Destroy the Tester AC

Overcome the powerful Tester AC in Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon. Master this mission by balancing ranged and close-quarters combat to defeat the prototype.

Mission Walkthrough: Destroy the Tester AC

The mission "Destroy the Tester AC" serves as an early combat test, pitting you against a formidable prototype Armored Core. This encounter is designed to familiarize you with engaging enemy ACs and utilizing your full combat arsenal. Success here requires a balanced approach, leveraging both ranged and close-quarters combat effectively.

This mission is crucial for understanding enemy AC combat dynamics. The Tester AC, while a prototype, exhibits many of the aggressive behaviors and powerful weaponry you'll face from other ACs throughout Rubicon. Pay close attention to its attack patterns, identify openings, and adapt your strategy accordingly to emerge victorious.

Mission Objectives

• Primary Objective: Destroy the Tester AC.

Enemy Analysis: Tester AC

The Tester AC is equipped with a balanced loadout, featuring:

• Primary Weapon: A rapid-fire kinetic rifle, effective at medium range.
• Secondary Weapon: A shoulder-mounted missile launcher, capable of delivering a volley of projectiles.
• Melee Attack: A powerful melee strike if you get too close.

Recommended Loadout

For this mission, a versatile loadout is recommended:

• Head: Any balanced head part.
• Core: A medium-weight core for a balance of defense and mobility.
• Arms: Arms with good firearm accuracy and reload speed.
• Legs: Bipedal legs for agility and balanced weight.
• Weapons:
• Right Hand: A kinetic assault rifle (e.g., RF-024) or a pulse blade for close-quarters.
• Left Hand: A shotgun (e.g., SG-02) or a plasma missile launcher (e.g., BML-G1/P03).
• Shoulder Mounts: Consider a shield or additional missile pods for sustained pressure.
• Boosters: Standard boosters with good EN efficiency and reload time.

Combat Strategy

1. Initial Engagement: Start by engaging the Tester AC from medium range. Use your primary weapon to chip away at its AP while observing its attack patterns.
2. Dodging Missiles: When the Tester AC launches its missiles, use your Quick Boost to evade the volley. Try to maintain lateral movement.
3. Exploit Openings: After the Tester AC fires its rifle or launches missiles, there will be brief windows where it is vulnerable. Use these moments to close the distance or unleash your secondary weapon.
4. Melee Threat: Be wary of its melee attack. If it attempts to close the distance for a melee strike, immediately Quick Boost away to create space.
5. Stagger Management: If you are using a stagger-focused weapon, aim to break its posture. Once staggered, unleash your most powerful attacks.
6. Resource Management: Keep an eye on your EN and ammunition. Utilize your boosters judiciously to conserve EN.

By following these strategies, you should be able to overcome the Tester AC and progress through the early stages of your mercenary career.