Dread (VII Remake)

Dread is a quest in Chapter 2, "Covert Ops", of "Episode INTERmission" in Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade. After Yuffie Kisaragi and Sonon Kusakabe apprehended Scarlet, she threw several traps at them to destroy them. Though they survived the Shinra Combat Simulator prototype on a maximum setting, she next sent Nero the Sable from Deepground to fight them.
==Walkthrough==
Follow the trail of bodies and wreckage to the Observation Facility, where a cutscene commences and Nero is fought. Nero has no elemental weakness, and the only preparation needed is to ensure both Yuffie and Sonon have access to healing abilities, preferably with . If is unlocked, it should be used, and should be equipped if possessed. should also be used if possessed, and can be crucial in the battle.
Nero is agile and durable, and cannot be knocked back by most attacks. In the first phase, his attacks are primarily melee-focused, and he is capable of flying. Using Synergized Art of War is best against him at this stage, as the only objective is to deal as much damage as possible.
After Nero's HP is reduced to 3/4, the next phase begins, and becomes much more deadly. In particular, his attacks sap Yuffie and Sonon's HP rapidly, meaning healing often is important. His attacks can deal heavy damage at this stage also, but are telegrpahed by dark purple energy. Chaotic Pulses is best dodged by avoiding the pulses in the ground, while Dark Torrent should be guarded against. In this phase, keep on and use Throw to attack from a safe distance, slowly whittling away Nero's HP while avoiding or healing from his attacks. Focus on staggering him. If enough damage is sustained, a limit break can be used to pressure him easily, making him vulnerable to damage.
When Nero falls to half HP, the next phase begins. This phase is similarly challenging, and Nero is also capable of grappling Yuffie and dealing heavy damage (at which point the other should use items), as well as phase shifting. As before, guarding against and dodging his attacks is important, as is keeping Regen on. In most circumstances, prioritize healing and avoiding damage over attacking Nero; it is better to use for a quick heal than risk being interrupted casting . When pressured, use Synergized Art of War to get in as much damage until he is no longer pressured, at which point resume defensive stance.
As Nero summons abyssal wings, cripple them to get in heavy damage, making him easy to stagger. At this stage, use Synergized Art of War against him as much as possible to try and deplete his HP. Once he is defeated, a cutscene ends the fight and completes the chapter, and with it, the episode.
==Hard mode tips==
With two magnify materia, one should be paired with a healing materia to grant Regen often, and another should be paired with a to cast often on both. Pairing with may also be helpful. The usual materia setups otherwise apply, with on Yuffie being very helpful to grant ATB to Sonon often for Synergized skills. It is crucial to equip on both, preferably two each.
Nero is just as difficult as before, and Brumal Form will be needed often to avoid his attacks (hence the use of the status). Guarding and staying back often will be needed in his later phases, along with frequent healing. Otherwise, the usual strategy of pressuring Nero and using Synergized Art of War to take down his health is best. If synergized limit breaks are unlocked from Sonon's weapon passive, they can be extremely potent.
Category:Quests in Final Fantasy VII Remake