Armored Core 6: 6 Best Cores For Builds, Ranked (2024)

In Armored Core 6, the Core Part is one of the main pieces players need when assembling their ACs. Each Core Part has different stats, strengths, and weaknesses, but in most cases, players usually pick and choose whichever Core looks aesthetically pleasing to them. This isn’t wrong: it’s up to the players what Core Part they want on their ACs.

For those who want to min-max their machines, choosing the right Core Part is essential. Some Cores are designed for certain builds, while others are stuffed with varying defensive numbers that serve to steer a player’s vision of what their AC is supposed to handle. Here are some of the best Core Parts that cater to specific builds in Armored Core 6.

Related: Armored Core 6: Best Heads For Builds, Ranked

6 DF-BD-08 Tian Qiang

Stats

During the early to mid-stages of the first playthrough, one of the best Core Parts players can use for their ACs is the DF-BD-08 Tian Qiang. This Core Part has amazing defensive stats on top of great Attitude Stability numbers, allowing players to withstand some damage.

That said, such high defensive stats mean that it struggles in other facets. Namely, the Tian Qiang is one of the heavier Core Parts in the game. Early level Leg Parts can support this Core Part, but doing so will limit the player with their weapon options somewhat. Its weight also means ACs with this equipment will be less mobile.

5 VE-40A

Stats

If players want to get the most AP possible out of their Core Part, they should look into acquiring the VE-40A. This Core is made by the Arquebus Corp and boasts the highest AP that players can attain during their first playthrough, while also having great overall defensive stats.

Related: Things That Make Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon Perfect For Beginners

Its Generator Output Adjustment is also commendable for a heavyweight Core Part: it allows players to add more Energy-based weapon options for their builds. The great Attitude Stability also provides good stagger resistance compared to other Core Parts. However, being one of the heavier Cores, players need to mind how heavy their armaments would be, especially if they don’t utilize the Weight Control OS Tuning perk.

4 Nachtreiher/40E

Stats

Lightweight ACs are popular for players who want to zip around enemies and pelt them with their respective armaments. The Nachtreiher/40E Core Part is the best option for speedy mechs. Sporting the highest Booster Efficiency Adjustment stat, matching this Core Part with Quick Booster-focused Boosters will see players zoom across missions and skirmishes.

It has somewhat passable defensive stats, but given that this Core Part is designed for lightweight ACs, players building with this shall have limited options when it comes to what weapons they can use. In most cases, the Nachtreiher/40E mixed great with Reverse Joint Leg Parts to further enhance a build’s mobility and evasiveness.

3 IA-C01C: Ephemera

Stats

The Ephemera Parts is a great candidate for Energy Weapons-focused builds. It has great Generator Output Adjustment stats. This makes running Laser or Plasma-based armaments dangerous when paired with this Core Part, since it grants more chances to bombard enemies with such weapons.

Related: Armored Core 6: Best Legs For Builds, Ranked

Weight-wise, the Ephemera lands on the middleweight-to-heavyweight spectrum. It also has decent defensive stats, which allows builds to take damage, especially against Energy-based attacks. But since it has subpar Attitude Stability, it’s better for players running this Core Part to properly manage their Energy between firing their weapons and dodging enemy fire.

2 07-061 Mind Alpha

Stats

Once players have made it through the halfway point of their first playthrough, they will come across the 07-061 Mind Alpha Core Part. This is widely considered one of the more balanced Core Parts in the game, and bolsters any builds that are aching for more rounded defensive stats.

Even its hefty 16510 Weight cannot override its other perks. With great Generator Output and Supply Adjustment stats, when paired with a Generator that can complement these numbers, ACs with this Core Part can keep their mobility or damage using Energy Weapons consistent, so long as they know how to manage their Energy.

1 CS-5000 Main Dish

Stats

When going for a build that screams, “Damage Sponge,” the CS-5000 Main Dish is the go-to Core Part. In addition to sporting amazing defensive stats, it holds the highest Attitude Stability numbers compared to other Core Parts in the game. This means ACs equipped with this Core Part will be harder to stagger and equally be harder to take down.

As with most builds that lean on defense, however, the Main Dish suffers in the mobility department. Being one of the heaviest Core Parts, boosting around will cost more Energy. It does have somewhat decent Generator Supply Adjustment stats, but this Core Part demands its player to know proper energy management.

More: Armored Core 6: All Hidden Part Chest Locations