Armored Core 6 Mission Guide

Everything you need to know about missions in AC6 -- types, objectives, NG+ content, S-rank tips, and collectibles.

Mission Types & Structure

  • 1Missions fall into several categories: combat operations, defense missions, reconnaissance, and boss encounters -- each requires different AC builds.
  • 2Main missions advance the story and unlock new chapters, while optional missions provide extra credits and parts.
  • 3Some missions feature branching paths where your choices affect which factions you align with and which endings become available.
  • 4Multi-phase missions may require you to fight through waves of enemies before facing a boss -- manage your repair kits accordingly.
  • 5Arena missions are separate from the main campaign and pit you against increasingly difficult AI opponents for rewards.

Mission Objectives & Completion

  • 1Primary objectives are marked on your HUD -- complete all of them to finish the mission and earn your base reward.
  • 2Hidden objectives (destroying specific targets, finding collectibles) award bonus credits and unlock secret parts.
  • 3Some missions have time-sensitive objectives that reward bonus credits for fast completion.
  • 4Pay attention to mission briefings -- they often hint at enemy types, allowing you to prepare the optimal loadout.
  • 5Failed missions can be retried without penalty, and you keep any data logs collected during the attempt.

New Game Plus (NG+)

  • 1Armored Core 6 features three full playthroughs required to see all endings and unlock all content.
  • 2NG+ adds new missions and alternative versions of existing missions with different objectives and enemies.
  • 3Decision points in NG+ playthroughs unlock different story branches that were unavailable in the first run.
  • 4All parts, credits, and OS upgrades carry over between playthroughs, making subsequent runs easier to customize.
  • 5The third playthrough unlocks the true ending path and the most challenging final boss encounter in the game.

S-Rank Requirements

  • 1S-rank is the highest mission rating, awarded for completing missions quickly with minimal damage taken and high enemy kills.
  • 2Speed is the most heavily weighted factor -- learn the fastest route through each mission and skip optional encounters when possible.
  • 3Lightweight, high-mobility builds generally achieve S-ranks more easily due to faster movement and mission completion times.
  • 4Repair kit usage counts against your rank -- practice boss patterns to avoid taking unnecessary damage.
  • 5S-ranking all missions unlocks special cosmetic parts and achievement recognition on your pilot profile.

Collectibles & Hidden Content

  • 1Combat logs are hidden data pickups scattered throughout missions that unlock lore entries about the world of Rubicon.
  • 2Some collectibles only appear in specific NG+ cycles or after making particular story decisions.
  • 3Destroyed AC wreckage sites contain unique parts not available in the shop -- explore thoroughly off the main path.
  • 4Battle logs from defeated opponents unlock their AC schematics, allowing you to replicate their builds in the assembly.
  • 5Finding all collectibles in a chapter unlocks bonus shop inventory including rare weapons and internal components.