Square Enix announced the first 2025 holiday banner for Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis ahead of Christmas, and it turns Cid Highwind from the original FFVII into Santa Claus. This is the result of his new costume and weapon, with both pieces of equipment fitting the aesthetic. The banner is live until December 31, 2025.
The two weapons on the new banner are the Antler Pike polearm for Cid and the Abraxas staff Ultimate Weapon for Aerith. Both the weapon and his Santa Claus Holidays Attire gear feature the C. Ability Ultra Holidays Spark. That is a lightning attack that hits a single enemy and reduces its physical defense while also increasing Cid’s Command Gauge by 50%. The weapon’s R. Abilities are Boost PATK and Boost Lightning Potency, while the costume’s are Pilot’s Long White Beard and Reprieve. Pilot’s Long White Beard is a new skill, and its official description is notes it increases the duration of buff and debuff effects he inflicts by a minimum of +20%. If his attack stance Command Gauge is maxed out, his physical and magical ability damage will increase by at least 10%.
Here’s the official trailer showing Cid as Santa in FFVII Ever Crisis.
Square Enix hasn’t announced a Christmas event for FFVII Ever Crisis just yet. There is a Winter Campaign over the holidays that gives people up to 50 Draw Tickets and as many as 14 Lottery Boxes – FFVII EC Winter style. Past years involved dedicated events, with the 2024 one featuring Yuffie Kisaragi in a reindeer outfit.
Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis is available for PCs and mobile devices, and the Santa Claus Cid Highwind banner is live until December 31, 2025.