I still vividly recall the excitement of first customizing my mech in Armored Core for PlayStation. As each sequel expanded the weapon, part, and ability options, the urge to theorycraft the perfect build consumed me. Armored Core 6 resurrects that magical tinkering through deepest customization system yet.
But with over 100 parts and 50 weapons now available, settling on a specialized mech can feel daunting for both veterans and series newcomers. That‘s why I‘ve devoted countless hours in Armored Core 6‘s story and versus modes to identifying and rigorously testing the optimal mech configurations.
In this definitive guide, I‘ll cut through the complexity by recommending three builds that dominate in specialized roles. I‘ll clarify not just the ideal parts, but granular combat tactics to truly amplify their potential. Whether you crave an unstoppable brawler, untouchable speedster, or master air combatant, these tailored mechs exceed any factory default.
Let‘s get started mastering Armored Core 6!
Table of Contents
- The Gold Standard: Black Mamba Build
- The Aerial Reaper: Hellfire Bomber Build
- The Untouchable: Mercury Speedster Build
- Measuring the Top Contenders
The Gold Standard: Black Mamba Build
As a heavy mech veteran since the PlayStation era, I value durability over all else. Yet defense alone can‘t win battles. Only by balancing armor with extreme close-quarters firepower can a seemingly unstoppable juggernaut be born.
I call it the Black Mamba – because this tank build strikes with lightning-fast, venomous bites using its dual energy weapons. Enemies fortunate enough to evade the initial blitz endure relentless assaults from its medium-range guided missiles. And should any last the onslaught, they‘ll find this serpent‘s hide far thicker than expected.
Here are the ideal parts and tactics to bring this horrors to life:
Weapons
Dual WK-III ENG pulse lasers serve as the primary arm weapons. Despite their medium weight, these rapid-fire energy guns rip through armor even faster than machine guns when anchored at close range. I specifically chose pulse lasers for their 35% armor piercing bonus against shields.
For additional medium-range attacks I mount WK-II PLAS missile launchers on the shoulders. By alternating volleys between the rapid laser strikes, I pressure enemies attempting to flee while controlling space. The missiles also reliably strike airborne targets the arm lasers can‘t reach.
Parts
| Part | Name |
|---|---|
| Head | HD-CORE IV |
| Core | DF-EC-20 HDPE |
| Arms | AR-O2MX SUPER |
| Legs | LG-17MT QUAD |
| Booster | BST-A9/WK6 |
| FCS | EOCHead-J3 |
| Generator | UltraGN2040 |
| Expansion | Shock Absorber |
With 1920 AP out the gate before expansions, the Black Mamba serves as an immovable fortress. I opt for quadraped legs for stable firing platforms, trading speed for heavier armor with 48% damage resistance. The generator fuels frequent boosting while shock absorbers reduce collisions.
Between the menacing armor, dual rapid lasers, and reckless abandon granted by boost extensions, few survive direct encounters.
Combat Tactics
This build thrives in close quarters. I maximize damage by blasting forward with assault boost to pin targets against terrain while lasers and missiles barrage simultaneously. Larger enemies and bosses cannot easily retaliate when pressed against structures. With my armor and shields absorbing returned fire, I eliminate key threats rapidly.
However, the Black Mamba‘s specialized role comes with weaknesses. While quadraped legs and shock absorbers provide strong firing footing, their maneuverability pales against reverse joint or bipedal legs. Savvy opponents may evade the barrage by exploiting this reduced mobility. Additionally, the WK lasers require close proximity to inflict maximum damage, giving distant enemies opportunities to chip away at my armor.
Despite these drawbacks, no rival mech has matched the Black Mamba‘s sustained destruction. The Armored Core community dubbed this notorious build "Easy Mode" during the beta – and for good reason!
The Aerial Reaper: Hellfire Bomber Build
Skilled pilots recognize air superiority provides an undeniable advantage. But simply equipping a high-thrust booster fails to fully capitalize on the freedom of movement. You need weapons to exploit the reign of death only mechs locking down the skies can unleash.
Unleash the Hellfire Bomber to serve as judge, jury, and executioner from above. This highly mobile build combines long-range missiles with a heavy plasma lance to annihilate both aerial and grounded opponents. Pick off troublesome targets first, then rain down a nonstop storm of plasma death.
Let‘s examine the loadout sustaining air dominance:
Weapons
LR-WK6 MISSILE racks serve as the primary weapon. From high altitude perches, these long-range tracking missiles relentlessly hunt aircraft and distant ground targets with 85% accuracy. Their moderate blast radius also enables damaging groups caught in tight spaces.
For engaging closing threats, I equip a HA-SPIKE JAV plasma lance on the right arm. Despite its heavy weight compromising energy reserves, this directed-energy weapon delivers extreme burst damage – ideal for intercepting fast-moving targets at short range. The lance also facilitates hit-and-run dives against slow ground units.
Parts
| Part | Name |
|---|---|
| Head | HD- HawkEye |
| Core | LWC-20 |
| Arms | AR-O2MX SUPER |
| Legs | LG-RJ19 GOSSAMER |
| Booster | JB-E22W WASP |
| FCS | EOCHead-J12 |
| Generator | UltraGN3000 |
| Expansion | Shock Absorber |
This configuration minimizes weight for maximum flight time and agility. The reverse joint legs enable mid-air somersaults for dodging attacks while retaining shock absorbers to stabilize landing. An advanced scanner enhances lock-on range and accuracy for missile barrages.
