How to use flares in Ace Combat 7

Never fear missiles again by learning how to use flares in Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown

Even the best dogfighter in Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown will run into the occasional missile trouble, and at those times it’s important to know how to use flares. These red-hot lifesavers will distract enemy missiles, keeping your jet in the much preferable state of not exploded. To keep your pilot career afloat, read on to learn how to use flares in Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown.

How to use flares in Ace Combat 7

Image of a plane exploding - How to use flares in Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown
© Bandai Namco Entertainment

There are two main defensive techniques to use against missiles in Ace Combat 7. The first is performing a barrel roll, which won’t expend any resources but can prove to be a risky maneuver. The second option is to use flares or chaff to throw off the missiles. This is far more consistent, so if you have them available they’re well worth using.

As they’re a vital, life-saving techniques, using flares in Ace Combat 7 is thankfully very easy. All you need to do is press R3 and L3 at the same time on your controller (both Xbox One and PS4). If you’re not sure what this means, R3 is clicking in the right analogue stick, while L3 is clicking in the left analogue stick.

Flares work by acting as another hot target to distract heat-seeking missiles. They’re not great as a preventative, so don’t waste them before your attacker has fired. They’re best used when a missile has already been locked on, fired and is chasing you.. The missile will detonate as it hits the flare, sparing your jet any damage.

Learning how to use flares in Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown is crucial, but once mastered you’ll be ready to practice your own offense, safe in the knowledge that you can defend yourself when needed. For the full list of PS4 controls, check out our controls layout guide for Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown!

Associate Editor

Henry Stenhouse serves an eternal punishment as the Associate Editor of AllGamers. He spent his younger life studying the laws of physics, even going so far as to complete a PhD in the subject before video games stole his soul. Confess your love of Super Smash Bros. via email at henry@moonrock.biz, or catch him on Twitter.

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