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This month FromSoftware is going back to its roots with a new entry in its Armored Core series: Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon. While the publisher has made a name for itself with big hits like Dark Souls and Elden Ring, the Armored Core series is one of the developer’s first releases. Debuting back in 1997, the franchise features third-person combat where players operate giant mechanized machinery known as Armored Cores. While the series has several main titles, as well as a few spin-offs, the basic goal is the same: fight against other Armored Cores across a post-apocalyptic battlefield.
However, with the last entry in the series, Armored Core 5, releasing over a decade ago it is time for a refresher course. Especially as the series has been rebooted several times. So, let’s get reacquainted with the Armored Core series as we prepare to dive into Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon.
Laying Down The Foundation
With a bunch of titles in the Armored Core series and several significant reboots, it can be hard to keep up with what’s going on in FromSoftware’s world. So here is what you can generally expect from an Armored Core game. As noted above, Armored Core games are usually third-person shooters. Each entry focuses on a mercenary protagonist who controls the Armored Core mech. The mercenaries are referred to as Ravens and are usually hired by large corporations to run missions.
The series is known for its customizability and the sheer scale of the mech vs. mech battles. In fact, its massive scale often pushed the boundaries of the console it released on. However, beyond the basic setup, most titles in the franchise are not connected and are not needed to understand and enjoy a single entry.
The Fires of Rubicon
FromSoftware plans to reboot the franchise with Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon. So, while fans of the series will likely pick up on references and Easter Eggs made in this new game, it will be a standalone story. It takes place on the planet known as Rubicon. Here, a new energy source called “Coral” has been discovered. However, this new source is extremely powerful and extremely volatile. While the “Coral” has already almost wiped out the planet, the greedy mega corps of the world can’t resist trying to get their hands on it. As such, a massive war has broken out for control. This is similar to the other stories in the franchise, which generally deal with a post-apocalyptic landscape where mega corporations vie for power.
However, a soft reboot doesn’t mean everything is different. FromSoftware is keeping several of the game’s famous mechanics and options for this new title.
Returning Armored Core Elements
FromSoftware plans to reboot the franchise with Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon. So, while fans of the series will likely pick up on references and Easter Eggs made in this new game, it will be a standalone story. However, that doesn’t mean everything is different. FromSoftware is keeping several of the game’s famous mechanics and options for this new title.
First is the ability to unlock multiple endings based on in-game choices. In a PlayStation Blog post, the developer noted that new paths will open to players as they complete playthroughs. This makes Armored Core 6 a game that can, and should, be played over and over.
Also staying the same is the emphasis on mech customization. At the heart of the series is the ability to customize the mechs. This includes making changes to armor, weaponry, mobility, and much more. Armored Core 6 is keeping that tradition alive with even more customization options to really make your mech your own.
As with any FromSoftware game, boss battles are a must. Armored Core 6 aims to keep the tradition going with boss fights that test the player. Several trailers and gameplay videos show off awesome battles that will push players to the limit. You can also expect the game to keep the traditional Armored Core mission-based travel structure as opposed to an open world.
Mech combat is also remaining the same, though it looks like it has been modernized for the current generation of consoles.
New Elements To Play Around With
While some things are staying the same, others are changing. Armored Core 6 is set to introduce several new mechanics to the series. One is the introduction of an Impact Bar. This looks to be a mechanic like that seen in FromSoftware’s Sekiro. Enemies will have a posture bar above their heads that will fill as you land a blow. Once the meter is filled, players can deal significant damage with a flurry of blows.
Melee weapons are also being added to the game. This allows for close-range combat using swords, lances, and even chainsaws customized to the mech. These will work in tandem with the Impact Bar to allow for an aggressive playstyle. While long-range weaponry is the same, there are a ton of new weapons to play around with.
Get Ready For Armored Core 6
Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon releases for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S on August 25. While the game is rebooting a classic and serves as a standalone introduction to the series, it won’t hurt to dive into one of the other entries before 6 releases.
