If you're struggling with the Armored Core 6 first boss HC Helicopter, you're not alone. From Software is no stranger to pitting players against a formidable tutorial boss at the start of each one of their games. Whether it's the Asylum Demon or Iudex Gundyr, you'd better be ready to master the fundamentals of the game before you're allowed to make any progress. This tradition continues with the Armored Core 6 first boss, HC Helicopter.
The HC Helicopter boss shows up out of nowhere near the end of the first mission and assaults you with no mercy. You don't even have access to the assembly to adapt to this boss fight, and will need to master the tools available. If you're looking to beat the first boss in Armored Core 6, keep reading.
Also, check out our Armored Core 6 guides for how long the game takes to beat and the full list of weapons. We've also got a look at how to get all Armored Core 6 endings.
How to beat first boss HC Helicopter in Armored Core 6
The HC Helicopter is a daunting fight, especially because it's the first boss in Armored Core 6, and it drops on you without warning. To make matters worse, you're not even able to change your loadout to adapt to this fight, and need to work with the tools you have. The tools at your disposal are the Rifle, Plasma Cutter, and a Missile Launcher.
Meanwhile, the HC Helicopter has multiple attacks to punish you with very quickly. The main attacks to watch out for are as follows:
- Machine gun barrage that tracks you
- Slow AoE heavy missiles
- Fast tracking missile barrages
You need to know how to deal with each of these as well as know how to move correctly and use the cover to your advantage. Unlike Dark Souls games, Armored Core 6 rewards well-timed aggression a lot more. Your key to victory is using the Pulse Blade at the appropriate time. So, let's go over some tips and tricks to keep in mind during the HC Helicopter tutorial boss fight.
HC Helicopter boss tips
Here are some things you can try out to deal with the HC Helicopter boss:
- Make sure you use all of your mobility options, including verticality. The game tells you to fly upwards to avoid damage, but this is not enough. You need to move in all directions to avoid damage
- The best place to avoid damage is to be right under the HC Helicopter, as most of its attacks cannot reach you while you're here
- Pay attention to your ammo and cooldowns. Try to stay in a middle range to make sure your bullets and missile attacks don't go off the mark
- Wait for the heavy missile attack and time your turbo boost to get in close and get a hit in with the Pulse Blade. The Pulse Blade is the best way to stagger the HC Helicopter and allows you to deal a ton of damage
- At around 40% HP, the boss becomes a lot more aggressive, and you need to use the surrounding buildings and terrain for cover. Use a repair kit only when below 4000 AP to avoid wasting any extra AP
- The HC Helicopter launches barrages of missiles. Pay attention to each wave and dodge in a tempo to avoid them
- The machine guns may seem unthreatening, but they fill up your stagger meter quickly and can spell the end of your attempt. Boost dodge left and right to shake them off
Follow these tips, and you should be able to beat the Armored Core 6 HC Helicopter tutorial boss in no time. Also, check our guides on all bosses in the game, plus how the lock on mechanic works in Armored Core 6.