Unleashing the Ultimate Power: Crush Ayre with the Ultimate Armored Core 6 Build

In Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon, players will encounter the enigmatic Rubiconian character named Ayre. After establishing contact during the climax of Chapter 1, she becomes a steadfast ally for a significant portion of the game's storyline. Although she remains on the player's side throughout two of the available routes, she morphs into the ultimate adversary in the "Fires of Raven" concluding route.

In the "Fires of Raven" route of Armored Core 6, players will be compelled to confront Ayre as she assumes control of an Institute AC with the objective of defending against the Xylem and preventing the Overseers from incinerating the Coral. Ayre's AC showcases exceptional speed and wields formidable Coral Weaponry, posing as an incredibly formidable final obstacle.

Attacks

Phase 1

Ayre has the ability to launch homing coral projectiles. It is recommended to quickly strafe to the left or right to avoid them, especially when she is boosting. In case avoiding them becomes necessary, the quick boost can be used to create more distance.

Ayre is agile and will try to close in on the player to use her Coral blades for attack. To dodge these, it is advised to diagonally quick boost towards and past her, aiming for the side that is not emitting an energy blade. Ayre is capable of combining these slashes and alternating arms, so players who are unable to consistently quick boost to safety may want to keep their distance and use quick boost strategically to prevent Ayre from getting too close.

Phase 2

Ayre unleashes powerful blasts from her Coral Rifle, which can easily be evaded by swiftly strafing to either side. To intensify the challenge of this ruthless boss fight, Ayre's ultimate move during this phase involves transforming her AC into a bird-like shape and launching a deadly charge towards the player. However, this attack can be avoided by swiftly boosting to the left or right, or by utilizing reverse-jointed legs to leap above the charging maneuver. It is crucial to prioritize avoiding this charge as it inflicts tremendous damage.

After reaching half of her health, Ayre enters phase 2, indicated by a brief moment of slow motion, and swiftly retreats from the player. In the air, Ayre conjures two red replicas of herself that aggressively plunge towards the player with coral blades. To evade these slashes, the player can swiftly boost forward to slip between them. Following this attack, Ayre executes a charging slash of her own, which can be avoided in the same manner as her melee combos in phase 1. She repeats this attack sporadically throughout phase 2.

Additionally, Ayre continues to employ her phase 1 attacks and introduces a few new tactics. One of these involves her performing a transformed dash, similar to phase 1, but now with a perilous follow-up strike. This attack can be evaded by quickly boosting sideways or by leaping over it. After the initial dash, Ayre swirls around and generates several red clones of her AC, which charge towards the player and explode upon impact. These clones can be avoided by strafing and boosting in the opposite direction of Ayre's flight path. Subsequently, Ayre charges at the player directly, although this move can often be dodged by continuously strafing or swiftly boosting to the side if the player anticipates a collision.

Strategy

Ayre has the ability to charge up a powerful red energy beam, causing significant damage upon impact. Players need to be alert for the gathering red energy on her gun, as it indicates that she is preparing to unleash this attack. It is crucial to quickly move to the side as she finishes charging to avoid getting hit. Additionally, Ayre can perform erratic dashes into the air while simultaneously firing explosive shots. These shots will detonate after a short delay, and the best approach is to retreat while she does this and maintain constant movement to avoid getting hit.

Ayre's Pulse Armor must be broken through in phase 1 before players can damage her. The most effective way to damage Pulse Armor is by using rapid-fire weapons (such as SMGs), weapons that shoot multiple projectiles simultaneously (like shotguns), and pulse weaponry (as learned during the previous boss fight with Balteus). The best time to attack Ayre is after she swings her coral blades, as there is a brief pause before she resumes attacking. Additionally, players can take advantage of the opening she creates after firing her charged blast in phase 2 to quickly dash in and unleash their attacks. However, it is important to note that Ayre's high movement speed makes it highly likely for long-range attacks to miss.

Ayre's charging attack with her clones during phase 2 leaves her wide open to attack after the real Ayre charges, so this is a good opportunity to focus fire on her.

Build Recommendations (Best Build)

To successfully defeat Ayre, players should equip weapons that have fast firing capabilities and/or the ability to shoot multiple projectiles simultaneously. This strategy will prove beneficial in penetrating her sturdy Pulse Armor and increasing the chances of staggering her. Additionally, utilizing Reverse-jointed Legs will enhance mobility and enable easier evasion of her swift attacks.

The build below is excellent for dealing with Ayre:

In phase 1, this build utilizes dual shotguns to quickly break through Ayre's Pulse Armor and generate ACS Strain. This makes it easier for players to stun her. Once she is stunned, players should swiftly dash in while switching the ASHMEAD Pile Bunker to their left hand for a powerful charged strike. These charged strikes inflict immense damage and can effectively deplete Ayre's health bar.

To provide a crucial emergency dodge when the player's AC is low on boost energy, this build features reverse-jointed legs that allow them to hop over Ayre's charging attacks and coral blade swings, if needed. The SONGBIRDS are a valuable tool for inflicting additional ACS Strain on Ayre when she momentarily stops moving after an attack.

When players run out of energy at an inopportune moment, Pulse Armor serves as a beneficial augmentation for blocking Ayre's homing shots. Activating the Pulse Armor can also refresh the ACS Strain meter, preventing staggering. Alternatively, players can choose to swap out Pulse Armor for Assault Armor, which will stun Ayre whenever she attempts a melee attack while closing the distance.

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