Airi might not be the most eye-catching character in Blue Archive, but she brings a distinctive support toolkit that can prove invaluable in the right context. In this RPG, she's renowned for her ability to manipulate attack speeds through debuffs and buffs, offering a unique approach to controlling the tempo of battles rather than focusing solely on raw damage output. While she may not be a common pick for general play, Airi finds her niche in specific endgame scenarios such as the ShiroKuro (Insane) raid, where her skills can effectively influence boss mechanics.
For those new to the game or focused on general progression, Airi might not be a priority build. Her EX Skill demands a significant investment and is best used situationally. Her overall utility can be limited in scenarios where enemies remain in cover or don’t move much. However, for veteran players aiming to fine-tune their strategies for endgame raids, Airi can be an essential asset when deployed strategically.
What Makes Airi Special
Airi's toolkit revolves around speed manipulation. Her Sub Skill automatically enhances the Attack Speed of all allies, while her Basic Skill periodically reduces an enemy's Attack Speed. This dual mechanism can subtly shift the momentum of battles, particularly in situations where disrupting or delaying enemy attacks is crucial.
When building Airi, prioritize stats that ensure her longevity and consistent presence on the battlefield rather than those focused on dealing damage.
Using Airi in Battle
In combat, Airi functions primarily in a passive role. Her Sub and Basic Skills activate automatically, requiring minimal player intervention, which makes her an easy-to-integrate support option.
If you choose to employ her EX Skill, timing is key—use it when enemies are navigating through narrow spaces or are clustered together to maximize its slowing effect. This can hinder enemy movement and engagement speed. In the ShiroKuro raid, her abilities can be strategically used to alter boss attack patterns and boost team damage during phase 2.
However, outside of this specific application, her EX Skill, costing 5 SP and offering only soft crowd control, may not justify the expenditure.
While Airi doesn’t rank among the most frequently used characters, her unique utility shines in specific late-game content like ShiroKuro (Insane), where her skills can make a significant impact when timed correctly. For general gameplay, she remains a niche support character best reserved for scenarios that align with her strengths.
If you decide to include her in your lineup, focus on leveraging her Sub Skill and incorporate her into teams that can benefit from speed-based support. To manage her skill activations and raid strategies effectively, consider playing Blue Archive on a PC with BlueStacks for enhanced control and performance.
