Bahamut is a boss that you first fight in Banora. It was a threay then, sure, but absolutely nothing can prepare for the Bahamut you encounter in side missions. If you’re looking to beat Bahamut in Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core, particularly the stronger one in M8-1-4, we’ve got you covered.
Crisis Core Bahamut strategy
No matter which version of Bahamut you’re facing, it has fixed attack patterns. We’ll teach you the best counters and strategies for each one.
Bahamut has an attack where it flies and crashes onto the ground, causing shockwaves that can deplete half your HP. You cannot guard against this, so you need to dodge at the perfect moment. Run away from your original location and listen to the whistling sound like Tseng taught you. When you hear it, he’s about the land so roll aggressively. Rolling gives you temporary immunity, like in Final Fantasy VII: Remake, so take full advantage of it!
Next, Bahamut will leave the island at random points, so that it’s out of attack range. Be sure that you either have a Fire or Blizzard Materia equipped. This will allow you to attack him. Bring a lot of Ethers to this fight.
Both Bahamut’s Laser Orbs and Lightning Bolt attacks can be dodged just as they’re about to hit the ground. You can also guard against them and take reduced damage.
Lastly, remember to keep Zack’s HP above 1,000. Equip HP Ups and accessories that boost it. This is on the off chance you’re hit with Megaflare.
Still, Megaflare is preventable. To stop Bahamut from using Megaflare, equip Power Attack and do an Attack-Attack-Power Attack combo. This should let you reduce the meter to 50% to 25% at the very least. However, you can also cancel the Attack if you’re fast enough.
How do I beat M8-1-4 Bahamut in Crisis Core
Before you take on M8-1-4 Bahamut wait until Zack gets promoted, so you can receive extra Materia Slots. You’re going to want a ton of HP and MP Ups with to this fight.
This version of Bahamut is much stronger. Instead of just your HP, Megaflare hits your MP and AP as well, reducing both to zero even if its power is just 25%. It’s also much stronger. Bring at least three Elixirs with you in case of an emergency, but you can also use a Potion and Ether. Just do it quickly.
It’s also now resistant to Fire and Ice, which is okay because you have no choice but to use these two anyway when it’s out of attack range. M8-1-4 Bahamut can use Flare, which can only be guarded not dodged. You can also run as far away from its front side as possible to avoid the hit.
After this, it’s really a matter of skillful dodging and getting those sword attacks in between. Equip items that can increase your VIT and SPR stats as well, protecting you from crash lands and Megaflares. You can also wait until the next chapter to take it on, so you level up a little. If things are tough, remember that any battle Crisis Core is doable if you’re overleveled enough!
For more help with Final Fantasy VII: Crisis Core Reunion, take a look at All answers to the Sephiroth Fan quiz in Crisis Core and What happens to Cissnei in Crisis Core? here at Pro Game Guides.
Bianca Versoza is Pro Game Guides' Weekend Editor. With over three years of experience in gaming journalism, she specializes in anything remotely turn-based and strategic, like Pokémon, Valkyria, and Honkai: Star Rail. Bianca is a huge fan of Square Enix, RPGs, party games, and visual novels, but will play anything with a banger OST. She's a proud early bird.