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Can You Dual Wield Melee Weapons in Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon?

Yes, you can dual wield melee weapons in Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon! This allows for aggressive, close-quarters combat styles and opens up a variety of strategic possibilities for players who prefer a more direct approach to their enemies. Players are able to equip a melee weapon, such as a blade or pile bunker, on both of their arm slots to have a melee weapon in each hand.

Diving Deeper into Dual Melee Combat in AC6

Armored Core VI emphasizes customization and diverse combat styles. Dual wielding melee weapons is just one of the many ways players can tailor their Armored Core (AC) to their preferred gameplay. This allows for a very aggressive approach, focused on overwhelming enemies with rapid attacks and powerful close-range strikes. It is also a high-risk, high-reward playstyle that can be incredibly effective when mastered.

Advantages of Dual Melee

Increased Damage Output: The most obvious benefit is the potential for significantly higher damage output in close-quarters combat. By alternating attacks between both weapons, players can unleash a flurry of blows, dealing massive damage to enemies.
Stagger Potential: Many melee weapons in Armored Core VI have a high impact force, making them effective at staggering enemies. Dual wielding allows you to apply stagger pressure more quickly and consistently, leaving opponents vulnerable to follow-up attacks.
Variety of Attack Patterns: Depending on the specific melee weapons equipped, players can unlock a variety of attack patterns and combos. Some weapons might be better for quick strikes, while others excel at delivering powerful, charged attacks. Combining different weapon types can create unique and devastating attack sequences.
Rule of Cool: Let’s face it, dual wielding massive melee weapons is incredibly cool! It’s a visually impressive and satisfying way to play the game.

Disadvantages of Dual Melee

Vulnerability at Range: The primary weakness of a dual-melee build is its extreme vulnerability at long range. Players need to get in close to be effective, which can be challenging against enemies equipped with long-range weapons.
EN Load Management: Melee weapons often consume a significant amount of EN (energy), especially when performing charged attacks or using boosters to close the distance. Managing EN effectively is crucial for avoiding overheating and becoming an easy target.
Limited Weapon Options: While there are many melee weapons in Armored Core VI, the pool is smaller than the selection of ranged weapons. This might limit build diversity and require players to adapt their playstyle to the available equipment.
Risk of Overcommitment: The aggressive nature of dual-melee combat can lead to overcommitment and poor positioning. Players need to be mindful of their surroundings and avoid getting caught in unfavorable situations.

Building a Successful Dual Melee AC

To create a successful dual-melee AC, consider the following:

Choose the Right Weapons: Experiment with different combinations of melee weapons to find what works best for your playstyle. Consider factors such as damage output, attack speed, impact force, and EN consumption.
Prioritize Mobility: Since you need to get up close and personal, mobility is key. Equip boosters, generators, and legs that prioritize speed and maneuverability.
Manage EN Efficiently: Choose a generator with high EN capacity and recharge rate. Consider using OS Tuning upgrades to further improve EN efficiency.
Invest in Armor: While mobility is important, you also need to be able to withstand some damage. Prioritize armor with decent AP (armor points) and resistance to the types of attacks you expect to face.
Practice and Adapt: Dual-melee combat requires practice and adaptation. Experiment with different attack patterns, learn enemy attack patterns, and adjust your build as needed.

Mastering the Art of Melee

Dual wielding melee weapons in Armored Core VI is a challenging but rewarding playstyle. By understanding the advantages and disadvantages, carefully crafting your AC, and mastering the art of close-quarters combat, you can become a formidable force on the battlefield. Don’t be afraid to experiment, try new things, and find what works best for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are the best melee weapons for dual wielding in AC6?

There isn’t a single “best” combination, as it depends on your playstyle and the specific enemies you’re facing. However, popular choices include:

Laser Blade + Pile Bunker: A classic combination that provides a mix of sustained damage and high burst potential. The laser blade can chip away at enemy health while the pile bunker delivers devastating blows.
Two Laser Blades: This setup emphasizes speed and agility, allowing you to quickly slice and dice your opponents.
Two Pile Bunkers: An extremely risky but potentially devastating build that focuses on delivering massive damage with each strike. This build is particularly effective against staggered enemies.
Laser Lance + Pulse Blade: This combination offers a range of attack options. The lance provides long reach and high impact, while the pulse blade excels at quick, successive attacks.

Experiment with different combinations to find what suits your preferences.

2. Can I dual wield ranged weapons in AC6?

No, you cannot dual wield ranged weapons. Each arm can only equip one weapon. Ranged weapons can be equipped in both the left and right arm weapon slots, but firing them will always be a one-at-a-time action.

3. Does dual wielding increase the damage output of melee weapons?

Yes, it allows you to perform more attacks in a shorter period, effectively increasing your damage output. However, each individual attack will not be stronger than if you were only wielding one melee weapon.

4. How does EN load affect dual melee builds?

EN load is crucial for dual melee builds because melee weapons consume a significant amount of energy. Exceeding your EN capacity will result in overheating, which severely limits your mobility and attack capabilities.

5. What kind of generator should I use for a dual melee build?

You should choose a generator with a high EN capacity and a fast EN recharge rate. This will allow you to use your boosters and melee weapons more frequently without overheating. The VP-20C is a great option for this.

6. Are there any OS Tuning upgrades that benefit dual melee builds?

Yes! Upgrades that improve EN efficiency, boost speed, and melee attack boost are highly beneficial for dual melee builds. Consider investing in the EN Efficiency Optimization and Melee Attack Control upgrades.

7. How do I effectively close the distance with ranged enemies as a dual melee AC?

Use cover, dodge attacks, and utilize your boosters to quickly close the distance. A light frame with high AP and strong boosters will make this easier. Prioritize dodging and weaving through enemy fire to avoid taking unnecessary damage.

8. What are some good leg types for a dual melee AC?

Bipedal legs offer a good balance of speed, stability, and load capacity. Reverse joint legs provide exceptional jump height and maneuverability. Light legs are ideal for maximizing speed, but have low AP.

9. How do I deal with flying enemies as a dual melee AC?

This is a weakness of dual melee builds. Consider equipping a shoulder-mounted weapon like a missile launcher or grenade launcher to deal with flying enemies. Alternatively, you can try to stagger them with your melee weapons and then attack them while they’re grounded. The Pulse Blade excels at reaching flying enemies as well.

10. Can I parry attacks with melee weapons in AC6?

While not a dedicated parry system, well-timed melee attacks can interrupt enemy attacks and stagger them, effectively acting as a form of defense. Timing is crucial.

11. What stats should I focus on when building a dual melee AC?

Prioritize AP (armor points), boost speed, EN capacity, EN recharge rate, and melee weapon damage.

12. Are there any specific enemy types that dual melee is particularly effective against?

Dual melee is particularly effective against large, slow-moving enemies, as well as enemies that rely on melee attacks themselves. You can overwhelm them with a flurry of blows and disrupt their attacks.

13. How important is stagger in dual melee combat?

Stagger is extremely important. Staggered enemies are vulnerable to critical hits, allowing you to deal massive damage. Many melee weapons excel at building up stagger quickly.

14. Can I use a shield with dual melee weapons?

No. Shields occupy an arm weapon slot, meaning you would have to forgo one of your melee weapons to equip one.

15. Is dual wielding melee weapons viable in PvP?

Yes, but it requires skill and practice. Dual melee builds can be devastating in PvP if played correctly, but they are also vulnerable to more versatile builds. Learning to anticipate your opponents’ moves and exploit their weaknesses is crucial for success.

Can you dual wield melee weapons in ac6?