How to beat first boss in Armored Core 6 – HC Helicopter boss guide

The HC Helicopter is the first boss you face in Armored Core 6 and you’re immediately reminded that FromSoftware makes hard games. If you’re stuck on the HC Helicopter boss fight, don’t worry, I’ll coach you through it. Here’s the best strategy I discovered to beat HC Helicopter in Armored Core 6.

Note: Before or after you defeat HC Helicopter, I recommend checking out the best OS Tuning upgrades in Armored Core 6. With the best OS Tuning upgrades, you’ll have a lot better time with AC6, trust me.

Best way to easily beat HC Helicopter in Armored Core 6, cheese explained

The only way to progress through the campaign of Armored Core 6 and start making the best builds is to muscle through HC Helicopter. I struggled with the HC Helicopter boss for a long time before I figured out this trick. It’s sort of a cheese strategy, but it’s effective so who cares.

Screenshot: PC Invasion

The best way to defeat HC Helicopter in Armored Core 6 is to immediately lock on to it right when the battle starts and dash forward so you’re directly under it. HC Helicopter constantly throws bullets and missiles your way throughout the fight, but if you’re underneath it, it can’t hit you.

While under HC Helicopter, spam your machine gun and rockets. Don’t use the laser blade just yet. When HC Helicopter is staggered, meaning the bar at the top of your reticle is red and HC Helicopter stops firing and is motionless, then use your laser blade to deal big damage.

After staggering HC Helicopter, I found success in pressing L3 to Assault Boost directly at HC Helicopter. When I was close, I spammed my laser blade button (or held it down to deal one powerful swing) and dealt significant damage.

After HC Helicopter becomes unstaggered, it’ll boost away from you. Just try to avoid his attacks and return to the spot underneath him as fast as you can. Keep an eye on your health and use your three Repair Kits when necessary to stay in the fight.

Screenshot: PC Invasion

If you stick to this strategy, you’ll defeat HC Helicopter and be able to move on to creating your own custom mecha. I suggest you don’t skip the Training missions because they offer more than one special reward.