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| "Operation Wallclimber" | |
| General information | |
| Japanese name | 「壁越え」 |
| Client | Arquebus Corporation |
| Stage | The Wall |
| Reward | Battle Logs, COAM, Data Logs |
| Music | "Unbreakable," "Steel Haze" |
| Real world information | |
| Game | ARMORED CORE VI FIRES OF RUBICON |
"Operation Wallclimber" is a Chapter 1 mission in ARMORED CORE VI FIRES OF RUBICON. It is a mandatory mission that unlocks after completing Attack the Dam Complex and either Destroy the Weaponized Mining Ship, or Escort the Weaponized Mining Ship in New Game Plus.
In-game information[]
Combat zone: Central Belius - Liberation Front Fortress "The Wall" Objective: Attack Base/Destroy Enemy Craft
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Objectives[]
- Destroy the city gatling cannons and tetrapod MT
- Penetrate the Wall and reach the top
- Destroy JUGGERNAUT heavy mobile artillery platform
Walkthrough[]
The mission starts with the player on a cliff overlooking the appropriately-named Wall, a massive fortification dominating the horizon. The ultimate target of the mission is the HA-T-102 JUGGERNAUT, a heavy mobile artillery platform standing watch at the very top of the wall. Already the JUGGERNAUT will make its presence known, using its artillery guns to shoot down incoming Arquebus helicopters on the field, and then directing its attention towards the player by attempting to shoot them down, focus on evading its shelling as the Juggernaut is fairly accurate over long distances, and there is no way for the player to take out the JUGGERNAUT at this point. Fortunately the JUGGERNAUT's attacks are preceded by a warning alarm, giving players time to dodge. The JUGGERNAUT will also be unable to attack the player behind cover, or if they get too close to the main wall.
Before reaching the JUGGERNAUT, the player is tasked with two primary objectives to accomplish first:
- Destroy the two gatling cannons guarding the outer wall.
- Destroy the BAWS Tetrapod MT at the base of the main wall.
Players can choose which of these two objective to accomplish first, depending on their preferred strategy.
There is a smaller outer wall with a deep trench at its base, and ground access through the wall is limited through a single bridge guarded by the aforementioned gatling gun turrets. The gatling turrets have heavy armor at the front, requiring players to attack them from above or behind to destroy them. The outer wall also has long-range artillery turrets positioned on top to shoot down incoming invaders. Breaching the outer wall safely can be done in one of two ways:
- The left of the map has a large cliffside that intersects above the outer wall, making it the most energy efficient route to take. There is sufficient shallow cover on this part to defend against artillery attack, though players will still need to move fast to avoid staying in the line of fire for too long.
- Alternatively, players can head towards the deep trench at the base of the outer wall, which will prevent any of the outer wall defenses and the JUGGERNAUT from firing on the player. The trench has two vertical catapults available to ascend out of the trench, one at the middle of the trench, and one below the bridge to the right. The middle catapult allows the player to reach the top of the outer wall from below to ambush the outer wall defenses, while the right catapult allows the player to ambush closer to the gatling cannons albeit with less cover against incoming artillery. The trench has a small group of MT's defending it, with some of them on the bridge that will try to snipe rockets at the player.
It is ill-advised to use the bridge itself, as it is the most heavily defended area of the map.
The main wall itself has two levels of defense artillery turrets installed on them, the first level by the middle of the wall's height, and the second level much higher up. The main thoroughfare behind the outer wall gatling guns leads straight into the main wall's main gate, which is guarded by two artillery turrets and the lone BAWS Tetrapod MT that is the second primary objective. Players can avoid the defense artillery turrets en-route to the gate by using the buildings in the city between the outer wall and the main wall as cover, and the defense turrets can be destroyed at range due to their lack of frontal protection. The Tetrapod itself will be alone inside the gate area, and can generally be dueled against without interference, though if the Tetrapod moves too far away from the gate it can take the player to within attack range of other MT's in the city, and even the wall defense artillery.
The left side of the city contains the wreckage of G4 Volta, along with the data log with his last words, which is simultaneously guarded by the three BAWS MTs marked for the LOGHUNT program. The "Dolmayan's Writings (1)" data log can be found on the rightmost corner of the city, atop and wedged between the outer walls.
Once players succeed in destroying both primary objectives, they will need to enter the wall itself, with a convenient vertical catapult placed to the right of the main wall gate for this purpose. There are two doors that players can access to get inside the wall: the lower entrance by the middle wall artillery battery, or the upper entrance at the highest artillery battery. Both entrances lead to the same room, but the upper entrance allows the player to enter the room without immediately alerting the MT contingent inside. A door will open up in this room which will bring in additional MT reinforcements, and players can choose to destroy the MT's or simply run past them into the next room which will also have a small MT force guarding it. Access the large door in this room to open up a path to an elevator to the left.
