Airi may not be the most eye-catching character in Blue Archive, but her unique support abilities can truly stand out in the right situations. In this RPG, she's renowned for her attack speed debuffs and buffs, making her an invaluable asset when controlling the tempo of battle is more crucial than dealing raw damage. While she might not be a common choice for everyday gameplay, Airi shines in specific late-game raids like ShiroKuro (Insane), where her skills can cleverly manipulate boss mechanics.
However, Airi isn't a priority for new players or general progression. Her EX Skill is costly and situational, and her overall impact can be limited in scenarios where enemies remain in cover or don't move. Yet, for seasoned players aiming to fine-tune their endgame raid strategies, Airi can be a valuable asset when utilized effectively.
What Makes Airi Special
Airi's toolkit revolves around speed control. Her Sub Skill passively enhances the Attack Speed of all allies, while her Basic Skill consistently reduces the Attack Speed of a single enemy. These abilities work in tandem to tilt battles in your favor, particularly in situations where interrupting or delaying enemy attacks is key.
When building Airi, focus on stats that keep her healthy and active on the battlefield rather than prioritizing damage.
Using Airi in Battle
In combat, Airi operates mostly passively. Her Sub and Basic Skills trigger automatically, requiring minimal player intervention, which makes her an easy addition as a support unit when needed.
If you decide to use her EX Skill, timing is crucial—deploy it when enemies are navigating chokepoints or are grouped together. The slow effect can hinder their repositioning or engagement speed. In ShiroKuro, particularly, her skills can be strategically used to alter boss attack patterns and boost team damage during phase 2.
However, outside of this specific scenario, Airi's EX Skill may not be worth the 5 SP cost, as it only offers soft crowd control.
Unlike the game's top-tier characters, Airi isn't a regular pick for most players, but she has her niche. In late-game content like ShiroKuro (Insane), her unique abilities can make a significant impact when timed correctly. Otherwise, she remains a specialized support unit, best reserved for content that aligns with her strengths.
If you choose to include her in your team, focus on leveraging her Sub Skill and integrate her into teams that benefit from speed-based support. For the optimal experience in managing her skill activations and raid strategies, consider playing Blue Archive on PC with BlueStacks for smoother controls and enhanced performance.