Ranking the Bosses of FromSoft's Armored Core 6!

[@BillySYT]

I know I'm quite late to the Armored Core VI hype train, but suffice it to say, after playing this game, I understand why people love it so much! I don't expect this video to do insanely well, I just hope those of you who watch, enjoy~!

[@austin0_bandit05]

Man I haven't quit playing this game since release. Right on time for me!😊

[@pressy-fb1hs]

Me seeing allmimd not in top 3 but seeing rusty up there "ill allow it for rusty"

[@BillySYT]

Allmind just didn't quite do it for me, but I respect why people enjoy it.

[@cathylunn2809]

Fun fact: the reason rusty regained half of his ap after his terminal armor is because he used a repair kit which as we all know acs and the player has access to.

[@Chritin]

While I can understand being disappointed by the lack of All-Mind’s involvement in the main game, I feel it does an amazing job at being a secret antagonist for what is (for all intents and purposes) a secret ending. If I had to compare it to anything, it would be similar to Yuria and the quest line for Londor in DS3. In that game, kindling the flame and letting it fade are the main endings, and Yuria’s rather than being a supposed “true” or “correct” ending is more of a side route that could be good or bad depending on how you interpret it. Usurping the fire isn’t integral to the story, but an interesting sub route that some may find interesting. All Mind and it’s ending us very similar, since it’s ending is very different from the fires or raven and liberator or rubicon ending. It isn’t inherently good or bad, and is just a different pathway the player can take that is intentionally hidden. I don’t know if that summarizes how I feel, but personally it’s the reason I think it passes as a good ending story wise (also I’m a pretty big fan of All Mind and Iguazu in general for how they are as characters). Gameplay wise, while the first phase is somewhat annoying, I think the 2nd and 3rd phases definitely make up for it. The 3rd phase especially I love because it tests you directional evasion skills by having you maneuver around the slashes from Iguazu perfectly. All in all, I can understand why you like it, but that’s just my general mindset behind why I love it so much. It’s personally one of my favorite FromSoftware bosses, and either my first or second place for AC6 (maybe behind Snail Balteus because his conniving personality is SUPERB).

[@BillySYT]

Snail Balteus was easily the most satisfying fight to overcome, because his downright deplorable personality going up in smoke with his mech is just... *chef's kiss*

[@Chritin]

@@BillySYT AGREED!!! I especially love his dialogue throughout the fight. For example, if you defeated snail in the mission against Carla & Chatty he’ll say that he’s fighting you because you tried to kill him. However, if you ignore him and go directly to Carla he’ll instead say that you “ignored” him. It’s just an amazing shift in his dialogue that shows how self centered he is. Also I love his phase 2 transition. Him growling “I AM ARQUEBUS” will never not get old.

[@novemberbravo6194]

Wow, what an incredible video; thanks for taking the time to put this together! I’m in the process of working through my first play through at present (just started Ch.5, currently stuck on ArcheBalteus), so I’ve yet to encounter the majority of these fights, but after watching this truly superlative overview of the entire game’s array of boss battles, I’m even more hyped to get into my second and third play throughs. Can’t wait to see what you come out with next! Edit: Also, major congrats on hitting 20k subs, that’s a hell of an achievement!

[@Zane12ai]

As someone who's platnumed the game, Here's a tip for S-ranking Jorgan: Kill. That's it, just kill everything, as fast as you can. Go for the fuel tanks of course, and bring alot it weapons that can one shot MT's with a very fast cool down. Just kill everything in sight as fast as possible, damage doesn't even matter for the boss fight

[@cjthenarhwalking1378]

One weakness I discovered by accident for the sea spider is verticality. Just getting above it makes the fight a lot easier. And in the Ayre fight, were dialogue really implies that she grew feelings for raven, and is heart broken about fighting us.

