Armored Core 6’s story branches off for a few missions. This allows players to tackle objectives in totally different locations. This includes fighting alternate enemies, ranging from large squads to full-on bosses.

These missions are mutually exclusive per playthrough. However, a skipped mission can be accessed when playing Armored Core 6 a second time. This means dedicated players can eventually try out every fight.

Mission Route Options

Armored Core 6 Different Mech Builds Made by Farming COAM Money from Missions to Buy Best Parts in the Shop

Both chapters 1 and 2 are fully static and there are no branching options up to that point. It isn’t until Chapter 3 that players will need to select a specific mission. This not only presents new challenges but also affects the ending of your first playthrough.

Chapter 3, Mission 21B - Destroy the Special Forces Craft

For Mission 21, you will be given two possible choices: Eliminate the Enforcement Squads or Destroy the Special Forces Craft. The former involves hunting down numerous small teams of enemy Armored Cores. The latter is an immediate engagement against one large boss. While this might sound like the more perilous object, it winds up being a better mission for your first playthrough for several reasons.

First, the Enforcement Squads are often hiding, requiring a bit of stealth more befitting of Sekiro to avoid being ambushed. Destroying them is also considered part of the evil path and leads to the worst ending. Finally, despite the massive size of the boss - CATAPHRACT - it is extremely vulnerable to impact stuns from shotguns and melee weapons.

Chapter 4, Mission 30B - Ambush the Vespers

During Chapter 4, the next choice is made between Intercept the Redguns or Ambush the Vespers. The first option pits you alone against a massive wave of the Redgun troops, followed by the leader G1 Michigan. The second option is a t operation with temporary ally Middle Flatwell, the leader of the Liberation Front against only two foes: Hawkins and Pater.

The main benefit of Ambush the Vesper is the power Middle Flatwell’s Armored Core. They can nearly solo the two enemies without much aid. Still, it is possible for them to fail so be sure to have a well-built Armored Core that delivers some fast damage. Most importantly, the Liberation Front is part of the good ending, and gaining their favor is always helpful.

The one slight downside to this option is that destroying the Vespers yields only a fraction of the COAM compared to fighting the Redguns. This may require you to go back and farm extra money before advancing the main campaign.

Chapter 5, Mission 47B - Eliminate “Cinder” Carla

Mission 47 offers the final story choice in Armored Core 6. Option one is to side with Carla to Intercept the Corporate Forces, or fully betray her and Eliminate “Cinder” Carla. The former will have the of Snail to hold off most of the enemy. The other route will instead feature Snail a mid-boss between you and Cinder’s final domain.

Missions 48 and 49 also change depending on what was selected for Mission 47. But these are exclusive A and B routes, you cannot switch in the middle of them. You will need to view the ending and play the entire game again to see the other results.

Despite it seeming like there is an extra threat, you can dash past Snail and fight Cinder right away. While her mech has some boosters, she prefers to mostly fight on the ground. Because Cinder stays so low, it becomes extremely easy to stun-lock her and just keep dishing out very close melee damage.