Increases how full the ATB gauge is at the start of the battle.
Description
First Strike materia is a 
Complete Materia in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. It causes a party member to begin a battle with their ATB gauge slightly filled, depending on the materia's level. The effect does not stack with multiple materia equipped to the same character.
Obtained[]
Two First Strike materia are rewarded for completing combat simulator challenges: "Grasslands Battle Intel: Horror on the Range" and "Cosmo Battle Intel: Flower of Destruction". The Grasslands challenge is unlocked for defeating a Venorat and an Enmidunk, and the Cosmo Region battle is unlocked for defeating a Drohdroh and a Bashfulisk.
Stats[]
| Level | AP required | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | Small ATB increase |
| 2 | 250 | Medium ATB increase |
| 3 | 750 | Large ATB increase |
Use[]
First Strike causes a party member to begin all battles with their ATB gauge slightly filled. The effect does not stack with a duplicate materia, but does with a 
Whistlewind Scarf. It allows party members to begin battle at an advantageous position, allowing them to set up an important ability right away. This is useful in many gauntlets such as in the Chadley Combat Simulator, and even in more challenging boss battles.
When used with a party member with 
ATB Boost Materia, it allows a party member to begin battle and use it immediately to start with two full gauges. Other materia such as 
ATB Stagger Materia, ATB Assist Materia, and Skill Master Materia can complement the materia well.
First strike materia can be given to party members with useful 
Magic Materia—such as Time Materia, Barrier Materia, or Binding Materia. It can be effective when given to party members who wish to use an ability at the start of battle, such as Cait Sith with Let's Ride!, Aerith with Arcane Ward, Barret with Lifesaver, or Yuffie with Elemental Ninjutsu or Doppelganger. Against easy enemies, the player can quickly clear them out right off the bat with abilities like Triple Slash or Windstorm.
First strike is somewhat less useful in long battles, such as longer boss battles, where it loses the value of the initial ATB boost. It can still be useful if the player needs to begin a battle with a certain ability or spell however.
First strike may be a good pairing for 
AP Up Materia early on.