Jenova Emergent Boss Guide

Phase 1: Jenova is stationary and uses ranged attacks. Avoid the slow-moving gas cloud of Pestilence by continuing to move. Dodge the quick laser of Vengeance by moving or dodging at the last second. Back away from Jenova immediately when you see Pestilential Reckoning to avoid the gas breath that can inflict Silence, Slow, Poison, and Stun.

Continue attacking Jenova until it becomes pressured. Targetable body parts will appear, specifically the head and one shoulder. Destroying these parts significantly increases the stagger bar and prevents Jenova from using certain attacks; destroying the head stops Vengeance. Once enough damage is dealt, Jenova becomes mobile, transitioning to Phase 2.

Phase 2: Jenova is now mobile and uses tentacle attacks. Basic tentacle attacks can be blocked to mitigate damage. While unblockable, most laser attacks like Exaltation (fan-like pattern) and Extermination (sweeping laser) are easy to dodge due to large gaps. Be wary of Torment, where Jenova attempts to grab a character with its tentacle, causing unavoidable damage. If grabbed, a character is bound and takes damage before being released. If controlling Tifa, you can dodge behind Jenova to avoid this.

Similar to Phase 1, pressuring Jenova in Phase 2 makes body parts targetable. Destroy these to stop specific attacks and significantly increase the stagger bar.

Phase 3: This phase begins when Jenova reaches 20-25% remaining HP. Jenova will use Propagate, conjuring tentacles around the arena. These tentacles are easily destroyed with one or two normal attacks. Some tentacles may be out of reach for melee attacks, requiring you to switch to Barret.

If left alive for too long, the tentacles will use Pestilence, spawning gas balls. Jenova seems to remain pressured during this phase, so focus on destroying body parts to make the fight easier.