[@emiliogonzales7073]

People who didn’t fight baltaus at release have no idea of the horror that it was

[@kingkrool1619]

God balteus was hell I never felt enjoyment from beat a boss like beating him

[@Jet_extremis]

Bro, I absolutely LOVED this game when it came out. It's one of my top 10, for sure. I fell in love and got all of the achievements. Great list, though my number 1 is the Ice Worm. It's such a gimmick boss, but it is so cinematically well done. Visually impeccable, sound design (and great use of silence), significance to the story. I always go back to this mission because of the first moment with best boy Rusty and him saying, "I won't miss." Even thinking about it as I write this comment gives me chills. And all of the end boss fights are amazing, for sure. Especially with Rusty (as sad as it was). Though something will always stand out about the Ice Worm.

[@BillySYT]

Rusty during the Ice Worm fight is the best a character's been in any of these games. He gave me chills, though I wish they'd done the "Watch out for friendly fire" line first, then the "I won't miss" after the 2nd shot.

[@Jet_extremis]

@@BillySYT While I don't necessarily agree with "watch out for friendly fire" first, I can see your perspective. I think "I wont miss" being such a strong line and introduced first works so well to really emphasize the severity of the situation. I think "watch outu for friendly fire" should've been scrapped for something far stronger. The line is overall 'meh' in my opinion. It's, like, something that doesn't really need to be said by that point in the fight, nor can you damage your allies, anyway. Last thing, I sent an email to you about this video. Wanted to let you know on here if you happen to check your business email seldomly. Anyway, great video, Billy! Solid list.

[@emiliogonzales7073]

This boss was bad bc I wasn’t good. Interesting takes sometimes. Thanks for the video!

[@bedheadtv9594]

I have this game but I’m still to play it been busy playing the back catalogue of fromsoft games. That being said really enjoyed the video and will do my homework before I play after lies of p platinum run

[@BillySYT]

Definitely a game that benefits from you doing a little homework (aka watching the VaatiVidya Beginner's guide)

[@emiliogonzales7073]

Baltaus was significantly nerfed by the first patch bc people were complaining. As was the c spider

[@Romapolitan]

Only slightly not that much. Felt more like try hards were complaining after the nerf, I could barely feel the difference.

[@shayanpr4467]

unlike other people i never got the conection to allmind also. but in the other hand walter... the shear amount of emotions in that fight is overwhelming for me the arena the dialogue the music is just next to perfection

[@BillySYT]

100% I actually think in terms of raw emotion, and what it made me feel, Walter's got the best fight in the game. I just happen to prefer the gameplay of the ones above. But that music, his dialogue, the fight powered by Coral that's burning away his will... It's so powerful

[@NianJKL]

I think the almond (all mind) fight gave me the hardest challenge frankly because my build choice kinda sucked and got nerfed before I got to the fight. (It was double rifles a song bird and the coral moonlight weapon on a quadruped. There was also swift build I brought that kept running out of ammo at like 4% health and I hated trying to punch almond to death with that build) I didn’t do well with the 3rd phase because to me it was a damage check I got there with full health and a heal and it kept melting me down. I switched out the songbird for a needle and replaced the head and just eeked out a victory in the end. The fight was probably the hardest as I found a pretty easy way to cheese basically every other boss short of snailtaeus which while I love frustrated me a little more to lose to. Speaking of the needle personally I really hated the ice worm too which is apparently contriversal (I was bored because while it was in theory cool in practice in bored me and I hate gimmick fights like the stormbringer fights in dark souls though it makes me super happy that the weapon is actually amazing post gimmick. Gonna be honest never bothered using it outside of it until I was looking for help for almond and I was told that the needle was fantastic) it’s always fascinating to see how different people feel about the game!

[@wheatleyscience9]

Im so glad you enjoyed this game after all! Its among my favorite Fromsoft games. Criminally underrated still I feel, alot of people would love it if they gave it a chance!

[@BillySYT]

I think because of the mecha aspect, it turns away more people than something like Sekiro. But I feel like FromSoftware just don't miss when it comes to their games these days, such a great experience.

