S Rank Rewards and Requirements in Armored Core 6

In Armored Core 6, the challenge is set from the get-go. With the Developers, FromSoftware, known for their intensely challenging video games, just completing this game can be feel like being in the trenches. But this does not compare to trying to get an S Rank in all 59 Missions inside the dystopian mecha world of Armored Core 6. For those crazy enough to take this challenge on, this is Vincent’s guide on the specific requirements you need to meet to get an S Rank in Missions and what the rewards are by hitting the best grade possible in Armored Core 6.

How to Get S Rank in Armored Core 6

In Armored Core 6, the game offers a ranking system for each Mission you complete. Unlike previous AC entries, the journey to perfecting your Mission runs and achieving gold with consistent S Rank grades is one that is incredibly tough. It is important to note that all Armored Core 6 Missions cannot be beaten within a single playthrough of the game so for those going for gold, you will need to at least play through the game 3 times to see through all 59 Missions and work towards getting an S Ranking in all of them. Some Missions require decisions that take you into a separate Mission, clearing out the other option that you will need to select in another save file. Other Missions can be found only in New Game+. Luckily, all of your S Ranks, regardless of the playthrough, count towards getting the S Rank Trophy for AC6.

The method of getting S Rank is by repeatedly playing the same Mission over and over. Make sure that you learn the best route, if you can get past enemies without firing or being hit, and the best weapons to use against bosses that you have to face. As speed and survival is the most important factors to getting an S Rank, you should focus on map layout, enemy moves and increasing your evasiveness. We recommend timing yourself for each Mission to find your average completion time, alongside noting when you get hit the most, and making correct use of ‘Restart Mission’ function if your attempt is not as good as you want it to be for getting the perfect run.

These are all of the objectives you need to hit in order to get S Rank in each Mission of AC6:

• Complete the Mission in approximately 5 minute sessions. The faster the completion time, the higher the chance of getting an S Rank. When you can, move past enemies to progress the objective further, ignoring any unnecessary fights.
• Never use Checkpoints. Any Checkpoint usages will result in a lower rank than S so if you want to get the best grade possible, do not die.
• Low Repair Costs. This is really about taking as little damage as possible during a Mission. You should aim to not get hit for as long as possible or risk having to use any Health Kits.
• Low Ammunition Costs. Just like trying to not get hit by bullets, you should also lower the amount of bullets you are firing to reduce the cost at the Mission Debriefing. The lower the costs the higher chance of receiving an S.
• Completing Objectives. Any Mission that offers Bonus Pay has specific Objectives that you must complete in order to increase your S Rank chances.

Related: Best Build to Defeat Strider in Armored Core 6.

Rewards for Getting S Rank in Missions

By completing all Missions and getting an S Rank across the board, you will unlock ‘The Perfect Mercenary’ Achievement which feels similar to completing The Binding of Isaac, Don’t Starve, Outlast, The Last of Us Part II on the hardest difficulty with permadeath enabled. It is an incredibly satisfying win and one that is an accomplishment due to the limited amount of players being able to get this Trophy for themselves. But S Ranks allows offer in-game rewards of cash bonuses (COAM) which can be used to purchase new AC Parts. S Ranks can also provide brand new AC Parts or Parts that you can sell onwards to gain even more COAM.

That was our guide on how to get S Ranks in Armored Core 6. For more on this game, take a look at our GJ coverage for Armored Core here. Thank you for reading this guide.