Armored Core 6 Fires of Rubicon is now out in the wild for fans and first-timers to get stuck into.
FromSoftware's Armored Core 6 is a mech-based vehicular combat game that sees players return to the destroyed planet of Rubicon 3 to fight as a mercenary for money and resources. It's been 10 years since the last installment in this 15-game series, and it's been a blast jumping in on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Want to know more about these giant mechs? Read on for everything we knew about Armored Core 6 in the run-up to its release in August 2023, and check out our full Armored Core 6 Fires of Rubicon review for our full critique.
Armored Core 6: cut to the chase
- What is it? The next entry in FromSoftware's mech-based fighting series
- When did it come out? August 25, 2023
- What can I play it on? PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC
Armored Core 6 release date and platforms
Armored Core 6 was released on August 25, 2023, for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC, PS4, and Xbox One.
Armored Core 6 trailer
Armored Core 6's latest trailer was the game's Launch Trailer and gave another overview of gameplay and the main story. It was revealed during Gamescom Opening Night Live 2023. Check it out below:
We've scattered various other Armored Core 6 trailers throughout this article, but if you want to see more then check out the publisher Bandai Namco's official YouTube channel.
Armored Core 6 story and setting
The Armored Core series is set in an apocalyptic future where corporations hire mercenaries to pilot giant mechanized robots that fight tooth and nail for bounties and resources.
Armored Core 6 carries on this mech-filled apocalypse. As put by developer Bandai Namco on its website, the narrative focus surrounds a new mysterious substance found on the planet Rubicon 3. Initially seen as a brilliant energy source, this substance became unstable and engulfed the planets and surrounding stars in flames.
Almost half a century later, this same substance has resurfaced on the contaminated planet and piqued numerous big corporations' interest. You are sent to Rubicon 3 as a mercenary to capture this source of power and fight off anyone who gets in your way.
Armored Core 6 gameplay
Armored Core 6 is a "3D combat mecha action game" that sees players "freely run around the three-dimensional stage with slow and steady three-dimensional maneuvers", according to FromSoftware's official website.
Mechs have always been a big part of the Armored Core series, and, like the original games, players have enormous control over mech customization in Armored Core 6. You can create original mechs by swapping out pieces that can be purchased with money earned from mercenary missions. Players are also able to change almost every part of their mech before respawning; with four weapon slots to play with, you can really personalize your mech.
There is also a multiplayer mode that enables you to "customize your mech and take that fully customized mech into battle with others", the director of Armored Core 6, Masaru Yamamura, said in an interview with IGN.
Armored Core 6 news
The Soulsborne games were “the only obstacle” preventing Armored Core 6
There was a 10-year gap between Rubicon and the last Armored Core game and, in an interview with BNE Fun Live, producer Yasutaka Ogura explained why FromSoftware hasn't released a new series entry sooner.
“There was never any intention to leave this large a gap [between Armored Core games],” Ogura said. “The only real obstacle [...] was that our company always had so many different titles on the go." So thanks to all those pesky critically acclaimed Soulsborne games, we’ve had to wait a decade for Armored Core 6.
Armored Core 6 has been a learning curve for FromSoftware
Game director Masaru Yamamura and producer Yasunori Ogura spilled the beans on the development process for Armored Core 6 in an interview explaining why they'd avoided an open world, how they designed the combat, and where they drew their inspirations for the game.
Yamamura explained, "From recent titles, we've not taken anything directly, but you may see some influences from our general approach to game design. For instance, in the same way, that Bloodborne was a faster and more aggressive take on the Souls formula."
If you're a fan of games like Armored Core 6 then check out our list of the best single-player games going right now.
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