Ultimate Armored Core 6 Guide: Unleash the Perfect Build to Conquer the Ice Worm!

In Armored Core 6, players will confront numerous formidable adversaries. One particularly formidable opponent that players will encounter at the conclusion of Chapter 3 is the Ice Worm. This weapon, created by the Institute and powered by Coral, possesses a highly resilient two-layered shield that proves to be incredibly difficult to penetrate.

To defeat the Ice Worm in Armored Core 6, players must cooperate with multiple factions they have allied with thus far. Therefore, players are accompanied by AI ACs throughout the majority of the battle, which aid by eliminating drones and supplying additional firepower. This boss battle can be seen as a spiritual successor to clashes with the Storm King, Yhorm the Giant, and Praetor Rykard from previous FromSoftware games. It necessitates players to utilize a special weapon provided just prior to the battle to overcome the Ice Worm's shield.

Attacks

The Ice Worm constantly dives in and out of the ground during the fight. It attacks by shooting energy projectiles and missiles. To avoid these attacks, it is important to keep moving, quickly boost when missiles are approaching, and track the Ice Worm's position using the compass/radar at the bottom of the screen.

Once the Ice Worm's shield is broken for the first time, it will release drones that provide covering fire. These drones also shoot energy projectiles and missiles. To stay safe, it is necessary to handle these attacks in the same manner as the Worm's own attacks and destroy the drones as soon as possible.

The Ice Worm has an alternative attacking method where it bursts out of the ground beneath its target. However, the chance of successfully hitting the player with this attack is minimal if they keep moving. Additionally, upon resurfacing, the Ice Worm may slam its head onto the ground, creating a lingering burst of energy in a cone-shaped area in front of it. To avoid getting hit, the player can jump into the air and hover when the Ice Worm slams down.

Once the Ice Worm's shield has been broken twice, it will begin charging up for a powerful explosion centered on itself. To avoid this explosion, the player should back away as soon as the Ice Worm starts to recover from the second shield break. It's worth noting that this explosion will eliminate most of the AI allies in the fight, except for Chatty. Chatty will remain in the battle until the player successfully lands a shot on the Ice Worm's shield again.

Strategy

To render the Ice Worm vulnerable, players must collaborate with Rusty. They should position themselves in front of the Worm and aim at its head with the VE-60SNA shoulder weapon, which is provided upon unlocking this mission. Timing is crucial due to the weapon's short wind-up before firing. The most effective strategy is to wait for the Worm to execute a slam attack, jump into the air, and shoot as it completes the slam.

After successfully hitting the Worm with the VE-60SNA, Rusty will charge the Rail Cannon, using it to disable the Ice Worm's movement. Players should then focus their attacks on the Worm's head, inflicting as much damage as possible before it recovers. Eliminate any accompanying drones and repeat this process to initiate the second phase. In phase 2, the Ice Worm initiates an explosion, so players should retreat after it overcomes the stun to avoid being caught in the blast.

Once phase 2 commences, players will be required to land two shots using the VE-60SNA in order to break the Ice Worm's outer shield for Rusty. The shield does not regenerate, allowing players ample time to dodge and align their shots. Once Rusty successfully grounds the Worm for the final time, players should unleash their full arsenal to deplete its health bar and bring the battle to a conclusive end.

Build Recommendations (Best Build)

To effectively combat the Ice Worm, players should prioritize staying in constant motion to evade its assaults. Legs with reverse-jointed or tetrapod structures are optimal for enhancing mobility and agility in this scenario. The ability to swiftly take flight and evade the powerful slam attack is crucial, as a successful strike from it can inflict substantial damage.

Players must equip the VE-60SNA on their right shoulder to counter the Ice Worm's shield. However, they can also use their preferred weapons to inflict damage on the Worm. It is essential to mention that failing to kill the Worm after Rusty's final Rail Cannon shot will result in mission failure. Therefore, it is crucial to maximize damage whenever the Worm is on the ground.

Here's a recommended build for effectively defeating the Ice Worm:

Improved mobility on the ground and in the air is achieved through the utilization of tetrapod legs in this build. Alongside a gatling gun and a rocket launcher for inflicting damage, players may opt for dual-wielding the gatling guns if they prioritize rate of fire over explosive power.

Armored Core 6 is available for PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.