Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is FromSoftware's return to their mech franchise after a decade, featuring fast-paced mech combat with deep customization. You pilot an Armored Core (AC) built from hundreds of interchangeable parts across head, core, arms, legs, boosters, FCS, generator, and four weapon slots. The stagger system from Sekiro makes an appearance — filling an enemy's stagger bar opens them to massive damage. Three separate playthroughs with branching missions are required to see all endings and unlock all parts.
Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon features distinct areas with increasing difficulty. This guide covers every major location in progression order — what to do, what to get, and when to move on. For the step-by-step path, see our walkthrough.
Area Progression Order
| Order | Location | Difficulty | Key Rewards | Recommended Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rubicon 3 Surface | Chapter 1-2 | Starting parts, OS Tuning introduction, basic weapons | Tank Build |
| 2 | Wall Breach | Chapter 3 | Mid-tier weapons, story progression, new part shops | Tank Build |
| 3 | Watchpoint Delta | Chapter 4 | Advanced parts, faction-specific weapons, hidden components | Lightweight Speedster |
| 4 | ALLMIND Research Facility | NG++ (3rd playthrough) | ALLMIND ending, secret parts, final Arena unlocks | Lightweight Speedster |
| 5 | Coral Convergence | Final chapter | Ending-specific rewards, final boss parts, playthrough completion | Lightweight Speedster |
Rubicon 3 Surface — Starting Area
The primary battleground featuring industrial wastelands and Coral-contaminated zones. Early missions here teach basic combat against MTs and light ACs. The terrain is relatively flat with some vertical elements for aerial combat practice.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Chapter 1-2 |
| Key Rewards | Starting parts, OS Tuning introduction, basic weapons |
| Recommended Role | Tank Build |
| Key Weapons | Songbirds Grenade Launcher |
What to Do Here
- Learn the basics of assembly system — this is where you practice without heavy punishment.
- Collect starting resources and your first weapons upgrade.
- Clear all main content before moving to Wall Breach.
- If you're struggling, read our beginner's guide.
Wall Breach — Early Game
A massive fortified wall that serves as a pivotal midgame mission. Features both AC combat and large-scale MT encounters. The mission design teaches you to manage ammo across a long mission without resupply.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Chapter 3 |
| Key Rewards | Mid-tier weapons, story progression, new part shops |
| Recommended Role | Tank Build |
| Key Weapons | Songbirds Grenade Launcher |
What to Do Here
- Focus on mastering stagger mechanic — it's critical from this point on.
- Farm for Songbirds Grenade Launcher if you don't have it yet.
- Complete all objectives for maximum rewards.
- Prepare for the difficulty spike in Watchpoint Delta.
Watchpoint Delta — Mid Game
A key story location where multiple factions collide. Some of the hardest regular missions take place here with simultaneous AC and MT threats. Contains hidden paths with bonus parts if you explore off the main route.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Chapter 4 |
| Key Rewards | Advanced parts, faction-specific weapons, hidden components |
| Recommended Role | Lightweight Speedster |
| Key Weapons | Songbirds Grenade Launcher |
What to Do Here
- This is the main skill check. Bring an optimized build.
- Zimmerman Shotgun becomes accessible here — prioritize getting it.
- Master assault boost for the boss encounters.
- Check our boss guide if you get stuck.
ALLMIND Research Facility — Late Game
An endgame facility tied to the third playthrough's branching path. Features puzzle-like encounters and the ALLMIND boss fight. Required for the third ending and unlocks the game's most powerful secret parts.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | NG++ (3rd playthrough) |
| Key Rewards | ALLMIND ending, secret parts, final Arena unlocks |
| Recommended Role | Lightweight Speedster |
| Key Weapons | Zimmerman Shotgun |
What to Do Here
- Full build optimization is expected by this point.
- Zimmerman Shotgun should be your primary, fully upgraded.
- arena ranking mastery starts mattering here.
- Farm resources for the push into Coral Convergence.
Coral Convergence — Endgame
The final mission area featuring the climactic boss battles. Different endings lead to different final bosses here. The CEL 240 and Ayre fights are among FromSoftware's most challenging encounters.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Final chapter |
| Key Rewards | Ending-specific rewards, final boss parts, playthrough completion |
| Recommended Role | Lightweight Speedster |
| Key Weapons | Zimmerman Shotgun |
What to Do Here
- This is endgame. Best-in-slot gear and a perfected build are mandatory.
- See our boss guide for endgame fight strategies.
- The reward loop: clear content → upgrade → push harder content.
- Experiment with Balanced Middleweight for variety once you've mastered the meta.
Exploration Tips
- Clear areas in order — Rubicon 3 Surface → Wall Breach → Watchpoint Delta → ALLMIND Research Facility → Coral Convergence. Skipping areas means missing resources you'll need later.
- Check every corner — Hidden caches and secrets are often in non-obvious locations.
- Match your weapons — Some areas favor different weapons types.
- Read the walkthrough — Our walkthrough provides exact progression milestones for each area.
- Don't rush — Clearing an area fully gives more resources than speedrunning two areas.
More Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon Guides
- Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon Overview
- Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon Best Builds
- Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon Tier List
- Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon Walkthrough
- Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon Beginner's Guide
- Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon Tips & Tricks
- Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon Weapons Guide
- Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon Combat Guide
- Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon Boss Guide
- Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon Crafting Guide
- Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon Classes & Characters
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