Armored Core 6 Impact Meter Explained: How To Stun/Stagger Enemies Quickly

Staggering is a core mechanic for combat in every FromSoftware game and there is no difference with Armored Core 6, the newest game from the studio. We'll explain all you need to know about Impact and staggering in AC6.

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Armored Core 6 Impact meter explained: All you need to know about the stagger mechanic |© FromSoftware & Bandai Namco

Armored Core 6 (AC6) is launched soon and is one of the most awaited releases in 2023. The game developed by FromSoftware, that is also responsible for Elden Ring, Bloodborne and the Souls games, has high expectations to fill after the previous hits. Similar to all games from the studio, combat is one of the most important aspect of Armored Core 6. Like their games before, AC6 has a stagger mechanic to immobilize enemies for a short time, and how that works we what to check out now.

Armored Core 6: How To Stagger An Enemy

With all the customizations implemented, there are many ways to approach a combat in Armored Core 6. Nevertheless, staggering an opponent is always useful. In order to do so, you have to work your way down the foes Impact meter. The Impact bar is depicted above the health bar of your enemy. To drain the bar you got to hit an enemy with combos, heavy strikes, or other attacks. In comparison to Sekiro the bar won't reset immediately when you stop attacking, so it is easier to stagger someone.

By continuously hitting, the Impact bar will change to red and your opponent is in a Stagger stage. In this stage, he can't attack or defend itself, so you can bring on your most devastating blows and attacks to kill it quickly.

But be aware that the distance you maintain to your enemy influences the duration of the stagger. In close combat, it is easier to stagger and your opponent is also unable to fend itself for a longer time. So When you stagger someone from a far distance, you might not be able to reach to the enemy till its stagger is gone.

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Armored Core 6: Learn more about Impact |© FromSoftware & Bandai Namco

Armored Core 6: The Impact explained

In Armored Core 6, impact is a stat every enemy, but also every player, has. The Yellow bar above the health bar shows you the state of depletion. When the bar turns red, after you dealt enough damage and heavy strikes, an opponent gets staggered. In combat, you should stagger the ones you are fighting against as often as possible. As per usual the chance to stagger is influenced by, the stage, the type of enemy, your distance and weapon type.

That was all you have to know about Staggering and Impact in Armored Core 6. We hope it was helpful and have fun playing.

Julius Mauroner
Julius Mauroner