Best Armored Core 6 Loadout and Build

With Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon now released to the public, players have been throwing themselves headfirst into the new mech-themed title brought to us by FromSoftware. Now, while there's plenty to do in the game, one aspect that everyone will be working on and tweaking up to the end game is your AC build and weapon load-outs. 

As with most games, finding the best build and loadout for your character (or AC in this case) can be a daunting task, but luckily, you won't have to start from scratch as this guide has you covered. Below, we'll walk you through our suggestion for the best AC loadout and build to use the next time you jump into Armored Core VI. 

Best AC Loadout & Build in Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon

When it comes to choosing the right build and loadout in Armored Core VI, there are various aspects to consider, such as your armor, speed, weaponry, durability, and much more. All of these aspects are affected by the gear you choose; going for a more tanky build will make you slower, while a light build makes you a glass cannon. 

So to give you the best of both worlds, our suggestion is for a mid-range build that can work in pretty much any scenario (on your first playthrough). Now, of course, you're encouraged to try out different variations and see what works for you, but the recommended loadout and build below will give you everything you need to take on the challenges in the game. 

*Note* We've constructed this build with the aid of popular YouTuber Kibbles Gaming. So, for more of their awesome content or to check out this build in action, consider subscribing to their channel and checking out the full video breaking down the build later on in this guide.

Best Armored Core VI Loadout Breakdown

• Right-arm unit: DF-GA-08 HU-BEN
• Left-arm unit: DF-GA-08 HU-BEN
• Right-back unit: VE-60SNA
• Left-back unit: VE-60SNA

As shown above, we've chosen a symmetrical configuration for our armament. Specifically, the DF-GA-08 HU-BEN Gatling guns are equipped on both the left and right arm units, while the back left and right weapon placements are outfitted with the VE-60SNA Stun needle launchers.

The inclusion of Gatling guns holds substantial value due to their potency and capacity for delivering stun and stagger effects, rendering them suitable for engaging various smaller adversaries as well as formidable bosses. Meanwhile, the Stun needles have garnered a reputation for being exceptionally formidable within the present metagame. 

Their firing velocity is remarkably high, though a slight buildup is required. Upon striking with both projectiles, they instantaneously induce staggering in the target, supplementing their significant overall damage output.

Best Armored Core VI Build Breakdown

• Head: HD-021 MELANDER C3
• Core: DF-BD-08 TIAN-QIANG
• Arms: IA-C01A: EPHEMERA
• Legs: DF-LG-08 TIAN-QIANG
• Booster: IA-C01B: GILLS
• Fire Control System (FCS): FCS-G2/P05
• Generator: VP-20D
• Expansion: None

Now we get to the meat of any AC build: your actual parts. Starting with the legs, we've gone for the DF-LG-08 TIAN-QIANG, which offers a sweet balance between maneuverability and carry weight. These legs are what hold this build together as they can support all the weaponry you're stacking above while maintaining a 360-degree movement radius, so while the other parts of this build might be interchangeable for your preferences, we highly recommend sticking to these legs as your base. 

For the Core, head, and Arms, you can pretty much choose any ones that suit your preference, but we've gone with the IA-C01A: EPHEMERA Arms for their lightweight, the DF-BD-08 TIAN-QIANG Core for its high Attitude stability, as well as its defensive performance, and finally the HD-021 MELANDER C3 head to round off the builds defenses. 

Now, when it comes to the boosters, you'll want to go for the IA-C01B: GILLS, which are highly recommended for their massive speed when executing a dodge boost or Quick boosts to get from one spot to another, though they do fall short in boost duration. This is especially useful when you make a mistake and need to pull off a second quick boost to get out of a sticky situation. 

Finally, the FCS-G2/P05 is extremely suited to our build as it excels in missile firing but, more importantly, in close to mid-range combat, which this entire build is centered around. Lastly, the VP-20D Generator is just an extremely powerful energy source, providing you with ample power to use your weaponry and movement skills to their maximum. 

So there you have it, our recommendation for the best armor and weapon build for your AC in Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon. Be sure to check back here frequently, as we'll likely update and fine-tune this build as the meta of the game changes or updates are made in the future.