Keeping an enemy airborne for 10 seconds is a challenge that frequently appears in various action or fighting games, especially those focused on combos, juggling mechanics, and advanced combat systems. Whether you’re playing a fast-paced hack-and-slash like Devil May Cry, a stylish fighter like Marvel vs. Capcom, or a superhero-based game like Marvel’s Spider-Man, this task tests your timing, reflexes, and understanding of your character’s abilities. Learning how to keep an enemy suspended mid-air for an extended period can improve your overall combat performance and unlock hidden achievements or bonus objectives.
Understanding the Mechanics of Airborne Combos
What Does Keep Enemy Airborne Mean?
In gaming terms, to keep an enemy airborne means to juggle them using attacks that prevent them from hitting the ground. This is often achieved through launching moves, aerial follow-ups, and chaining attacks while in the air. The goal is to continuously hit the enemy without allowing them to recover or touch the ground for a certain period in this case, 10 full seconds.
Why It’s a Valuable Skill
Mastering airborne combos allows players to:
- Deal more damage without taking risks on the ground
- Control enemy movement and limit counterattacks
- Achieve bonus goals or hidden trophies
- Showcase flashy, advanced gameplay in multiplayer or challenge modes
Keeping an enemy suspended for 10 seconds is not always easy, but it becomes manageable with the right approach and knowledge of mechanics.
Choosing the Right Game and Character
Games Where This Mechanic Applies
This challenge typically appears in games with robust combat systems. Here are a few where it is most common:
- Devil May Cry Series: Known for advanced combo systems and aerial juggling.
- Marvel’s Spider-Man (PS4/PS5): Features missions or trophies requiring 10-second aerial combat.
- Bayonetta: Encourages aerial combos for high style points.
- Fighting Games (e.g., Tekken, Marvel vs. Capcom): Focus on timing-based juggling mechanics.
Identifying if your game includes this feature is the first step to preparing for the challenge.
Picking a Suitable Character or Build
Not all characters are equally capable of keeping enemies airborne. When possible, choose one that excels in air combos. Look for the following traits:
- Launchers or upward attacks that send enemies into the air
- Follow-up moves that track enemies mid-air
- Cooldown resets or combo extenders
- Mobility tools like air dashes or double jumps
In RPGs or games with gear systems, equipping items that reduce cooldowns or increase aerial damage can significantly help extend airtime.
Basic Strategy for 10-Second Air Juggle
Start with a Strong Launcher
The first step is launching the enemy into the air. This can be a heavy melee attack, a special move, or an ability designed to knock enemies upward. Make sure to hit them at the right moment so they don’t fly too far or too fast for you to follow up.
Chain Aerial Combos Immediately
After the launch, follow up with a jump or air dash to stay close. Begin chaining light or medium attacks that connect reliably in mid-air. Use moves that keep you and the enemy aligned horizontally. Avoid knockbacks or downward strikes that might send the enemy toward the ground too quickly.
Mix in Abilities or Cooldown Skills
To prevent the combo from stalling, insert a few unique skills, abilities, or ranged attacks to refresh the rhythm. For instance, Spider-Man can web enemies and swing toward them in the air to reset spacing. In Devil May Cry, Dante can switch styles to continue combos with new tools.
Use Environment or Wall Bounces (if applicable)
Some games allow enemies to bounce off walls or objects, which resets their falling speed. Position yourself in areas with such surfaces to prolong the juggle. Wall bounce mechanics can be crucial for squeezing out those last few seconds.
Finish with a Reset or Stun
If you’re running out of moves, try to apply a stun or stagger effect mid-air. This causes the enemy to freeze for a moment, buying you time. In certain games, time-slowing mechanics can help with this as well.
Advanced Techniques for Skilled Players
Practice Timing and Input Buffering
Getting the enemy to stay in the air for a full 10 seconds requires precise input. Practice buffering your attacks in advance, so they come out seamlessly. Learn the timing of each move, especially those that float or suspend enemies.
Combine Melee and Ranged Attacks
Some games allow combining gunshots or magic spells during a juggle. If you run out of melee options, use ranged tools to keep the enemy floating. These minor hits can add valuable seconds to the timer.
Utilize Assist Characters (in tag or team games)
In games like Marvel vs. Capcom, using an assist character mid-combo can extend the juggle. They can knock the enemy back up or deal chip damage while your main character recovers for another follow-up. Coordinate assist timing carefully to maintain the flow.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Launching the enemy too far: If the initial hit sends them too high or across the screen, it becomes hard to follow.
- Using knockdown attacks too early: Some finishers or heavy strikes will end the juggle too soon.
- Losing positioning: Not staying aligned with the enemy results in missed hits and broken combos.
- Forgetting cooldown limits: Repeating the same skills without managing cooldowns will interrupt the combo.
Training Modes and Practice Tips
Use Training Mode (if available)
Most games with combo mechanics have a training or free practice mode. This is the perfect place to test juggling routes. Use it to:
- Measure airtime using in-game timers or visual indicators
- Try out different move chains
- Experiment with settings like infinite meter or cooldowns off
Record and Review
Record your attempts and study them to find gaps or moments when the enemy starts to fall. Adjust your timing or move order to keep them afloat longer. Small changes in spacing can make a big difference.
Benefits of Mastering This Skill
Beyond the immediate challenge, mastering 10-second air juggles boosts your overall combat capability. It sharpens reaction time, builds confidence in combos, and opens new possibilities for crowd control and boss fights. In multiplayer or leaderboard-based games, high-level juggle mastery often separates casual players from competitive ones.
Keeping an enemy airborne for 10 seconds may seem like a difficult feat at first, but with the right strategy, character choice, and a bit of practice, it becomes an impressive skill that enhances your overall gameplay. By understanding juggle mechanics, combining abilities effectively, and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll not only complete this challenge but gain better control of your combat flow. Whether you’re chasing trophies, unlocking bonuses, or simply looking to improve your style, this technique is a rewarding goal for any action gamer.