How do I get Cid to learn highwind?

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Mastering the Skies: How to Unlock Highwind for Cid in Final Fantasy VII

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Alright, folks, gather ’round! Let’s talk about Highwind, arguably one of the most devastating Limit Breaks in Final Fantasy VII and a crucial tool for taking down the Weapons. You want Cid to rain fiery death from above, and rightfully so. So, how do you get him to learn it?

The direct answer: Cid learns the Highwind Limit Break by equipping the Highwind Limit Break Manual. This manual can only be obtained once in the entire game. You acquire the Highwind manual by defeating the Underwater Materia boss. You can only defeat Underwater Materia when you have the submarine. The submarine is acquired by obtaining and using the Key to Sector 7.

Now, that might seem straightforward, but there’s always a bit more to it, isn’t there? Let’s dive into the details and explore everything you need to know about unlocking Cid’s ultimate power.

The Path to Highwind: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the steps involved:

  1. Progress Through the Story: You need to advance the main storyline far enough to reach the Underwater Reactor near Junon. This is only accessible after a significant portion of the game.

  2. Obtain the Submarine: Professor Hojo holds the Key to Sector 7. You need to defeat Proud Clod in the Corel Prison. This is required to get to Gold Saucer where you can get the Key to Sector 7. The submarine is located near the Underwater Reactor.

  3. Locate and Defeat the Underwater Materia: Navigate your submarine carefully around the Underwater Reactor area. The Underwater Materia is a large, floating creature patrolling the waters. It can be tricky to find, so keep your eyes peeled. Be prepared for a tough fight!

  4. Claim Your Prize: Once you defeat the Underwater Materia, it will drop the Highwind Limit Break Manual. This manual is automatically added to your inventory.

  5. Equip the Manual: Open your menu, navigate to Cid, and select “Limit.” You should now see the Highwind limit break available. Have Cid “use” the Highwind Limit Break Manual. Congratulations, Cid can now unleash the might of the Highwind!

Understanding Limit Breaks and Their Acquisition

Before we move on to the FAQs, it’s crucial to understand how Limit Breaks work in Final Fantasy VII. Each character has a total of seven Limit Breaks across four levels. Characters learn their second Limit Break in a level by using their first Limit Break a certain number of times. For example, Cid learns his second level 1 Limit Break after using Boost Jump 8 times. Cid learns his first level 2 Limit Break after defeating a certain number of enemies while having the first level 2 Limit Break already. He learns his second level 2 Limit Break by using the first level 2 Limit Break a certain number of times.

Limit Breaks unlock automatically as you progress. Each character starts with a level 1 Limit Break. Then, they learn new ones by meeting specific criteria:

  • Usage: Using the previous Limit Break a certain number of times.
  • Defeating Enemies: Defeating a certain number of enemies while having the previous limit break.
  • Manuals: Using special items, like the Highwind Limit Break Manual, to unlock specific Limit Breaks instantly.

These conditions are cumulative. The Highwind manual is the only way to bypass those other conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Unlocking Cid’s Highwind

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the process and provide valuable insights:

  1. Q: I’m at the Underwater Reactor, but I can’t find the Underwater Materia! Where is it exactly?

    • A: The Underwater Materia patrols the water surrounding the Underwater Reactor. It doesn’t have a fixed spawn point, so you’ll need to search the entire area. Look for a shimmering, translucent creature. Circle the reactor thoroughly and be patient!

  2. Q: Is the Underwater Materia a difficult boss? What should my party’s levels be?

    • A: Yes, the Underwater Materia can be challenging. I would recommend being at least level 40 or higher to stand a decent chance. Bring plenty of healing items and status-curing items, as it can inflict various status ailments. Ensure you have materia equipped to counter status effects.

  3. Q: Can I get the Highwind Limit Break Manual before I have the submarine?

    • A: No. You absolutely need the submarine to access the Underwater Materia fight and therefore obtain the Highwind Limit Break Manual.

