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Part of what makes Armored Core 6 such a phenomenal entry in the series is customization. Weapons, targeting systems, and body parts can be swapped at will, allowing the player to create the mech of their dreams. The OS Tuning system allows players to spend points earned in the Arena for even more options. From shields and weapon bays to various abilities, the OST system has a lot to offer. Whether players are returning veterans or new to the series, its always worth knowing which parts are most useful. Here are the best OST unlocks in the game, ranked from good to fantastic.
8. Weight Control
There are a lot of stats to consider when building a mech. One of the most basic and intuitive is Weight. An AC can’t start a mission if it is overburdened with heavy equipment. The Weight Control OST changes that. Having the option to play with overburdened builds opens up a lot of strategic possibilities. Want to run double miniguns and rocket launchers on a light reverse-joint build? Now you can. Best of all, if you decide all that extra weight is dragging you down, you can manually purge your equipment to gain speed.
7. Weapon Bay
In Armored Core 6, each AC comes equipped with four weapon slots: one for each hand and shoulder. Normally shoulders are reserved for missile systems, plasma launchers, and other parts exclusive to this position. The Weapon Bay OST allows the player to override that norm, swapping their usual shoulder equipment for two additional hand weapons. Want to play with double sniper rifles as your primary but swap to a sword and shotgun if things get too close? This makes it possible.
6. Melee Weapons – Drive Control Tuning
Several OSTs perform similar functions, buffing the damage from a specific damage type. All of these are useful on the right build. Arguably the best of them is Melee Weapons – Drive Control Tuning. At its highest level, this OST provides a 15% increase in melee damage. These are already some of the strongest weapons in the game, especially for building Impact, so anything that increases their power is valuable. It won’t be for everyone, but for players who favor sword fights, this ranks amongst the best OST options.
5. Manual Aiming
By default, Armored Core 6 gives players a powerful targeting system. Landing missiles, kinetic rounds, and even sword strokes are relatively easy, thanks to this lock-on function. Considering how fast and mobile some enemies are, that’s a lifesaver. Unfortunately, this targeting system is much less reliable or outright useless for targeting enemies beyond a certain distance. The Manual Aiming OST allows the player to take direct control of their aiming instead. It demands practice to get good at, but in the right hands, Manual Aiming is devastating.
4. Direct Hit Modifier – Damage Tuning
AC6 includes a stagger system that will feel familiar to many FromSoftware fans. Hitting enemies builds up an Impact Meter, and when that meter is full, the enemy staggers. A staggered enemy is vulnerable to a string of direct hits, making the Impact Meter the key to winning many difficult fights. Direct Hit Modifier – Damage Tuning increases all direct hit damage when an enemy is staggered. With the highest level of this OST on board, even tough enemies can be destroyed in just one or two stagger cycles.
3. ACS – Dynamic Deflection Control Tuning
ACS – Dynamic Deflection Control Tuning is a long way to say damage reduction. The lowest level provides a mere 3% reduction in incoming damage. The highest level, however, increases damage reduction to 15%. Whether you’re running a speedy reverse-joint or a lumbering tank, being able to take more of a beating always helps. Given how long and difficult many missions and boss fights in Armored Core 6 are, the ACS OST will have many chances to prove its value.
2. Terminal Armor
There are several Core Expansion OSTs that provide unique shielding options. Arguably the best of them is Terminal Armor. This Core Expansion gives players a second chance when situations spiral out of control. When the AP falls to 0 and the mech would normally be destroyed, Terminal Armor activates, resetting AP to 1 and deploying a powerful, albeit temporary, shield. This respite gives players the chance to use a Repair Kit or try to finish off their foe in the few seconds before the shield falls. For last-ditch plays, there’s nothing better than Terminal Armor.
1. Repair Kits – Optimization
No matter how good a player is, their AC will eventually take damage. Missiles, bombs, swords, and guns are only a few of the things that can tear through one’s AP in Armored Core 6. Unless there’s a Supply Sherpa nearby, the only way to heal is using a Repair Kit. You only get three Repair Kits, however, so you have to make each one count. Repair Kit – Optimization increases the amount of AP that Kits restore. This OST can make even the most difficult missions bearable, which is why it ranks as the best OST unlock in Armored Core 6.
Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is available for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S on August 25.
