You can check a character’s Bond level by pressing L1 when near them. A smiley face icon appears, with the segmented outer ring denoting the its progress. The inner face also changes colors as the Bond level increases. So, how do you go about raising it?

How to Raise Bond Levels

Complete Side Quests

One of the two most important ways is to complete side quests. Check notice boards or look for quest icons on the map denoted by a “???” You can check which character will benefit from completing the side quest, and they accompany Cloud as a secondary character for the quest’s duration.

Dialogue Options

The other way to raise a character’s Bond level is to speak to them throughout the story. Speak to them and choose the appropriate responses to improve your Bond. For example, if Aerith asks about the first time she and Cloud met, the correct option is “You shoved a flower at me,” referencing their encounter on the streets of Midgar in the first game.

Using Synergy Skills and Abilities

Synergy Skills and Abilities allow two characters to team up for a powerful attack or beneficial ability. You unlock more as you level up Folios, and each character gets two of each. Use all of them once in combat – they contribute to improving your Bond with that character. It only works once, so keep that in mind.

Events and Decisions

Various decisions and events throughout the story can also boost your Bonds with other characters. For example, in Chapter 6, you can increase Bonds with Tifa and Aerith by having Cloud wear matching beachwear. Some decisions involve choosing certain characters over others, like in the same chapter where you have to help Tifa and Red XIII or Aerith and Barret. The pair chosen has their Bonds raised.

Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth is out now on PS5. Check out our official review here and various tips and tricks.