Best Weapons in Armored Core VI

After a 10-year hiatus, FromSoftware brought a classic franchise back to life with Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon. Although we're bursting at the seams to see all of the fresh features in the game, the weapon changes have us the most enthralled. There are more options than ever before for how to equip the four weapon slots on your mech, including both new and old melee and ranged weaponry. However, if you're not sure which ones to employ, consult this list of the Best Weapons in Armored Core VI to get you started.

6. Laser Cannon – VP-60LCS

Kicking off this list of the best weapons in Armored Core VI is the VP-60LCS, or more simply, the laser cannons. These shoulder-mounted lasers can be obtained early on in chapter one, and they're a steal at that stage in the game. They deal considerable damage on their own, but you can also charge them up to multiply their power.

The best part, though, is the fact that you don't need to reload. This means you can leave those lasers burning for as long as you like, or at least until they overheat. Nonetheless, they're an excellent shoulder mount addition to your mech and one that's difficult to overlook in Chapter 1.

5. Pile Bunker – PB-033M ASHMEAD

The PB-033M Ashmead, or Pile Bunker, is the only melee weapon we've included in this list of the best weapons in Armored Core VI. Quite frankly, that's because it's the only one you'll need. This enormous spear deals roughly 1700 damage on its own, which is quite impressive. Its charged attack, on the other hand, may hit for over 4,500 AP and even clear 5,000 on a staggered target. As a result, you can consistently two-shot enemies with this melee weapon – that's how great it is. So, what's the catch?

The catch is they are close-quarters melee weapons, which means you have to get uncomfortably close to the enemy to land your hits. Many players prefer range over melee, but you have to mix up the playstyle every now and then. When you do, your first pick for a melee weapon should be the Pile Bunker.

4. Shotgun – SG-027 Zimmerman

If your mech doesn't have a melee, you'll need some type of close-ranged armament. If that's the case, consider the SG-027 Zimmerman shotgun. Though they are designed for close range, the Zimmerman can also hit strongly from mid-range. Putting it ahead of the game's other shotguns, which are only effective in close quarters. Furthermore, they can also stand their own against some of mid to late-game enemies. As a result, the Zimmerman is easily one of the best weapons in Armored Core Vi that will have your back throughout the game.

3. Gatling Gun – DF-GA-08 HU-BEN

Gatling Guns and mechs just go hand-in-hand, that's why many players jumped on the chance to get the DF-GA-08 HU-BEN version. Despite the fact that these babies only do 25 AP per bullet, they are loaded with 1,300 rounds. Furthermore, you can equip one on each arm, giving you a total of 2,600 rounds. That's a lot of ammo to go through, and easily more than enough to clear out any wave or take a bite out of a boss's health.

The Gatling Guns' sole evident flaw is their limited range and bullet spread. You'll need to get in close if you want to hit all of your shots with them. Because you'll probably land half of them at mid-range and only a quarter from far away, practically rendering them useless at that point. Regardless, depending on your build and playstyle, they can often make for one of the best weapons in Armored Core VI.

2. Grenade Cannon – Songbirds

It's about time we got some splash damage in this list of the best weapons in Armored Core VI, and what better weapon to start with than the Songbirds Grenade Cannon? The Songbirds have built a name for themselves solely based on how destructive they are. They can combo to stagger enemies and hold enough rounds to keep the explosions coming non-stop. Not to mention, you can equip two at once if you really want to make it rain.

The sole drawback is that bipedal and reverse joint mechs must remain still while firing. However, you can fire them on the move with a Tetrapod or Tank setup. In any case, because of how hard they hit and their blast radius, the cons don't even come close to outweighing the pros.

1. Missile Launcher – BML-G1/P20MLT-04

Unfortunately, you can't get the Songbirds until around halfway through the game. That means you'll need some splash damage to suffice in the meantime. Thankfully, you can get the BML-G1/P20MLT-04 missile launcher from the game's very first mission, and it will suffice until you can obtain stronger launchers, such as the Songbirds.

What makes these missile launchers so appealing is how simple but effective they are. They immediately fire four rockets that can easily dispatch a wave of lower-level opponents. Furthermore, they are very effective against the early-game bosses. In other words, they can't lead you astray at the start of the game and, in our opinion, are a must-have in any mech configuration. They may not hit as hard as we would want, but their versatility and speed make up for it every time.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our picks? Are there other weapons in Armored Core VI you think are best? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!