AC6 Balteus Guide: Defeat Tips and Builds for Beginners

ARMORED CORE VI FIRES OF RUBICON does not feature a seasonal system. Game balance adjustments are made through regulation updates. The latest regulation is Ver. 1.09. This article is based on current information.

The colossal weapon "Balteus" awaits at the end of Chapter 1. Many Ravens are likely struggling with its overwhelming missile barrage and robust Pulse Armor (PA). This article thoroughly explains specific tactics and recommended Assembly / Builds to stably defeat Balteus, a major wall for many beginners, adapted to the latest Regulation Ver. 1.09 environment.

Balteus Basic Information

Keys to Defeating Balteus: PA and Stagger

The core of defeating Balteus lies in how quickly you can destroy its special shield, "Pulse Armor (PA)," and force it into a defenseless "stagger" state. Understanding these two elements is the shortest route to victory.

Top Priority: Destroying Pulse Armor (PA)

Balteus constantly deploys PA from the start of the battle, and you cannot inflict significant damage to its main AP (Armor Points) until it is destroyed. This PA has the characteristic of being extremely vulnerable to "pulse-attribute" attacks. Therefore, preparing anti-PA armaments during the Assembly / Build phase is essential.

The most effective approach is to equip Pulse Guns "HI-16: GU-Q1" in both hands, commonly known as "Double Pulse Guns." They excel in rapid fire and can effectively strip away PA. If you're skilled in close combat, the Pulse Blade "HI-32: BU-TT/A" is also very effective. Inflict significant damage to the PA with an assault from Assault Boost (AB). Additionally, if you prefer to keep some distance, the Plasma Rifle "Vvc-760PR" is an excellent option.

Biggest Opportunity: Follow-up Attacks During Stagger

Once the PA is completely destroyed, Balteus will definitely enter a prolonged stagger state. The strategy is to unleash your maximum firepower during this opening. Damage during stagger is significantly increased compared to normal, so do not miss this chance.

As for follow-up weapons, the high-power Grenade Cannon "SONGBIRDS," equipable on both shoulders, is a classic choice. Its impact force upon landing is also high, contributing to stagger gauge accumulation. For burst damage, the Shotgun "SG-027 ZIMMERMAN" is overwhelming, and the tactic of switching from Pulse Guns to it after PA destruction and firing at close range is very potent. The Laser Cannon "VP-60LCS," which deals high damage with charged shots, is also a valid option.

Furthermore, if you have unlocked "Boost Kick" through OS tuning, you can inflict significant additional damage by kicking staggered enemies. This is a valuable damage source during weapon reloads or when energy runs out, so be sure to acquire it.

Recommended Strategy Builds (Assembly / Build)

For the Balteus battle, choosing an Assembly / Build that matches your playstyle is crucial. Here, we introduce two example builds: one for beginners and one for players skilled in evasion.

1. Beginner-Friendly: Stable Tank Leg Assembly / Build

   For those who are not adept at action games or lack confidence in dodging barrages, we highly recommend an Assembly / Build where the leg parts are changed to the tank "LG-022T BORNEMISSZA." The advantages of this Assembly / Build are its overwhelming AP (Armor Points) and attitude stability performance. You can continue firing powerful weapons without being deterred by some damage, giving you an advantage in a pure damage race. While ground movement is slow, high-mobility evasion is not essential in the Balteus battle, so this is less of a disadvantage.
   【Assembly / Build Example】
   R-ARM UNIT: HI-16: GU-Q1 (Pulse Gun)
   L-ARM UNIT: HI-16: GU-Q1 (Pulse Gun)
   R-BACK UNIT: SONGBIRDS (Grenade Cannon)
   L-BACK UNIT: SONGBIRDS (Grenade Cannon)
   HEAD: HD-011 MELANDER
   CORE: CC-2000 ORBITER
   ARMS: AC-2000 TOOL ARM
   LEGS: LG-022T BORNEMISSZA (Tank)
   BOOSTER: None (Built-in to Tank Legs)
   FCS: FCS-G2/P05
   GENERATOR: VP-20S

