Armored Core Franchise: Essential

Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is on the horizon, but what about the rest of the Armored Core franchise? This guide highlights the best Armored Core games to play before diving into the latest installment.

The Armored Core Legacy

FromSoftware, renowned for its Souls-like games, boasts a rich history with the Armored Core series, a mecha action franchise spanning decades, up to the early 2010s. Set in a post-apocalyptic world, players take on the role of mercenaries piloting powerful Armored Cores, completing missions for the highest bidder.

Success hinges on client satisfaction. Missions range from eliminating rebel forces and scouting enemy locations to pursuing high-value targets. Successful missions yield funds crucial for mech maintenance and upgrades. Strategic gameplay and skillful combat are key to survival and advancement.

The series features five main entries, alongside numerous spin-offs, totaling sixteen games. Armored Core 1 and 2 share a continuity, while Armored Core 3, 4, and 5 each have their own distinct storylines. Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon, launching August 25, 2023, will likely establish a new narrative. To prepare for the newest entry, Game8 presents a selection of the best Armored Core titles to experience beforehand.