Airi may not be the most eye-catching unit in Blue Archive, but her unique support capabilities can be a game-changer in the right situations. In this RPG, she's renowned for her ability to manipulate attack speeds through debuffs and buffs, making her an invaluable asset when controlling the pace of battle is crucial over sheer damage output. Although she isn't commonly used in everyday gameplay, Airi shines in specific late-game raids like ShiroKuro (Insane), where her skills can effectively influence boss mechanics.
However, Airi isn't a priority build for newcomers or for general progression. Her EX Skill is costly and situational, and her overall effectiveness diminishes in scenarios where enemies remain in cover or are immobile. Yet, for seasoned players aiming to refine their strategies in endgame raids, Airi can be a valuable addition when strategically employed.
What Makes Airi Special
Airi's toolkit is centered around speed control. Her Sub Skill passively enhances the Attack Speed of all allies, while her Basic Skill periodically diminishes the Attack Speed of a single enemy. This combination subtly tips the scales in your favor, especially in battles where timing and delaying enemy attacks are key.
Rather than focusing on damage stats, prioritize keeping Airi healthy and active on the battlefield to maximize her utility.
Using Airi in Battle
In combat, Airi functions primarily in a passive role. Her Sub and Basic Skills activate autonomously, requiring minimal player intervention, which makes her an easy choice for a support role when needed.
If you decide to use her EX Skill, timing is crucial. Deploy it when enemies are moving through bottlenecks or are clustered together. The slow effect can hinder their repositioning or engagement speed. In the ShiroKuro raid, particularly, her skills can alter boss attack patterns, enhancing your team's damage output during phase 2.
However, outside of this specialized scenario, her EX Skill may not justify the 5 SP cost, given its limited crowd control effect.
While Airi isn't a character you'll use daily like some of the top-tier units, she has her niche. For those tackling late-game content such as ShiroKuro (Insane), her toolkit provides unique advantages that can make a significant impact when timed correctly. Otherwise, she's best kept as a specialized support unit unless you're facing challenges that align with her strengths.
If you choose to include Airi in your lineup, focus on leveraging her Sub Skill and integrate her into teams that benefit from speed manipulation. For an optimal experience in managing her skills and raid strategies, consider playing Blue Archive on a PC with BlueStacks to enjoy smoother controls and enhanced performance.