How to beat the helicopter boss in Armored Core 6 (AC6)

My first experience with Armored Core 6 was absolutely hilarious in hindsight. I booted up the game and wandered into the first helicopter boss fight half paying attention, without using repair kits, thinking: “ha, I can probably speed up my run by losing on purpose to this tutorial boss.” Seconds later: ding! GAME OVER.

You do actually need to beat the HC Helicopter! Here’s how to do it painlessly, even if you’re brand new to the Armored Core series.

Getting underneath or close to the helicopter will exploit its blind spot

Maneuverability is key in Armored Core 6. Whether it’s dashing forward with your boost (clicking in L3) or using a quick dodge (Square on PlayStation) — or using both in tandem —you’ll need to learn how to manage your boost meter right out of the gate if you want any hope clearing out later bosses. Start practicing now on the HC helicopter.

When the fight kicks off and you have control of your mech, use the lock-on feature and boost to the helicopter immediately. Unlike other bosses in the game (which are primarily other ACs/mechs), the helicopter is easy to trip up. Note that the helicopter packs a punch, so you’ll want to save your boost meter for dodging errant shots. Again, using the quick boost feature right before something hits you is key, as many weapons lock onto you directly. If pure speed isn’t available through your regular boost, you’ll need to find another way to dodge or block it. Early on, your options are limited.

Keep firing with your missiles and rifle on a constant basis, but don’t forget that you also have a secret weapon.

The sword is your friend

Your default AC will come equipped with a laser sword, and you’ll want to use it for the helicopter boss. If you’re close by and the helicopter isn’t using any evasive maneuvers, you can slice it up for a massive chunk of damage. It’ll generally fly away after this point, but boosting back into position will let you steal another melee window.

Armored Core 6 has a stagger meter, which is a key element to be aware of. You can actually time out your cooldowns so you’ll take full advantage of staggering: not just on the helicopter boss, but most fights going forward. Try and use your sword when the stagger meter is nearly filled, then fire everything you have to push it to red. By the time that happens, your sword will be ready to go for another series of slices; which will be easy to land since the enemy is sitting there completely vulnerable.

Follow these tips and you’ll take down the helicopter in no time, and you’ll have a baseline for other big bads in the future!

How to counter the HC helicopter’s attacks and abilities

Here is everything the HC Helicopter can throw at you:

• Front-mounted machine guns: The HC Helicopter will fire dual machine guns at you, which can be easily dodged underneath it. If you need to boost in, try to dodge to the side to avoid the arc of the machine guns.
• Boosting: The HC Helicopter will frequently use its thrusters to boost around the battlefield to blast your mech. When you see its thrusters lighting up on the sides, immediately boost to meet it and keep under it.