Roche Boss Guide: Chapter 11

Master the Roche boss fight in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Chapter 11. Learn his unblockable attacks, phase strategies, and how to pressure him for victory.

Alright, so you're up against Roche again in Chapter 11 of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. This is a one-on-one duel with Cloud, and he can be a real pain if you're not careful. Pretty much all of his special moves can't be blocked, so dodging is going to be your best friend here. He's also super slippery, especially if you're playing aggressively. The best approach is to play a bit more defensively, wait for him to finish an attack, and then counter.

Stats / Weaknesses:

• Roche's Attacks: All named moves are unblockable.
• Normal Combos: Blockable, good for building stagger.
• Weakness: Counter-attacking after his moves, aggressive pressure in phase two.

Phases:

1. Phase 1: Roche uses a variety of unblockable attacks and evasive maneuvers. Play defensively and counter-attack.
2. Phase 2 (Below 20-25% HP): Roche is more pressured, easier to stagger. Be more aggressive, build ATB, and use Focused Thrust to stagger and finish him.

Strategy:

• Watch Out for Stygian Chains: This unblockable move stuns you if it hits, leaving you open for follow-ups like Soul Cleave. Dodge it at all costs!
• Beware the Dragoon Dive: He'll jump and stab the ground, causing an initial small explosion, followed by a bigger one a moment later. Don't rush in after the first explosion; wait for the second one to pass.
• Counter-Attack: After Roche finishes any of his attacks, that's your cue to rush in and hit him back. Just going all-out from the start will make him dodge most of your hits.
• Perfect Blocks Help: His normal melee combos are blockable. If you can nail perfect blocks, you'll help fill his stagger gauge faster.
• Phase Two Aggression: Once his health drops low enough (around 20-25%), a cutscene will play, and phase two begins. This is much easier! He's more open to pressure, so you can be a lot more aggressive. Build up your ATB gauge and use abilities like Focused Thrust to quickly build his stagger gauge. Once he's staggered, unleash everything you've got to end the fight.
• Limit Breaks: Don't forget to use your Limit Breaks! They can provide a significant damage boost when you need it most.

After this tough fight, you'll see some scenes. Once you can move again, Chadley will let you know about some Protorelic readings, which kicks off the Phenomenon Intel for the area. You'll also get a new side quest, 'My White-Haired Angel,' from the chef back at your house. To get back to the main story, head to Nibel Airstrip and find Cid waiting by the smoke signal. Talk to him when you're ready, and you'll be off to the Gold Saucer. Enjoy the flight – it turns into a bit of an adventure when the Tiny Bronco has some... *modifications*.