Summary
Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubiconis only a few weeks away, and fans are really starting to get excited about it. Now that a wave of previews has helped prospective players learn whatArmored Core 6is like, many are looking forward to this break from FromSoftware’s last decade of routine. The game promises to resurrectArmored Core’s classic mech customization and piloting action, with the added bonus of modern FromSoftware polish and mechanical design.
It’s for this reason that many veteran fans are excited, as this seems to be a true return and refinement of one of FromSoftware’s pillar franchises. MildSoulselements like healing packs, powerful yet choreographed giant bosses, and an altered take onSekiro’s stagger system have all been carefully implemented to work with the different beast thatArmored Coreis. Fortunately,Armored Core 6may have evenElden Ringcheckedin one important area. Taking different mech builds into missions is a major part of gameplay, and it’s only the first incentive to replay old content.
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The Armored Core 6 Campaign Is Built For Multiple Runs
Armored Core 6’s basic design principles add replay value to every facet of its gameplay.Just like pastArmored Coreentries, single-player is divided into missions, which the player can revisit after their first completion. This will primarily be used to grind extra cash and finish with higher letter grades, but there is a bit of openness to many levels. Players can find optional mini-bosses, including but perhaps not limited to rival ACs, and hidden parts lying around. There may even be additional lore snippets attached to said discoveries.
Speaking of story elements, the main campaign will encourage players to return after the credits and follow newly unlocked paths. Like many past titles,Armored Core 6has a number of factions players can align with through certain missions or mission objectives. These will eventually culminate in different endings, likely emphasizingspecific parts ofArmored Core 6’s tone and setting. Only time will tell if something particularly hidden likeArmored Core: For Answer’s genocide path is inAC6, but repeat playthroughs will unearth some new events.
Plenty of Side Modes Let Armored Core 6’s Mecha Shine
After the campaign is said and done, or long before that if the player wishes, the Arena presents a separate series of trials. The Arena is anotherArmored Corefranchise signature that pits players against familiar and new AC units as they rise through the mode’s ranks. It’s unclear how much variance this Arena has, but it could worklike in pastArmored Coretitles, where players could pursue it as a secondary campaign whenever they please.Armored Core 6encourages engaging with the Arena and other optional AC fights with the License Hunt side quest, providing the player with more skill points and shop options as they defeat named opponents.
Those extra parts and ability options will be necessary when players take their creations online. WhereSoulstitles often launch with basic campaign multiplayer and add dedicated online arenas post-launch,Armored Core 6is coming with its own distinct multiplayer mode. Pilots will be able to engage in duels and team fights, as well as share their builds and emblems online. This all comes together with replayable single-player missions toreinforce customization as the heart ofAC6. So long as FromSoftware carefully handles the game’s meta,Armored Core 6should be able to provide replay value on every front.
Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubiconwill be released on August 25 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
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