Defeating the Mindflayer is doable—you’ve probably even done it before in Junon. But to kill it while avoiding those Varghipods? That’s a challenge. If you’re stuck doing the Head Case Biological Intel challenge in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, I’ve got you covered.
How to take down the Mindflayer first in Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth - Biological Intel guide
To take down the Mindflayer before the Varghipods die, use only one character for the mission. I highly recommend Yuffie. A single character means you won’t have AI accidentally killing the Varghipods, and Yuffie’s Throw unique ability lets you hit just the Mindflayer with her Ninjutsu. Safely.
The difficulty of this challenge depends on how equipped you are for the task. I’ll give you my suggested materia and such, but do note that with some serious dodging abilities, it’s completely possible to accomplish this mission without any of these.
Recommended materia and accessories
If you have a complete set of materia, you can use Barret instead of Yuffie. The Mindflayer is resistant to magic attacks (which Ninjutsu counts as). However, I do find Barret a bit risky, as there are some attacks you really want to be away from—ones that materia can’t resist.
My method may take a while, but it’ll get you your win safely.
| A linked 3* Elemental + Lightning on Bracer | Will prevent you from being damaged from most of their attacks |
| 3* Poison | The Mindflayer can be poisoned |
| Highly leveled Strength Up or Magic Up (depending on whether you have Barret or Yuffie) | For the extra damage |
| Highly leveled MP UP | For the extra MP |
| Highly leveled Prayer | For a heal that doesn't require MP; there are no items allowed in the simulator |
| 2* Empowerment (Bravery for Barret or Faith for Yuffie) | For the extra damage |
| Time | Allows you to cast Haste, which charges your ATB faster |
| ATB Boost | Allows you to get free ATB after a set time |
| Speed Up | Allows you to move faster across the field |
For my recommended accessories, you can craft a Malboro Orb (to lengthen Poison/shorten stun) or equip your Aureate Pinion for the extra speed.
The former can be crafted by scanning all Lifespring crystals in Gongaga and defeating the Malboro plaguing the forests.
How to defeat the Mindflayer without killing the Varghipods
Now, let’s talk about strategy. Mine is fairly simple: Throw Yuffie’s shuriken at the Mindflayer and spam it with Ninjustsu. Lock onto your target with the R analog stick.
If the aim moves to a Varghipod, that’s because the Mindflayer has disappeared and is gearing up to teleport next to you. Just Lock on it again, Throw, and Ninjustsu.
On your first ATB charge, use Doppelganger. This allows Yuffie to create a clone that will copy all her attacks. She can now deal twice the damage until it disappears. In which case, you just summon it again. Doppelganger is marked with a leaf icon beside Yuffie's name.
The most important part is to hoard ATB for when it matters. Be sure Yuffie always has at least one ATB bar charged.
For example, when you're in a spot where you can't avoid an attack, you can enter tactical mode and use Brumal Form. It will allow Yuffie to evade it and even charge her gauge if she successfully does.
Then, there are other fun things you can do if you have the right materia for it. For instance, if you have a maxed Poison, the Mindflayer can be poisoned. To save MP, use Prayer as your heal.
If you’ve meticulously played the shooting game in Costa Del Sol, then you’re probably a proud owner of a Time materia as well. Self buff yourself with Haste for faster ATB charges.
If you're doing this simulation after you get a 2* Barrier, then you can cast Manawall to lessen the impact of any attack that hits you.
If you have a 3* Elemental Materia, link it with your Lightning materia and slap it on your bracer. Half of the attacks the Mindflayer and Varghipods unleash are Lightning. You can get purposely hit for a free heal.
Related: Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Musclehead Colosseum Guide – Best teams, strategies & more!
All attacks to look out for
The Mindflayer’s moves are all dodgable as long as you keep your distance. My suggestion is to practice dodging with a three-member party until you understand its moves. The battle doesn't immediately end when you defeat the Varghipods anyway. Practice makes perfect!
Below are all the abilities you have to look out for:
Accursed Orbs
This is its long range attack. Keep an eye out, and you’ll be okay. They follow you around if you keep running. Let the orbs get a little close and dodge. This should let them hit the ground and disappear.
Sinister Seizure
When the Mindflayer disappears from the field, it'll pop up near you to deliver this dealthy paralysis move. It can only do it at arm’s length, however, so just stay away.
Astral Apprehension
If you have a 2/3* Elemental + Lightning linked on your bracer, this area Lightning attack will either do no damage or offer free a heal.
The Varghipods can also cast Thundara, which will have the same effect as the above if you have that Elemental materia leveled up. I really recommend you leave this challenge alone until you have.
Winning this battle earns you the Mind Blast enemy skill, which allows you to damage a target with non-elemental magic. Most of the time, it can also paralyze the enemy!
For more help with Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, take a look at How to defeat the enemy without getting swallowed in FF7 Rebirth here at Pro Game Guides.
Bianca has over three years of experience in gaming journalism, specializing in anything remotely turn-based and strategic, like Pokémon, Final Fantasy, and Honkai: Star Rail. She's 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.