Mastering the Keycard Conundrum in Final Fantasy VII Remake: AI Cores, Bomber Shells, and M Units

The Final Fantasy VII Remake, a stunning reimagining of the classic RPG, is rife with strategic choices that impact your gameplay and resource management. One such instance involves the use of keycards in a specific room where the player faces a dilemma revolving around AI Cores, Bomber Shells, and M Units. Making informed decisions here can influence not only your immediate battle but also your gil (in-game currency) reserves. This article will delve into the optimal way to navigate this challenging scenario.

The Keycard Dilemma: AI Cores vs. Other Units

Early in the game, players discover that they will be acquiring 5 keycards which can be used to unlock a variety of different units, including:

• AI Cores
• Bomber Shells
• M Units

A common question among players is how to best utilize these keycards for maximum benefit. Player accounts suggest you should prioritize acquiring AI Cores.

Why Focus on AI Cores?

Several reasons emerge from player discussions suggesting the prioritization of AI Cores:

• Laser Attack Reduction: By focusing on the AI Cores, players believe to reduce the chances of a particular enemy laser attack. While we lack concrete data about these attacks, player experiences should not be taken with a grain of salt,
• Profitability: AI Cores sell for a substantial amount of gil, making them a lucrative option. Farming for gil can ease the difficulty in the mid and late game.

The Mandatory M Unit Encounter

Despite the clear advantages of focusing on AI Cores, the game presents a catch-22. The first room encountered forces players to use a keycard on an M Unit to proceed. This creates a sense of "wasting" a keycard on a less desirable unit.

Strategic Compromise

So, what's the best approach?

1. Accept the Inevitable: Recognize that using a keycard on an M Unit in the first room is unavoidable. Don't fret about it too much!
2. Prioritize AI Cores Thereafter: After the initial M Unit, make AI Cores your primary target in subsequent rooms.
3. Bomber Shell Considerations: While not as valuable as AI Cores, Bomber Shells could still have niche strategic value in specific encounters (though this is anecdotal).

The Value of Gil: Why AI Cores Reign Supreme

The Final Fantasy VII Remake is a game where resources matter. Gil allows you to purchase essential items, equipment, and materia. The prospect of maximizing item sales, specifically the AI Cores, becomes a significant factor in decision-making.

Selling Surplus Items

The ability to sell surplus items turns resource gathering into a viable strategy for accumulating wealth. The AI Cores, with their higher selling price, naturally become an attractive target for players looking to optimize their income.

Other Final Fantasy VII Remake Tips

Here are a couple more quick tips that can help you get the most out of the game:

• Equip Elemental Materia to exploit enemy weaknesses, making tough encounters easier.
• Experiment with Punisher and Operator Modes to find what works best for your playstyle.

Final Thoughts

While being forced to use a keycard on an M Unit feels like a setback, the long-term benefits of prioritizing AI Cores outweigh the initial disadvantage. Embrace the strategic compromise, focus on maximizing your gil through AI Core sales, and enjoy the rich and engaging world of the Final Fantasy VII Remake.