Airi may not be the flashiest character in Blue Archive, but her unique support capabilities can truly stand out in the right situations. In this tactical RPG, she's renowned for her ability to manipulate attack speeds through debuffs and buffs, offering a strategic edge in controlling the pace of battles rather than focusing on sheer damage output. Although she might not be a common choice for everyday gameplay, Airi shines in specialized late-game raids like ShiroKuro (Insane), where her skills can cleverly manipulate boss mechanics to the player's advantage.
For newer players or those aiming for general progression, Airi isn’t a priority character to build. Her EX Skill is both costly and situational, and her overall effectiveness can be limited in scenarios where enemies remain in cover or are less mobile. However, for seasoned players optimizing their strategies for endgame raids, Airi becomes an invaluable asset when employed correctly.
What Makes Airi Special
Airi's unique ability revolves around controlling the speed of combat. Her Sub Skill passively enhances the Attack Speed of all allies, while her Basic Skill intermittently slows down the Attack Speed of a single enemy. This combination can subtly shift the dynamics of a fight in your favor, particularly in situations where disrupting or delaying enemy attacks is crucial.

When building Airi, the focus shouldn't be on boosting her damage output but rather on ensuring she remains durable and active on the battlefield to consistently apply her speed control effects.
Using Airi in Battle
In combat, Airi primarily operates in the background. Her Sub and Basic Skills automatically trigger without needing direct player intervention, making her an easy-to-integrate support option. If you choose to activate her EX Skill, timing is key—use it when enemies are navigating through critical areas or are clustered together. This can significantly slow their movement and engagement speed. In the specific case of ShiroKuro, her abilities can be leveraged to alter boss attack patterns, thereby enhancing your team's damage potential during the second phase.
However, outside of these targeted scenarios, her EX Skill might not justify the 5 SP cost, especially since it only offers a mild form of crowd control.
While Airi may not be among the most frequently used characters in Blue Archive, she has her niche moments. Her kit provides unique utility in late-game content like ShiroKuro (Insane), where timing her skills correctly can significantly impact the outcome. For other content, she remains a specialized support unit, best reserved for situations that align with her strengths.
If you decide to include Airi in your lineup, prioritize her Sub Skill and integrate her into teams that can capitalize on her speed-based support. For the optimal experience in managing her skill activations and raid strategies, consider playing Blue Archive on a PC with BlueStacks to benefit from smoother controls and enhanced performance.