Armored Core VI is so difficult that it already caused a player to destroy their controller

Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon, the latest installment in the cult franchise, is now available. Staying true to its developer's legacy, it presents a highly complex proposition that can prove difficult for less experienced players. And yes, the first boss is a formidable obstacle that has already caused many players headaches.

It's no secret that FromSoftware's video games are renowned for being highly challenging, though never impossible. Typically, the tutorial in these experiences is designed for players to face defeat, marking the beginning of their journey. However, the story takes a different turn with the new mecha title.

Armored Core VI follows a similar structure, introducing a final boss in the first level. However, unlike Dark Souls or Sekiro, it's necessary to conquer this sizable and difficult enemy to progress in the campaign.

Armored Core VI: Players Struggle to Defeat the First Boss and Complete the Tutorial

Of course, we're referring to the AH12 HC helicopter, which boasts a robust arsenal of missiles and machine guns. Many players are finding it challenging to defeat this adversary.

Certainly, overcoming this enemy is possible with patience and dedication; however, some fans have invested hours in failed attempts and lost their composure. Perhaps one of them was a player who became so infuriated that they deleted the game from their console and destroyed their controller.

"I destroyed my PlayStation controller and uninstalled this stupid game. This is the last FromSoftware title I'll buy, no matter how cool I think it looks. Being stuck on the first chapter is always a waste of time," the user wrote. In a subsequent tweet, they shared a photo showing that they indeed shattered their controller.

Although far from such extremes, many players have encountered a significant barrier and are unable to complete the tutorial due to the encounter with the AH12 HC helicopter. Community members view the first level as a filter. As a fan noted on reddit, a considerable portion of negative reviews on Steam for Armored Core VI stem from players discontented with the difficulty.

"This video game is trash; the bosses are trash. Don't waste your money... the bosses are boring and hard," wrote a frustrated consumer on Steam. "I genuinely think developers should be allowed to make games easy or hard as they want, but I feel like the intention of this boss is to sift out players who are worthy of playing," wrote another.

Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is available for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.