The Enemy Skill Materia in Final Fantasy VII Remake offers players a versatile way to turn enemy attacks back against their foes. Functioning similarly to the classic Blue Mage archetype, this unique Command Materia allows party members to learn special techniques by enduring specific enemy attacks in combat. Equipping it effectively can grant powerful area-of-effect spells and unique self-buffs that require no Magic Points to cast.
How to Unlock the Enemy Skill Materia
Players can obtain the Enemy Skill Materia directly from Chadley, the Shinra research intern found in various slum locations throughout Midgar. To unlock it for purchase, you must complete Battle Intel Report #16, titled "Monster Bio Pt. 4". This task requires scanning 30 distinct enemy types across your adventure using the Assess Materia.
Once unlocked, Chadley will sell the yellow Command Materia to Cloud's team at a discounted rate. Equipping the sphere on an active party member is necessary before entering encounters where target abilities are used. Successfully taking direct damage from qualifying monster attacks will register the skill permanently for that character.
Early to Mid-Game Skill Locations
The first accessible ability is Spirit Siphon, which creates an aura that drains health points from nearby foes to heal the caster. You can acquire this skill during Chapter 14 by surviving the Energy Drain attack from Phantoms in the "Missing Children" side quest. Another early option is Algid Aura, which surrounds the user in a freezing ice barrier. Algid Aura is learned by getting hit with the Icy Aura move from Cerulean Drakes, commonly encountered in Chapter 15.
The devastating Self-Destruct ability deals massive non-elemental area-of-effect damage at the cost of knocking out the user. Players can learn this move by taking the Apoptosis or Self-Destruct attacks from Smoggers or Bombs during Chapter 14 or inside combat simulators. Managing ATB gauges efficiently ensures you can trigger these techniques when combat conditions demand them.
Unlocking the Ultimate Post-Game Ability
The final and most potent skill is Bad Breath, a classic series technique that inflicts multiple negative status ailments such as Poison, Silence, and Sleep on groups of enemies. Unlike the previous three abilities, Bad Breath cannot be learned during a standard initial playthrough. It requires access to Chapter Select and Hard Mode after completing the main story campaign.
To acquire Bad Breath, players must challenge the legendary Malboro boss located within the Shinra Combat Simulator during Chapter 17. Facing this monster occurs in the "Three-Person Team vs. Monsters of Legend" challenge set. Allowing the Malboro to hit your character with its signature mist completes your skill collection and awards the Master of Mimicry trophy.