[@Carnagevenomtoxin]

Fun Fact Patches actually got his start in Armored Core as Patch the Good Luck before Demon's Souls. Which is why I always viewed Patches as the Miyazaki signature.

[@BillySYT]

It's definitely a series I'd like to go back and play some of the older titles, just to experience it. And if I get to see the OG Patches, it'll be well worth it.

[@lesslighter]

@@BillySYT funner fact his EN VA would eventually voice Handler Walter which in hindsight is prodding the hilarity if you do kill Swinburne as he escapes if you accept his deal if you played Ace Combat 7 he also voices Wiseman

[@alfernmaywillofficial]

Smart Cleaner was my roadblock too. Before him, I played as a literal tank: tread legs, bazookas, and grenade launchers. But fighting Cleaner as a tank is torture. This was a boss that actually motivated me to make a more mobile and versatile AC, even though still quite a heavy one. Also, I'm so happy with your top three. Actually, my personal ranking of bosses is very similar to yours.

[@BillySYT]

I don't know how I'd manage if I didn't have a mobile AC for that fight (at least on a first playthrough) Only way I could kill it was via the chimney spout weakpoint, those saws were too much for me

[@alfernmaywillofficial]

@@BillySYT Same! My strat was to use recoil from weapons to prolong hovering above it, so I could keep a non-stop assult on it's weakpoint.

[@juleksz.5785]

SC ws first bossfight that forced me to change loadout - cuz my melee was absolutely useless against him. I started using cannon (or "GreNaDE LuNcHeR") and i keep using it still -such a fun weapon. My biggest problem here was definetly enviroment - quite a lot hits taken because of getting stuck on that single conteiner. Also i didn't really liek it visualy.

[@xiphi7138]

I didn't see your top yet, but I think the fights I loved the most where the ones tied to the bad ending. Ayre and Rusty are such great fights with such emotional power. Truly my favourites I also love CEL-240 and Archebus Balteus, the Ice Worm, and Iguazu final fight was a blast too. Such a great game

[@BillySYT]

I think you're going to enjoy pretty much my entire Top 10 onwards lmaooooo

[@xiphi7138]

And I really enjoyed it 🙏

[@emiliogonzales7073]

Your play through utterly confuses me. And it lets me know you were buns at this gsme

[@LillianAredhel]

I agree that Freud's fight was a little underwhelming, but what puts him at the top for me is the fact that he's completely unaugmented. He made it to the top, and leads the Vespers, as a baseline human, relying on nothing but his own skills. That's what gives him the Arena S1 rank for me.

[@BillySYT]

It's what I referenced when I mentioned I feel Freud is the closest analogy to the player (not the player character, but the actual player), in the game. Impressive stuff.

[@LillianAredhel]

@@BillySYT ohh okay I completely misunderstood, my bad :3

[@goodcat2347]

Glad to see this video also you playing the game my favorite by far it the ice worm not hard but it has the best atmosphere

[@BillySYT]

Ice Worm is an absolute blast, seeing all of the people you've worked with across the game come together, only for that harmony to be immediately broken in Chapter 4

[@lesslighter]

Want to beat the endrokronoi fast? dual etsujins or estsujin-attache with ashmead make your melee perf max out with basho arms stagger commit to the melee no broken builds no cheese just straight carnage

[@mayasuxs]

Wooo, I've missed your long as heck videos

[@BillySYT]

They're rare, but I do enjoy a good long video every once in a while.

[@juleksz.5785]

Juggernaught is my favourite boss so far. it's introduction was amazing, the fight mechanics fun, pretty much every build works against it, despite being the easiest boss so far, it's not braindead and you can die if you slack and won't pay attention. Kidna wish i could fight it alone from the get go :p i barely started playing, my last mission is where the PCF (hope i got that acronym right) arrives and so fun i've never had moer fun :p Also, Balteus's a bitch. I hate it.

[@emiliogonzales7073]

EKDROMOI WAS THAT HIGH? Goodnight

[@Rubi1007]

I love that other people appreciate this game as much as I do 💖

[@BillySYT]

It's just a really good time. So underrated.

