It has taken 10 years for FromSoftware to release the sixth edition of the Armored Core series and gamers are ecstatic with all that the game has to offer. One of the most fun elements of the franchise has been the option of building your own ACs and with Armored Core 6, the options have become immeasurably greater.
There are tons of customization options to choose from once you’ve unlocked the garage. So, it wouldn’t be a surprise if most of you started behaving like kids at a candy store and went overboard with your AC builds only to regret it on the very next mission.
As fun as the customization possibilities are, there is an element of balance that has to be taken into account before creating your first AC build. Here are a few pointers to guide you in the right direction for your Armored Core 6 early build.
Head Frame
The best head frame overall for an early AC build would be the HD-012 Melander C3 which, of course, can only acquired if you pre-ordered the game. If you haven’t, you can go with the regular HD-011 Melander which is more than handy as a head frame, although with considerably less scan effect duration.
Core
DF-BD-08 TIAN-QIANG is the sturdiest piece core you can find early game. It has pretty good defense stats and a decent EN Load. This allows for a greater selection of weapon types and a sturdy foundation with some effective leg units. This core can be bought for 390,000 COAM. Check out our detailed guide on how does EN Load work.
Back Units
Back units are the backbone of your arsenal and thus need to be able to pack quite the punch. The Vvc-70 VPM is a weapon for all seasons. This vertical plasma missile launcher is the armament that can get you out of any situation without too many troubles. While you can have two Vvc-70 VPMs equipped on your mech, you can add some additional firepower with the BML-G1 P03VTC-08. This is also a vertical missile launcher but fires in shorter bursts. This adds up to more hits eventually compared to the plasma launcher, along with better range.
Arms
The DF-AR-08 TIAN-QIANG offers a great deal of versatility to your Armored Core 6 early build. This unit can accommodate some impressive firearms with enough AP for consistent bursts. These arms are quite sturdy as well and have decent defense stats. You can acquire these arms for 200,000 COAM.
Arm Units
It is best if you specialize your arm units by designating a particular to accomplish a certain task. This build can deliver a lot of damage with the MA-J-201 Ransetsu-AR set as the R-Arm unit. This assault rifle fires in calculated bursts which can deal a lot of damage. The rifle is also one of the most accurate pieces of firearms you can acquire early game.
For the L-Arm unit, it is best to equip your mech with HI-32: BU-TT/A also known as the fabulous ‘Pulse Blade’. This is an impressive blade that is capable of canceling out pulse defenses and deals a lot of damage with its unique slashing action.
Legs
Nothing screams tank like an actual tank as your leg units. The LG-022T BORNEMISSZA can offer a sturdy foundation for your entire AC to move around. Despite being on the heavier side, this unit is agile enough for some quick maneuvers. Since it is built to accommodate heavy weaponry, you’ll also have plenty of room for some powerful boosters for more speed. This can be acquired for 195,000 CAOM.
Generator
For your Armored Core 6 early build, it is important to have a generator that offers a balanced performance in all departments along with a high EN output. To this end, the DF-GN-06 MING-TANG seems like the most optimal generator and goes well with the various components of this build. The recovery stats are fairly higher compared to other generators and will allow your mech to maintain a consistent rate of fire.
Booster
The ALULA/21E is an impressive booster that can be unlocked after the Intermediate Support 1 training mission. This booster is quite handy in navigating to the desired positions with quick but somewhat shorter boosts. You can achieve the desired position next to the enemy putting your weapons within striking range. Since this early build is designed for medium to close range attack this is the ideal booster to both dodge and capitalize on quick openings.
FCS
Since this early build’s weapons loadout isn’t too demanding, FCS-G1 P01 is more than capable of keeping your targets in sight and ensuring you don’t miss too often. Apart from its balanced performance, a desirable aspect of this FCS is its low power burden.
Your Armored Core 6 early build assembled with the abovementioned parts should serve you until you progress into the later stages of the game. If you liked this build guide, be sure to check out our Armored Core 6 boss guides, like the one for Sea Spider or Strider.
