Everything we know about Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon

In a groundbreaking announcement at the prestigious 2022 Game Awards, the gaming world was electrified by the world premiere trailer of Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon. Crafted by the renowned developers at FromSoftware, celebrated for their masterpieces like the Dark Souls franchise, Bloodborne, and the highly acclaimed Elden Ring. This addition to the Armored Core series has been over a decade since appearing. As the curtain rises on a new era, a whole generation of gamers will embark on their maiden voyage into the Armored Core universe.

Prepare to be captivated by a symphony of colossal mechs, immersive landscapes steeped in grit, and explosive spectacles that would make even Michael Bay blush. But let’s not merely scratch the surface; let’s dive deep into the heart of this awe-inspiring creation. With its release drawing near, there’s a treasure trove of details to unpack within a limited time-frame. Get ready to stoke the flames of anticipation as we unveil everything we currently know about Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon.

What is Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon

Step into the world of Rubicon 3, a distant planet where echoes of humanity haunt the stars. Desperate to unearth a new energy source, known as “Coral,” with the potential to revolutionize technology, mankind embarks on an a quest. However, this seemingly miraculous substance triggers a cataclysmic event and unleashing “The Fires of Ibis.” Flames ravage the planet and its neighboring star systems, isolating it from the vast reaches of the Galaxy. Now, after fifty years, humanity is poised to once again vie for dominion over this enigmatic resource.

In this journey, the player will assume the role of an augmented human. A formidable armored Core pilot and mercenary, code-named Raven. Bound by the commands of the notorious Interstellar Handler, known as Walter, you will navigate a treacherous landscape, undertaking perilous missions for Extraterrestrial Mega-Corporations while also facing off against determined resistance groups, all vying for control over the coveted Coral.

Let the last cinders burn

The Armored Core series has always go big or go home, where mecha-based vehicular combat reigns supreme. While in control you’ll pilot the Armored Cores, huge mechanical robots, built for survival and for devastating battles. Brace yourself for an experience that delves deep into the shadows, where customization is key to survival.

In Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon, your arsenal will consist of four weapon slots, each strategically placed for maximum impact. With weapons attached to both arms and two more positioned on your back, you’ll wield a high level of fire-power. But the tinkering doesn’t end there. You can also modify various parts of your mech. From replacing walking legs with high-speed tank treads, to granting the ability to hover mid-air. Armored Core VI allows you to fine-tune your play-style, crafting a war machine that suits every encounter’s demands. If you can afford it.

Prepare for the ultimate test of combat prowess in The Arena, where the “Combat Aptitude Evaluation Program” makes its triumphant return. Engage in high-octane battles, proving your worth and securing valuable credits. But be warned, the road to riches will be paved with challenges. Your rewards will be influenced by the completion of in-mission objectives, with deductions and detriments potentially reducing your hard-earned compensation. The debt system of previous games may remain absent in this installment. And personally, I find this change to be a welcomed change.

Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon launches next month

Something that I feel needs to be stated for any newcomers to FromSoftware or their previous franchises. Armored Core is a very different game in the catalog of entertainment. If you expect anything like Dark Souls or Sekiro, think again. Above all Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon offers something quite distinct. The game is accessible to a new fan base but loyal to the old. From my experience, the Armored Core franchise is a different kind of challenge: one that requires patience and an understanding of the world. This isn’t to say there isn’t some of the Dark Souls blood in the Armored Core gears. Early gameplay footage has the player dashing around a humongous robot, dodging midair and avoiding attacks.

Bullets and missiles, blades and barriers, all these options are on the table for you to use. Previous games had us working for the corporation. Others had us fighting and then helping the resistance, using giant robots to settle disputes and lay claim to a few miles of desolate rock space. Sometimes we were a former law officer, sometimes we were a mercenary, sometimes we were Freedom Fighters. This time? Who knows, maybe we’ll rise up once again against the corporations. No matter the case, looking forward to Armored Core 6 Fires of Rubicon. Giant robots with guns and high customizing ability are easy wins in my book.

Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon releases on August 23 2023, for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and PC.