AC6 NG+ & NG++ ANALYSIS Arena Guide: Recommended Builds

※This article is based on information current as of Regulation Version 1.06.1 (released February 8, 2024).

Raven, who has traversed the battlefields of Rubicon and reached a conclusion, even greater adversaries await you. In "ANALYSIS," additional arena content unlocked in New Game Plus (NG+) and beyond, powerful simulated Armored Core (AC) units created by ALLMIND bare their fangs to test your skill. This article provides a comprehensive explanation of specific tactics to overcome the formidable enemies of the ANALYSIS ranks and recommended builds (assemblies) to secure victory, based on the latest regulation environment. With this guide in hand, defeat all of ALLMIND's assassins and seize the true title of Rubicon's strongest.

What is "ANALYSIS," the Arena Addition from New Game Plus and Beyond?

After clearing the game once and starting New Game Plus (NG+), a new category called "ANALYSIS" is added to the Arena. This mode involves battling simulated Armored Core (AC) units constructed by the independent mercenary support system, ALLMIND, based on collected combat data. Formidable enemies, surpassing the ranked ACs encountered in the main story, await, making this a high-difficulty content that tests players' assembly building capabilities and player skill.

In ANALYSIS, new opponents are sequentially unlocked according to story progression. Furthermore, in New Game Plus Plus (NG++), by fulfilling specific conditions, the most powerful δ (Delta) rank Armored Core (AC) units will appear.

Unlock Timing for Each Rank

• α (Alpha) Rank: After clearing New Game Plus Chapter 1 Mission "Attack the Watchpoint"
• β (Beta) Rank: After clearing certain missions in New Game Plus Chapter 3
• γ (Gamma) Rank: After clearing New Game Plus Chapter 3 Mission "Destroy the Ice Worm"
• δ (Delta) Rank: Sequentially unlocked after clearing specific chapters and missions in New Game Plus Plus and beyond

Basic Strategies for ANALYSIS Rank Conquest

In ANALYSIS battles, just like in regular Arenas, repair kits cannot be used. Enemy Armored Core (AC) units have high AP (Armor Points) and attack power, making prolonged battles disadvantageous. Therefore, aiming for a quick decisive battle is the basic strategy for conquest.

The most effective strategy is to quickly put opponents into a stagger state with high-impact weapons, then follow up with high-damage weapons to rapidly deplete their AP (Armor Points). The key to victory lies in accurately dodging enemy attacks while efficiently accumulating impact. While weapons like the shotgun "SG-027 ZIMMERMAN" and the stagger Needle Launcher "VE-60SNA," which were dominant in past versions (such as 1.03.1), have undergone performance adjustments, they remain powerful options depending on your tactics. Understand the latest regulation environment and construct a well-balanced assembly.

Formidable Armored Core (AC) Data and Strategy Points (γ and δ Rank Excerpts)

We will pick out three representative Armored Core (AC) units from the particularly high-difficulty γ and δ ranks and explain their characteristics and conquest methods.

[ANALYSIS 03/γ] LI TAI-PO

A lightweight bipedal Armored Core (AC) specialized in close-quarters combat, that will toy with you with its astounding mobility. Evasion will be extremely difficult.

1. Tactical Points: Avoid close-range combat, which is the opponent's domain, as much as possible. Maintain mid-range distance and continuously track the opponent with high-turn performance leg parts and FCS. Laying down a barrage with dual gatling guns like "DF-GA-08 HU-BEN" to limit the opponent's movements while accumulating impact is effective.
2. Effective Builds: A tank or heavyweight bipedal assembly equipped with dual gatlings, or a quad-leg assembly with Vertical Plasma Missiles "Vvc-70VPM" is recommended. Once in a stagger state, aim for massive damage with parts like the Grenade Cannon "SONGBIRDS."

[ANALYSIS 02/δ] EPHEMERA

A quad-leg Armored Core (AC) primarily utilizing Coral weapons and laser weapons. Its high-precision fire from aerial suspension is a significant threat.

