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When you’re a giant robot capable of destroying entire armies by yourself, finding a suitable weapon isn’t exactly difficult. Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon gives players countless ways to take on their enemies. The trick is knowing what equipment rises above the rest. There’s an ideal loadout for every build, whether you’re running an awe-inspiring tank or an elegant reverse-joint. Melee weapons play a core part in many of these, enabling aggressive, head-on strategies that are otherwise impossible. Here are the best melee weapons in AC6, ranked from the good to the phenomenal.
8. HI-32: BU-TT/A
The Pulse Blade is a good generalist melee option. Though it doesn’t over the perks of some of the more specialized weapons, it doesn’t come with their notable downsides, either. A solid balance of Attack Power, Impact, Weight, and EN Load lets the Pulse Blade fit comfortably into a variety of builds. Its only notable stat is its high Direct Hit Adjustment, the stat that determines the damage multiplier used when striking staggered enemies. The Pulse Blade is a great choice for hammering enemies after they’ve dropped their guard, so time your usage well.
7. VE-67LLA
The Laser Lance is extremely heavy for a melee weapon, so light reverse-joints and bipeds may want to steer clear. To compensate for its prohibitive weight, however, the Laser Lance offers high Attack Power, Impact, and Direct Hit Adjustment. Its long-distance rushes are perfect for players running shotguns or otherwise focusing on closing the gap quickly. Melee weapons are some of the most satisfying weapons in Armored Core 6, and boosting through the air to punch a mechanized tank in the face is a reward in itself.
6. 44-143 HMMR
The Plasma Thrower is an energy whip, and like whips in other games, it takes some finesse to use well. Mastering the weapon’s reach and hitbox can be tricky, but players who manage to do so will be rewarded with a style of melee combat unlike any other. Decent all-around stats, two-hit combos, and the chance to catch unprepared players off-guard make it easy to recommend the Plasma Thrower. If you want to outrange your enemy even in melee combat, this is the weapon for you.
5. Vvc-774LS
The Laser Slicer is the closest that Armored Core 6 players are going to get to a double-bladed lightsaber. This two-sided laser blade might be the flashiest melee weapon in the game, but it doesn’t skimp on substance either. The Laser Slicer boasts some of the highest Attack Power of any item in its class, which is already enough to make it one of the best melee weapons. The player can also charged its attacks to increase the blade’s rotation speed, dealing extra damage as it whirls about.
4. VP-67EB
The Stun Baton is an odd weapon but an effective one. To use it well, the player must understand its unique quirks and how they change strategies involving it. The Stun Baton has minuscule Attack Power and Impact compared to other melee weapons, but it has two advantages that other weapons don’t. The first is that it can land three hits per combo instead of two. The second is its rapid cooldown. This combination allows the player to land a flurry of blows and quickly stagger their enemy.
3. PB-033M Ashmead
The Pile Bunker brings best-in-class Attack Power and a sizable Impact rating to the table. It’s one-hit only, so if you miss your first swing at an enemy, you’ll have to wait out a substantial cooldown before you can swing again. Land that hit, however, and you may stun your enemy outright. With this weapon, even the Sea Spider and other dangerous bosses crumble quickly. Anything that can take down enemies that dangerous has to rank as one of the best melee weapons in AC6.
2. IA-C01W7: ML-Redshift
The Redshift Coral Oscillator is just a modified version of Moonlight, the most popular sword in the franchise. Its differences go deeper than just turning a green blade red, however. The Redshift sports better Attack Power and Impact than the Moonlight, as well as a superior Direct Hit Adjustment. The downside is that the Redshift is weaker in all Charge Attack values. If you rely on standard attacks more than Charge Attacks, the Redshift is your new best friend.
1. IA-C01W2: Moonlight
The Moonlight Light Wave Blade is probably the most famous piece of equipment from the entire Armored Core franchise, and you don’t get that kind of reputation for being shoddy. The Moonlight offers similar offensive capabilities to the Redshift, and though its standard attackers are weaker, its charge attacks are ferocious. Whether you’re equipping the Moonlight for its stats, its legacy, or its style, there’s no denying that this blade is a reliable pick and one of the best melee weapons in the game. Get used to seeing these in PvP, because they’re easily one of the most popular picks in the game. The only reason more players aren’t running it is they haven’t unlocked it yet.
Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is available now for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
