Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon's imminent release has many wondering about the series' rich history. This guide highlights the best Armored Core games to play before diving into the latest installment.
The Armored Core Franchise: A Legacy of Mech Combat
FromSoftware, renowned for its Souls-like games, boasts another iconic franchise: Armored Core. Spanning decades, this series features intense mech combat, primarily set in a post-apocalyptic Earth. Players assume the role of mercenaries, completing contracts for the highest paying clients.
Missions range from eliminating rebel forces and scouting enemy strongholds to high-stakes pursuits of valuable cargo. Success earns you funds, crucial for maintaining your mech and acquiring superior components. Effective mission completion translates to powerful weaponry and easy victories; failure means mission termination.
By 2013, the series comprised five main entries and numerous spin-offs, totaling sixteen games. Armored Core 1 and 2 share a continuity, while Armored Core 3, 4, and 5 exist in separate timelines. Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon (August 25, 2023) will likely establish a new continuity. To prepare for the latest entry, Game8 presents a curated selection of the best Armored Core games to play beforehand.
