Chapter One ofArmored Core 6: Fires of Rubiconis going to be a test for fans of this series. It has always been a challenging mech franchise, but this latest entry pushes things to new levels. It doesn’t quite reach the levels of FromSoftware’s latest titles such asElden RingorDark Souls, but it’s still a challenge for many.
Because of this, not everyone is going to get intoArmored Core 6: Fires of Rubiconsmoothly. Those who do enjoy it will probably agree that these seven missions are some of the most exhilarating ones toward the beginning. Details of these missions along with strategies will be shared, so a spoiler warning will be made now just in case.
6Investigate BAWS Arsenal No. 2
“Investigate BAWS Arsenal No. 2” is a mission that could fit intoa horror game. In this mission, there’s a site that has been motionless for some time, which is why players are sent in to investigate. When players arrive, they will be ambushed by snipers surrounding them.
RELATED:Beginner Tips For Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon
The reason why everyone disappeared is because this covert group of mechs strolled in and killed everyone. They were able to hide thanks to their cloaking tech. They also have shields surrounding their bodies, giving them two extra lines of defense. Some even have wild electric whips, which can break through defenses easily. Despite not being a boss, this might be one of the toughest missions in the early hours of the game.
5Attack The Dam Complex
“Attack the Dam Complex” is one of the few missions in Chapter One that gives players an ally. They are joined by two, in fact, that work on their own accord. Players can follow them to their targets, which are big generators, or they can rush ahead and take care of goals elsewhere.
The AI is not too shabby, meaning that the allied units can handle themselves. Even though the map is big, splitting up will make the mission go by quickly. While it would have been coolerto get full co-opinArmored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon, temporary allies in missions like this are appreciated.
4Illegal Entry
“Illegal Entry” is the opening mission forArmored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon. It’s a pretty easy and linear mission, going from a cramped factory to a wider open area teaming with mechs. The mission concludes with a boss battle against the game’s first boss, HC Helicopter.
RELATED:Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon - The Biggest Fixes The Game Needs
Most games generally don’t throw a challenging boss at players right away. However, this isa FromSoftware game, and they are notorious for breaking the will of players almost immediately. Once players figure out to go after HC Helicopter with their sword and to take cover from missiles, the boss fight should become a cinch.
3Destroy The Weaponized Mining Ship
“Destroy the Weaponized Mining Ship” is one of the coolest missions in Chapter One simply because it is a spectacle. One of the most groundbreaking games of the PS2 generation wasShadow of the Colossusbecause of the giant bosses. This mission inArmored Core 6: Fires of Rubiconblows that game’s bosses out of the water from a scaling perspective.
Players are tasked with destroying a giant mining mech known as Strider. It’s a massive undertaking, and it can be hard for players to get close to it thanks to the boss’ lasers. The change in environment, which is in a desert, was also a nice change from the snowy areas of most of Chapter One.
2Operation Wallclimber
“Operation Wallclimber” can be hard in the same way as “Destroy the Weaponized Mining Ship” because there is an entire wall firing projectiles at the player. Thereare also snipersin the area, making it one hell of a maze to navigate as death lurks around every corner. The trick is to stick to the left side of the map.
RELATED:Things That Make Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon Perfect For Beginners
Rush to the wall, take out the cannons, and then players will be prompted to head inside. Eventually, this will lead to a boss battle against Juggernaut, which is basically a tank with a massive shield. Thankfully, players won’t be alone for most of this encounter.Another mechwill join the fight, whose codename is Rusty.
1Attack The Watchpoint
“Attack the Watchpoint” is the grand finale of Chapter One, and it’s going to test the resolve of all players. It begins easily enough, with the mission requiring players to take down cannons in this water-based facility. The base’s design, location, and the overall plan of the mission is reminiscent of breaking into Shadow Moses Island inMetal Gear Solid.
It won’t be long until players encounter their first boss of the mission: a former agent of Walker’s. The mech is fast, strong, and it can heal itself. Don’t breathe a sigh of relief after it’s defeated, though. An even tougher boss awaits players, Balteus, who is an absolute nightmare. It’s a challenging mission to the point of frustration, but it certainly is memorable. If players can make it through this, they are in for some fun surprises in Chapter Two.
Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubiconwas released on Jul 10, 2025, and is available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X.
MORE:Armored Core 6: Share ID Emblem & Decal Codes (& How to Use Them)
