AC6: NG+ General Build Guide for All Endings

※This article is based on Regulation Ver. 1.06.1 (released on February 8, 2024) and reflects information as of June 12, 2026.

Welcome, Raven. The battles on Planet Rubicon 3 don't end with a single playthrough. Beyond the first playthrough, you'll embark on New Game Plus (NG+) and then New Game Plus Plus (NG++), where three different endings await. To overcome the additional high-difficulty ALT missions and continuous battles against formidable Armored Cores (ACs), and to witness all the stories, a highly “versatile” Assembly / Build capable of adapting to any combat situation is essential. This article thoroughly explains recommended builds and OS tuning that will strongly support you in achieving all endings while minimizing the hassle of changing your assembly.

The Environment in New Game Plus (NG+) and Beyond, and the Importance of Versatile Builds

The story of ARMORED CORE VI FIRES OF RUBICON does not conclude with just one playthrough. Advancing to New Game Plus (NG+) unlocks new missions, and existing missions appear as higher-difficulty “ALT Missions.” Your choices in these missions will significantly branch the story, ultimately leading to three endings: “Fires of Raven,” “Liberator of Rubicon,” and “Alea Iacta Est.” To see all endings, a minimum of three playthroughs is required.

With each New Game Plus playthrough, enemies become stronger and mission content diversifies. The required tactics vary, from annihilating MT units and destroying massive weapons to fierce one-on-one battles against formidable Armored Cores (ACs). Optimizing your assembly for each mission is one approach, but especially in first-time ALT Missions, you cannot predict what awaits you. This is where a “versatile build” that can perform well in any situation becomes crucial. An Assembly / Build that combines the firepower to quickly defeat powerful bosses, the sustained combat capability to handle numerous enemies, and the stability to survive high-difficulty missions will support your battles on Rubicon until the very end.

All Endings Covered! 2 Recommended Versatile Builds

1. W-Shotgun Build (Close-Range High Firepower Type)

This build, featuring two high-firepower shotguns, SG-027 ZIMMERMAN, in both hands and shoulder-mounted VE-60SNA Stagger Needle Launchers for follow-up attacks, can be described as the ultimate weapon for boss and Armored Core (AC) battles. It's a short-range decisive assembly that quickly staggers enemies with overwhelming burst damage, dealing massive damage.

• Build Concept: Accumulate ACS overload with overwhelming impact from two shotguns, then fire Stagger Needle Launchers into staggered enemies to inflict critical damage.
• Playstyle: Use Assault Boost (AB) to quickly close the distance with enemies and unleash shotguns at close range. Once an enemy is staggered, immediately fire the Stagger Needle Launcher. Repeating this allows you to defeat many formidable foes in a short time. Leveraging the high durability and stability of tank legs, an aggressive playstyle is required, where you are prepared to take some hits while relentlessly attacking.
• Effectiveness in New Game Plus (NG+): Extremely effective against enhanced bosses and formidable Armored Cores (ACs) encountered in New Game Plus (NG+). Also ideal for increasing mission completion speed. However, it struggles somewhat in missions where numerous weaker enemies are scattered over a wide area, so cover these situations with Assault Armor or similar.

Assembly / Build Example

2. Balanced Gatling Build (Mid-Weight Bipedal Versatile Type)

This build centers on the high-rate-of-fire gatling gun, DF-GA-08 HU-BEN, consistently dealing damage while harassing enemies with missiles. Though not specialized for specific situations, its greatest appeal is its flexibility to handle any mission.

• Build Concept: Continuously chip away at the enemy's ACS with the gatling gun, while dealing additional damage and harassment with high-tracking missiles. Leverage the balanced mobility of mid-weight bipedal legs to maintain mid-range combat.
• Playstyle: Maintain distance from enemies and continuously fire the gatling gun. Cover reload gaps with missiles or Quick Boost (QB). Disperse missiles among groups of weaker enemies, and aim for stagger with the gatling gun against bosses or Armored Cores (ACs). It's crucial to evade dangerous attacks using the mid-weight bipedal legs' mobility and aim for a stable playstyle.
• Effectiveness in New Game Plus (NG+): Highly effective for first-time missions or when the enemy composition is unknown. Recommended for mercenaries who want to save the trouble of changing their assembly and proceed through playthroughs efficiently. While it lacks the explosive power of the W-Shotgun build, its high sustained combat capability allows for stable mission progression.

Assembly / Build Example

Optimizing OS Tuning: Priority Guide

OS tuning, which fundamentally enhances your AC's performance, is crucial for conquering New Game Plus (NG+). From the second playthrough onwards, an “ANALYSIS” mode is added to the Arena, allowing you to obtain OST chips by fighting new Armored Cores (ACs). While you can eventually unlock all tuning options, the priority order until then is as follows:

1. System Unlock
   • Boost Kick: This action should be unlocked with top priority. Despite its low cost, it's incredibly powerful as a starting point for stagger attempts.
   • Weapon Hanger: Allows shoulder weapons to be used as arm weapons, greatly expanding the strategic possibilities of your assembly.
   • Quick Turn: An action that allows for an instantaneous 180-degree turn. Invaluable for responding to attacks from blind spots or getting behind enemies.
2. Core Expansion
   • Assault Armor: Generates a shockwave centered on your AC. It has both offensive and defensive capabilities, useful for emergency evasion when surrounded or for following up on staggered enemies.
   • Terminal Armor: A defensive shield that automatically activates once when your AP (Armor Points) drops to 1. Provides immense peace of mind as insurance in high-difficulty boss battles.
3. Attack Control
   • Direct Hit Adjustment: Boosts damage to staggered enemies with all weapons. It has a very high cost-benefit ratio, so prioritize maxing it out.
   • Various Weapon Control Adjustments: Directly increases the damage of weapon types central to your build (Kinetic, EN, Explosive, etc.).
4. Damage Control
   • Repair Kit Healing Adjustment: The only way to increase healing effectiveness. As it directly impacts sustained combat capability, it is recommended to maximize it early.
   • ACS / Dynamic Defensive Control Adjustment: Consistently reduces damage taken. Though subtle, this is an important tuning that significantly improves survival rates.

Summary

Battles in ARMORED CORE VI from New Game Plus (NG+) onwards become more intense and diverse. To witness all the endings in this environment, a highly versatile Assembly / Build capable of adapting to any combat situation is key to success. The “W-Shotgun Build” introduced here will serve as your trump card against formidable foes, while the “Balanced Gatling Build” will be your reliable partner for stable mission progression.

By using these builds as a foundation, adjusting parts to suit your playstyle, and applying optimal OS tuning, you can create your own ultimate Armored Core (AC). Now, go forth with your trusty AC and witness the conclusion of Planet Rubicon 3's story with your own eyes.