One of the first bosses that may prove challenging for some players in Final Fantasy 7 Remake is the Airbuster battle. Unlike many of the previous bosses players have faced, the Airbuster in Final Fantasy 7 Remake requires careful planning from players throughout Chapter 7 in order to successfully defeat the enemy.

What makes the Airbuster fight unique from all other bosses in Final Fantasy 7 Remake is that players are able to effectively customize the end fight throughout Chapter 7. As players progress through the level, players can obtain 5 keycards that they can use to discard various parts of the Airbuster. These parts include; AI Programming Cores, Big Bombers, and M Units.

While the decision of what Airbuster parts to dispose of is entirely up to player preference, players looking for an easier fight should prioritize disposing of the Big Bomber shells ( the ammunition used for the Airbusters strongest attack), and AI Programming Cores (reduces the Airbusters mobility).

The most important point to be aware of prior to starting the fight is the Airbuster’s weakness to lightning.  In light of this weakness, players should make sure that each party member is equipped with lightning Materia, as it will make it considerably easier to stagger the enemy mid-fight. Players should also consider binding the Lightning Materia on one of three party members’ weapons. Because the Airbuster begins to fly later on in the fight, it is recommended to equip Barret’s gun with lightning Materia as he will be the only party member who can damage the enemy during certain sections.

For the Airbusters first phase, the boss will deploy several Lightning mines across the area. After the mines land, there is a brief window before they detonate, dealing lightning that stuns anyone in their vicinity. While the mines can be easily avoided, it is important for players not to get careless, as the Airbuster will utilize his Big Bomber ability at any party member who is unfortunate enough to get caught in the mines. During the first phase of the fight, players should prioritize building up their ATB gauges as quickly as possible so that they are able to activate their lightning abilities.

When players decrease the Airbuster’s health below 75%, the boss will move away from the party down the walkway and cast a Tankbuster Beam. While the Airbuster is using his Tankbuster Beam, party members will be unable to get close to the boss, so players should prioritize healing up, or dealing ranged damage with Barret’s machine gun. Once the Airbuster’s Tankbuster Beam has concluded, players can continue to attack normally while building their ATB gauges.

Once the AirBuster’s health is decreased by 50%, the final phase of the fight will commence. During this phase, the Airbuster will begin flying, and for the majority of the phase, cannot be damaged by melee attacks. While the Airbuster is flying, players should prioritize dealing as much damage as possible with Barret’s machinegun until the boss briefly returns to close range. While the Airbuster is within melee range, players should utilize any Summons or Limit Breaks they have available to deal as much damage as quickly as possible.

With these pointers in mind, players should make quick work of the Airbuster and have more than enough time to spare to complete the fight within the 20 minutes allotted.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake is available now for PS4, and is scheduled to be released for PS5 in June.