The Chainsaw in Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is one of the most iconic melee weapons, known for its devastating close-quarters power and unique role in both PvE and PvP. This guide breaks down everything players need to know about finding, mastering, and optimizing the Chainsaw, including stats, strategies, upgrades, and its influence in the meta-game.
Armored Core 6 Chainsaw Overview
| Weapon Name | Chainsaw (IA-C01W2: Moonlight Saw) |
|---|---|
| Type | Melee (Right Arm Unit) |
| Damage Type | Kinetic, High Direct-Impact |
| Availability | Campaign Unlock – Mid-Game (Chapter 2+), New Game+ Shops |
| PvE Viability | Excellent versus Elite/Miniboss Targets |
| PvP Viability | High Risk, High Reward |
How To Unlock The Chainsaw In Armored Core 6
Campaign Progression
The Chainsaw, also referenced as the IA-C01W2: Moonlight Saw, becomes available during Chapter 2 of the story, typically after completing missions related to the Rubicon Liberation Front. Players must clear a specific story node where melee armaments become unlocked in the shop.
Shop Locations And Pricing
Once available, access the Chainsaw from Allmind’s Armory Shop or after the Unlock Melee Weapons mission. The weapon usually costs between 120,000 – 150,000 COAM. On New Game+ playthroughs, the Chainsaw is available from the start, making it a prime choice for veteran players optimizing speed runs or challenge builds.
Chainsaw Weapon Stats And Specifications
| Attribute | Value (Base) |
|---|---|
| Attack Power | 2900 |
| Impact | 1450 |
| Direct Hit Modifier | +200% |
| Weight | 4050 |
| EN Load | 185 |
| Reload Time | 1.7s |
| Special | Charged Attack for Extended Damage |
The Chainsaw excels at high-impact, high-damage strikes but comes at a cost: significant weight and above-average EN (energy) requirements. Players must account for these values when optimizing their AC build, especially in fast-paced missions needing mobility or energy efficiency.
Performance And Playstyle Considerations
Strengths
- Exceptionally High Burst Damage: Delivers massive output in a single hit, capable of staggering or outright destroying Major Bosses if landed cleanly.
- Charged Attack: Holding the attack button revs up the saw, prolonging its active hitbox and increasing both damage and hit window.
- Armor Penetration: Bypasses certain shield types, making it valuable against shielded or heavily armored targets.
Weaknesses
- Short Effective Range: Requires getting up close, risking counterattacks.
- High Weight/EN Load: May force players to sacrifice mobility or heavier armor for energy output.
- Telegraphed Attack Animation: Predictable swings can be punished in PvP if not used carefully.
Successful use of the Chainsaw depends on calculated aggression—dashing in at opportune moments and timing swings for optimal impact.
Chainsaw Techniques And Combos
Basic Attack
Tapping the attack button unleashes a quick swing. This is ideal for punishing staggered enemies or landing opportunistic hits in melee scrambles.
Charge Attack
Holding and releasing the attack button revs the saw for a lingering, multi-tick attack. This move is critical against immobilized or stunned bosses, dealing compounded damage over the attack duration. Skilled players can catch mobile foes with the edge for repeated hits.
Combo Integration
- Stagger Setup: Use high-impact firearms (e.g., Bazookas or Laser Rifles) to stagger enemies before closing in for a Chainsaw finish.
- Double Melee: Equip two melee weapons (e.g., Chainsaw and Laser Blade) for back-to-back burst combos.
- Quick Boost Attack Cancel: After a Chainsaw hit, use quick boost/dash to evade retaliation or reposition for a follow-up strike.
Timing and fluid movement are essential to maximize the Chainsaw’s efficacy, especially in boss arenas or mobile encounters.
Optimizing Builds For Chainsaw Use
Frame And Leg Selection
Given the weight and EN demand, the Chainsaw fits best on Tank or Mid-Heavy AC frames. Reverse-joint legs and lightweight cores are less ideal but can work with balanced tuning. Players should upgrade their generator and boost stats accordingly.
Generator And FCS Choices
- Generators: Prioritize high EN output and quick recharge types (VP-20D or DF-GN-08).
- FCS (Fire Control System): Opt for melee-specialized FCS units for improved targeting and lock-on performance in close-range combat.
Complementary Weapons
- Right Arm: Chainsaw
- Left Arm: Pulse Blade or High-Impact Gun
- Back Slots: Shield for defense, or missile launcher for range softening
These pairings help cover the Chainsaw’s range gaps and capitalize on staggered enemies.
