Defeating the Mystery AC
In one of the last levels, you'll encounter an AC that doesn't look like an AC at all. It looks like some sort of Winged-Metal Angel. An angel is the last thing you'll consider it after seeing what it can do. With unheard of power and agility, it can leave opponents devastated. A good hint on beating it is to NOT RUN SHORT ON FUEL. Don't use EO cores, because oncew you run out, you're a sitting duck. He uses swords, so for those who think they're quick enough to dodge it, think again!
Upgrading
When you get your first payment, don't go spending it on some cheap, slightly better part. The first thing any pilot needs to buy is the gun of his/her choice. Trust me, I use everything from Machine Guns to Rocket Launchers. The starting rifel is basically useless, so get rid of it ASAP.
Custom Cores
The Armored Core series is best known for its in-depth customization. Here are some ACs that can achieve a "Great" Rating. I use these ACs, some maybe they can help you.
Note: These cost about 1Mil each, so its best to save up.
AC: 1
Default Name: Patriarch
Default Color: Base, Detail and Joint color: Blue 200, Green 100. Optional and Aid color- White.
(No Camoflague)
Parts:
Head- MHD-MM/007
Core- MCM-MX/002
Arms- MAH-RE/GG
Legs- CLH-XV-MSGR
Booster- CBT-FLEET
FCS- VREX-F/ND-B
Generator- KGP-Z5V
Radiator- RGI-KD99
Inisde- MWI-DD/10
Extension- CSS-IA-645
Back Units- MWC-LQ/15(L)
Arm Unit R- MWG-MG/1000
Arm Unit L- MLB-MOONLIGHT
Optional Parts:
OP-S-SCR
OP-E/SCR
OP-S/STAB
OP-L-AXL
OP-LFCS++
OP-L/TRN
Cost: 1,073,400
Grade: Great
This is a Heavy AC, specializing in Defense AND Offense. This is my Personal Core.
AC: 2
Default Name: Poltergeist
Default Color- Head and Left Arm- Black. Legs and Right Arm- 75 Red (For all). Core- Just mix them up.
(No Camoflague)
Parts:
Head- MHD-MM/007
Core- CCL-01-NER
Arms- KAW-SAMURAI2
Legs- MLL-MX/EDGE
Booster- CBT-01-UN4
FCS- VREX-F/ND-B
Generator- KGP-Z5V
Radiator- RGI-KD99
Inisde- None
Extension- CSS-IA-645
Back Units- MWC-LQ/15(x2)
Arm Unit R- None
Arm Unit L- None
Optional Parts:
OP-S-SCR
OP-E/SCR
OP-S/STAB
OP-L/TRN
OP-E-LAP
Cost: 1,104,600
Grade: Great
This is great for those mobility lovers. It excels in its speed, but lacks defense. The SAMURAI2 arms take off a lot of weight.
AC: 3
Default Name: Catalyst
Default Color- Grey(100 Blue, Red, Green) for everything.
(No Camoflague)
Parts:
Head- MHD-MM/007
Core- COM-OO-STO
Arms- CAM-14-DUSK
Legs- MLM-55/ORC
Booster- CBT-FLEET
FCS- VREX-F/ND-B
Generator- KGP-Z5V
Radiator- RGI-KD99
Inisde- MWI-DD/10
Extension- CSS-IA-645
Back Units- MWC-LQ/15(R)
Arm Unit R- MWG-RF/300
Arm Unit L- MLB-HALBERD
Optional Parts:
OP-S-SCR
OP-E/SCR
OP-S/STAB
OP-L-AXL
OP-LFCS++
Cost: 997,300
Grade: Great
This AC is very balanced, both quick and tough, it tackles the missions that require both skill and strength.
Note- You can change any part, or name, or color. These are just suggestions.
Shopping tips
Here are some tips that can help you wallet and AC do better.
1- Don't be stingy. You can sell parts back for as high as you bought them, even if used.
