Airi may not be the most eye-catching character in Blue Archive, but she brings a unique support toolkit to the table that can really stand out in the right circumstances. In this RPG, she's celebrated for her abilities to debuff and buff attack speeds, offering a strategic advantage when tempo control is more critical than sheer firepower. Though she might not be a staple in everyday gameplay, Airi shines in specific late-game raids such as ShiroKuro (Insane), where her skills help in cleverly managing boss mechanics.
For newer players or those focused on general progression, Airi isn't a priority for investment. Her EX Skill is both costly and situational, and her overall effectiveness diminishes in scenarios where enemies remain in cover or are stationary. However, seasoned players aiming to fine-tune their endgame raid strategies will find Airi to be a valuable asset when utilized appropriately.
What Makes Airi Special
Airi's toolkit revolves around manipulating speed. Her Sub Skill passively enhances the Attack Speed of all allies, while her Basic Skill frequently slows down one enemy's Attack Speed. Together, these abilities can tip the scales in battles, particularly in situations where disrupting or delaying enemy attacks is key.
When building Airi, don't focus on damage stats. Prioritize her survivability and consistent presence on the battlefield to maximize her utility.
Using Airi in Battle
In combat, Airi primarily operates passively. Her Sub and Basic Skills trigger automatically, requiring minimal player intervention. This ease of use makes her a straightforward support choice when her specific skills are needed.
Should you opt to activate her EX Skill, do so when enemies are navigating chokepoints or are clustered together. The resulting slowdown can hinder enemy movement and engagement speed. In ShiroKuro, particularly, her abilities can be leveraged to alter boss attack patterns, optimizing team damage output during phase 2.
However, outside of these targeted scenarios, her EX Skill might not justify its 5 SP cost, given it only offers mild crowd control.
While Airi doesn't rank among the most versatile characters in Blue Archive, she has her niche. For specialized late-game content like ShiroKuro (Insane), her unique capabilities can make a significant difference when timed correctly. Otherwise, she remains a specialized support unit, best reserved for content that aligns with her strengths.
If you decide to include Airi in your lineup, emphasize her Sub Skill and integrate her into teams that can capitalize on speed-based support. For the optimal experience in managing her skill activations and raid strategies, consider playing Blue Archive on a PC with BlueStacks for enhanced control and performance.