TL;DR
- Master motorcycle combat controls including directional attacks and defensive guarding
- Learn Roche’s three-phase attack pattern: ranged slices, lightning strikes, and close combat
- Prioritize defense during lightning phases while maintaining consistent damage output
- Utilize Spinning Slash strategically during close-quarters combat opportunities
- Complete the chapter in approximately 15-20 minutes with proper execution
Embark on an adrenaline-fueled motorcycle mission through Midgar’s tunnels in this crucial fourth chapter. This segment transforms Cloud from ground-based combat to high-velocity warfare, testing both your driving precision and real-time combat decision-making under pressure.
Before diving into the action, ensure you’ve acquired your first Summon Materia during the opening cutscene. This powerful addition to your arsenal will prove invaluable in later chapters, though it won’t be available during this specific motorcycle sequence.
The mission reunites you with Avalanche members Jessie, Biggs, and Wedge, continuing the spoiler-free narrative while introducing one of the original game’s most memorable minigame experiences, now fully reimagined with modern combat mechanics.
The initial tunnel sequence serves as your combat tutorial on wheels. Immediately familiarize yourself with the attack interface displayed in the top-left corner, which indicates directional combat options. Success requires precise timing between offensive actions and defensive reactions.
Engage Shinra Troopers and aerial drones with targeted slashes in the correct directions, as indiscriminate attacking will leave you vulnerable. Implement guarding maneuvers whenever you anticipate unavoidable damage from incoming gunfire or grenade explosions. The guard function provides critical damage reduction during high-intensity encounters.
When combat intensity peaks, deploy your Spinning Slash ability to clear surrounding enemies and create breathing room. This area-of-effect attack proves particularly effective against clustered opponents, buying you precious seconds to reassess the battlefield.
Your motorcycle duel against Roche, the self-proclaimed ‘Speed Demon,’ unfolds across three distinct combat phases. Begin by mastering defensive positioning against his ranged sword slices. Employ consistent guarding combined with lateral dodging maneuvers, swerving from right to left to evade the projectile attacks. Pattern recognition is crucial here—observe his telegraphing movements to anticipate incoming strikes.
During ranged engagements, utilize L1+Triangle to launch charged projectile attacks when available. This maintains pressure on Roche while you navigate defensively. Balance aggression with preservation, as reckless charging will quickly deplete your health bar.
When Roche ascends the tunnel walls, he transitions to his lightning phase. Immediately shift to full defensive priority—cease offensive actions and focus entirely on evasion. Watch for the telltale signs of incoming lightning strikes and execute precise dodges before impact. Only attempt ranged counterattacks during clear, safe windows.
The final phase begins when Roche dismounts and engages in close-quarters combat. He’ll leap from the tunnel walls to land beside you—anticipate this movement with hard dodges to either side. During these melee exchanges, unleash aggressive sword combinations and strategic Spinning Slash deployments before he resets his attack cycle.
Maximize your damage efficiency by understanding Roche’s vulnerability windows. He exposes himself most significantly after completing his lightning phase and during close combat engagements. Capitalize on these moments with focused assault combinations rather than sporadic attacking.
Common strategic errors include overcommitting to attacks during his lightning phase or failing to recognize pattern resets. Many players mistakenly continue aggressive tactics when Roche positions for area attacks, resulting in unnecessary health depletion.
For experienced players seeking optimization: time your Spinning Slash to coincide with Roche’s landing animation after wall jumps. This provides maximum impact while he’s temporarily stationary. Additionally, pre-charge your ranged attack during the brief moments between his phase transitions.
The entire chapter typically completes within 15-20 minutes for prepared players, though initial attempts may extend to 30 minutes while learning patterns. Remember that consistent defensive positioning ultimately enables more sustainable damage output than reckless aggression.
Final Fantasy 7 Remake News
Action Checklist
- Acquire Summon Materia during opening cutscene
- Master directional attacks and guarding in initial tunnel combat
- Practice dodging Roche’s ranged sword slices with lateral movements
- Execute full defense during lightning phase with precise evasion
- Capitalize on close combat phases with aggressive sword combinations
- Complete the chapter by maintaining consistent damage through phase cycles
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Final Fantasy 7 Remake Walkthrough Chapter 4: Mad Dash (Spoiler-Free) Master the high-speed motorcycle chase and defeat Roche with expert combat strategies and tactical insights