An arrogant and proud swordsman at first, Cloud believes himself to be a member of an elite warrior unit called SOLDIER. However, he discovers the memories of who he was were not his own and, with the help of his friends, learns there is more to being a hero than possessing physical strength and fame.

Cloud's weapon of choice is the iconic Buster Sword, a massive sword several feet long which Cloud wields in most of his appearances. Cloud's other trademark weapon is the set of Fusion Swords which he uses in Advent Children, which consists of six individual swords that connect together to form a larger sword similar in shape and size to the Buster Sword.

In Final Fantasy VII, Cloud is a mercenary and self-proclaimed ex-member of SOLDIER, a select, genetically augmented military unit operating under the defacto world government and megacorporation Shinra Electric Power Company. Fighting against Shinra in the resistance group 'AVALANCHE' and driven by a feud with the primary antagonist, Sephiroth, Cloud learns to accept his troubled past and adapts to his role as a leader.

Cloud Strife defeats Sephiroth, who attempted to damage the planet by summoning a meteor, Cloud and many other citizens are infected by a strange new disease known as "Geostigma". Kadaj absorbs Jenova's remains into his body, which allows Sephiroth to reappear. Sephiroth tells Cloud that once those who die from the Geostigma join the Lifestream, he will be able to control the planet and use it as a vessel to travel in search of a new planet to rule, in the same way Jenova did.

Then Cloud and Septhiroth have the most epic battle the planet has ever seen in which cloud ultimatley defeats Septhiroth for good.....