Targeting & Lock-on

Master targeting in Armored Core VI. Learn about FCS, Target Assist, lock-on indicators, multi-lock, and how to effectively aim your AC's weapons.

Effective targeting and lock-on are fundamental to success in Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon. Mastering these mechanics allows you to track fast-moving targets, land precise shots, and manage multiple threats simultaneously. Your AC's Fire Control System (FCS) plays a vital role in determining your targeting range and efficiency, while player input dictates how you acquire and maintain locks.

The Role of the FCS

The FCS is a critical AC component that influences your targeting capabilities. Different FCS units offer varying:

• Targeting Range: The maximum distance at which your AC can acquire and track targets.
• Lock-on Speed: How quickly your AC can acquire a lock on a new target.
• Missile Tracking: The effectiveness of your AC's ability to guide missiles towards their targets.
• Multi-Lock Capability: The number of targets your FCS can track simultaneously.

Choosing the right FCS for your build and the mission at hand is crucial. For fast-paced combat, an FCS with a quick lock-on speed is beneficial. For long-range engagements, a greater targeting range is essential.

Manual Aiming vs. Target Assist

Armored Core VI offers two primary aiming modes:

• Manual Aiming: You have complete control over your AC's camera and weapon aiming. This offers the highest precision but requires significant player skill to track fast targets.
• Target Assist: Activated by pressing the R3 (Right Stick Click) button, Target Assist automatically centers your camera on the current target and helps keep your weapons aimed. This is invaluable for engaging highly mobile enemies or when dealing with multiple threats. However, it can sometimes incur a slight accuracy penalty.

Lock-on Indicators

Visual cues indicate your targeting status:

• Red Circle: Appears around your target when using arm-mounted weapons. This circle tightens as your lock-on improves.
• Yellow Quarter Circles: These appear above targets when using shoulder-mounted or back weapons, indicating they are being tracked.
• Stagger Gauge: While not directly a targeting indicator, understanding when an enemy is staggered is crucial for landing critical hits.

Multi-Lock and Missile Systems

Certain weapons, particularly missile launchers, utilize a multi-lock system. By holding the fire button (L1 or R1), you can designate multiple targets within your FCS's tracking range. This allows for simultaneous engagement of several enemies, making it highly effective against swarms or groups of weaker targets.

Melee Weapon Targeting

Melee weapons often require a direct lock-on and a committed lunge. Successfully landing a melee attack usually involves closing the distance rapidly and timing your strike when the target is vulnerable or staggered.

Mastering these targeting and lock-on mechanics, combined with the right FCS choice, will significantly improve your combat effectiveness and survivability on Rubicon.