1. Tactical Points: Against opponents in aerial suspension, you will need to either gain altitude yourself or use weapons that are easy to hit from the ground. The opponent's charged attacks have high damage and impact, so do not miss their preparation animation and evade reliably with Quick Boost (QB). Closing the distance quickly with Assault Boost (AB) and getting under the opponent's feet is also an effective tactic.
2. Effective Builds: A heavyweight machine built with parts providing high EN Defense will be stable. For weapons, a build aiming for stagger with fast-projectile linear rifles or high-impact shotguns like "SG-027 ZIMMERMAN" in both hands is effective. Equip the stagger Needle Launcher "VE-60SNA" on the shoulders to secure follow-up firepower during stagger.

Compatible with All Ranks! Recommended ANALYSIS Conquest Builds

Here, we introduce three versatile builds that are easy to adapt to various enemies in the ANALYSIS ranks.

1. Close-Quarters Rush Dual Shotgun Build

This build allows you to rapidly approach enemies with high mobility and unleash overwhelming firepower at close range. Although it has been nerfed, the instantaneous impact power of the "SG-027 ZIMMERMAN" is still present, allowing you to quickly stagger many enemies.

• Arm Weapons: SG-027 ZIMMERMAN ×2
• Shoulder Weapons: VE-60SNA (stagger Needle Launcher) / SONGBIRDS (Grenade Cannon)
• Leg Parts: EL-TL-11 FORTALEZA (Tank) or VP-422 (Reverse Joint)
• Booster: ALULA/21E (QB Specialized)
• Operating Method: Approach with Assault Boost (AB), fire both shotguns simultaneously to aim for stagger. Once staggered, immediately unleash shoulder weapons for massive damage. It is crucial to continuously evade enemy attacks with a booster that has high Quick Boost (QB) performance.

2. High-Firepower Stable Dual Gatling Tank Build

This build utilizes tank leg parts with high AP (Armor Points) and attitude stability to withstand enemy attacks, while continuously dealing damage and impact with dual gatling guns. Its appeal lies in its simple and easy-to-handle operation.

• Arm Weapons: DF-GA-08 HU-BEN ×2
• Shoulder Weapons: SONGBIRDS (Grenade Cannon) ×2 or Vvc-700LD (Laser Drone)
• Leg Parts: LG-022T BORNEMISSZA (Tank)
• FCS: FC-008 TALBOT (Prioritizing Close-Range Assist Performance)
• Operating Method: Maintain a distance of within 150m from the enemy and continuously fire the gatling guns. While being mindful of overheating, follow up with SONGBIRDS once impact accumulates. Although it struggles with evasion due to its weight, aim to outgun opponents without worrying too much about taking some hits.

3. Energy Weapon Specialized Quad-leg Build

This build allows you to hover with quad-legs, staying airborne and attacking enemies moving quickly on the ground from an advantageous position. EN management of the generator becomes crucial.

• Arm Weapons: Vvc-760PR (Plasma Rifle) ×2
• Shoulder Weapons: Vvc-70VPM (Vertical Plasma Missile) ×2
• Leg Parts: LG-033M VERRILL (Quad-leg)
• Generator: VP-20D (Prioritizing EN Weapon Affinity)
• Operating Method: Ascend at the start of combat and maintain a hovering state. The Plasma Rifle's charged attacks also deal area damage, making it easy to inflict damage even if dodged. Apply continuous pressure from above the enemy's head with Vertical Plasma Missiles to induce stagger.

Summary

The "ANALYSIS" Arena, added in ARMORED CORE VI from New Game Plus (NG+) onwards, is a challenging content that allows you to experience the depth of this game's combat system. While all the Armored Core (AC) units that appear are formidable adversaries, by understanding their characteristics and constructing an assembly tailored to them, you will certainly find a way to victory. Keeping the fundamental "follow-up after stagger" in mind, and sometimes boldly changing your assembly with flexible thinking, will be the key to conquest. Refer to the tactics and builds introduced in this article to overcome the trials prepared by ALLMIND and claim the title of Rubicon's strongest mercenary.