Balteus (Balteus) in Armored Core VI Fires Of Rubicon is one of the most challenging bosses in the game. The boss deals immense damage and becomes even stronger when its health drops below 50%, so it's crucial to choose the right build and employ the correct tactics. In this guide, we'll delve into how to defeat Balteus.

How to Defeat Balteus: Builds and Tactics

The best build against this boss is a tank build. It's not advisable to focus solely on durability, but going in with low defense/health stats is also not recommended. Balteus is rather sluggish, making it relatively easy to hit. However, it stays airborne and can maintain distance, constantly bombarding the protagonist. It's proficient with both regular weapons and rockets and can even engage in melee attacks at certain points. Consequently, two builds are recommended:

• A powerful but less mobile tank capable of withstanding a significant amount of damage;
• A highly agile build focusing on mobility, but only if you're confident in your skills, as you'll need to constantly evade the boss's attacks, and any mistake could be fatal.

As is often the case in From Software games, the first playthrough can be challenging, but the boss should pose no problems in subsequent playthroughs. If you're struggling, practice. Sooner or later, you'll succeed! Let's explore a few effective tactics for battling this formidable boss encountered in the early stages of the game.

Close Combat Tactics

Though it may sound strange, you can easily defeat Balteus in close combat. To do so, engage flight mode, activate Assault Boost for acceleration, and get close to the boss. Initiate attacks with your blade. When a reload is required, descend to the ground and stay under the boss to minimize distance. If you're having trouble, find cover and attempt to avoid any damage. During this time, use long-range weaponry to reduce Balteus's health. Repeat these actions until the enemy is defeated.

Aggressive Tactics

This tactic is suitable if you're using a mobility-focused build rather than a tank. It combines melee and ranged combat. Choose any upgraded rifle as your ranged weapon and an energy blade for close combat. The key feature of this tactic is aggression. Attack the enemy using both ranged and melee weapons while dodging its projectiles. The energy blade deals the most damage, so as with the previous tactic, get close and strike, then move around the arena while firing the rifle until it requires reloading.

Unlike the previous tactic, this approach balances melee and ranged weaponry at a 50-50 ratio.

Safe Tactics

Recommended for tank builds. If you're using this build (with moderate or high health/armor levels), equip a bazooka. The tactic is simple: take cover, stay far from the boss, and attack with the bazooka. Thanks to your high health level, the boss won't be able to eliminate you quickly, and it will sustain significant damage from the explosions.

Impulse Weaponry Tactics

The enemy possesses an impulse shield that can be removed using weapons of the corresponding type. However, these weapons have limited ammo. Hence, the tactic is straightforward:

1. Use the impulse weapon to remove the shield;
2. Once the shield is down, employ any other source of damage to defeat the boss;
3. As the shield regenerates, switch back to the impulse weapon;
4. Repeat until victory.

Attacks and Abilities of Balteus in Armored Core VI Fires Of Rubicon: How to Defeat Boss

Now let's examine Balteus's attacks and tactics it employs. Understanding these maneuvers will enable you to defeat the boss with ease.

• At the start, Balteus launches a volley of rockets. Evade them. This is the prime opportunity to strike the boss. It will use this attack multiple times throughout the fight.
• When the protagonist is at a distance, Balteus continues firing rockets and regular bullets. These attacks are easy to dodge.
• When an indicator appears, the boss is preparing a powerful attack that can potentially be a one-hit kill. This attack can also be evaded with relative ease.
• The enemy possesses an impulse shield. Destroying the shield briefly stuns the boss. This is the ideal moment to launch a devastating attack, so ensure your most potent weapon is not on cooldown.
• If you're employing close combat tactics, remember that the boss can evade your attacks. Therefore, use acceleration before striking.
• When engaging in close combat, stay away from the front. Try to avoid being in the crosshairs of its cannons.
• When its health drops to 50%, the boss activates a new shield, resulting in a powerful explosion that can instantly destroy your robot. When the relevant indicator appears, quickly retreat from the enemy and seek cover.
• In the second phase (when the boss's health falls below 50%), it gains new tactics:
  • Melee attacks with energy blades;
  • Something akin to a flamethrower.
• The boss generally employs a sequence of melee attacks, not just a single strike. Dodge all attacks before it becomes vulnerable. This is the ideal moment for a devastating attack.

With this knowledge, you can easily defeat the boss. If you're struggling, don't get discouraged; practice and improve your robot. Sooner or later, you'll succeed, as the gameplay in all From Software games is built on this premise.