Starting out in Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon can feel like throwing pebbles at tanks—until you get your hands on the right tools. The game offers a wide array of weapons early on, and choosing the right loadout can mean the difference between breezing through missions and slamming into a wall of frustration. Below, we break down some of the most effective early game weapons—categorized by when you can unlock them—and how to get the most out of each. Let’s dive in and start dealing some real damage.
1. HG-003 COCOLETTE – The Early-Game Stagger Kings
Unlocked after Mission 2: Destroy Artillery Installations, the COCOLETTE handguns are budget-friendly at just 35,000 credits each. The game even suggests running them in dual trigger configuration—and rightly so. When paired, these pistols shred through enemies by quickly building up their stagger gauge. You can easily ride these through the early phases of Chapter 1. If you want to save money, the default RF-024 TURNER rifle is a viable fallback, though it lacks the same raw stagger output.
2. SG-026 HALDEMAN – Shotgun Devastation at Close Range
After clearing Missions 6 and 7 in Chapter 1, the HALDEMAN shotgun becomes available in the shop for 75,000 credits. A force to be reckoned with, this weapon excels at close-range burst damage and can chunk down stagger bars in seconds. For maximum effect, equip one in each arm. Most early-game bosses crumble under dual HALDEMAN pressure, assuming you stay within optimal range.
3. VVC-760PR – Explosive Energy AOE
Also unlocked after Missions 6 and 7, this 202,000 credit energy weapon is perfect for crowd control. The VVC-760PR fires a slow-moving projectile that explodes into multiple energy balls on impact, ideal for groups of enemies clustered together. Accuracy depends on your timing and aim, so it may require some finesse. But when it hits, it hits hard.
4. VP-60LCS – Precision Energy Sniper for Your Shoulders
Available after Missions 6 and 7 for 147,000 credits, the VP-60LCS is one of the most reliable shoulder weapons throughout the game. This energy sniper fires fast-moving beams with the option to charge for increased damage. Equipping two—one per shoulder—allows you to snipe enemies and build stagger on bosses from a distance. It’s highly recommended for tough encounters and shines in boss fights.
5. VVC-70VPM – Shoulder-Borne AOE Threat
This 96,000 credit shoulder weapon becomes available after Missions 6 and 7. Similar to the VVC-760PR, it detonates on impact and deals wide-reaching damage. Effective against groups, the VVC-70VPM adds flexibility to any early loadout and synergizes well with stagger-focused strategies.
6. DF-GA-08 HU-BEN – The Heavy Arms Fantasy
Unlocked in Mission 11: Attack the Watchpoint, this 170,000 credit beast satisfies every heavy-weapons enthusiast’s dreams. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like Heavy Arms Gundam incarnate, the HU-BEN delivers. However, it burns through ammo fast, especially when dual-wielded. You won’t likely run dry mid-mission, but be ready for steep ammo costs when calculating post-mission profits.
7. PB-033M ASHMEAD – The Stagger-Breaking Melee Piledriver
Also available after Mission 11, this melee weapon costs 185,000 and packs devastating punch. Though you can only equip it on the left arm early on, its raw damage and stagger potential are game-changing. It doesn’t even need a charged attack to deal insane damage—perfect for capitalizing on brief boss vulnerabilities. If you’re building a melee loadout, this is a must-try.
8. SONG BIRDS – Dual Shoulder Boomsticks
Another gem unlocked after Mission 11, the Song Birds are explosive-launching shoulder weapons priced at 182,000. They’re easier to use in high-intensity battles thanks to clear reload animations, which help prevent tunnel vision errors. They offer some of the fastest stagger buildup in the early game and are a fantastic pick for boss fights or cluttered enemy zones.
9. SG-027 ZIMMERMAN – The Elite Shotgun
Unlocked after Mission 14: Ocean Crossing, the Zimmerman outclasses most early shotguns due to its reduced downtime between shots. Though the Sweet Sixteen—also unlocked here—packs more total damage in a single blast, Zimmerman offers better combat rhythm and smoother follow-up potential. It’s excellent for those who prefer sustained aggression over big, single-shot gambles.
10. LG-022T BONA MISSIA & VP-424 – Tank vs. Tetrapod Legs
Weapon effectiveness depends heavily on your leg setup. For recoil-heavy weapons like the HU-BEN, tank treads (LG-022T BONA MISSIA, unlocked after Mission 8) are a perfect fit. They let you absorb recoil, maintain mobility, and mow down enemies with stability. If you favor aerial maneuverability, the VP-424 Tetrapod legs—also unlocked after Mission 8—are excellent for hovering and raining death from above. Both setups shine when paired with the right weapons.
Whether you’re a close-range brawler or a long-distance energy sniper, Armored Core 6 offers loadout variety that can evolve with your playstyle. Early game can be punishing, but with these weapons and the right combination of movement parts, you’ll be dominating the battlefield in no time.
Keep experimenting, keep adapting—and above all, keep those barrels hot.
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