After taking the elevator up, players will exit into a small hallway where they will be first introduced to the Supply Sherpa, acting as a Resupply Point that fully replenishes the player's health and ammo. It is recommended to use the Supply Sherpa to rearm and resupply, though it is an optional feature and players are free to ignore it without issue. Access the large gate to the left to enter a cutscene, which leads players into the final boss encounter with the JUGGERNAUT itself, and also introduces players to V.IV Rusty, who will the allied AC for this fight.
JUGGERNAUT[]
The JUGGERNAUT is a massive machine with a surprising amount of mobility thanks to numerous rocket boosters mounted on its full, and its first act will be to charge at full speed across the combat area and attempt to ram the player, dealing heavy damage if the player fails to evade. This speedy dash is what the JUGGERNAUT will use to try to rapidly reposition and avoid player attacks, as well as maneuver itself to better engage the player with its own long ranged weaponry.
The most important feature of the JUGGERNAUT is its heavy armor at the front and at its track chassis, which is highly resistant to all attacks. In order to defeat the JUGGERNAUT, players must target its weaker backside. Fortunately in the first half of the fight, Rusty will provide support by distracting the JUGGERNAUT, giving players easy opportunities to target the machine's rear.
If the JUGGERNAUT's health is brought below 50%, Rusty will be called off to fight “enemy reinforcements” elsewhere, leaving the player alone to fight the JUGGERNAUT. Unlike previously, players now have to rely on their own maneuvering and timing to hit the JUGGERNAUT's weakspot. This phase also makes the JUGGERNAUT to scatter anti-tank landmines around itself that detonates on contact in an attempt to restrict the player's movement. Staying airborne and finding opportunities to get behind the JUGGERNAUT will be key in the second phase.
Collectibles[]
- Data Logs:
- Text Data: Dolmayan's Writings (1)
- Video Record: G4's Last Words
Plot[]
Following independent mercenary C4-621's victory against a gargantuan RLF mobile resource base and Handler Walter's subsequent campaigning, the Arquebus Corporation hires them to join their Vespers unit for Operation Wallclimber. Under the direction of the Vespers' V.II Snail, C4-621 breaks through the Wall's defenses to reach the top, whereupon they are joined by Vespers squad leader V.IV Rusty in battling the HA-T-102 JUGGERNAUT. Rusty initially distracts the JUGGERNAUT but departs midway to intercept reinforcements, leaving C4-621 to finish the job. With the JUGGERNAUT's defeat, Operation Wallclimber is deemed a success.
In a later private debriefing, Rusty — out of newfound camaraderie — confides to C4-621 that Arquebus intended to sacrifice independent mercenaries in the operation; the Vespers would enter only once the mercenaries had cleared the way. C4-621's surprising performance has brought the attention of both the higher-ups and Rusty himself.
Dialogue[]
| Condition | English | Japanese | Audio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Briefing | Handler Walter: This request comes straight from Arquebus headquarters. They want you to assist with a mission the corporations are calling "Operation Wallclimber." V.II Snail: This is V.II Snail, leader of the Vespers' second squad. I will chair the briefing for this mission. This is an operation of my own design—consider it a privilege to be called to participate. You will be attacking the Wall, a key trading outpost fortified by the Rubicon Liberation Front. The rabble have formed a defensive line comprised of artillery and MT squads. Break through the line, then make your way to the top of the Wall. There you shall find the JUGGERNAUT, a mobile heavy artillery platform. Destroy it. V.IV will also be participating in this mission, infiltrating through a separate route. However... Be aware that Balam has also taken a crack at the Wall, only for their vainglorious hopes to be dashed. Do try not to die like a dog out there. |
- | - |
| Sortie | Handler Walter: Your objective is to take the Liberation Front fortress—the Wall. Show them you're worth the credits, 621. | - | - |
| Mission start | Handler Walter: Commence mission. We'll start by clearing the way for Arquebus. Take out the gatling cannons protecting the city and the BAWS tetrapod MT further in. There's heavy fire coming from up top. 621. Keep an eye out for cover. RLF Soldier: You'll never climb the Wall, corporation dogs! RLF Soldier: Coral, abide with Rubicon! |
- | - |
