Compared to Armored Core 4 the Nexts in are much quicker. The quick boost thruster consumption appears to have been reduced and this causes quite a few of the AI to move very quickly and very erratically. Tried and true methods that brought down Nexts in Armored Core 4 do not always work, such as the ever potent HLC02-Sirius. The developers have compensated for this by giving placers the back chain guns GAN-01-SS-GC obtained by following the Collarred story line. Combined with the INBLUE FCS, which has the highest lock speed, and rapid quick boost techniques to stay close, you can easily destroy almost any Next. Unfortunately this is not available until after the Defeat White Glint and Defend Line Ark missions, which are very difficult without these chain guns on your back. Very few Nexts utilize aerial combat techniques; mainly Fragile, White Glint, Ambient, Stasis, Old King, and Unsung. Also, laser blades can use lock on now making it easy for Nexts to target you with their blades. Shinkai is the most dangerous and is found in the Defend Arteria Cranium (final mission for Collared) and can very quickly take you down to size using homing strikes from the 07-Moonlight.
Attack On Arteria Cranium: Easy "S" rank
Use the following trick in Attack On Arteria Cranium (Hard difficulty setting; Blade strategy). You may have trouble going against three ACs with no support. Try out this build. It is typical, with most parts obtained through the story by getting "White Glint". You need a total (as of now) 389 FRS Memory Points. This build is very fast. It hits hard, and all you have to do is use hit and run booster techniques.
Equipment
R Arm Unit: 07-Moonlight
L Arm Unit: 07-Moonlight
R Back Unit/ L Back Unit: ACB-0710 (replaces both the R/L Back Units)
Head: WHITE-GLINT/HEAD
Core: WHITE-GLINT/CORE
ARMS: WHITE-GLINT/ARMS
Legs: WHITE-GLINT/LEGS
FCS: BLUEEXS (perfect for blading)
Generator: ARGYROS/G (plenty of energy with above tuning)
Main Booster: MB11-LATONA
Back Booster: ARGYROS/B
Side Booster: AB-LAHIRE
Overed Booster: GAN02-NSS-O.CG
Capacity
Max ARGYROS/G: Energy Output, Energy Capacity, KP Output. Do not worry with load, as you will be fast and extremely agile. You will be nowhere in the caution or overloaded area.
Primal Armor
Scroll across to "Primal Armor" and max all four slots. The remaining points can be supplied to the "Acquisition" if desired, for lock-on speed.
Upon entering the level, boost quickly towards the first target. You can easily boost and attack him with two blades before boosting off. Upon hitting him, boost away as fast as possible to minimize damage. Do not get carried away. With boosting and blading your energy can quickly deplete if you are not careful. Upon boosting ahead you will find yourself against two more ACs. The last (extra one under the Hard difficulty setting) is a bit stupid in the beginning and boosts against the wall. Quickly fly in and blade him. If done correctly you should blade him twice. Again, use hit and run tactics. If you see your energy is getting low, boost to a safe spot quickly, idle, and let it recharge Boost back in, lock in, blade, and boost back. This build can also easily take down the AF-ANSWERER.
Custom AC
This AC configuration will give you unlimited flight, regardless of prior tuning. It is a heavy weight AC that has plenty of AP. Note: Weapons are not in the layout to allow personal preferences. Regardless, this AC schematic has its various advantages outside of its flight capabilities, such as its large hangers which can hold larger weapons.
Complete the indicated task to unlock the corresponding part.
All purchasable parts: Complete both the Collared and ORCA story modes.
White Glint Head, Core, Arms, Legs, and Head (top) Stabilizer: Complete the Defend Line Ark mission at the end of Chapter 2 (White Glint does not have to survive).
Salineos (split missiles) and 051ANNR (assault rifle): Complete the Defeat the White Glint mission at the end of Chapter 2.
07-Moonlight (laser blade), ASB-0710 (additional boosters shoulder piece): Defeat Orca Rank 5 Next Shinkai.
EC-0307AB (triple back laser cannons): Complete the Attack on Carpals mission in Chapter 3.
Recommended equipment
Try the following equipment.
FRS distribution
Capacity
Category 1 Load (allows heavier Nexts)
Category 2 Energy Output (more energy for flying and energy weapons)
Category 4 KP Output (greatly enhances Primal Armor)
Primal Armor
Category 2 Core (another great boost to Primal Armor)
Boost
Category 1 Main Thruster Horizontal Thrust (increases speed and flight time)
FCS
INBLUE (400 lock speed but shorter radar and lock ranges great for fast moving enemies)
063AN05 (200 Lock speed medium lock and radar range, highest ECM resistance)
Generator
GAN02-NSS-G (High output, capacity, very high KP output for primal armor, and it is fairly light
Thrusters
Main: Duskaror-Corb (not the fastest but it is quick, light, and has very good horizontal consumption)
Back: 03-Aaliyah/B (not the fastest for regular flying but very good quick boost and decent energy consumption for regular flight)
Side: AB-Lahire (fast, good consumption, good quick boost, and light)
OB: KRB-Lahire (light, decent speed and consumption, one of the better Assault Armors)
Start ORCA story path
In Chapter 3 complete both the Defeat Red Rum And Stark mission and Destroy Megalis mission. The first ORCA mission is Destroy Arteria Ulna.
AI...