Pulse Shields may not be the first type of part you unlock in Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon, but these underrated left-back pieces could provide the best defense to an otherwise unprotected mech build. These energy-based shields almost act like a second armor to prevent enemies from inflicting tons of damage. With various sizes of these items, those who explore every option might find some with hidden properties.
Every shield has three major stats to look for in the Part Shop: Damage Mitigation, Impact Dampening, and Deployment Range. The first trait is the easiest to understand, tying directly to how much damage the shield absorbs when attacks land on your mech. On the other hand, Impact Dampening relates to reducing how fast you stagger, while Deployment Range indicates how fast the shield activates in Armored Core 6.
Activating a Pulse Shield right after an enemy's attack gives you a chance to perform an Initial Guard to greatly reduce incoming damage even more. Look for a red box above your targeting system when an enemy is about to fire their weapon so that you can time the Initial Guard.
5 VP-61PS Pulse Shield
- How to Unlock - Complete Mission 11: "Attack the Watchpoint"
This left-shoulder part acts as one of the first strong Pulse Shields you are able to purchase in the Shop at the end of Chapter 1. Thanks to its above-average Damage Mitigation, this item can actually contend as a viable build option instead of simply putting on another weapon. A projecting rectangle of energy in front of your mech will reduce incoming damage as long as you hold down the fire button for the left shoulder.
Only a single additional shield has been available before the end of Chapter 1, but the presence of certain OS upgrades in Armored Core 6, like Pulse Protection and Pulse Armor, make it hard to justify it as an optimal part to equip.
The reason why this Pulse Shield isn't as effective as others is because of its unfortunate strain on your mech through a high Weight and EN Load. Although this kind of item will never be heavier compared to a missile launcher or cannon, certain designs in Armored Core 6 may not be able to use this Shield. Reverse t builds, in particular, rely on lighter parts and may need a Shield of some kind to make up for their lackluster Armor Points (AP).
4 VP-61PB Pulse Buckler
- How to Unlock - Complete Mission 11: "Attack the Watchpoint"
Pulse Bucklers are far smaller shields that specialize in Impact Dampening, preventing your mech from becoming staggered as easily in Armored Core 6. Creating a diamond-shaped area of defense this time, missiles and precision shots will have a tough time damaging you. Those who are struggling against opponents who use explosive weapons with high-impact damage can take back their advantage using this part.
One property of this Buckler that makes it special is the long window for Initial Guard, a damage reduction mechanic in Armored Core 6. Activating this guard point at the right time can be hard on most shields, sometimes only within a couple of frames of an enemy's attack. Thankfully, this tool gives you a far bigger window to initiate this system, allowing you to negate a ton of damage that might otherwise destroy your mech.
3 SI-29: SU-TT/C Pulse Buckler
- How to Unlock - Complete Mission 8: "Operation Wallclimber"
While the VP-61PB Buckler focuses on Initial Guard, the SI-29: SU-TT/C unit instead has its entire stats devoted to Impact Dampening. Despite being slightly heavier, activating this shield can make even powerful Bazookas or Grenade Launchers do minimal stagger damage to your mech. Those looking to take minimal damage and earn Armored Core 6 missions should consider picking up this part.
2 SI-27: SU-R8 Pulse Shield
- How to Unlock - Complete Mission 14: "Ocean Crossing"
A circular Pulse Shield developed by Takigawa Harmonics, the unique shape of this left-back part is complemented by a ridiculously high Damage Mitigation and Impact Dampening stat. Nearly double the value of previous shields, this part represents an evolution of this type of equipment. The wide circle of energy generated here can sometimes absorb the impact of missiles trying to impact your mech from the side in Armored Core 6.
No matter what Pulse Shield you may have equipped to your mech, none of these parts will block 100% of the damage that actually hits. Make sure to still have Booster parts that complement your design's movement options, so you can continue to evade attacks.
Despite the Deployment Range remaining relatively the same as weaker shields, the right build makes it easier to activate this item without worry. For example, a Tetrapod mech can use its Legs to hover in the air, giving you plenty of time to react to enemy attacks and rely on this Pulse Shield. Keep in mind that the best melee weapons in Armored Core 6 will still be able to take out this shield quickly if you aren't careful.
1 VE-61PSA Pulse Scutum
- How to Unlock - Complete Mission 27: "Destroy the Ice Worm" on New Game+
This pulse shield may be the hardest to unlock in Armored Core 6, demanding you finish the story at least once before you can work toward earning it in the Part Shop. As a reward for your efforts, this Pulse Scutum is truly remarkable, hosting the widest defense and, by far, the best stats out of any shield. Even though this is also the heaviest shield in the game, a hidden ability makes it even stronger than most might think.
Holding the Pulse Scutum out for a short amount of time will provide better damage mitigation than even an Initial Guard would. This removes the difficult timing needed to prevent damage to your mech in exchange for relying more on the shield itself. The best Pulse Shields that you can unlock in Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon are straightforward with their defense, offering a simple angle to your build.
