Armored Core 6: How to Beat Balteus (Boss Fight)

Toward the end of Mission 11 in Chapter 1 of Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon, you will face to face with an autonomous drone called Balteus that you must beat in a grueling boss fight. A floating machine with rings of missile launchers and even a built-in flamethrower, this boss tests everything you’ve learned. An enormous challenge, your mech’s build could significantly impact the difficulty of this battle.

Those looking to take on Balteus should remember that they must complete the other objectives in the mission without taking too much damage. While your mech will come equipped with some Repair Kits, you will want to save those until the boss fight. Like Soulsborne titles, saving resources like Energy and Armor Points in Armored Core 6 for the toughest battles gives you the best chances to win.

Related: Armored Core 6: How to Unlock More AP (Armor Points)

How To Defeat Balteus in Armored Core 6

Due to the overwhelming amount of projectiles, Balteus throws at you, the best way to defeat this boss is to stay mobile and frequently boost while using rapid-fire weapons to attack whenever possible. Going to the Assembly and equipping at least one Gatling Gun gives you one of the best tools against Balteus in Armored Core 6. The rapid fire of this kinetic weapon lets you hold down the fire button while locked on and focus on moving around.

Managing your Energy for Boosts is crucial while fighting Balteus since the drone’s primary attack involves firing a huge volley of homing missiles at your mech. To keep your attention on movement, consider arming your build with a Vertical Missile Launcher. This Shoulder attachment fires rockets into the air quickly before they slam into a targeted enemy, guaranteeing some damage as you dodge.

Stay mobile and keep up the pressure while remembering to reload before Balteus’ health reaches about 50%. From this point onward, the boss can use a highly damaging energy burst attack around itself that explodes to deal massive damage. Additionally, this enemy has adapted to evolved mech warfare in Armored Core 6 with a flamethrower it uses as a sword to attack at close range.

Feel free to adjust your build at this mission’s Checkpoint to effectively beat Balteus in Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon, even though this will likely prevent you from reaching a coveted S-Rank.