[@Rubi1007]

@@BillySYT one of the few games I just couldn’t stop playing until I did everything. Just kept ng+ing all the way to ng+5 until I got all endings, parts, optional missions, etc.

[@erls3160]

Always happy to see another Amored Core 6 boss ranking video. I think another reason people struggled so much with Balteus is because it was nerfed a few weeks after release

[@infinitysurvivor2681]

idk if its just me but i see no problem with supporting All-Mind

[@jad1nsmitzh]

Tbh , VII snail balteus is in top 3 imo , that fight was unforgettable

[@BillySYT]

If we're talking purely based on gameplay, I agree 100% - I'm just a Rusty simp tho :

[@hungrymanning]

Such a fun game! Glad to see it get some love in 2024

[@BillySYT]

I'm just sad I missed it at launch in 2023. Fabulous game, well deserved praise

[@zereeni]

Would love to see more AC videos!

[@BillySYT]

I've got Best/Worst Missions in the works. Beyond that, not entirely sure what I could do - Might add Armoured Core to my regular videos to get more people interested ^^

[@lesslighter]

at least Rusty doesnt start his fight with.... so have you found the reason to fight yet.... buddy

[@BillySYT]

He'd absolutely destroy me if he started his fight saying those lines

[@theeggheadboi3072]

Anyone got a easy way to kill arye bc she's cracked and I suck

[@BillySYT]

Head for the corners of the arena. She's more predictable because she can't teleport out of the boundaries. Beyond that, have a high damaging weapon and just make sure you've got the right chip for your weapon load out ^^

[@playmsbk]

I'll be honest, no one who used zimmermans and stun needles is qualified to talk about the difficulty of this game, that stuff makes cel 240 feel like pinwheel. That being said, stun needle, shoulder bazooka, Zimmerman and pilebunker is guaranteed s-rank for any boss mission.

[@BillySYT]

Then it's a good thing I'm not talking about boss difficulty for the most part. It'd be titled as a difficulty ranking if I were. But I still hold fast that the Allmind fight should have been balanced with the mindset that the player WOULD have an OP build given it's NG++ content.

[@laserduck6149]

Great ranking, I agree that while the actual fight us incredible, the build-up for ALLMIND was kind of lackluster (I had almost forgot who Iguazu was lmao). My favourite has got to be Arquebus Balteus though, I was heartbroken by the cinder carla mission when Rusty came and brought my moral back up; ch5 LoR was wild, it cemented AC6 as one of my favourite games ever, no wonder it is my favourite mission.

[@BillySYT]

I admittedly don't connect with the Arquebus Balteus mission, because I find the whole "Attack 4/5 objectives" thing a bit tedious - But the boss is absolutely phenomenal, one of my favourites in the game.

[@laserduck6149]

​@@BillySYT Fair enough, tbh I feel that if I didn't have the high emotionak build-up and the absolute banger that is rusted pride in the background, i probably wouldn't have liked it as well

[@murderface5773]

I think the Ice Worm is overrated. I don't find that boss as fun as everyone else does.

[@BillySYT]

Totally fair - I think for me, part of the fun is the narrative, all of the factions coming together, all of the missions prior setting you up for this big battle with the worm, and the badass character moments with Rusty. Sometimes I prefer that over more gameplay-centric fights.

[@murderface5773]

@BillySYT Your opinion is your opinion. I think the community, in general, overrates this fight. Narratively speaking, it is solid and there are good character moments. In the gameplay of the fight, I feel like I am skating around to shoot its face once, then waiting for Rusty to blast it so I can unload on it. Then rinse and repeat. I get a developer wants to use different approaches to boss fights to keep things fresh and varied. It just did not do it for me. I would also rate the All Mind fight at number 2 for me next to Ayre. So we all have our preferences.

[@ph43draaa]

The disrespect to PCA Warrant Officer 😭