making it the quicker choice compared to the stairs.

Feature	Elevator	Stairs
Combat?	No	Two fights
Rewards?	No	No
Dialogue Tone	More serious	Lighter/comedic
Length	Approximately 4 minutes	About 6-7 minutes

Though the decision between stairs and elevator in Final Fantasy 7 Remake may not carry the same weight as earlier choices, such as the pivotal coin toss in Chapter 9, there is still enjoyment to be found in this scenario. Players can take comfort in knowing that their choice will have minimal impact on their overall gaming experience.

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