Hunting Season

This article is about an in-game mission. For the in-universe event, see Battle of Payton Channel.

Hunting Season
Mission 06 Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy
Mission Order
Previous	Tin Castle or Opera House
Next	Midnight Assassin
Mission Details
Focus	Air-to-Air
Objectives	Destroy the Rebel fighter squadron
Time Limit	40 minutes
Character	Phoenix

"Phoenix, you're surrounded on all sides. Evade them!"

― Ulrich Olsen

Hunting Season is the sixth campaign mission in Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy.

Briefing

"I just got an urgent transmission. Major air force movement has been confirmed in the eastern region of the continent. Their target is more than likely this base. Seems they've lost their cool after their chain of crushing defeats. In response, we will intercept the enemy at Payton Channel and cut their invasion route short. Unlike our previous sneak attacks, we'll be greeting the enemy head-on. And they'll be ready for a fight. I've also received news that their forces include an Ace squadron. You can expect a tough fight up ahead. Be prepared."

Mission

The entire mission is purely air to air combat. Enemies will come from the east, directly ahead. Enemies consist of F-4Es, Mirage 2000Ds, AV-8s, and F-16Cs. Destroy all enemies to end the first phase.

The second phase is a battle against Beast Squadron. The squadron is made of five F/A-18E Super Hornets. Their strategy is to surround the player and attack without mercy. Keynote will direct the player to escape the containment by flying out of the marked area. When one of the Beast Squadron members breaks away to pursue, the player will be directed to destroy it. It's entirely possible to stay within the containment area and destroy the Beast Squadron in a "fair" fight. It's also possible to shoot down the Squadron Leader first to put an end to their strategy. The containment area marker will permanently disappear and the squadron members will be scattered. In this battle, the ace DR2000 will appear at high altitude. Since it's flying a stealth aircraft, it may be difficult to look for it while being attacked by the squadron. After all Beast Squadron aircraft are shot down, the mission ends.

Debriefing

"We've successfully removed the enemy threat. The western region Rebels will be hurting after losing support from the east. You can expect the enemy to pull back their frontline. Our tactical division is considering unleashing a massive follow-up attack. But I never expected they'd throw the Beast Squadron into the mix. They're the most vicious squadron in all of USEA. Great job making quick work of them. Your accomplishments are greatly appreciated."

S Rank

Complete the mission in 4 minutes or less.

Named Enemy

• PAK FA D.R. 2000 : Appears within the red circle when Beast Squadron flies in circle formation. D.R. 2000 will escape to the east when the circle formation is broken, or if the player does not destroy it after initial engagement. The player must have completed the campaign for D.R. 2000 to appear.

Trivia

• This mission is one of several missions in Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy that was not based on any mission in Ace Combat 2.
• During the battle against Beast Squadron in Ace Combat: Assault Horizon Legacy +, a glitch will occur when one member of the squadron will fly up and beyond the maximum altitude limit, this can be game-breaking as there is a chance that it will not come back down and a restart from checkpoint will be required too pass the mission.
• During the battle against Beast Squadron, Beast 1 says "Say hello to my little friend!", referencing the iconic line said by the titular character of the 1983 film, Scarface. Ironically, Beast 1 says this while going against Scarface Squadron.