Unlocking the King of Dragons: How to Unlock the Bahamut Fight in Final Fantasy VII Remake

Unlocking the Bahamut fight in Final Fantasy VII Remake is a significant milestone, marking your progress through the game’s challenges. The key to unlocking this encounter lies in completing all of Chadley’s Battle Intel Reports, culminating in Battle Intel Report 20. Successfully completing the initial 19 reports unlocks this final challenge. Prepare yourself; this fight is a true test of skill and strategy.

Preparing for the Ultimate Showdown: Prerequisites and Strategies

Before even considering facing Bahamut, there are several crucial steps you must undertake:

1. Complete Chadley’s Battle Intel Reports 1-19: Each report requires you to fulfill specific combat objectives, testing your understanding of the game’s mechanics. These reports cover everything from mastering Materia to exploiting enemy weaknesses.
2. Defeat all other VR Summon Battles: Before Chadley will offer the Bahamut VR mission, you need to conquer Shiva, Fat Chocobo, and Leviathan. These victories demonstrate your competence in handling summon battles.
3. Reach Level 50: This is the recommended level for your party. Bahamut’s attacks are devastating, and you’ll need every stat point you can get.
4. Optimize your Materia: Maximize your Magic Materia to increase the effectiveness of spells like Firaga. The ability to quickly stagger Bahamut is crucial.
5. Weapon Proficiency: Become proficient with nearly every weapon in the game. Having a variety of weapons available ensures you’re adaptable to any situation.

Dominating Bahamut: Combat Tactics

Once you’ve met the prerequisites, it’s time to formulate a winning strategy. Here’s a breakdown of effective combat tactics:

• Exploit the Initial Opening: Start the fight by casting Firaga as quickly as possible. This will inflict significant damage and pressure Bahamut from the start.
• Stagger him Quickly: Switch to Cloud and Tifa and use Focused Strike or Focused Thrust to maximize stagger damage. Staggering Bahamut quickly is essential to preventing his ultimate attack.
• Interrupt Megaflare: If Bahamut begins his countdown to Megaflare, prioritize staggering him at all costs. Failing to interrupt this attack almost always results in a game over.
• Utilize Summons Wisely: Consider using summons other than Bahamut strategically during the fight. Their abilities can provide temporary respite, deal additional damage, or inflict status ailments.
• Manage MP Carefully: Ensure you have sufficient MP for healing and offensive spells. Use MP Absorb Materia or Ethers to replenish your resources.

Bahamut Unlocked: Victory and Reward

Upon defeating Bahamut in the VR mission, you’ll be rewarded with the Bahamut Materia. This powerful summon allows you to call upon the King of Dragons in your future battles, unleashing devastating attacks upon your foes. It’s a testament to your skill and dedication, marking you as a true champion of Final Fantasy VII Remake.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Unlocking and Fighting Bahamut

1. How do I start Chadley’s Battle Intel Reports?

Chadley is first encountered in the Sector 7 Slums. Progress through the main story until you meet him. He’ll then offer you Battle Intel Reports throughout the game.

2. Do I need to complete all side quests to unlock Bahamut?

While not directly required, completing side quests will significantly aid in leveling up, obtaining powerful Materia, and gathering resources that are essential for completing Chadley’s Battle Intel Reports and preparing for the Bahamut fight.

3. What happens if I fail the Bahamut VR mission?

If you fail the Bahamut VR mission, you can simply retry it. There is no penalty other than the time spent. Adjust your strategy and try again.

4. Is there an elemental weakness Bahamut has?

Unlike some other summon battles, Bahamut doesn’t have a specific elemental weakness. However, focusing on attacks that rapidly build stagger is the most effective strategy.

5. What Materia should I equip for the Bahamut fight?

Essential Materia include: Healing, Revival, Fire (maximized for Firaga), Assess, ATB Boost, and Magic Up. Time Materia for Haste is also highly recommended.

6. Can I fight Bahamut on Easy mode?

Yes, you can fight Bahamut on Easy mode. This will reduce his damage output and HP, making the fight more manageable. However, it’s still a challenging encounter.

7. What is the best party composition for the Bahamut fight?

A balanced party consisting of Cloud, Tifa, and Aerith is generally effective. Cloud provides strong physical damage, Tifa excels at building stagger, and Aerith offers potent magic and healing capabilities.

8. How do I increase my stagger percentage to 200% for Chadley’s report?

Equip Tifa with the True Strike ability and use her Unbridled Strength ability twice to unlock her unique abilities. Then, use Rise and Fall and Omnistrike to quickly increase the stagger percentage. The Games Learning Society provides resources on game mechanics and strategies which can be helpful. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.

9. What rewards do I get for completing Chadley’s Battle Intel Reports?

You receive various Materia and items for completing each Battle Intel Report. These rewards are essential for strengthening your party and preparing for challenging encounters like the Bahamut fight.

10. What level should my Materia be before fighting Bahamut?

Ideally, all your key Materia should be maxed out. This will significantly enhance their effectiveness and provide access to the most powerful abilities.

11. Where can I farm for AP to level up my Materia quickly?

The Shinra Combat Simulator offers several challenges that provide substantial AP rewards. Chapter 16 is generally considered the best place to farm AP due to the availability of challenging combat encounters.

12. Can I use summons during the Bahamut fight?

Yes, you can use summons during the Bahamut fight. Choose summons that complement your strategy and provide additional damage or utility.

13. Is Bahamut a post-game summon?

While it’s highly unlikely for most players to unlock Bahamut during their initial playthrough, it isn’t technically exclusive to the post-game. Completing all Battle Intel Reports requires significant time and effort, making it more common for players to acquire Bahamut after finishing the main story.

14. What is Megaflare, and how can I avoid it?

Megaflare is Bahamut’s ultimate attack, a devastating blast that can instantly wipe out your party. To avoid it, you must stagger Bahamut before he completes the countdown.

15. Does difficulty affect my ability to unlock Bahamut?

No, the difficulty setting does not affect your ability to unlock Bahamut. You can complete Chadley’s Battle Intel Reports and fight Bahamut on any difficulty.