AC6 Final Boss Guide: Recommended Builds for All Endings and NG+ Tips

At the culmination of the battles over Planet Rubicon 3, powerful adversaries stand in Raven's path. ARMORED CORE VI FIRES OF RUBICON features three distinct endings, each leading to a climactic battle against a different final boss. This article thoroughly analyzes the attack patterns of all final bosses—Ayre, Walter, and ALLMIND—from New Game (NG) to New Game Plus Plus (NG++), providing recommended builds and strategy tips tailored to the latest regulation environment. Assemble your perfect Armored Core (AC) and witness Rubicon's fate.

[Important] Regarding Regulation Information in This Article
ARMORED CORE VI FIRES OF RUBICON does not have a “season” system like many online games. Game balance adjustments are made through patches called “regulations.” While the latest regulation was “1.09” at the time of research, updates are frequent, so it is recommended to reconfirm the most current information at the time of reading. This article explains the effectiveness of various parts based on the information available at the time of writing.

All Ending Branches and Final Boss Overview

The game's narrative branches into three different routes based on player choices, each with a unique final mission and boss. In New Game Plus Plus (NG++), selecting specific missions unlocks the true ending route.

New Game / New Game Plus Final Boss Strategy (Fires of Rubicon / Liberator of Rubicon)

In New Game and New Game Plus, the ending branches depending on whether you choose the Chapter 5 mission “Intercept the Corporate Forces” or “Eliminate Cinder Carla.” For both bosses, the key to victory is how quickly you can achieve a “stagger,” which is fundamental to Armored Core (AC) combat.

IB-07: SOL 644 / Ayre

The final boss of the "Fires of Rubicon" route. Ayre, a Coral entity, pilots an Armored Core (AC) that bewilders players with its ultra-high-speed maneuvers, almost like teleportation. It is crucial to maintain a lock-on at all times and not miss any attack opportunities.

Attack Patterns and Countermeasures

• Coral Laser Barrage / Sweep: Ayre fires multiple thin lasers or sweeps with a thick laser. Evade by Quick Boosting (QB) horizontally. For the sweep, time an upward or downward Quick Boost (QB) to avoid it.
• High-Speed Dash Blade: After a warning sound, Ayre rapidly approaches and slashes with a blade. When you see the movement, focus solely on evading with a horizontal Quick Boost (QB). A brief recovery period follows the evasion, presenting an excellent attack opportunity.
• Bit Deployment: Ayre deploys Coral bits around itself, launching an all-range attack. Keep moving to minimize hits while continuing to attack the main body.
• Coral Explosion (Phase Two): When Ayre's AP (Armor Points) drop below half, it transitions into its second phase with a wide-range Coral explosion. Evade by creating a significant distance.

Recommended Builds

1. Dual Gatling Gun Build: This assembly aims to accumulate ACS Strain and achieve a stagger with an overwhelming barrage of bullets. Equip shoulder parts like the “SONGBIRDS” grenade cannon for follow-up attacks, unleashing them during a stagger.
   [Assembly Example]
   R-ARM: DF-GA-08 HU-BEN
   L-ARM: DF-GA-08 HU-BEN
   R-BACK: SONGBIRDS
   L-BACK: SONGBIRDS
   HEAD/CORE/ARMS: Parts with high Stability
   LEGS: Heavy Bipedal or Tank
   FCS: FCS-G2/P05 (Prioritizes close-range assist)
   GENERATOR: VP-20C or VP-20D
2. Dual Shotgun Build: Equipping the once-dominant “SG-027 ZIMMERMAN” shotguns in both hands, this build aims for an instant stagger at close range. Selecting a booster capable of keeping up with Ayre's high-speed maneuvers is crucial.
   [Assembly Example]
   R-ARM: SG-027 ZIMMERMAN
   L-ARM: SG-027 ZIMMERMAN
   R-BACK: Your preference (e.g., melee weapons or missiles)
   L-BACK: Your preference
   LEGS: Medium Bipedal or Reverse Joint (prioritizing mobility)
   FCS: FCS-G2/P05
   GENERATOR: VP-20C

Handler Walter

The final boss of the "Liberator of Rubicon" route. While he lacks Ayre's otherworldly mobility, his fierce attacks with Coral weaponry are a significant threat. The battle feels closer to a traditional Armored Core (AC) engagement, allowing you to enjoy the dynamic interplay of evasion and offense.

