Best Early Builds in Armored Core 6 (AC6)

There are tons of parts and different ways to customize your ACs in Armored Core 6, but you’d only be able to access them by progressing through the campaign. Thankfully, you can unlock a decent selection of parts within the game’s first chapter without having to spend any COAM. In this guide, we’ll go over a few of the best early builds in Armored Core 6 that you can start using for free.

Armored Core 6: Best Beginner Builds

All of the builds listed below only contain parts that you’ll get for free, either by completing story or training missions. As such, you’ll want to have all training missions unlocked and completed, which means you’ll need to have at least completed Chapter 1 Mission 08 (Operation Wallclimber).

Here are the best early builds to start you off:

1) Lightweight Slicer

• UNIT
  • R-Arm Unit: MG-014 LUDLOW
  • L-Arm Unit: HI-32: BU-TT/A
  • R-Back Unit: BML-G1/P20MLT-04
  • L-Back Unit: BML-G1/P02VTC-04
• FRAME
  • Head: HC-2000 FINDER EYE
  • Core: CC-2000 ORBITER
  • Arms: AC-2000 TOOL ARM
  • Legs: 2C-2000 CRAWLER
• INNER
  • Booster: BST-G1/P10
  • FCS: FC-006 ABBOT
  • Generator: AG-J-098 JOSO

This build is for pilots who like to be fast, up-close, and personal. The MG-014 LUDLOW is a fast-firing machine gun that shreds targets nearby, while the HI-32 BU-TT/A energy sword can slice open even the toughest of shields. The INNER parts allow you to remain airborne while punishing targets from above.

2) Sturdy Gunner

• UNIT
  • R-Arm Unit: RF-024 TURNER
  • L-Arm Unit: HI-32: BU-TT/A
  • R-Back Unit: BML-G1/P20MLT-04
  • L-Back Unit: BML-G1/P02VTC-04
• FRAME
  • Head: HD-012 MELANDER C3
  • Core: BD-012 MELANDER C3
  • Arms: AR-012 MELANDER C3
  • Legs: LG-012 MELANDER C3
• INNER
  • Booster: ALULA/21E
  • FCS: FCS-G1/P01
  • Generator: VP-20S

This build takes advantage of the MELANDER C3 frame kit, increasing both your total AP and weight while still remaining fast enough to be evasive. Using the RF-024 TURNER as your R-Arm Unit, you’ll be able to damage enemies from farther ranges with your high-caliber rifle while still being a threat up close with your HI-32 BU-TT/A energy sword.

Related: All Training Mode Parts in Armored Core 6 (AC6)

3) Diverse Destroyer

• UNIT
  • R-Arm Unit: VP-66LH
  • L-Arm Unit: DF-GR-07 GOU-CHEN
  • R-Back Unit: BML-G1/P20MLT-04
  • L-Back Unit: BML-G1/P02VTC-04
• FRAME
  • Head: HD-012 MELANDER C3
  • Core: CC-2000 ORBITER
  • Arms: AR-012 MELANDER C3
  • Legs: LG-012 MELANDER C3
• INNER
  • Booster: ALULA/21E
  • FCS: FCS-G1/P01
  • Generator: VP-20S

This build still uses most of the MELANDER C3 frame kit, remaining sturdy and quite mobile, but with the VP-66LH and the DF-GR-07 GOU-CHEN as your right and left arm units, you’ll dish out various types of damage. Your R-Arm Unit is a laser handgun that can be charged for greater damage, while your L-Arm Unit is a missile launcher, capable of extreme explosive damage.

4) Kinetic Killer

• UNIT
  • R-Arm Unit: LR-036 CURTIS
  • L-Arm Unit: DF-GR-07 GOU-CHEN
  • R-Back Unit: BML-G1/P20MLT-04
  • L-Back Unit: BML-G1/P02VTC-04
• FRAME
  • Head: HD-012 MELANDER C3
  • Core: BD-012 MELANDER C3
  • Arms: AR-012 MELANDER C3
  • Legs: LG-012 MELANDER C3
• INNER
  • Booster: ALULA/21E
  • FCS: FCS-G1/P01
  • Generator: VP-20S

This build utilizes kinetic and explosive weapons which, while causing momentary recoil, deliver large bursts of damage. The MELANDER C3 frame kit will help you survive and stay mobile, while your heavy-hitting arsenal will take down anything in your way.

Those are our recommendations for the best early-game builds in Armored Core 6. Want to push your AC’s build even further? Check out which OST Upgrades you should get first in Armored Core 6.