Back in 1997, a pivotal scene in Final Fantasy 7 involving a tragic character demise became unforgettable for players and shaped the game’s entire storyline.
Spoiler alert: If you’re unaware of who dies in this classic game or prefer to remain in the dark, best to stop here.
Aerith Gainsborough meets her tragic end at Sephiroth’s hands. However, a speedrunner named Luzbel shared that two other players, AceZephyr and Kuma, discovered a way to bypass this iconic event.
This isn’t a cheat but rather an odd glitch. When riding a chocobo on the world map, players can travel to the Forgotten Capital, where Aerith’s death occurs. If Aerith is part of the player’s team, she witnesses her own demise and fights alongside the player against Jenova. Unfortunately, players may face challenges due to low levels during this battle, and as Eurogamer mentions, the game might “softlock” during cutscenes if Aerith remains in the party post her expected death.
People sometimes wish things could be different, especially in stories we love.
This year, Aerith’s fate was also a significant plot element in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, showing how much fans continue to adore her. While the original game’s glitch might let Aerith escape her destiny, it’s not flawless, as she was never truly intended to survive.