Armored Core 6: Release date, gameplay, setting, multiplayer, more

❘ Updated: 2023-07-26T10:25:06

A mech wall running while other shoot at it in Armored Core 6

FromSoftware

Armored Core 6 will have everyone’s attention following Elden Ring’s remarkable success. Even though the sci-fi setting is in contrast to the Lands Between, it still has FromSoftware’s obscure storytelling. Here is everything to know about Armored Core 6, including the release date, gameplay, setting, and more.

Armored Core 6 is finally rising after a decade-long slumber this year. This is a perfect time for the rather niche franchise to seize its opportunity, after how celebrated Elden Ring, also developed by FromSoftware, was.

The team’s mission-based mech series, Armored Core, has always had assembling and customizing the mech at its core. The latest entry, Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon, does not beg to differ and FromSoftware haven’t made a conscious effort to blend it with the more renowned Soulsborne formula.

So, here is everything you’ll need to know about Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon.

Armored Core 6 release date
Armored Core 6 platforms
Armored Core 6 story & setting
Armored Core 6 gameplay
Armored Core 6 multiplayer

Armored Core 6 release date

Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon will be released on August 25, 2023. The game was announced first back in December 2022 during The Video Game Awards and its release date was revealed a few months later via a trailer.

Armored Core 6 platforms

AC6 will be available for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC (Steam).

Armored Core 6 story & setting

a mech fighting two other mech in Armored Core 6

Armored Core 6 will feature omnidirectional battles.

You might find it hard to comprehend the story in FromSoftware games, but this time around the main plot isn’t as complicated. Armored Core 6 is set on a distant planet, Rubicon 3.

Humanity once found a “mysterious new substance” named Coral, which was simultaneously capable of proliferation and destruction, depending on who wields it.

Coral later caused a cataclysmic event that saw nearby planets engulfed in flames. Some 50 years later, it has reappeared. You’re a mercenary piloting your mech, smuggled into Rubicon, working for mega-corporations and opposing resistance groups, all eyeing the coral.

Armored Core 6 gameplay

In terms of gameplay, Armored Core 6 will have a mission-based structure. This is a departure from the open-world nature of FromSoftware’s latest blockbuster, Elden Ring. Each mission will have a set objective that ranges from protecting targets, gathering some intel, and of course, causing mayhem with your mech.

It will be fast-paced, as shown in the gameplay trailer.

You’ll have both ranged and melee attacks at your disposal. Multiple weapon types will be there, one for each of your arms and two at the back; all of which can be wielded simultaneously.

In essence, the general loop of combat is the same as in any other FromSoftware game—you hit your shots and dodge all the other ones from enemies. But here, you’re piloting a machine and will have to focus on customizing your mech if you’re to win. The game will feature 1v1 boss duels with fellow AC pilots during the campaign.

Armored Core 6 is very heavy on customization. You can assemble your mech and tweak their heads, core, and even internal parts for power management. These will be more than a min-maxing number and will help you shape your playstyle and offer real value against formidable foes. You can customize a mech in Armored Core 6 with money earned from mercenary missions.

The developers also shared that it will feature posture-breaking mechanics similar to those in Sekiro, to ensure you’re always on the offensive. You can bring the Stagger mechanic to action by doing damage to all enemies’ Attitude Control System. In this state, enemies are extremely vulnerable, as they’re not only out of action but also take heavy damage from your blows.

Will Armored Core 6 have multiplayer?

two mechanics firing at each other in Armored Core

Customizing your mech will affect its movement and battle style in Armored Core 6.

Yes, Armored Core 6 will feature multiplayer modes, which include 1v1 and 3v3 modes.

However, it won’t have any co-op modes, as game director Masaru Yamamura confirmed in an interview with IGN Japan, stating, “The main focus in AC6 – on the story mode at least – is having that story develop and play out, we’ve concentrated on single-player for the story mode.”

That’s all we know about Armored Core 6. While you eagerly await its release just to die a thousand times in the game, check out some more guides on it: