How to beat the Ice Worm in Armored Core 6

Armored Core 6 has to be one of the most cinematic games I have played for a while. I have died countless times trying to get screenshots in the glaring face of danger. The Ice Worm battle was definitely one of these in Armored Core 6, and I don’t regret a single one of them. The fight is hard if you don’t know what you’re doing or keep getting wrapped up in the excitement. However, if you have the technique, the right mech, and can keep your finger away from the screenshot button, it’s doable.

How to beat the Ice Worm in Armored Core 6

There are a few things you need to take into consideration when playing the Ice Worm mission in Armored Core 6. The first is your build, which is essential, and the second is your technique.

Armored Core build

Screenshot by PC Invasion

After the Eliminate Honest Brute mission, you have access to the VE-60SNA Stun Needle Launcher. This monstrous weapon, constructed by Cinders, does what it says on the tin. One blast from this absolute hammer of a rail gun will throw the stagger through the roof of any enemy. This is what it is used for in Armored Core 6 against the Ice Worm.

So, ensure you have the Stun Needle on one shoulder, and as for the rest, go for as much DPS as possible. You will only have a few seconds to unload devastation, and there is only one enemy to fight. I went in with 1 Songbird and 2 Zimmerman Shotguns. There may be heavier hitters, but for me, these did the job very nicely. Ensure you have a mech that can dodge well enough, but don’t worry too much about flight.

Ice Worm technique

As the Ice Worm pops its head above the ground to look around, you need to take your shot with the slow firing, slow projectile, slow reloading Stun Needle Launcher. Due to these elements, make sure your shots are timed right.

Screenshot by PC Invasion

Shots

The first opportunity comes just after you receive your final message, relayed through chatty. Just after this, the Ice Worm will pop out of the ground and look around for a time. Be ready, and don’t bother trying to shoot it before this point, It may be possible, but it’s very hard.

The second comes just after the drones have come up from the ground. Snail will get rid of these, so don’t bother with them. Once the Ice Worm has pushed through its own line of defenses, it will now have a move in which it hits the ground flat and speeds toward your armored core. Keep your cool, fire off a shot, and boost out of the way.

The third round takes two shots to the Ice Worm’s face with your Armored Core. There is no rush, so take your time, despite what the other armored cores say.

After every time you destroy the shields with your and Rusty’s efforts combined, you enter the damage phase. Look for where the Ice Worm is about to appear from in the ground by the slight rumbling before Rusties shot and move towards it; this will ensure you get the most time to damage the face. Empty everything you have into its face before it resets.

Screenshot by PC Invasion

Attacks

The Ice Worm can attack your armored core with its body. Simply keep your distance until you see the opportunity to strike. There is no benefit to attacking it with anything but a direct Stun Needle Launcher. Once you have passed the first round, red rockets and mines will home in on you. Again, focus on avoiding these, as you will have no other distractions until it is time to shoot.