The Ultimate Guide to Armored Core 6: Everything You Need to Know Before its Release

Highlights

Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is a standalone story, not directly connected to previous entries in the series.

In Armored Core 6, the gameplay deviates from the traditional slow and tactical combat seen in other games by FromSoftware. Instead, it places emphasis on fast-paced third-person shooter mechanics.

Players can anticipate a comprehensive customization system, enabling them to fine-tune their Armored Core mech to excel in diverse combat scenarios.

FromSoftware has gained significant recognition in the last ten years. Dark Souls, a small game released in 2011, became a sensation among gaming critics. The success of Dark Souls led to two sequels and three successors, establishing FromSoftware's renowned Soulsborne series. However, the developer's repertoire extends beyond this franchise. Soon, fans will have the opportunity to experience Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon.

Armored Core, a third-person shooter series, first debuted in 1997. It allows players to assume control of enormous mechs known as Armored Cores and engage in battles across diverse landscapes. These battles pit Armored Core mercenaries, hired by different corporations to safeguard their interests and assets, against one another. After a gap of over a decade since the release of Armored Core 5 in 2012, Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon will finally arrive on August 25. Although familiar elements and mechanics will greet fans, significant changes have been implemented in this latest installment.

What To Know About Armored Core 6's Story

Armored Core 6's story deviates from previous entries in the series. While maintaining references and nods to the wider Armored Core universe, Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon stands on its own as a separate and self-contained narrative. FromSoftware confirmed this in a December 2022 IGN interview.

Taking place in the distant future, Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon showcases humanity's expansion to various planets throughout the galaxy. Among these planets is Rubicon 3, where an incredibly powerful substance called Coral has been unearthed. This discovery sparks a widespread treasure hunt, as corporations from across the galaxy strive to exploit the resource for their own gains. Players assume the role of an augmented human known simply as C4-621. With the goal of settling their debts, they take on the role of a mercenary. Upon landing on the surface of Rubicon 3 in an Armored Core, players acquire a mercenary license and adopt the moniker "Raven." And thus, the story of Armored Core 6 takes flight.

What To Know About Armored Core 6's Gameplay

In the past decade or so, FromSoftware has established a distinct gameplay style. Typically, their games involve deliberate, strategic combat where players parry, dodge, and slowly progress towards victory. However, Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon breaks away from this familiar formula. While it does feature a lock-on mechanic and is presented from a third-person perspective, the similarities with the Souls series end there.

Armored Core 6 primarily functions as a third-person shooter. Players will find themselves in vast combat arenas, engaging in intense battles against a small group of enemy mechs. They will utilize all of their weapons, evade incoming projectiles, and swiftly maneuver around the battlefield to secure triumph. Unlike FromSoft's Souls series, Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon adheres to a well-defined mission structure. In between missions, players can dive deep into the heart of Armored Core 6: its highly customizable system. Almost every aspect of the player's Armored Core, from its weaponry to its legs, core, and boosters, can be personalized. Even the tiniest modification has a significant impact on the mech's performance in combat. The true enjoyment of Armored Core 6 lies in continually refining and adjusting builds to perfectly suit each situation.

Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon comes out August 25 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.