AIGameGuides.com v4/27/2025

Here is a detailed guide for defeating Roche in "Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth," covering requirements, walkthrough, strategies, and additional tips:

Requirements:

Locations:

•Chapter 4: Junon, during the escape sequence.

•Chapter 11: Nibelheim, after facing other bosses in the chapter.

•Party Composition: This is a one-on-one fight with Cloud, so no party adjustments are needed.

Materia:

•Fire Materia: Roche is weak to Fire, so this is crucial.

•Healing Materia: Equip Cure or Prayer for self-healing.

•Precision Defense Focus Materia: Helps with perfect blocking.

Gear:

•Equip Cloud with the Sleek Saber for its Firebolt Blade ability if available.

•Consider gear with Fire or Lightning resistance, depending on Roche's attack patterns.

•Level: Roche is fought twice; aim for around level 20-25 for the Chapter 4 fight and level 35-40 for the Chapter 11 rematch.

Detailed Walkthrough:

Chapter 4 - Junon (Phase 1):

1.Initial Moves: Roche circles on his motorcycle, using Slash, Fire Beam, and Crash and Burn.

2.Strategy:

3.Lock onto Roche with the right stick to keep him in view.

4.Use Punisher Mode to counter his melee attacks.

5.Fire spells or Firebolt Blade when he's on the ground or riding the arena walls.

Phase 2 (After Pressure):

1.New Attacks: He might use Triple Slash or Side Slash.

2.Strategy:

3.Dodge his special moves like Crash and Burn by moving sideways.

4.Perfect block his dash attacks to build stagger; use Fire when he's pressured to keep the advantage.

Chapter 11 - Nibelheim (Phase 1):

1.Attacks: Now on foot, Roche uses more sword-based attacks like Soul Cleave and Combustion Sword.

2.Strategy:

3.Focus on perfect blocking his melee attacks to pressure him quickly.

4.Use Fire spells or abilities when he's in a defensive stance or after he uses named moves.

Phase 2 (Post 50% HP):

1.Weakened State: Roche clutches his chest, reducing his attack frequency.

2.Strategy:

3.This is your window to deal massive damage; use Limit Breaks and Fire spells.

4.Continue with perfect blocks to maintain control over the fight.

Strategies:

•Exploit Fire Weakness: Use Fire spells or Firebolt Blade whenever possible, especially when he's riding walls in Chapter 4 or after named moves in Chapter 11.

•Perfect Blocking: The key to this fight. Perfect blocks pressure Roche and build stagger, opening him up for counterattacks.

•Dodging: Dodge his unblockable attacks in Chapter 4, like Fire Beam or Crash and Burn.

•Stagger: Once staggered, use your strongest abilities, like Braver or Focused Thrust, to deal maximum damage.

Tips:

•ATB Management: Use ATB charges for abilities that can pressure or stagger Roche rather than regular attacks.

•Punisher Mode: Switch to Punisher Mode for counterattacks after perfect blocks, but don't stay in it if you need mobility to dodge.

•Limit Breaks: Save Cross-Slash for when Roche is staggered for massive damage output.

•Fire Materia: If playing on Hard Mode, link Fire Materia with Elemental Materia in your armor for passive Fire damage.

•Healing: Use healing items or spells conservatively since you're alone. Equip Revival Earrings in Chapter 11 for an extra life.

•Watch for Tells: Roche has clear wind-ups for his special attacks; use these to time your defenses or counters.