Pop quiz: What’s the most important component you can equip in Armored Core 6? If you guessed “Core,” then you’ve fallen victim to the third classic blunder. Because in actuality, your mech’s legs are one of the most transformative pieces of your build.
In Armored Core 6, legs come in four different types: Bipedal, Reverse Joint, Tetrapod, and Tank. All of these dramatically shift how your machine moves, so finding the one that works for you in a mission is crucial. You’ll start with the Bipedal legs by default, but through the game’s training missions, you’ll test out the remaining three types as well. Make sure to take advantage of this opportunity in the early game, since it will inform all your builds moving forward.
To help you out, here’s a quick rundown of each leg type in Armored Core 6.
Bipedal legs
As mentioned above, your Armored Core will have Bipedal legs by default. These should feel straightforward, with decent mobility on the ground and in the air. Do keep in mind that Armored Core 6 is, in fact, a mech game. Your movement will have a bit more weight than your average fast-paced action game, so keep your expectations in check.
Bipedal builds can basically go in any direction you want. You can deck these out in midsized armor, or you can go super lightweight for the nimblest build possible. However, those looking to go super heavy with their weight might prefer one of the options below.
Reverse Joint legs
These look similar to the Bipedal legs, except they optimize your jumping. In fact, Reverse Joint legs have the highest jump height in the entire game!
An Armored Core equipped with these will favor high-flying aerial combat, since you’ll suffer no EN cost (the Souls equivalent of Stamina) as you gain substantial altitude.
Tetrapod legs
Now we’re getting into heavy mech territory. Tetrapod legs will make your Armored Core kind of move like a spider. However, these favor aerial combat. By pressing the jump button midair, you can hover for as long as you have the EN to maintain it. This lets you move around in the air as easily as you would on the ground.
The kicker is that Tetrapod support heavier weapon loadouts. While the above leg types will have to deal with recoil from certain weapons, Tetrapod legs can freely fire such artillery as easily as they could a pistol. That said, these legs aren’t quite as mobile, even if they can hover. You’ll have to play your cards right to position your Armored Core well, but the strategic advantage you gain can really give you a leg up in certain mission. Four legs up, in fact.
Tank treads
Whereas Tetrapod legs ask “what can I do with more legs,” Tanks go in the opposite direction. That’s right, you can go full vehicular combat and slap some tank treads on your Armored Core. These really change the feel of your build. Tank treads make you contend with drifting for sharp turns, which can feel challenging in a game as fast as Armored Core 6. However, you’ll gain a few advantages going this route.
Whereas Tetrapod legs bring heavy artillery into the air, Tank treads will stick you predominately on the ground. However, nothing will stop you from using the heaviest weaponry you can equip while you dash full speed at or around enemies. This ideally will position you to punish foes before they can exploit any weaknesses. Additionally, tank treads will completely overwrite your Booster slot, which somewhat justifies their high cost in the shop.
Anyone using Tank treads can make the beefiest, heaviest build work. It all just comes down to whether that’s the leg type you want in Armored Core 6.
