The first boss in Armored Core 6, the AH12: HC Helicopter, represents the game’s first difficulty spike. To beat the first boss in AC6, you’ll need to go against your instincts and put your knowledge of the game so far into action. Fortunately, this fight isn’t too tricky once you figure out the AH12’s blind spots.
How to beat the first boss in Armored Core 6
The first boss fight in Armored Core 6 is tough. Unsurprisingly, FromSoftware immediately turns up the difficulty with the AH12 HC Helicopter. The MTs you’ve faced so far have been pushovers, which means you’ll likely be surprised the first few times the AH12 kills you.
One reason this fight is difficult is because you’re stuck with the default loadout. Your instinct will be to hang back and use your missile launcher and rifle, but they don’t output enough damage or ACS strain to take down the AH12 quickly. Instead, you must be aggressive and stick as close to the boss as possible.
The lesson you’ll learn from the first boss is that AC6 rewards aggression. Don’t hang back and try and dodge the HC Helicopter’s missiles. Instead, as soon as the fight starts, Assault Boost toward it and execute a pulse blade combo. If you’re quick with the blade and follow-up shots with your rifle and missiles, you can stagger the boss and hit it with a second (and possibly third) blade combo for massive damage.
If you can get the timing down right, you’ll only need to stagger the first boss 2-3 times to defeat it. However, if you mess up, don’t throw in the towel. You can retreat to the AC12’s blind spot, which is directly underneath it. The helicopter can’t hit you with its Gatling guns or missile salvos when you’re below it.
Don’t be surprised if taking down the first boss takes a few tries. It’s the most challenging fight you’ll face until the end of Chapter 1.
AC6 first boss FAQ
A: Unlike previous enemies, such as the MTs, which were relatively easy to defeat, the AH12 forces players to adapt and reconsider their strategies due to its enhanced capabilities and the restriction of using the default loadout. The unexpected increase in difficulty and the need to employ different tactics makes this battle the game’s first major obstacle.
A: Many players will try to fight the boss at long-range. However, the rifle and missiles don’t deliver enough damage or ACS strain to defeat the AH12 swiftly. Instead of maintaining distance, players should adopt a more aggressive strategy. By Assault Boosting towards the helicopter at the onset of the battle and executing a pulse blade combo, followed by rifle and missile shots, you can stagger the boss and leave it open to significant damage.
A: Yes, if players feel overwhelmed or need a moment to regroup, they can retreat directly underneath the AH12. This position is the helicopter’s blind spot, rendering it unable to target players with its Gatling guns or missile salvos. This provides players with a brief respite and an opportunity to strategize their next move.
