Reinventing the Balteus in Armored Core VI

Armored Core 6 is known for its challenging bosses, but none are quite as formidable as AAP07: BALTEUS, or Balteus for short. Considered the dreaded FromSoftware skill check boss, Balteus has the ability to shred most ACs with just a couple of attacks. This boss is extremely mobile, capable of fighting effectively at any range and in the air. Balteus also boasts a pulse shield that must be broken before it can be damaged, and a second form where it cranks up the intensity. Prepare yourself for quite the battle!

If you’re feeling daunted by the prospect of facing Balteus, fear not. With the right approach and preparation, this boss is certainly beatable. In this guide, we’ll walk you through strategies for building your AC and provide a detailed breakdown of Balteus’ attacks. By the end, you’ll have everything you need to triumph over this metallic monstrosity!

AC Build

When it comes to building your AC for the Balteus fight, there are a few key considerations. Firstly, Balteus has attacks that are much less effective against aerial opponents. Therefore, constructing an AC that can spend a lot of time in the air without relying heavily on momentum-halting weapons is crucial.

For the legs, we recommend using a pair of Reverse-Joints. While Tetrapod legs are superior for staying airborne, their weight reduces dodge effectiveness, and this battle requires frequent panic dodges. With Reverse-Joints, you can maintain good mobility while dodging Balteus’ attacks.

When it comes to weapons, the Vvc-760PR Plasma Rifle is an essential choice. This rifle allows you to deal significant damage to Balteus while maintaining nimble movement and dodging around the arena. It also works effectively against Balteus’ pulse shield, making the fight much more manageable. Using the charged shot of the Vvc-760PR Plasma Rifle is not recommended, as it causes a pause when fired, interrupting your momentum in battle.

For your other weapons, equipping your shoulders with homing missile launchers is a solid choice. Select missiles that favor impact, as they will contribute significantly to your ACS damage. Additionally, the Plasma Blade can be effective in this fight. After evading a Missile Barrage attack, Balteus will be vulnerable to a Plasma Blade attack. However, using the Plasma Blade successfully requires precise timing and spacing. Alternatively, a second Plasma Rifle or a heavy-hitting weapon like a Bazooka can be viable options, especially when Balteus is staggered or using slow startup attacks.

AAP07: Balteus’s Attacks

Missile Barrage

Balteus frequently utilizes a variety of missile barrages in this fight. These attacks can take different forms, such as vertical columns, pincer waves, or missiles fired in every direction. To avoid the missiles, you can either create distance and dash to the side at the last moment or use an Assault Burst to dash straight towards Balteus as the missiles converge. The latter method often presents a more reliable strategy, but be mindful of the timing to prevent getting clipped by the missiles.

Machine Gun Burst

Balteus may use a machine gun burst attack in the mid-range. While not particularly special, this attack is quick and can catch you off guard if you’re standing still. Stay mobile and avoid standing in one place to mitigate the risk of getting hit.

Rocket Cluster

The rocket cluster attack involves a small cluster of rockets fired by Balteus. These rockets have limited homing ability, making it relatively easy to evade them by strafing to the side. They primarily serve to keep you on your toes in the mid-range.

Shotgun Blast

When you get too close to Balteus, it will fire a powerful shotgun blast at you. This attack deals significant damage with a high impact. To avoid consecutive hits and overload, keep moving and strafing while staying mobile. Taking to the air is also an effective solution.

Shoulder Cannon

While airborne, Balteus often uses its shoulder cannon to launch an extremely fast and damaging attack. Listen for the beeping sound, and the moment you hear it, dash to avoid the attack. Balteus may finish you off with this attack if you have been stunned by its shotgun blasts, so be extra vigilant.

Giant Energy Pulse

Balteus unleashes a massive explosion once every round, causing significant damage to anything in its vicinity. This explosion also regenerates Balteus’ energy shield. Be cautious when Balteus reaches around half of its total AP, as this attack can deal massive damage. Maintaining some distance and avoiding being tagged by the giant energy pulse is critical to your survival.

Flaming Sword Attack

The flaming sword attack varies depending on your position relative to Balteus. If you are on the ground, Balteus will execute an attack that hits all around it. If you are in the air, Balteus will perform a giant horizontal slash upward, followed by another giant horizontal slash downward. To avoid these attacks, ascend when grounded, and fall to the ground, angling toward the direction of the blade, when in the air.

Flamethrower Attack

Balteus charges its flamethrowers and then fires down on you from above. To neutralize this attack, simply fly directly upward, leaving Balteus vulnerable to your ranged weapons.

Flaming Scissors

When Balteus ignites both flamethrowers and holds them out to the side, it will bring them together, creating an attack that can hit you in the middle. If you ascend while flying away from Balteus, you can evade this attack entirely.

AAP07: Balteus Strategy

To begin the battle against Balteus, it will unleash a massive Missile Barrage. Take advantage of this opening to unload your weapons on Balteus before the missiles launch. Once the barrage starts, use an Assault Burst to dash towards Balteus and avoid the missiles. Strive to stay in the mid-range, jumping into the air while strafing around Balteus as much as possible. Remain in constant motion and take advantage of your Plasma Rifle’s superior accuracy when firing from above.

Throughout the battle, Balteus will try to maintain distance by using various attacks. Keep locking on with your missiles and strafing to maintain pressure. Whenever Balteus begins another Missile Barrage, unleash your most powerful weapons at the start of the animation and then use an Assault Burst to dodge the missiles. Ascend while flying away to evade any remaining missiles. Avoid staying up close, as Balteus is particularly dangerous at close range.

At around half of Balteus’ health, a giant energy pulse attack will occur. It is crucial to keep distance during this phase to avoid getting hit by the attack’s massive damage. Balteus will also start using fire-based attacks, which provide opportunities for counterattacks. When Balteus uses its Flame Thrower attack or the flaming scissor attack, take advantage of your aerial position and unload your ranged weapons on it. Jumping to avoid fire-based attacks is generally effective.

Continue hopping while strafing to dodge Balteus’ attacks and maintaining aerial superiority. Eventually, Balteus will fall if you adhere to this strategy and capitalize on its vulnerable moments.

With these strategies and tips in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to defeat Balteus and emerge victorious in Armored Core 6!

Next: Armored Core 6: Beginner Tips