Armored Core 6 offers a lot of choices, which can feel a bit overwhelming at times. However, our guide provides several well-balanced and enjoyable builds to help you progress smoothly to the endgame!
Armored Core 6 marks a great comeback for the series, which began in 1997. If you've ever tried any FromSoftware game, you'll appreciate how they let you freely customize your mechs or characters to your liking. Sekiro is one of the few exceptions where there are some limitations.
Creating a strong PVE build in Armored Core 6 can be quite challenging because of the many options for gadgets, suits, weapons, and more. As a souls-franchise veteran, I had a way harder time choosing my playstyle in Armored Core 6 compared to Elden Ring or the Dark Souls series.
...But I eventually succeeded and can now show you some of the best PVE builds you can use in the game. Since there are so many different customization options in the game, I'm confident you'll come up with some other great ideas too!
Let's roll!
Armored Core 6: Best PVE Builds
In this summary, we gathered different options for a lightweight, mediumweight and heavyweight build. We've also tested which build performs well early in the game, so you won't struggle against certain bosses.
Early Game Build
Plasma-Cannon Tenderfoot – Best suited for the start, because you'll obtain these items early in the game and can easily upgrade for a strong late-game mech. Plus, it's great for getting used to the game's mechanics because many enemies are vulnerable to plasma damage.
| Right-arm unit | Vvc - 760PR (Plasma Rifle) |
| Left-arm unit | Vvc - 760PR |
| Right-back unit | Vvc - 70VPM (Plasma Missile Launcher) |
| Left-back unit | Vvc - 70VPM |
| Head | VP-44S or VE-44A |
| Core | VP-40S or VE-40A |
| Arms | VP-46S or VE-46A |
| Legs | VP-422 or VE-42A |
| Booster | BST-G2/P04/ ALULA/21E |
| FCS | FCS-G2/P05 |
| Generator | VP-20C |
| Expansion | Pulse Protection |
Later on, you can also swap out the Plasma Rifles, for stronger Plasma weapons. This way, your gear is also ready for the endgame content.
Lightweight Build
These builds make you feel as light as a feather, even in a 32-foot-tall mech. You can move swiftly and concentrate on using close-range weapons.
| Sweet Sixteen | Sting | |
|---|---|---|
| Right-arm unit | WR-0777 Sweet Sixteen (Shotgun) | WR-0777 Sweet Sixteen (Shotgun) |
| Left-arm unit | WR-0777 | WR-0777 |
| Right-back unit | Vvc-706PM (Plasma Missile Launcher) | 45-091 Orbt (Drone) |
| Left-back unit | Vvc-706PM (Plasma Missile Launcher) | Vvc-703PM (Plasma Missile Launcher) |
| Head | HD-011 Melander | DF-HD-08 Tian-Qiang |
| Core | Nachtreiher/40E | CC-2000 Orbiter |
| Arms | Nachtreiher/46E | AA-J-123/RC Jailbreak |
| Legs | EL-TL-10 Firmeza | EL-TL-10 Firmeza |
| Booster | IA-C01B: Gills | BST-G2/P06SPD |
| FCS | FC-008 Talbot | FCS- G2/P05 |
| Generator | VP-20C | AG-E-013 Yaba |
| Expansion | Terminal Armor | Pulse Armor |
Mediumweight Build
Medium builds are well-balanced and the most versatile options you have. They give you access to strong weapons without sacrificing too much speed.
| Zap-O-Rama | Doomscroller | |
|---|---|---|
| Right-arm unit | Vvc-760PR (Plasma Rifle) | SG-027 Zimmerman (Shotgun) |
| Left-arm unit | Vvc-770LB (Laser Blade) | SG-027 Zimmerman |
| Right-back unit | 45-091 JVLN (Beta Detonating Missile Launcher) | Fasan/60E (Plasma Canon) |
| Left-back unit | VP-61 PS (Pulse Shield) | Vvc-700LD (Laser Drone) |
| Head | HC-2000 Finder Eye | Ephemera |
| Core | BD-012 Melander C3 | 07-061 Mind Alpha |
| Arms | AC-2000 Tool Arm | AA-J-123 Basho |
| Legs | 06-041 Mind Alpha | VP-422 |
| Booster | FLUEGEL/21Z | BST-G2/P06SPD |
| FCS | FCS-G2/P05 | FCS-G2/P05 |
| Generator | DF-GN-06 Ming-Tang | VP-20C |
| Expansion | Pulse Armor | Pulse Armor |
Heavyweight Build
If you're looking for a powerful battle tank or live long enough to outlive the bosses without worrying of getting staggered, then the heavy builds are suited best for you!
| Big & Bulky | Hull Krogan | |
|---|---|---|
| Right-arm unit | DF-GA-08 Hu-Ben (Minigun) | SG-027 Zimmerman (Shotgun) |
| Left-arm unit | SG-026 Haldeman (Shotgun) | SG-027 Zimmerman |
| Right-back unit | VE-60SNA (Stun Needle Launcher) | Fasan/60E (Plasma Canon) |
| Left-back unit | Vvc-700LD (Laser Drone) | Fasan/60E |
| Head | IA-CO1H: Ephemera | IA-C01H: Ephemera |
| Core | 07-061 Mind Alpha | DF-BD-08 Tian-Qiang |
| Arms | 04-101 Mind Alpha | DF-AR-09 Tian-Lao |
| Legs | LG-033M Verrill | LG-022T Bornemissza |
| Booster | BC-0400 Mule | / |
| FCS | FCS-G2/P05 | VE-21A |
| Generator | VP-20D | VP-20D |
| Expansion | Pulse Armor | Pulse Armor |
For more help with Armored Core 6, check out some other guides: