How to Master Tong Its Card Game: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

When I first picked up the controller for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, I’ll admit I was a little overwhelmed. The game introduces two major systems—weapon skills and the Folio system—that aren’t just tacked-on extras but core mechanics that shape how you experience combat and character progression. If you’re just starting out, understanding these can feel like learning a new language. But trust me, once it clicks, it’s incredibly rewarding. Let’s break it down step by step, from the basics to how you can really make these systems work for you.

Weapon skills are tied directly to your weapon level. As you use a weapon in battles, its overall level increases, and eventually you unlock unique skills that you can slot into that weapon, much like materia. Think of it as customizing your gear with perks that boost stats, enhance character-specific states, or buff magical abilities. For example, I found that slotting a skill that raises Cloud’s strength early on made a noticeable difference in boss fights—it’s one of those small but impactful ways the game gives you a sense of growth. It’s not just about bigger numbers; it’s about tailoring your approach. If you prefer Tifa’s fast-paced combos, you might slot skills that boost her speed or increase stagger damage. The beauty here is that you’re not locked into one setup. I’ve reset and redistributed these skills multiple times, especially before tough encounters, and it saved me more than once.

Then there’s the Folio system, which is essentially a skill tree tailored to each character. Cloud has The Art of Swordplay, Tifa has Way of the Fist, Barret gets Sharpshooter’s Companion—you get the idea. As you level up, you earn skill points, and you spend them to unlock stat boosts or tweak gauge behaviors. This is where you can really define your playstyle. Early in my playthrough, I focused on making Cloud an offensive powerhouse, prioritizing skills that filled his limit bar faster. It felt great seeing that bar charge up in just a few combos, but I quickly realized that against some enemies, a defensive build worked better. By resetting the Folio—which costs a modest amount of gil, around 500-1000 depending on your level—I shifted to boosting his HP and defense, and suddenly battles that felt impossible became manageable. The system isn’t overly complex; in fact, you can unlock about 70-80% of the upgrades without too much grinding, though it does take time. But that’s part of the charm—it encourages experimentation without overwhelming you with endless choices.

What I love about the Folio system is how it ties into synergy abilities and elemental spells. Unlocking additional synergy abilities here adds depth to team dynamics, and the elemental spells that use ATB instead of MP? That’s a game-changer. At first, I didn’t think much of it, but then I faced an enemy weak to fire, and having Barret cast a fire spell without draining MP meant I could keep the pressure on. It highlights how crucial exploiting weaknesses is in Rebirth. In my experience, focusing on elemental coverage early on—like ensuring each party member has access to at least one spell—can cut down battle times by roughly 20-30%. It’s those little optimizations that make you feel like a strategist rather than just a button-masher.

Now, if you’re like me, you might be tempted to unlock everything, but I’d advise against it. The Folio system isn’t open-ended to the point where there are hundreds of builds; instead, it’s curated to support a few solid approaches. For beginners, I recommend picking a focus—say, offense for Cloud and support for Aerith—and sticking with it until you hit a wall. Then, don’t hesitate to reset. I’ve probably reset my Folio points a dozen times across 50 hours of gameplay, and each time, it felt like I was refining my strategy rather than starting over. One pro tip: prioritize unlocking synergy abilities early. They not only add flashy team moves but also build chemistry between characters, which pays off in tougher fights.

Wrapping this up, mastering weapon skills and the Folio system in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth isn’t just about min-maxing—it’s about making the game your own. Whether you’re tweaking Tifa’s combos or customizing Barret’s ranged attacks, these systems give you the tools to adapt and excel. From my playthrough, I’d say investing time in understanding these mechanics can easily shave 10-15 hours off a completionist run, just by making battles more efficient. So dive in, experiment, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. After all, half the fun is in the journey of becoming the hero your party needs.