Airi may not be the most dazzling character in Blue Archive, but her unique support toolkit can prove invaluable in the right context. In this RPG, she excels at manipulating attack speeds, both debuffing enemies and buffing allies, which makes her a strategic choice when tempo control is key over sheer damage output. While she might not be a common pick for everyday play, Airi shines in specific late-game raids such as ShiroKuro (Insane), where her abilities help in navigating complex boss mechanics effectively.
However, for newer players or those focused on general progression, Airi isn't a priority. Her EX Skill comes with a high cost and is quite situational, and her effectiveness can wane in scenarios where enemies remain hidden or immobile. Yet, for veteran players aiming to fine-tune their endgame raid strategies, Airi serves as a valuable asset when deployed strategically.
Airi's toolkit revolves around controlling speed dynamics. Her Sub Skill passively enhances the Attack Speed of all her allies, whereas her Basic Skill consistently diminishes the Attack Speed of a single foe. This combination can tip the scales in your favor, particularly in situations where timing and disrupting enemy attacks are crucial.
When gearing up Airi, the focus shouldn't be on boosting her damage output. Instead, prioritize equipment that ensures her longevity and consistent presence on the battlefield.
In combat, Airi operates mostly in the background. Her Sub and Basic Skills activate autonomously, requiring minimal management from the player. This ease of use makes her an ideal support option when her specific skills are needed.
If you decide to utilize her EX Skill, timing is everything—deploy it when enemies are navigating through bottlenecks or are clustered together. The resulting slow effect can hinder their ability to reposition or advance quickly. In the ShiroKuro raid, particularly, her skills can be crucial for altering boss attack patterns and boosting team damage during phase 2.
However, beyond these specialized scenarios, her EX Skill may not justify the expenditure of 5 SP, given its focus on soft crowd control.
Airi isn't a go-to character for the majority of players due to her niche role, but she has her shining moments. In tailored 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.
For those who choose to include her in their lineup, concentrate on leveraging her Sub Skill and integrating her into teams that thrive on speed-based support. To enhance your gameplay experience, particularly in managing her skill activations and raid tactics, consider playing Blue Archive on a PC with BlueStacks for smoother controls and enhanced performance.