ARMORED CORE VI: Smuggling Tutorial - Master Controls and Defeat the Boss Helicopter

ARMORED CORE VI FIRES OF RUBICON does not feature a "season" system common in other games. Instead, regular updates (Regulation Updates) provide balance adjustments and bug fixes. This article is based on information current as of the latest "App Ver. 70" and "Regulation Ver. 1.07."

Welcome to Rubicon, Raven. The first mission you'll undertake in ARMORED CORE VI FIRES OF RUBICON, "Smuggling," is a crucial tutorial for learning how to survive as a mercenary, from basic Armored Core (AC) movement to the key "stagger" system. The heavy combat helicopter, which many beginners find to be their first major obstacle, can certainly be defeated if you grasp the key points. Let this article solidify your first steps on Rubicon!

Basic Information for Mission "Smuggling"

"Smuggling" is the first mission you'll tackle as 621. While learning the basic controls of your AC, your ultimate goal is to destroy the heavy combat helicopter.

Key to Survival! Master Basic Controls and the Stagger System

This mission is where you learn the fundamentals for surviving future grueling battles. "Boost movement" and "stagger" are two of the most critical elements, so make sure to ingrain them here.

Master High-Speed Maneuvers: Various Boosts

An AC's mobility is its lifeline. It's crucial to use the three types of boosts strategically according to the situation.

• Normal Boost: The basic method of movement on the ground and in the air. It continuously consumes energy but allows for smooth, gliding movement.
• Assault Boost (L3 Stick Press): Consumes a large amount of energy to rapidly rush over long distances. Use it to quickly close the distance to an enemy or, conversely, to disengage rapidly. This movement method is key to defeating the boss, the heavy combat helicopter.
• Quick Boost (Square Button / X Button): Consumes energy for a short burst, allowing you to quickly step in a specified direction. It's the basic action for evading precise attacks like enemy missiles or lasers. Repeated use will drain your energy, so choose your moments wisely.

Core of Combat: Aim for Stagger

The most important element of this game's combat system is "stagger." Pay attention to the yellow "ACS Gauge" displayed in the center of enemy ACs. Continuously dealing damage with your weapons will build this gauge, and when it maxes out, the enemy will enter a "stagger" state.

Enemies in a stagger state have the following characteristics:

• Become immobile for a certain period
• Receive significantly increased damage

Delivering high-power attacks during this defenseless state is the fundamental tactic in AC6. With your initial parts, a highly effective combo is to simultaneously fire the "RF-024 TURNER" assault rifle in your right hand and the "BML-G1/P20MLT-04" missile on your right shoulder to build the ACS gauge, then, once staggered, close in and strike with the "HI-32: BU-TT/A" Pulse Blade in your left arm.

Chapter 1 "Smuggling" Walkthrough Chart

The mission is linear, and objectives are marked, so you won't get lost. Defeat enemies along the way to learn the controls and combat flow.

1. Start Point ~ License Retrieval
   Once the mission begins, proceed along the path. Basic enemy MTs will appear, so practice shooting and boost-evading. Upon reaching the objective, you can retrieve a "License Code" from the wreckage of a destroyed AC. This counts as one of the game's collectible "Information Logs."
2. Combat with Multiple Enemies
   You may encounter situations where you are surrounded by multiple enemies. Instead of eliminating them one by one, practice efficiently eliminating multiple enemies by using several weapons simultaneously. Switching lock-on targets while barraging them with missiles and rifles is effective.
3. Retrieve a Total of 4 Licenses
   As a mission objective, you need to retrieve a total of 4 License Codes. All are marked, so there's no need to worry about missing any. After collecting the final license, you will enter an open area and the boss battle will begin.

Collectibles and S Rank Evaluation Points

• Combat Log: There are no enemies carrying "Combat Logs," which are required for Hunter Class rank-ups, in this mission.
• Information Log: The target 4 "License Codes" are the Information Logs. Since these are essential for clearing the mission, you won't miss any.
• Tips for S Rank Evaluation: S Rank criteria are primarily determined by "clear time," "damage taken," and "ammo cost." In the tutorial, it's especially important to minimize damage taken during the boss fight and defeat it quickly. Avoid unnecessary combat and achieve objectives swiftly.

The First Wall! How to Defeat the "Planetary Closure Administration Heavy Combat Helicopter"

Many new Ravens struggle first with this heavy combat helicopter. However, if you stick to the AC fundamentals, it's by no means an insurmountable opponent.

Diving Into Its Space with "Assault Boost" is Key

The helicopter will barrage you with missiles and machine guns from mid to long range. Engaging it head-on is disadvantageous, so use "Assault Boost" to quickly get underneath or to the side of the helicopter. At close range, many of the enemy's attacks will miss, creating an opportunity for you to attack unilaterally.

He Who Controls Stagger Controls the Battle

Once you've approached the helicopter, continuously fire your assault rifle and missiles to build up its ACS gauge. It's crucial to deal continuous damage between the enemy's attacks. Once the helicopter staggers, immediately use Assault Boost to close in and inflict heavy damage with your Pulse Blade. Repeat this "stagger → blade pursuit" combo 2-3 times to defeat it.

Effectively Utilize Cover

When your weapons are reloading or you've run out of energy from excessive boosting, use the buildings in the area as cover. By hiding in the shadow of a building, you can safely weather attacks from the helicopter. Recompose yourself before resuming your attack.

Difficulty Reduction Through Updates

In post-launch updates (especially Ver. 1.02), the performance of the initial assault rifle "RF-024 TURNER" was improved. Its Impact Accumulation (ease of building the ACS gauge) was enhanced, making it significantly easier to stagger enemies compared to the initial release. Players who tried before and gave up are highly likely to clear it smoothly now.

Summary

The tutorial mission "Smuggling" is a stage that condenses the fun and depth of combat in ARMORED CORE VI. The essential techniques learned here—"approaching with Assault Boost," "evading with Quick Boost," and "high-damage combos initiated by stagger"—will be useful in every mission that follows. While the first boss, the heavy combat helicopter, is formidable, you will surely master how to pilot your AC through repeated attempts. Overcome this first obstacle and truly begin your mercenary career.