| - | RLF Soldier: We're under attack! They're in the city! RLF Soldier: It's just one AC?! Arquebus... They're mocking us! |
- | - |
| Destroying city gatling cannons | Handler Walter: Gatling cannons destroyed. The friendly MT squad will take care of the city. | - | - |
| Tetrapod MT not yet eliminated | Handler Walter: You take care of the BAWS tetrapod MT, 621. | - | - |
| Engaging tetrapod MT | RLF Soldier: Forged in ash, we stand as one! Die, mercenary! | - | - |
| Tetrapod MT's HP falls to ~50% | RLF Soldier (2): City defense squad! There's an AC behind us! RLF Soldier: Ngh... Another one?! |
- | - |
| Eliminating tetrapod MT | RLF Soldier: Corporate...scum... Handler Walter: BAWS tetrapod MT eliminated. That significantly reduces the threat in the city. |
- | - |
| City gatling cannons not yet destroyed | Handler Walter: Gatling cannons next. Destroy the targets. | - | - |
| City gatling cannons and tetrapod MT destroyed | Handler Walter: Access the bulkhead and break into the Wall. | - | - |
| Entering the Wall | Handler Walter: Confirmed. You're inside the Wall. Be prepared for close-quarters combat. | - | - |
| Entering first chamber | V.IV Rusty: Do you read me? This is V.IV Rusty. You're fast—guess you're sharper than they say. I'll have to step up my own game. Handler Walter: A numbered Vesper—he's an elite. But remember, even Balam couldn't crack the Wall. Don't count on him too much. |
- | - |
| Entering second chamber | RLF Soldier: Enemy attack! Can you send backup?! We're taking too much fire! | - | - |
| Approaching elevator | Handler Walter: There should be a lift nearby. The target is close. | - | - |
| Arriving at top of the elevator | Handler Walter: 621. I've dispatched a supply sherpa. Make sure you resupply. | - | - |
| Cutscene once the player reaches the top of the Wall | V.IV Rusty: You must be Raven. ...One of the infamous Handler Walter's hounds. Interesting. You ready to climb the Wall? | - | - |
| Following end of previous cutscene | V.IV Rusty: That's the JUGGERNAUT, a heavy mobile cannon. I wouldn't recommend taking it head on. It won't be able to keep up with STEEL HAZE—I'll distract it while you hit its blind spot. | - | - |
| JUGGERNAUT's HP falls to ~75% | V.IV Rusty: That's the stuff. Walter knows how to pick 'em. | - | - |
| JUGGERNAUT charges | V.IV Rusty: Watch out—it's coming! | - | - |
| Player AP falls to ~30% | V.IV Rusty: You okay? Keep your head in the game, Raven. | - | - |
| Player AC destroyed before V.IV Rusty leaves | V.IV Rusty: They got Raven, huh. ...What a waste. | - | - |
| V.IV Rusty's AC takes critical damage | V.IV Rusty: Ngh... They got me good! Command, this is V.IV. AC is inoperable. Withdrawing from combat. Sorry, Raven. Wallclimber is in your hands now. Handler Walter: He's gone. So much for our decoy. |
- | - |
| JUGGERNAUT's HP falls to ~50% | V.IV Rusty: This is V.IV... Understood. Raven. I just got an update from Snail at Command. We've got enemy reinforcements incoming. If I don't intercept them, we're both toast. Hate to leave you like this, but you'll have to finish without me! Handler Walter: He's gone. So much for our decoy. |
- | - |
| Following JUGGERNAUT's defeat animation | Handler Walter: Confirmed. JUGGERNAUT destroyed. Operation Wallclimber is a success. That pilot, Rusty... It seems he knew who you really are. It won't matter. I've taken that contingency into account. | - | - |
| Defeating the JUGGERNAUT before V.IV Rusty leaves | Handler Walter: Confirmed. JUGGERNAUT destroyed. Operation Wallclimber is a success. V.IV Rusty: So that's how a hound fights. I'll take care of mopping up the remaining hostiles. With luck, maybe we'll meet again. |
- | - |
| Debriefing | COM: One new message. V.IV Rusty: We're war buddies now. I think I should tell you something. During Operation Wallclimber... Arquebus was planning to sacrifice you. The plan was to use independent mercenaries to clear the way so that the Vespers could step in and take over. But instead...you took the Wall. The higher-ups are going to remember you now, that's for sure. As will I. |
- | - |
| Debriefing (NG+ variant) | COM: One new message. V.IV Rusty: We're war buddies now. I think I should tell you something. During Operation Wallclimber... Arquebus was planning to sacrifice you. The plan was to use independent mercenaries to clear the way so that the Vespers could step in and take over. But instead...you took the Wall. Both the higher-ups and the Rubiconians are going to remember the name Raven now. As will I. |
- | - |
Gallery[]
Translation differences[]
The Japanese script for the briefing has Snail specify that Rusty is a captain (隊長) of the Vespers' fourth squad whereas the English script does not.