Attack Patterns and Countermeasures

• High-Power Coral Rifle: Walter charges and fires high-power projectiles. Evade with a horizontal Quick Boost (QB) at the moment of firing. He also has a rapid-fire pattern.
• Pulse Shield Deployment: Walter deploys a shield that blocks a certain amount of damage. Destroy it quickly with a pulse gun or high-impact weapons. Leaving it intact will prolong the battle.
• Flamethrower + Blade: A close-range pattern where Walter radiates flames from his left hand while attacking with a blade from his right. This can be easily evaded by creating distance.
• Coral Missiles: Walter fires a large volley of Coral missiles. Evade using three-dimensional maneuvers, incorporating ascents and descents.

Recommended Builds

Many of the assembly options used for the Ayre battle are effective against Walter. The shortcut to victory is to diligently apply fundamental Armored Core (AC) combat tactics: thoroughly evade his attacks, then exploit openings to land high-impact weapons and aim for a stagger. It's advisable to challenge him using a medium bipedal build that offers enhanced stability, based on your Ayre build.

New Game Plus Plus (NG++) Final Boss Strategy (A Culling)

ALLMIND, the true final boss accessible by selecting specific missions in New Game Plus Plus (NG++). This is the game's most challenging boss, divided into multiple phases, demanding a long battle and precise assembly.

ALLMIND

The encounter begins with consecutive battles against multiple Armored Cores (ACs), culminating in ALLMIND transforming into a large weapon resembling a Sea Spider. Countermeasures against the formidable pulse shield deployed in the final phase are absolutely essential.

Attack Patterns and Countermeasures

• Phase 1 (Consecutive AC Battles): Enemy Armored Cores (ACs) appear first, with reinforcements arriving once they are defeated. Take them down one by one. Conserving repair kits is crucial.
• Phase 2 (ALLMIND Main Body): ALLMIND transforms into a Sea Spider-like form. It attacks with lasers and missiles while flying around at high speed. Having strong airborne capabilities makes this phase easier.
• Pulse Shield Deployment: When its AP (Armor Points) drop to around half, ALLMIND deploys an extremely tough pulse shield. This shield cannot be efficiently damaged without pulse-attribute attacks.
• Ultra-Thick Laser Sweep: After charging, ALLMIND sweeps with an ultra-thick laser. Due to its large wind-up, evade by ascending to jump over it or by creating a large distance.
• Blade Charge: A high-speed melee attack where ALLMIND charges, enveloped in red light. It's extremely powerful, so always evade with a horizontal Quick Boost (QB) upon seeing the warning.

Strategy Tips: Shield Breaking and Stagger Follow-up

The biggest keys to conquering ALLMIND are “pulse shield countermeasures” and “stagger follow-up attacks.” Once the shield is deployed, quickly strip it away with parts like the “HI-16: GU-Q1” pulse handgun or the “HI-32: BU-TT/A” pulse blade melee weapon. After the shield is broken or during a stagger, which presents a significant opening, unleashing a charged attack from a shoulder part like the “VE-60SNA” Stagger Needle Launcher (also known as the “Worm Cannon”) is the most effective source of damage.

Recommended Builds

1. Tank Leg Worm Cannon Build: This assembly utilizes the “LG-022T BORNEMISSZA” tank legs, boasting high AP (Armor Points) and stability, along with numerous powerful armaments. It allows for accurate damage delivery from a stable firing position.
   [Assembly Example]
   R-ARM: MA-J-200 RANSETSU-RF (Sustained firepower and impact)
   L-ARM: HI-16: GU-Q1 (Shield countermeasures)
   R-BACK: VE-60SNA (For stagger follow-up)
   L-BACK: Your preference (e.g., SONGBIRDS or other high-impact parts)
   LEGS: LG-022T BORNEMISSZA (Tank)
   GENERATOR: IB-C03G: NGI 000 (Coral Generator for EN capacity)
   FCS: FCS-G2/P05 (Close to medium range)

Summary

The final bosses of ARMORED CORE VI, across all routes, are formidable adversaries that will test both your player skill and assembly building capabilities. The core strategy is to memorize enemy attack patterns, manage ACS Strain to achieve a “stagger,” and then rapidly deplete their AP (Armor Points) with high-damage follow-up attacks. For ALLMIND in New Game Plus Plus (NG++), specifically, a clear answer for shield countermeasures is required. When challenging it, be sure to prepare pulse weapons and a high-power weapon like the “VE-60SNA” that serves as a trump card during a stagger. Refer to this article to triumph in the final battle with your ultimate assembly. Remember that regulations are constantly changing, so always check for the latest information and adjust your assembly accordingly.