Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon has finally arrived, bringing the beloved mech combat franchise to next-gen consoles. As you dive into the game‘s deep customization systems and challenging missions, you‘ll want to optimize your mech (AC) with the best parts available.
However, with hundreds of parts to choose from even early on, it can be overwhelming trying to decide which ones to equip. That‘s why I‘ve put together this guide on the optimal parts to use in the early and mid-game phases.
What to Prioritize in Early Game Builds
When just starting out and having limited resources, you‘ll want to focus on a few key things when customizing your mech:
- Mobility: High thrust boosters and movable joint parts allow you to dodge attacks more effectively. Don‘t overload on heavy weapons initially.
- Versatility: Equip both short and long range weapons so you can adapt to different situations. Machine guns, plasma rifles, and bazookas are good all-rounder options.
- Defense: Parts like pulse shields and missile intercept systems help withstand damage, especially when facing groups or bosses.
As you play more missions and acquire better gear, you can then specialize into particular combat roles. For now, keep things balanced so you have the flexibility to take on various challenges.
Now let‘s get into the specific parts worth using early on.
Best Early Game Weapons
Right Arm:
- MA-J-200 RANSETSU-RF (Burst Rifle): Excellent mid-range dps. High impact rounds stun enemies.
- LR-036 CURTIS (Linear Rifle): Free low-weight alternative. Decent damage with good ammo capacity.
Left Arm:
- DF-BA-06 XUAN-GE (Bazooka): Top pick AOE damage against groups and armor. Limited ammo balanced by firepower.
- Vvc-760PR (Plasma Rifle): Great sustained dps from fast moving plasma rounds. Efficient EN usage.
Best Early Game Auxiliaries
Back Units:
- BML-G1/P03VTC-08 (Vertical Missile Battery): Lets you lock on to multiple enemies for heavy missile barrage.
- SI-24: SU-Q5 (Pulse Shield): Generates a directional shield to block attacks. Useful for closing distance on ranged foes.
Head Parts:
- HD-012 MELANDER C3: Balances solid armor with system recovery. Good mid-line choice before specialization.
Core:
- BD-011 MELANDER: Similar to above head part. Reliable base stats to build from.
Arms:
- AR-011 MELANDER: 30% weapon weight reduction paired with extra equip capacity.
Legs:
- LG-011 MELANDER (Biped): Classic humanoid model with balanced mobility and armor.
- VP-424 (Quadruped): Four legs make this extremely stable while moving. Resistance to staggering.
Best Early Game Support Systems
FCS Targeting Module:
- FCS-G2/P05: Significant accuracy boost for mid-long range combat. Low weight cost for the bonus.
Generator:
- DF-GN-06 Ming Tang: Solid energy capacity for using abilites and boosters during long engagements.
Booster:
- BST-G2/P04: Excellent for air combat manueverability.
- ALULA/21E (Freestarter): High overall thrust if you want to mostly stay grounded.
Optimizing Based on Playstyle
The parts listed above provide well-rounded capabilities to help you tackle a variety of missions solo or cooperatively. As you play more, consider adapting your mech to better suit your preferred playstyle:
- Aggressive: Overboost into enemies with heavy weapons and leverage the burst damage.
- Ranged: Keep your distance and whittle down mechs from afar with plasma rifles, railguns.
- Evasive: Equip lighter parts for extremely high mobility and use hit and run tactics.
- Defensive: Maximize armor and shields to absorb damage and provide support.
No single build will dominate all scenarios. Customizing your mech to double down on a niche can help overcome specific challenges you are struggling with.
Of course you are bound to acquire even more powerful items later on! But the selection above forms a strong early game foundation from which to advance upon. You‘ll get plenty of mileage out of these parts before needing to specialize.
Let me know in the comments if this guide helped you optimize your first mech builds! I‘m happy to provide additional tips or build suggestions too.
