Armored Core 6: Replaying Missions for Profit – Fact or Fiction?
Yes, you absolutely get paid for replaying missions in Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon! Replaying missions is a core mechanic for earning COAM, the in-game currency, and is crucial for acquiring new parts and optimizing your Armored Core. The amount of COAM you earn depends on your performance grade. Higher grades translate to more COAM, making mastering missions both rewarding and essential.
Understanding the Core Mechanic: Replaying Missions and COAM
Armored Core 6 heavily incentivizes replaying missions. Not only is it necessary to experience all the branching storylines and unlock all three endings, but it’s also the most reliable way to farm COAM. The game encourages experimentation and optimization, rewarding players who learn mission layouts, enemy patterns, and how to effectively utilize their Armored Core build. The better you perform, the more you earn.
Why Replay Missions in Armored Core 6?
Beyond just earning COAM, replaying missions serves several vital purposes:
- Unlocking Endings: Armored Core 6 features three distinct endings, requiring multiple playthroughs and specific mission choices to achieve. You’ll need to replay certain missions to explore these branching paths.
- Discovering New Missions: After completing the game once, and even twice, some missions change, offering entirely new challenges and perspectives.
- Earning S-Ranks: Completionists will find themselves replaying missions extensively to achieve the coveted S-Rank on every single one. This requires mastering each mission and executing it flawlessly. S-Ranks often unlock unique rewards or simply serve as a badge of honor.
- Experimenting with Builds: Replaying missions provides the perfect opportunity to test different Armored Core builds and strategies. You can fine-tune your machine to handle specific challenges and optimize your performance.
- Completing Combat Logs: Combat Logs are earned by defeating specific enemies throughout the game. Replaying missions allows you to seek out and destroy any Combat Log-carrying enemies you may have missed on your initial playthrough.
- Acquiring All Parts: Some parts may have been missed during your first mission run, replaying will give you time to search areas and find them.
Which Mission is the Best for COAM Farming?
While numerous missions are suitable for COAM farming, Attack the Dam Complex is widely considered the best option for most players, especially early on. Its short length, relatively easy difficulty, and high payout make it an efficient way to accumulate currency. Experiment with different missions to find one that suits your playstyle and build. Consider factors like mission length, enemy difficulty, and potential for high-grade completion.
Tips for Maximizing COAM Earnings
- Aim for S-Ranks: This is the most crucial factor. Study the mission, learn enemy placements, and optimize your build for maximum efficiency. Minimize damage taken and clear the mission as quickly as possible.
- Minimize Repair Costs: Taking excessive damage will significantly reduce your payout due to repair costs. Focus on dodging, blocking, and utilizing cover effectively.
- Utilize OS Tuning: Invest in OS Tuning options that improve your Armored Core’s combat abilities, such as enhanced boost speed or assault armor.
- Choose the Right Build: Select a build that is well-suited to the mission’s objectives and enemy types. Experiment with different weapons, armor, and FCS systems to find the optimal setup.
- Learn Enemy Weaknesses: Understanding the weaknesses of different enemy types allows you to deal more damage and eliminate them quickly, improving your overall performance.
- Consider Selling Unwanted Parts: You can sell unwanted parts and weapons back to the shop to earn some extra COAM, but consider if they might be useful in a future build.
Armored Core 6: A Game Designed for Replayability
Armored Core 6 is not a game you play just once. It’s a title designed for repeated playthroughs, experimentation, and mastery. The branching storylines, customizable mechs, and challenging gameplay encourage players to dive deep and explore every facet of the game. Replaying missions is not just a means to an end; it’s an integral part of the Armored Core 6 experience. The Games Learning Society (https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) studies games and play to understand how people learn.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Does replaying missions affect the story?
Yes, replaying certain missions and making different choices will alter the storyline and lead to different endings. The branching narrative is a key element of Armored Core 6’s replayability.
2. Do I keep the parts I earn in replayed missions?
Yes, any parts you find or earn during replayed missions are permanently added to your inventory.
3. Does difficulty affect COAM rewards?
The impact of difficulty on COAM rewards isn’t explicitly stated, but generally, higher difficulties present greater challenges, which, if overcome, may implicitly lead to higher grades and thus more COAM.
4. Can I replay missions in New Game Plus?
Absolutely! New Game Plus retains your access to all previously completed missions through the “Replay Mission” tab.
5. Are there any penalties for failing a mission?
You’ll receive a significantly reduced COAM reward if you fail a mission, and you’ll incur repair costs for any damage taken. It’s generally better to reload a checkpoint than to fail entirely.
6. How do I get S-Rank on a mission?
To achieve an S-Rank, you need to complete the mission quickly, take minimal damage (low repair costs), and avoid using checkpoints. Efficiency and mastery are key.
7. What is the best way to farm COAM early in the game?
Attack the Dam Complex is an excellent choice for early COAM farming due to its short length and relatively easy difficulty.
8. Do Combat Logs affect COAM rewards?
No, Combat Logs do not directly affect COAM rewards, but obtaining them contributes to overall game completion and unlocks certain rewards.
9. Are there any missable parts in the game?
Yes, some parts are hidden within missions and can be easily missed. Explore thoroughly and consult guides if needed.
10. Does OS Tuning affect COAM rewards?
While OS Tuning doesn’t directly increase COAM rewards, it enhances your Armored Core’s capabilities, allowing you to complete missions more efficiently and potentially earn higher grades.
11. What happens after I beat Armored Core 6?
After completing the game, you’ll be returned to the Garage just after obtaining your Raven callsign, allowing you to replay missions and pursue different endings.
12. How many endings are there in Armored Core 6?
Armored Core 6 features three distinct endings, each requiring specific mission choices to unlock.
13. Does selling parts affect my ability to complete the game?
Selling parts is generally safe, but be mindful of unique or powerful parts that might be useful for specific challenges or builds later on.
14. Can I replay boss fights for practice?
Yes, you can replay any mission, including boss fights, allowing you to hone your skills and learn enemy attack patterns.
15. Where can I learn more about Armored Core 6 strategies and builds?
Online forums, communities, and video guides are excellent resources for learning advanced strategies, build recommendations, and mission tips for Armored Core 6. This article serves as a great starting point! You can also learn how games are built and designed at GamesLearningSociety.org.