How to beat Balteus in Armored Core 6

Armored Core 6's Balteus boss is one of the toughest to take down in the early game, so our primer on the best build you'll need to run and steps on how to defeat it will ensure it's left in the dust in no time.

Armored Core 6 is packed full of difficult enemies, and with each of them possessing a different skillset, it can sometimes be tricky to figure out what exactly you need to do. 

While previous FromSoftware games could facilitate a single build throughout the entire story, you have to be reactive in this game and play to the weaknesses of your foes in order to succeed.

Below, we've got plenty of tips for you if you're struggling with defeating Balteus, so keep reading to find out how to beat the boss and the best mech parts to equip before fighting it.

Strategy & tips to beat Balteus in Armored Core 6

In order to beat Balteus, you will need to have a mobile build for your mech, as it is essential that you dodge all of the incoming missiles and learn the attacks and moveset of the boss.

Furthermore, Balteus is particularly susceptible to plasma damage - especially when it projects pulse armour around itself, as that will break it down very quickly. We have taken this into account when building the best mech for Balteus below, so don't forget to check that out too.

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Like most bosses in Armored Core 6, you will generally want to stay as close as possible to Balteus so that your weapons can do the most damage. You can do this by utilising the Assault Boost on L3 as often as possible in order to close the gap. Getting close is also key for using the Pulse Blade, which will do massive damage to the boss and raise its stagger meter significantly.

• Check out our Armored Core 6 mech customisation guide to learn how to switch up the look and feel of your AC.

In terms of attacks to avoid, you will mostly be faced by missile salvos that have no wind-up but travel relatively slowly towards you. Make sure to use your Quick Boost (Square/X) to go left or right, and also make use of vertical space to further avoid any incoming hits.

When you have depleted around 50% of the boss' HP, it will start charging up a wide area of effect (AoE) attack which you will want to stay well clear of. Ayre should warn you of this over your comms, but it will be clear when the attack is charging. You can avoid this by Quick Boosting backwards, or unlocking the camera and Assault Boosting away.

Finally, when the boss reaches around 30% HP, it will introduce flamethrower attacks to its moveset, which can be tricky to deal with if you have successfully been staying close. To avoid the flames, either stay behind, above, or below the boss, as its attacks will only affect you if you are directly in front of it.

• Keep running into EN Shortfall in Armored Core 6? Check out our guide to learn how to fix it

What is the best mech for Balteus?

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Here are the parts that you'll want to equip if you're looking for the best mech for Balteus in Armored Core 6:

Unit

Core

Frame

• Make sure to also have a look at the best builds in Armored Core 6, as we've got the ideal mechs for every other boss too

As you can see here, all of the weapons we have recommended are plasma-based, which makes a huge difference when it comes to taking down Balteus fast.

Furthermore, another key part is the KASUAR/42Z reverse-jointed legs, as they will give you extra height on your jumps and Quick Boosts - which is key for getting close and avoiding any incoming attacks.

So, that should be all you need to know if you were wondering how to beat Balteus in Armored Core 6, with an ideal strategy and the best mech build to hopefully push you over the finish line.

Looking for a little more help? Check out our Armored Core 6 homepage for more guides, as there is plenty to learn in the game that you might not know yet.