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, offering a rare strategy focused on tempo control rather than sheer damage output. Although she might not be a common pick for everyday play, Airi shines in specific late-game raids like ShiroKuro (Insane), where her skills adeptly manipulate boss mechanics.
However, Airi isn't a must-have for newer players or general progression. Her EX Skill is both costly and situational, and her effectiveness can wane in scenarios where enemies are shielded or stationary. Yet, for seasoned players looking to fine-tune their endgame raid strategies, Airi proves to be an invaluable asset when deployed strategically.
Airi's abilities revolve around manipulating speed. Her Sub Skill passively enhances the Attack Speed of all allies, while her Basic Skill periodically slows down the Attack Speed of a single enemy. Together, these skills tilt the battle in your favor, particularly in encounters where timing and interrupting enemy attacks are key.
When building Airi, prioritize her survivability and uptime on the field over damage stats, ensuring she can keep her supportive abilities active throughout the fight.
In combat, Airi functions primarily in a passive role. Her Sub and Basic Skills automatically activate, requiring minimal micromanagement, which makes her an easy addition as a support character when needed.
For those planning to utilize her EX Skill, timing is crucial. Deploy it when enemies are navigating chokepoints or clustered together to maximize the slowing effect, which can delay enemy repositioning or engagement. In ShiroKuro, specifically, her skills can be leveraged to alter boss attack patterns, boosting your team's damage output during phase 2.
Outside of these specific scenarios, her EX Skill may not justify the 5 SP cost, given it only offers soft crowd control. Unlike top-tier characters in the game, Airi isn't typically used on a regular basis, but she has her niche. In late-game challenges like ShiroKuro (Insane), her unique utility can significantly impact outcomes when timed correctly. Otherwise, she remains a specialized support unit, best reserved for situations that align with her strengths.
If you're planning to include her in your lineup, focus on her Sub Skill and integrate her into teams that benefit from speed-based support. For optimal control over her skill activations and raid strategies, consider playing Blue Archive on PC with BlueStacks for enhanced performance and smoother gameplay.