The Arena in Armored Core 6 is an exciting game mode that allows players to test their skills against a variety of powerful opponents. As you progress through the main story campaign, you‘ll unlock access to tougher and tougher Arena matches. Defeating these opponents earns you rewards like OST chips, emblems, armor parts, and more.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about the Arena including:
- How to unlock access to the Arena
- A breakdown of all the Arena ranks and opponents
- The rewards you can earn from Arena matches
- Tips and strategies to help you achieve victory
So let‘s get started!
Unlocking the Arena
When you first start Armored Core 6, the Arena will be locked and unavailable. As you make your way through the main story missions however, you‘ll gain access to more and more of the Arena ranks and matches.
The different Arena ranks serve as stages, each with their own set of exclusive opponents to face. Here‘s an overview of how to unlock access to each rank:
- F-Rank: Complete the "Operation Wallclimber" story mission
- E-Rank: Complete the "Attack the Watchpoint" story mission
- D-Rank: Complete the "Ocean Crossing" story mission
- C-Rank: Complete the "Attack the Refueling Base" story mission
- B-Rank: Complete the "Attack the Old Spaceport" story mission
- A-Rank: Complete the "Destroy the Ice Worm" story mission
- S-Rank: Complete the "Underground Exploration – Depth 3" story mission
So basically, just keep progressing through the main campaign and you‘ll organically unlock access to all of the Arena ranks and matches.
Arena Ranks, Opponents, and Rewards
Now that you understand how to access the Arena, let‘s break down exactly what you‘ll find within.
The Arena contains a total of 29 matches across 7 ranks. Each match pits you against a powerful opponent that you‘ve previously faced during the main story. Defeating these foes earns you lucrative rewards that you can use to upgrade your mech.
Here‘s an overview of all the ranks and opponents:
F-Rank (3 Opponents)
- "Invincible" Rummy
- Index Dunham
- G6 Red
E-Rank (4 Opponents)
- Nosaac
- V.VI Maeterlinck
- Little Ziyi
- V.VII Swinburne
D-Rank (6 Opponents)
- G3 Wu Huahai
- Ring Freddie
- V.V Hawkins
- G5 Iguazu
- Rokumonsen
- G4 Volta
C-Rank (4 Opponents)
- V.VII Pater
- Sulla
- "Chatty" Stick
- Middle Flatwell
B-Rank (5 Opponents)
- V.III O‘Keeffe
- "Cinder" Carla
- Coldcall
- V.IV Rusty
- "Honest" Brute
A-Rank (5 Opponents)
- G2 Nile
- V.II Snail
- Chartreuse
- Thumb Dolmayan
- King
S-Rank (2 Opponents)
- G1 Michigan
- V.I Freud
As you can see, the ranks get progressively more challenging, with powerful S-Rank foes guarding the top tier.
Now let‘s talk rewards. Every opponent you defeat will earn you prizes like:
- COAM: Currency used to purchase weapons/parts
- OST Chips: Upgrade materials for weapons/parts
- Emblems: Cosmetic customizations for your mech
- Enemy AC Data: Unlockable presets to use their mechs
The harder the foe, the greater the rewards. If you can clear all 29 matches, you‘ll additionally unlock the devastating VVC-700LD Laser Drone weapon.
So there are plenty of incentives to test your skills in the Arena!
Helpful Arena Strategies and Tips
While the Arena offers great rewards, these battles can be intensely challenging. Here are some key tips to help you defeat the opponents:
- Analyze and learn their attacks: Every opponent has certain moves and combos they favor. Take time to study patterns and openings.
- Customize your loadout: Equip weapons and parts specifically to counter that foe‘s fighting style.
- Use the environment: The Arena maps all provide opportune cover, flanking routes, high ground etc. Use these to your advantage.
- Be patient: These are endurance battles. There‘s no time limit – take your time probing defenses before committing to attacks.
- Watch your heat levels: Monitor your weapon heat carefully. Attacking non-stop leads to dangerous overheating!
- Energy siphon: Use your energy siphon weapon to steal power from the opponent‘s mech.
- Use quick boost dodges: Time your boost dashes carefully to avoid devastating strikes.
- Destroy weapons first: Take out dangerous guns early in the fight to limit their options.
Master these tips and you‘ll dominate the Arena!
Additionally, as you unlock New Game+ modes, you‘ll gain access to exclusive NG+ Arena matches with greater challenges and rewards. So there‘s plenty to strive for even after completing your first run!
Closing Thoughts on the Arena
The Arena provides an excellent opportunity to test your skills against formidable foes from the campaign. And earning prizes like currency, upgrade materials, parts, and cosmetics gives you plenty of incentive to participate.
Just remember to analyze your opponents, tweak your loadouts, and master the tips provided above. With practice, patience, and well-planned strategy, you‘ll be clearing out the highest S-Rank foes in no time!
So strap into your mech and prepare for intense, rewarding battles! The Arena awaits…