2. Mobility-Focused: Bipedal/Reverse Joint Close-Quarters Combat Build

   If you are confident in evasion and enjoy fast-paced combat, a high-mobility Assembly / Build centered around lightweight bipedal or reverse joint legs is recommended. Balteus's attacks, especially its missiles, are easier to evade by using Assault Boost (AB) to get close, so a playstyle leveraging high mobility shines. Maintain close range and unleash attacks from the enemy's blind spots.
   【Assembly / Build Example】
   R-ARM UNIT: SG-027 ZIMMERMAN (Shotgun)
   L-ARM UNIT: HI-32: BU-TT/A (Pulse Blade)
   R-BACK UNIT: Vvc-760PR (Plasma Rifle)
   L-BACK UNIT: SONGBIRDS (Grenade Cannon)
   HEAD: HD-012 MELANDER C3
   CORE: VP-40S
   ARMS: NACHTREIHER/46E
   LEGS: KASUAR/42Z (Reverse Joint)
   BOOSTER: ALULA/21E
   FCS: FCS-G2/P05
   GENERATOR: VP-20C

Balteus's Attack Patterns and Countermeasures

When Balteus's AP (Armor Points) drops below 50%, its attack patterns change and become more intense. Remember the movements for each phase and react calmly.

Phase 1 (AP 100%〜50%)

• Opening Missile Barrage: A large volume of missiles unleashed immediately at the start of combat. Attempting to dodge sideways will result in them tracking you. The countermeasure is to fearlessly Assault Boost (AB) straight towards Balteus. This allows you to bypass most of the missiles.
• Tracking Missiles: Continuously launched missiles. The closer you are to Balteus, the harder they are to hit, so always maintain close to mid-range during the fight.
• Shotgun / Bazooka: Used when you are directly in front. Easily dodged with Quick Boosts (QB) to the left or right.

Phase 2 (AP 50% or below)

• Flamethrower: Emits a wide-area flame, sweeping across its front. The tell is Balteus spreading both arms as a preparatory motion. When you see this, immediately use Assault Boost (AB) or Quick Boost (QB) to create significant distance backwards.
• Flame Blade: A powerful attack where it charges forward, slashing with a massive flame sword. Both its power and range are immense. Once you confirm the preparatory motion, ascending while retreating makes it easier to evade.

In Phase 2, prioritize safely evading flame-based attacks rather than forcing attacks. The safest approach is to repeat the basic strategy of chipping away at PA and causing stagger, aiming for the large openings after its attacks.

OS Tuning and Expansion Features

To further solidify your strategy, make use of OS tuning. The "Assault Armor" expansion feature unleashes a shockwave around you when activated, significantly reducing the enemy's PA. It is extremely effective when you're one step away from PA destruction or when you need to urgently dispel a missile barrage. If you have the funds, it's recommended to unlock it.

Summary

We've explained how to defeat Balteus, AC6's first major wall. Let's reiterate the key points:

• Strip PA with Pulse Weapons: Prioritize destroying the Pulse Armor above all else. Double Pulse Guns are the most efficient.
• Unleash Max Firepower During Stagger: The stagger state after PA destruction is your biggest attack opportunity. Quickly reduce its AP (Armor Points) with grenades and shotguns.
• Beginners, Use Tank Builds: If you're not good at evasion, a tank build that can withstand attacks with high durability is very effective.
• Balanced Approach: It's crucial to approach with Assault Boost (AB) at the start, and then be mindful of creating distance to avoid powerful attacks once its AP (Armor Points) drops below half.

Balteus is a formidable foe, but with a well-planned Assembly / Build and tactics, you can definitely overcome this boss. Through this battle, you can learn the fundamentals of AC6's combat system, such as PA, stagger, and Assembly / Build. Don't give up; challenge yourself and seize the skies of Planet Rubicon.