Unleash the legendary power of FromSoftware’s iconic Moonlight Sword-now reborn as the IA-CO1W2: Moonlight Light Wave Blade in Armored Core 6. Hidden deep within Chapter 4’s perilous mission “Reach the Coral Convergence,” this radiant weapon awaits those daring enough to conquer a deadly gauntlet of spinning mechs and a ruthless boss fight against the swift and relentless Ibis mech. Master the art of ranged energy slashes and dominate the battlefield with a sword that echoes the legacy of every FromSoftware epic-if you can survive long enough to claim it.
The Moonlight greatsword, a staple of FromSoftware games from King’s Field to Demon’s Souls to Elden Ring, returns in Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon as a secret weapon, one that you won’t find until late in the game. But the Moonlight sword – or as it’s officially known in Armored Core 6, the IA-C01W2: Moonlight light wave blade – is a powerful, useful melee energy weapon that’s worth picking up.
Here’s how to find the longrunning Easter egg Moonlight sword in Armored Core 6.
Where to find the Moonlight sword in Armored Core 6
You can find the Moonlight Sword, known in-game as IA-CO1W2: Moonlight, during the “Reach the Coral Convergence” mission in Chapter 4 of Armored Core 6. After defeating the Arquebus squad, you will cross a large ruined bridge where you must destroy several autonomous grinder wheels guarding a hidden chest containing the sword. The chest is located at the far end of the bridge, surrounded by enemies, so it’s best to quickly grab the sword and evade attacks. To actually obtain the Moonlight Sword for your mech, you must complete the mission by defeating the challenging boss IB-01: CEL 240 (Ibis), known for its speed and laser drones. Once defeated, the sword becomes available in the Assembly screen at your base.
Players can find the Moonlight sword in the seventh mission of chapter 4, “Reach the Coral Convergence.” After defeating rival ACs G3 Wu Huahai and V.VI Maeterlinck, players will head toward a destroyed suspension bridge, where they’ll be attacked by an Autonomous Grinder Wheel. Below that bridge are more grinder wheels, and at its terminus, players will see the container that houses the IA-C01W2: Moonlight light wave blade.
There’s just one catch.
How to get the Moonlight sword in Armored Core 6
To get the Moonlight Sword in Armored Core 6, progress to Chapter 4 and play the mission “Reach the Coral Convergence.” After defeating the Arquebus squad, cross the large ruined bridge where you’ll face several autonomous grinder wheels guarding a hidden chest. The Moonlight Sword, known in-game as IA-CO1W2: Moonlight, is inside this chest beneath the bridge. Quickly destroy or evade the grinder wheels, grab the sword, and then complete the mission by defeating the challenging boss IB-01: CEL 240 (Ibis), who is known for his speed and laser drones. Once you defeat Ibis and return to base, you can equip the Moonlight Sword on your mech without any cost.
The “treasure chest” containing the Moonlight sword is guarded by four Autonomous Grinder Wheels. Destroying one, while it’s unaware, is easy with a grenade launcher or bazooka, but the rest will be a hassle.
The alternative to fighting these four spinning saw blades (the Armored Core 6 equivalent of Dark Souls’ infamous Wheel Skeletons), is to simply drop down, grab your loot, and boost away.
Grabbing the Moonlight sword is the easy part. You’ll need to defeat the level’s boss, Ibis Series CEL 240, to make the IA-C01W2: Moonlight light wave blade part of your weapon collection.
When you do, you’ll be treated to the left-hand sword, which is described as a “Light-wave blade developed long ago by the Rubicon Research Institute. Fuses laser and pulse technology to accompany slashing attacks with waves of light. Charge to increase output, emitting larger waves of light.”
