The Best Armored Core Games to Play Before Fires of Rubicon Comes Out

Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is on the horizon, but where do you start with the extensive Armored Core series? This guide highlights the best entries to experience before diving into the latest installment.

The Armored Core Franchise: A Deep Dive

FromSoftware, renowned for its Souls-like games, boasts a rich history with the Armored Core franchise. Spanning decades and numerous titles (up to the early 2010s), this mecha-action series plunges players into a post-apocalyptic Earth. You play a mercenary, completing contracts for the highest bidder.

Your role is simple: satisfy your clients. Missions range from eliminating rebel forces and scouting enemy bases to high-stakes cargo chases. Successful missions yield funds crucial for mech maintenance and upgrades. Strategic gameplay is key; excel, and you'll dominate the battlefield with cutting-edge technology. Fail, and your mercenary career ends abruptly.

By 2013, the core series comprised five main entries, along with numerous spin-offs, totaling sixteen games. Armored Core 1 and 2 share a storyline, while Armored Core 3, 4, and 5 each feature distinct narratives. Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon (August 25, 2023 release) will likely establish a new storyline. To prepare for this upcoming release, we've compiled a selection of the best Armored Core games to play beforehand.