Table of Contents
Introduction
In this article, we'll review Barret & Aerith's New Weapons, the Microlaser and Snowflake. We will break down their abilities and support materia slots, explore some potential builds in which it might be used, discuss sub-weapon use, and consider its future-proofing.
Microlaser
Microlaser (Barret) [Gacha]
Base Stats
[PATK: 198] [MATK: 214] [HEAL: 152] (90 OB0)
[PATK: 475] [MATK: 513] [HEAL: 212] (90 OB10)
[PATK: 495] [MATK: 535] [HEAL: 228] (90 OB+20)
MicroLaser is Barret's second most potent weapon in terms of magical attack, so it's best used in mage builds for Barret. However, in terms of physical attack, it ranks near the bottom among his arsenal.
C-Ability
Stalwart Faith (4 ATB)
Stout Faith [Mag. Non-elem.]
30s MATK Up (+10s) (Low -> Mid) [Range: Single Ally]
9% Heal [Range: Single Ally]
Stalwart Faith [Mag. Non-elem.]
30s MATK Up (+10s) (Mid -> High) [Range: Single Ally]
9s 15% Regen (+3s) [Range: Single Ally]
9% Heal [Range: Single Ally]
Stalwart Faith [Mag. Non-elem.]
34s MATK Up (+11s) (Mid -> High) [Range: Single Ally]
12s 15% Regen (+3s) [Range: Single Ally]
11% Heal [Range: Single Ally]
Stalwart Faith+ [Mag. Non-elem.]
34s MATK Up (+11s) (High) [Range: Single Ally]
12s 15% Regen (+3s) [Range: Single Ally]
12% Heal [Range: Single Ally]
Stalwart Faith++ [Mag. Non-elem.]
38s MATK Up (+12s) (High) [Range: Single Ally]
15s 15% Regen (+3s) [Range: Single Ally]
13% Heal [Range: Single Ally]
Its C-Ability isn't entirely new, as it resembles Aerith's Garnet Rod. However, it does provide Barret with a potent support weapon for himself and the rest of the party, allowing them to enhance their magical damage. The regen feature might also prove beneficial, considering the weapon has "Heal Boost" as one of its R-Abilities.
R-Abilities
40 Boost HEAL / 36 Boost Fire Resist.
For its R-Ability, it includes Heal Boost and Fire Resist Boost, granting 24 and 9 points, respectively, at level 90. At maximum Overboost, these abilities offer 40 and 36 points, respectively. Both R-Abilities focus on defense and can be effective in support builds and roles.
Support Materia Slots
ATK Boost I
MATK Boost I
All (Cure Spells) I
Its support materia slots are where this weapon stands out. Its third slot allows Cure materia to target the entire party instead of a single ally, albeit with reduced effectiveness. Until Microlaser and Snowflake, no other weapon had this effect.
This capability can create numerous build options for Barret, as he currently lacks a weapon that can heal the entire party. With this single weapon, he can assume a support/healer role. This leaves his other hand free to equip a magical attack-based weapon, enabling him to deal damage while not actively supporting or healing.
Sub-weapon use
It serves as a good sub-weapon for healing builds and may prove effective against enemies with fire-based attacks if you can significantly overboost it.
Build
coming soon!
Snowflake
Snowflake (Aerith) [Gacha]
Base Stats
[PATK: 166] [MATK: 227] [HEAL: 168] (90 OB0)
[PATK: 398] [MATK: 544] [HEAL: 235] (90 OB10)
[PATK: 415] [MATK: 567] [HEAL: 252] (90 OB+20)
Snowflake ranks third among Aerith's weapons in terms of magical attack. It is her best single-target ice-based weapon, boasting a high base magical attack stat that is perfect for mage builds.
C-Ability
Snowspell (4 ATB)
Blizzara Burst [Mag. Ice]
340% Mag. Ice Damage [Range: Single Enemy]
Snowspell [Mag. Ice]
340% Mag. Ice Damage [Range: Single Enemy]
20s MDEF Down (+6s) (Mid) [Range: Single Enemy]
Snowspell [Mag. Ice]
390% Mag. Ice Damage [Range: Single Enemy]
22s MDEF Down (+7s) (Mid) [Range: Single Enemy]
Snowspell+ [Mag. Ice]
480% Mag. Ice Damage [Range: Single Enemy]
26s MDEF Down (+8s) (Mid -> High) [Range: Single Enemy]
Snowspell++ [Mag. Ice]
540% Mag. Ice Damage [Range: Single Enemy]
30s MDEF Down (+10s) (Mid -> High) [Range: Single Enemy]
Its C-Ability deals 540% magical ice damage to a single enemy while moderately reducing their magical defense. At level 90, the modifier is only at 340%, making it only slightly more effective than a 5-star Blizzara materia. However, it can also debuff magical defense without requiring another weapon, like the Sun Umbrella.
R-Abilities
54 Boost MATK / 36 Boost Ice Pot.
Snowflake is the first weapon capable of boosting magical attack by 32 points at level 90, making it perfect for mage builds. It's absolutely worth wishlisting to obtain more copies for overboosting. At maximum overboost, it provides 54 magical attack and 36 ice potency boost points, which is amazing for ice magic damage dealers.
Support Materia Slots
ATK Boost I
MATK Boost I
All (Cure Spells) I
Similar to Microlaser, Snowflake also features the unique support materia slot that allows Cure to affect the entire party instead of a single ally. This opens up the possibility of using Aerith as an AoE healer, even without Fairy Tale.
She'll take on the roles of ice DPS/debuffer and healer simply by equipping this weapon. She can then carry another weapon, such as Guard Stick, to boost her Heal potency and buff magic defense. Alternatively, Aerith could opt for another elemental weapon that enhances magical attack, leaning towards the role of a magic damage dealer.
Sub-weapon use
Snowflake is an excellent sub-weapon for ice magical damage dealers and mage builds in general, thanks to its high magical attack boost. This will be a great weapon for Ice Mage Sephiroth since it'll enhance his magical attack and ice potency, both of which are needed to maximize his damage-dealing potential.
Build
coming soon!
Gear
"Fairy of Snowfall" is the sole gear available in the banner. It grants Aerith a 10-point boost in HP and Ice Mastery. The Ice Mastery provides only a 20% boost to ice ability damage, which isn't as high as Tifa's Ice Arcanum boost that increases ice damage by 35%. However, if you're in need of an ice magic damage dealer, this gear could be a great addition to consider.
Conclusion
This banner is challenging to review because the weapons featured are excellent, but the gear isn't as compelling. My suggestion is to wishlist the weapons once they're added to the pool and skip this banner. The gear isn't a must-have, so it's advisable to save your crystals for another arcanum gear in the future.
However, if you're eager for the weapons at present, they are certainly worth a few pulls until you reach 6 stamps. Keep an eye on Evercrisis.gg for more in-depth reviews and guides!
