FF7 Remake Stairs vs Elevator: Which One Should You Choose?

FF7 Remake stairs vs. elevator is one of the few choices in the game that can affect your relationships with your teammates.

In Chapter 16, as you make your way up Shinra Tower, you'll be presented with a choice on how you'll make your ascent. You can choose between climbing all 60 flights of stairs to the top or by riding the elevator. Each choice comes with unique consequences and, more importantly, dialogue and tone for the scene.

This kind of thing is not new to FF7 players, but they know that sometimes the most inconsequential decision can lead to the most nuanced scenes in a game.

FF7 Remake Stairs vs Elevator: Which One Should You Choose?

Most players opt to take the elevator without thinking—and why wouldn't they? It's the quicker option by far and seems to make the most logical sense. Sure, you'll need to battle a variety of Elite Shinra Officers along the way, but what adventure game isn't littered with battles during a traveling session? It's the dialogue here that matters the most.

During your ride in the elevator, a Shinra technician attempts to board the elevator. At the sight of your party she promptly turns and takes off in the opposite direction. This interaction makes Tifa a bit somber and seems to weigh on her as she remarks that there are average, regular people working for Shinra, too. Not all of them are ruthless at heart—they're just people. It reveals quite a bit about Tifa's mindset in that she doesn't seem to have the same "total war" attitude that some of the rest of Avalanche does.

In contrast, taking the stairs has a much different outcome. You'll be forced to run up all 60 flights manually with only an elixir to boost your spirits halfway through. No battles await you—well, besides the one between you and your thumb ligaments.

The gold here is the comedic relief. As you continue your ascent, Barret begins to fall behind and call out for you to wait up. Tifa charges ahead and often pokes fun while wondering what's taking you all so long. Even Cloud physically slows near the top, making the whole process even longer than it needs to be. It's a heart-warming display that cements the feelings of bonding and fellowship that have begun to sprout.

Ultimately, the choice is yours to make. It all depends on how you see the game.