Emerge victorious with our guide on how to beat Handler Walter, the final boss in the good ending of Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon.

First Published September 4, 2023, 06:28

As you progress towards the endgame section of Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon, the choices you've made throughout the game will significantly influence the ending you ultimately experience. Should you opt for specific decisions that steer you towards the "good" ending, it will culminate in a climactic showdown with none other than Handler Walter, piloting his formidable HAL 826 Core as the final boss of the game.

Engaging Handler Walter in combat presents a formidable challenge for players, and the key to victory lies in understanding the boss's weaknesses and adopting effective strategies. To assist you in this daunting battle, we have meticulously compiled a comprehensive guide that delves into all the essential tips and tactics necessary to emerge triumphant in your encounter with Handler Walter in Armored Core VI.

Handler Walter Good Ending Boss: General Encounter Tips

As one of the final adversaries in Armored Core 6, Handler Walter poses a formidable challenge and is unquestionably among the game's most demanding AC bosses. Nevertheless, when compared to some of the other late-game bosses like the Ibis Series, Ayre, and ALLMIND, he is relatively less formidable. 

Since this is a showdown against an AC boss, you have the freedom to utilize the Armored Core 6 loadout that suits your comfort level when going up against Handler Walter. However, it's important to note that Walter employs an AC that mirrors your capabilities, albeit equipped with exceptionally potent end-game weaponry. This implies that while the encounter is straightforward in concept, it is far from being an easy battle, as we'll elaborate on below.

Regarding the battle itself, there are no specific vulnerabilities in Walter's HAL 826 Core. However, akin to any other AC, it is particularly susceptible to impact damage. Consequently, it is strongly advised to employ high-impact weaponry, such as shotguns, rail cannons, or plasma cannons.

How To Beat Handler Walter in Armored Core 6

Handler Walter Attacks to Watch For:

• Coral Explosion - Following a brief charge, the boss unleashes a sphere of coral energy. When you notice the energy gathering, swiftly move away from the boss to avoid the impending explosion.
• Homing coral beams - The adversary shoots multiple beams of coral energy that somewhat track the player. This attack is typically foreshadowed by a red laser shot. Evade to the left or right before impact.
• Coral Energy Stream - A broad horizontal beam of red energy traversing the screen. The attack moves relatively slowly, so try to leap vertically to evade it promptly.

Handler Walter Strategy Tips:

In contrast to Ayre and ALLMIND, the boss battle against Handler Walter doesn't feature multiple phases. Nonetheless, akin to other Armored Core fights, Walter can heal himself twice during the battle. Keep an eye out for the charged plasma shot from the Coral Rifle - IB-C03W1 and the charged attack from the Coral Oscillator - IB-C03W2. Thankfully, you can easily dodge both of these attacks by swiftly boosting away from the boss.

The HAL 826 Core exhibits significant resistance to direct damage. However, if you employ plasma weapons or those with high-impact impairment, you can effectively stagger the boss and inflict harm. Given that this is an Armored Core encounter, agility is crucial when facing the boss. You also have ample space to maneuver in the arena for this battle.

Unlike the C-weapons, it's advisable to maintain a medium or long-range distance from Handler Walter. It's recommended to utilize the VP-20C or VP-20D FCS, which aids in tracking the boss from a distance. Once you defeat Handler Walter, you'll witness the Armored Core 6's Liberator of Rubicon ending and gain access to the HAL 826 frame.

Written by Shane Moosa

Shane started his career as a freelance writer for Gamezo while working full-time as a software developer. You can often find Shane trying his hand at no-hit runs of Souls Games such as Elden Ring and Dark Souls 3 (and being quite unsuccessful). To relax, Shane will often boot up sessions of Overwatch 2 or Hunt: Showdown, but his interests are spread across various games, from AAA titles (He loved the Dead Space Remake and RE4 Remake) to indies such as Hollow Knight, Celeste, and Hades. Shane is always willing to try new games though, so feel free to drop him an email with what you think he should check out next.

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