2- The best stuff doesn't always cost the most! The cheapest heavy leg type is better than the most expensive in most aspects.
3- The best weapons and parts don't come til a new stock, or some arena advancements, so don't use the AI until they've arrived.
These can really help any new AC3SL player.
Weapon-arms usage
Almost all weapon arms can be used in two ways.
ex: SAMURAI2 can be used not only as a sword, but as a wave sword.
ex: Certain guns can switch from rapid fire mode to heavy fire mode, which launches a more powerful, bigger, slower blast.
Defeating the super ACs.
Okay, there will be a few mission where you wll encounter some giant-sized AC, with an enormous gun. These are pretty hard to defeat, but some tips can make him much easier.
1- When he shoots at you with his semi-auto rocket launcher, stafle in any clear direction. If you have any speed at all, you should barely outrun it, without getting hurt. Shoot him while you're stafling to inflict major damage.
2- Despite his size and strength, these super ACs are very fast, so Beam Sabers aren't very effective unless they come to you.
3- Don't let his size intimidate you. He may be big, but he's easy.
Defeating 3 ACs.
Okay, there's (in my opinion) a very tough mission, in which you need to fight 3 ranking ACs without a break. The first AC, you fight alone, so he's not that tough, but its on an elevator, and you start out on the bottom, while he starts on top. Get the height advantage and he'll be a pushover.
The next two are very tough, because you need to fight them together. I had a little plan of my own, tough.
Buy a Chain gun for your back weapon (for either side or both), and get into the nearest corner. The corner may not seem like such a nice place, but since one AC comes in the fight slightly later, and from the back, it can prove VERY effective. It proves effective, because the strategy for most computer ACs is to get behind you and attack.
In the corner, you can see AND attack everything.
Warnings and Tips
There are some things your AC may need to be aware of at any time during a mission or Arena battle.
1- If you have an Exceed Orbit (EO) core, launching the pods can increase your heat, so if your AC is not good with heat, use this wisely.
2- Never equip a vertical missle and a missle canceller. Once you launch the missle, it'll just blow up.
3- OB-INTENSIFY may increase all abilities, but damage will increase.
4- On certain arena battles, Trene City is not the answer. If someone relies on a vertical missle, or anything that requires height, use the parking lot arena to your advantage. (Ex- Carom)
5- Your opponent can actually shoot your weapon out of your hand, so look out.
6- In the Arena, if small missles annoy you, go to Trene City, and rather than scaling the huge building, climb on top of one of the walkways leading to one of the smaller buildings and stay there. You will still at times get hit, but not nearly enough to kill you.
Destroy AI Prototype mission: Hidden part
On the ground in a small room closed off by destroyable gates is the left arm part KSS-SS/707A.
Easy Arena wins
Select the Trene City area. When the battle begins, there is a big building directly in the middle of the Arena floor. Boost up to the top of the building and pummel the opponent AC full of rockets or other types of ammunition that can lock on. If you are unable to boost up the entire way, there is a ledge halfway up. Rest there momentarily, then boost the rest of the way. Weapons that are the most effective are the small rockets and/or vertical missiles. There are some enemies that are too fast to do this to; they move to much to get a lock on. If this happens, when you start, boost West and position yourself in between two buildings very close to the border. Most of the enemy ACs will not go behind because they will lose. They will just move back and forth trying to get a fix, but will not approach you if you are very close to the border. Pop in and out from behind the building and shoot various rockets and missiles as the ACs are moving around. It is slightly time consuming, but a very easy way to boost ranks early. Take your opponent to the Arena stage. Have Hectos Rockets and the left hand grenade launcher equipped. When the battle starts, start stepping backwards, making sure not to turn or alter where the aimer is pointed. Switch weapons to the Hectos Rockets and keep firing those with the grenade launchers. The opponent will just follow your steps, and will not move from the line of fire. If they get too close, start to fight normally; they will have low AP at this point.
Back to Ps2