Armored Core 6 Moonlight sword stats
The Moonlight sword in Armored Core 6, officially named IA-C01W2: Moonlight, is a powerful light wave blade renowned for its unique blend of melee and ranged capabilities. Its core stats include an Attack Power of 615, Impact of 495, and the ability to hit twice in quick succession. The weapon has a weight of 2200 and an EN Load of 544, making it a heavier choice among melee options. Notably, the Moonlight sword features a charged horizontal slash that unleashes a wide, penetrating wave of light, significantly increasing its damage output and allowing it to hit multiple enemies at range. Its direct hit adjustment stat enhances damage against staggered foes, and it offers light PA interference, making it effective at breaking through enemy shields. This combination of stats and abilities makes the Moonlight sword a versatile and formidable weapon for both close-quarters and mid-range combat in Armored Core 6.
Here are the sword’s stats:
And here’s what the Moonlight light wave blades attacks look like in action:
How can I prepare for the tough boss fight to unlock the Moonlight sword in AC6
Preparing for the Tough Boss Fight to Unlock the Moonlight Sword in AC6
Understand the Challenge
To unlock the Moonlight Sword in Armored Core 6, you must complete the “Reach the Coral Convergence” mission in Chapter 4 and defeat the boss IB-01: CEL 240, also known as Ibis. This boss is widely considered one of the toughest in the game due to its speed, relentless attack patterns, and powerful ranged assaults.
Preparation Tips
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Optimize Your Build: Many players recommend equipping double miniguns for sustained damage and two shoulder-mounted VE-60SNA Stun Needle Launchers. The miniguns help wear down the boss, while the stun needle launchers can inflict heavy stagger and burst damage.
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Mobility is Key: The Ibis boss has fast, sweeping attacks and laser barrages. Focus on a lightweight, highly mobile AC frame to maximize your ability to dodge and reposition quickly.
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Stagger Strategy: Use weapons that build up stagger quickly. Once the boss is staggered, unleash your highest damage attacks to capitalize on the brief vulnerability.
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Restock and Repair: Ensure you are fully resupplied before the boss arena. Use repair kits wisely during the fight, ideally after dodging a major attack sequence.
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Learn Attack Patterns: Take time to observe and memorize the boss’s attack cycles. Many attacks can be dodged with well-timed lateral boosts or jumps.
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Practice Patience: Rushing in recklessly will likely get you destroyed. Play defensively, wait for openings, and punish the boss after it finishes a major attack.
Final Note
You must complete the mission after defeating the boss to actually unlock and equip the Moonlight Sword. Exiting early or failing the mission means you’ll need to try again.
By optimizing your build for stagger and mobility, practicing the boss’s patterns, and using your resources wisely, you’ll greatly improve your chances against one of Armored Core 6’s most formidable foes.
What tactics can I use to survive the ambushes guarding the Moonlight sword
Tactics to Survive the Ambushes Guarding the Moonlight Sword
Maintain Situational Awareness
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Continuously scan your surroundings for threats and unusual enemy placements. Ambushes often rely on catching you off guard, so stay alert and avoid tunnel vision as you approach key areas.
React Decisively
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If you’re caught in an ambush, act quickly and don’t freeze. Take immediate evasive action-move to cover, return fire to disrupt attackers, and assess escape routes.
Use Cover and Mobility
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Always use available cover to shield yourself from incoming attacks. Move between cover points using short, rapid dashes to minimize exposure.
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In close ambushes, sometimes the best tactic is to push aggressively through the attackers, breaking their formation and disrupting their aim.
Break the Kill Zone
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Ambushes are designed to trap you in a “kill zone.” Escape laterally or backward if possible, rather than running forward into potential secondary traps.
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If escape isn’t immediately possible, create diversions (like using explosives or heavy fire) to buy time and force enemies to reposition.
Counter-Ambush Tactics
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Preemptively strike if you suspect an ambush-use area-of-effect weapons or scan with sensors to flush out hidden enemies.
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When moving through high-risk zones, consider varying your approach routes and use reconnaissance tools to spot threats before they trigger.
Stay Calm and Communicate
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Keep your composure to make better tactical decisions. If playing with allies, communicate enemy positions and coordinate your escape or counterattack.
By combining these tactics-staying alert, using cover, moving decisively, and disrupting enemy plans-you can survive the ambushes and claim the Moonlight Sword in Armored Core 6.