Sample Chainsaw Build Table
| Slot | Recommended Part | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Right Arm | IA-C01W2 Chainsaw | Main melee attack |
| Left Arm | PB-033M Pulse Blade | Faster swing follow-up |
| Back Unit L | VP-60LCS Laser Cannon | For mid-range pressure |
| Back Unit R | BML-G2/P08SPL-16 Missiles | To stagger targets |
| Frame | VP-44S Frame Set | High stability, decent EN |
| Legs | Tank Treads or Bipeds | Weight support |
PvE Strategies With The Chainsaw
Boss Fights
The Chainsaw shines in boss battles, particularly against predictable, slow-moving opponents. Wait for clear telegraphs or stagger windows, then approach and unleash a charged attack for significant health chunk removal. The multi-hit nature also shreds boss armor when the hitbox is held against them.
Minibosses And Elites
Punish tactical AI after breaking their posture. Use terrain to approach unseen, followed by a surprise Chainsaw attack. Deploy decoys or drones to distract enemies if needed.
Regular Enemies
The Chainsaw is often overkill for standard mooks. However, it is a stylish option for clearing groups when paired with area-of-effect stagger tools like EMP Shoulder Missiles.
PvP Strategies With The Chainsaw
Mind Games And Pressure
In PvP, the Chainsaw can intimidate– opponents may avoid engagement, providing map control benefits. Force dodges and punish predictable movement with well-timed dashes into Chainsaw swings.
Counterplay And Weaknesses
- Quick opponents may bait attacks and counter with ranged punishments.
- Use verticality and unpredictable boost patterns to avoid telegraphing swings.
- Combine with support weapons to wear down shields or stagger before engaging in melee.
Players should never rely solely on the Chainsaw in PvP. Instead, integrate it into a diverse toolkit to keep enemies guessing.
Comparisons: Chainsaw Versus Other Melee Weapons
| Weapon | Damage | Weight | Range | Special |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chainsaw | High (Burst/Charge) | Heavy | Very Short | Lingering Hitbox |
| Laser Blade | High (Single Hit) | Medium | Short | Wide Arc |
| Pulse Blade | Medium (Fast) | Light | Short | Quick Recovery |
This table highlights that the Chainsaw prioritizes raw damage and pressure over range or speed. It’s best matched with lighter or faster melee arms to provide flexibility.
Tips For Mastering The Chainsaw In Armored Core 6
- Study Attack Timing: Practice optimal charge durations. Overcharging risks missing the hit, while undercharging loses potential damage.
- Boost Management: Chain dashes or quick boosts into strikes to maximize momentum and close spaces without taking return fire.
- Environmental Play: Use pillars, walls, and cover to limit enemy lines of fire as you approach with the Chainsaw.
- Stagger Synergy: Always capitalize on stagger, as most enemies are unable to defend against the chainsaw while incapacitated.
- Audio Cues: The Chainsaw emits a distinct sound during charging—use this to bait reactions or “fake out” opponents in duels.
Meta Impact And Community Perception
Since launch, the Chainsaw has enjoyed a reputation for aggressive playstyles in the community. Speedrunners and challenge players exploit its burst potential, while PvP aficionados regard it as a skill-testing weapon. However, nerfs and rebalancing sometimes impact weight and recharge, requiring seasoned players to adapt with patches.
In PvE, it remains a top-tier pick for high-damage, low-frequency encounters. In PvP, mastery separates the casual from the elite user, and creative players continually find fresh combo applications using the Chainsaw’s unique properties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Is The Chainsaw Good For Beginners? It’s better suited for intermediate to advanced players due to its commitment-based swings and mobility demands.
- Can You Dual-Wield Chainsaws? No; currently, only one can be equipped on the right arm, given its classification and weight restrictions.
- Does The Chainsaw Consume Ammo? No, it relies solely on an internal cooldown/reload timer, making it sustainable for long missions.
- Which Enemies Are Weak To The Chainsaw? Staggered elites, exposed boss cores, and shield-bearing foes are the best targets for this weapon.
Related Weapons And Unlockables
If a player enjoys the Chainsaw playstyle, consider unlocking other powerful melee weapons, such as the Laser Blade, VVC-770LB, or the Pulse Blade. Each offers a distinct rhythm and tactical application, broadening melee build options in Armored Core 6.
Recommended Chainsaw Loadouts For Popular Missions
| Mission | Recommended Loadout | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Attack The Dam Complex | Chainsaw + Pulse Blade, Shoulder Missiles, Tread Legs | Stagger armored vehicles, cut down command units |
| Operation Wallclimber | Chainsaw + Bazooka, Repair Kits | Deal with stronghold defense bosses quickly |
| Intercept The Redguns | Chainsaw + Laser Blade, Mobility Core | Counter-swarm enemy AC squads |
These builds demonstrate how the Chainsaw adapts to different challenge scenarios, helping players consistently break through the campaign’s toughest encounters.