  4. Q: I defeated the Underwater Materia, but I didn’t get the Highwind Limit Break Manual. What happened?

    • A: Are you sure that you got the final blow on Underwater Materia? Did you check the surrounding waters for the dropped item? The Highwind Limit Break Manual should drop automatically after the battle. Make sure you thoroughly checked your inventory. If it’s truly missing, you might be encountering a rare glitch, but it’s far more likely you overlooked it.

  5. Q: Does the difficulty setting affect the Underwater Materia fight or the drop rate of the manual?

    • A: Final Fantasy VII doesn’t have difficulty settings in the traditional sense. The Underwater Materia fight is always the same difficulty, and the Highwind Limit Break Manual drop is guaranteed upon defeating it.

  6. Q: What are Cid’s other Limit Breaks, and how do I get them?

    • A: Here are Cid’s other Limit Breaks and how to obtain them:
      • Boost Jump (Level 1-1): Initial Limit Break
      • Dynamite (Level 1-2): Use Boost Jump 8 times.
      • Barrel Roll (Level 2-1): Defeat a certain number of enemies while having Dynamite
      • Hurricane (Level 2-2): Use Barrel Roll 7 times.
      • Mega Soaker (Level 3-1): Defeat a certain number of enemies while having Hurricane
      • Dragon Dive (Level 3-2): Use Mega Soaker 6 times.
      • Highwind (Level 4): Use the Highwind Limit Break Manual.

  7. Q: Can I get more than one Highwind Limit Break Manual?

    • A: No, the Highwind Limit Break Manual is a unique item obtainable only once per playthrough.

  8. Q: I used the Highwind Limit Break Manual, but Cid still doesn’t have the Highwind Limit Break in battle. Why?

    • A: After using the manual, make absolutely sure that you manually go into the menu and equip Highwind as Cid’s active Limit Break. Otherwise, you might still be using the last one in the list.

  9. Q: Is Highwind the best Limit Break in the game?

    • A: “Best” is subjective, but Highwind is undeniably one of the most powerful Limit Breaks in Final Fantasy VII. It deals significant damage to all enemies and is incredibly useful for clearing out groups of foes or dealing massive damage to single targets.

  10. Q: Does the Highwind Limit Break scale with Cid’s stats?

    • A: Yes, the damage dealt by the Highwind Limit Break scales with Cid’s Strength and Level statistics. Equipping him with powerful weapons and armor will increase his damage output.

  11. Q: I’m trying to unlock all of Cid’s Limit Breaks. What’s the fastest way to grind usage?

    • A: The best way to grind Limit Break usage is to find a location with weak, easily defeated enemies. The forests outside of Midgar or the Mythril Mines are good options early in the game. Let Cid take damage and build up his Limit Break meter, then use the Limit Break. Repeat this process until you’ve reached the required usage count. Consider equipping an Enemy Lure materia.

  12. Q: Can I use Highwind during the final boss fight?

    • A: Absolutely! Highwind is an excellent choice for dealing damage to the final boss. Its all-target attack can help you take down multiple parts of the boss simultaneously.

  13. Q: What is the attack power of the Highwind limit break?

    • A: The Highwind limit break hits for 18 hits that deal 4/16 damage.

  14. Q: Does using the Highwind Limit Break Manual affect the other Limit Breaks that Cid would eventually learn?

    • A: No. Using the manual just unlocks that particular Limit Break right away, but it doesn’t mess with the other Limit Breaks that Cid can learn normally by using the first Limit Breaks and defeating enemies.

  15. Q: What are some strategies for easily defeating Underwater Materia?

    • A:
      • Bring long-range physical attacks because it can cast reflect.
      • Have a decent amount of HP and healing spells available.
      • Underwater Materia is weak against lightning attacks so make sure to use Bolt 3 materia or lightning-based weapons.
      • Equip Restore materia and Barrier materia on one of your characters.

Remember, unlocking Highwind for Cid requires patience, a bit of exploration, and a solid understanding of the game’s mechanics. But once you unleash the power of the Highwind, you’ll be well-equipped to face even the toughest challenges in Final Fantasy VII!

The study of games and their impact on learning is a fascinating area. You can learn more about the connection between games and education at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Or at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Good luck, and happy flying!

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