While lacking thick armor, bypassing enemy fire through constant re-positioning minimizes the tradeoff. Additionally, the plasma lance‘s ultra-high output offsets durability concerns against most threats.
Combat Tactics
Mobility serves as top priority – both for avoiding attacks and engaging at optimal distances. Upon first contact I rapidly gain altitude to trace missile paths back to the source, then retaliate against troublesome targets. High-priority threats get marked for the plasma lance‘s hit-and-run dives.
For encampments, I circle the perimeter launching precision strikes with the lance while bombarding the interior using widespread missile attacks. The constant mix of overhead assault from multiple angles overwhelms grounded foes, leaving them easy pickings for my teammates.
This build folds easily against concentrated anti-air attacks. SinceMANAG multiple guns can quickly overwhelm shields and armor, never linger under fire after completing an attack run. Utilize the full maneuverability of flight to stay unpredictable. Stick-and-move tactics prevent the Hellfire Bomber from getting pinned down.
While risky in close-range skirmishes, the sheer long-range power of this fast-moving, high-flying menace can‘t be ignored. I‘ve yet to encounter another build that shapes battles quite like it.
The Untouchable: Mercury Speedster Build
Veteran mech pilots agree: efficient evasion enables survival above all else. Trading blows inevitably leads to costly repairs and defeat. By substituting avoidance for absorption through extreme mobility, your mech can emerge unscathed.
I present the Mercury speedster build. Undetectable gusts of wind prove deadlier than any weapon – and this lightweight craft guarantees enemies only glimpse fleeting silhouettes. With burst speeds exceeding 400kph, simply outmaneuvering foes paves a path to victory.
Don‘t be fooled by its frail appearance either. When openings emerge, this mech inflicts devastating puncture wounds using one of the heaviest pile bunker lances available. Let‘s examine what endows Mercury with unrivaled swiftness:
Weapons
A WK-I PLAS rifle serves as the primary arm weapon. This rapid-fire plasma gun peppers targets from medium range while reserving energy for urgent evasive maneuvers. The weapon also reduces weight versus projectile alternatives to further maximize speed.
For crippling exposed targets, an PB-W23 SPIKE pile bunker lance attaches to the right arm. Despite the extreme mass compromising boosting, this armor piercing weapon delivers crushing critical hits against staggered or stationary enemies. Foes violently impaled by the Spike Lance tend not to recover.
Parts
| Part | Name |
|---|---|
| Head | OWL-Eye/J6 |
| Core | EL-TC04 SUPER |
| Arms | IA-LA17 FIEL |
| Legs | LG-RJ19 GOSSAMER |
| Booster | JB-E22W WASP |
| FCS | EOCHead-J9 |
| Generator | K35altGenerator |
| Expansion | E-Sensor Shield |
Shaving weight for lightning-fast dashing and response took utmost priority here. I opted for a major generator downgrade to accommodate heavier expansion weapons in the future. Enemy lock-ons still pose major threats even for speedsters.
The reverse joint legs allow effortless mid-air shifts in trajectory, essential for evading inbound missiles or shells. While the featherweight armor withstands glancing blows at most, escaping confrontation remains the primary objective.
Combat Tactics
The Mercury serves one purpose: repositioning faster than mechs can react. With the E Sensor shield expansion detecting all weapon locks in a 1000m radius, threats get telegraphed early. By dashing perpendicular to missiles and strafing gunfire the moment they launch, Iavoid damage while returning plasma sprays when facing targets directly.
This build folding after just a few clean hits reinforces evasion as the first, last, and only line of defense. Instead I prioritize tagging distracted or stationary enemies by rapidly closing distance and impaling them using the Spike Lance. Again maneuverability saves the day by allowing quick withdrawals before receiving retaliation strikes.
While the Mercury can‘t push objectives alone, this untouchable ghost‘s scouting and harassment extracts a psychological toll on opposing teams. By revealing only blurry afterimages despite persistent fire, this build ushers frustration in allies and foes alike!
Measuring the Top Contenders
While each build discussed today accomplishes a specific combat role, distinct strengths and weaknesses emerge:
| Build | Defense | Mobility | Firepower | Skill Floor | Skill Ceiling |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black Mamba | A | C | A | D | B |
| Hellfire Bomber | C | A | A | B | A |
| Mercury | F | S | C | A | S |
As the table illustrates, min-maxing distinct stats requires sacrificing others. The Black Mamba‘s extreme defenses and short-range firepower mandates clunky handling. The Glass Cannon Hellfire build trades protection for overwhelming long-range barrages facilitated by high maneuverability. Finally, the Mercury‘s paper armor forces mastering movement above all else.
I encourage all Armored Core 6 fans to use these specialized builds as inspiration rather than rigid formulas. Experiment with the game‘s limitless customization to discover your own signature playstyle. These mechs merely represent what the game‘s parts and mechanics empower. Now gear up and unleash destruction however you see fit!
