Shinra Box Buster is a mini-game that takes place in Chapter 2: Covert Ops as part of the INTERmission DLC, once you enter the Shinra Building and meet Scarlet for the first time.

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You’ll find Shinra Box Buster in Chapter 2 of INTERmission.

How to unlock Shinra Box Buster¶

Shinra Box Buster is a mini-game that plays much like the Whack-a-Box mini-game in Chapter 8 of the main game. To unlock it, you’ll first have to reach the end of the Advanced Weaponry section of Chapter 2. Once you hit the final console button, you’ll open a door behind you which contains a vault of useful Materia.

There are two game modes to this, Basic Training and SOLDIER training with you needing to obtain all rewards in Basic Training before unlocking the tougher mode. The two modes have slightly different layouts in terms of their boxes however SOLDIER training requires total mastery, needing you to smash every box to reach the top score and unlock the Materia Maven Trophy.

What are the rewards for Shinra Box Buster?¶

Aside from Trophy mentioned above, there’s a whole host of useful Materia that Yuffie can make use of, many of which you’ll want before you attempt to take on Hard Mode.

How to Achieve 50,000 Score on SOLDIER training¶

As mentioned above, you’ll need to really master this mini-game if you’re to achieve the top score as you need to destroy every box in the arena. As with all mini-games, practice makes perfect but there are some crucial tips you can make use of to turn the tide in your favor:

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(1 of 7) Turn to the right from the start to locate these hidden boxes

• Equip the Steel Reaper or learn the Banishment skill, this is essential for the final room (see below).

• Learn how to use the Throw and Retrieve commands, this is the best way to get around the course in as quick a time as possible.

• Use Throw and Retrieve on Orange boxes to destroy them in one swoop.

• Use Ninjutsu on the Purple boxes to deal greater damage.

• Use your ATB charges for Windstorm on the Large (1500) boxes. Be sure that you Throw the Shuriken at it first before using Windstorm.

• At the start of the course, look immediately to your right to discover a hidden set of boxes including a Time Box, these are easy to miss.

• The final room is full of the Large Boxes and if you’ve been using Windstorm on them throughout, you should have Banishment III. Using this should destroy most, if not all of the Large boxes in this room.

The timing is very tight for the SOLDIER course, it’s not uncommon to hit 50,000 with a single second remaining so it will take a lot of practice to hit the score. Following the above tips will help hone your skills and eventually you’ll hit the summit and score all of that Materia along with unlocking Materia Maven.