How to beat the 'PCA Heavy Combat Helicopter' in Armored Core 6
You can find out how to beat the first boss in Armored Core 6 right here, as we've got the ideal strategy and tips for the PCA Heavy Combat Helicopter boss.
Finding out how to beat the first boss in Armored Core 6 is something you'll want to know before getting into the fight - as the PCA Heavy Combat Helicopter puts up a hefty challenge despite being one of the first enemies you face in the mech-based game.
As a FromSoftware game, it is no surprise that Armored Core 6 arrives with a challenge, but its first boss can prove too difficult for some, leaving them unable to progress through the game. This might be your first time operating an AC, and when faced with a tough foe it can all seem a little too much to handle.
Below, we've got everything you need to know about how to beat the first boss in Armored Core 6 - so make sure to continue reading if you're struggling with the PCA Heavy Combat Helicopter.
How to beat the first boss 'PCA Heavy Combat Helicopter' in Armored Core 6
The main strategy you're going to want to use to beat the PCA Heavy Combat Helicopter boss in Armored Core 6 is Assault Boosting (L3) towards it and hitting twice with the Pulse Blade (L2/LT).
While this does not mean neglecting your right arm and shoulder firing options - as you will want to use them whenever available too - utilizing the power of the Pulse Blade will be the key to finishing this fight.
Additionally, while the Pulse Blade will be key to breaking down the first boss, try and hold off on using it if the stagger meter is nearly full. This can be indicated by the yellow bar at the top of your aiming circle or the top of the screen, and once it is full and the enemy is staggered it will become red.
This stagger allows all attacks to be 'Direct Hits' and thus do more damage, so using the pulse blade here to secure the maximum amount of damage is very much recommended.
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HC Helicopter attacks
In terms of the attacks you'll need to watch out for from the HC Helicopter, the main ones that you'll have to worry about are its missiles, of which there are three types:
- Missile Salvo 1: Small rocket barrage, tracking enabled
- Missile Salvo 2: Larger rocket barrage, tracking enabled
- Heavy Missiles: Several straight-on heavy missiles, no tracking
The two Missile Salvos will come from the edges of the Helicopter's wings, whereas the Heavy Missiles will emerge from the front of the helicopter.
There is no wind-up on any of these missiles, and they are fired without warning, but the missiles themselves are fairly slow, so you should have time to move out of the way and avoid them.
You can use Quick Boost (Square/X) to move out of the way, but we also very much recommend using verticality to avoid these missiles too. This is especially effective with the Missile Salvo as its tracking cannot keep up with vertical movement.
- Make sure to also check out the best early weapons and parts in Armored Core 6 if you're looking to dominate the first few chapters
Outside of the rockets, you will have to also contend with the Gatling Guns, but these don't do too much damage and can be largely avoided with distance. Just make sure to keep an eye on your own stagger meter - as you don't want to be rendered immobile while the Heli is charging up a Heavy Missile.
- While you can't customize your mech for the PCA Helicopter fight, you will definitely want to check out all of the best builds in Armored Core 6 for every boss afterwards.
So, that's all you need to know to defeat the PCA Heavy Combat Helicopter in Armored Core 6, as the first boss in the game can present a real challenge to new and experienced players alike.
Be sure to check out our Armored Core 6 homepage to see more guides and tips to help you in your Rubicon missions.
About The Author
Harry Boulton
Harry is a Guides Writer at GGRecon, having completed a Masters of Research degree in Film Studies. Previously a freelance writer for PCGamesN, The Loadout, and Red Bull Gaming, he loves playing a wide variety of games from the Souls series to JRPGs, Counter-Strike, and EA FC. When not playing or writing about games and hardware, you're likely to find him watching football or listening to Madonna and Kate Bush.
