With the highly anticipated release of Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon on the horizon, now is the perfect time to dive into the storied history of the Armored Core series. Here's a curated list of the best Armored Core games to explore and understand what makes this franchise so compelling.
The Armored Core Series
FromSoftware, renowned for their Souls-like titles, has another iconic series in their portfolio: Armored Core. This franchise, which spans several decades, immerses players in a post-apocalyptic Earth where they assume the role of a mercenary piloting mechs known as "Armored Cores." As a mercenary, your primary goal is to satisfy your clients by engaging in various tasks such as annihilating rebel forces, conducting reconnaissance on enemy territories, and even pursuing high-value targets like trains.
Success in these missions earns you currency, which is crucial for two main purposes: covering maintenance costs, including ammunition, and purchasing new parts to upgrade your mech. Excelling in your missions means more money for upgrades, allowing you to dominate the battlefield with ease. Conversely, failure could lead to a swift game over.
As of 2013, the Armored Core series has seen the release of five mainline entries, each with its own set of spin-offs, culminating in a total of 16 games. The continuity of the series is split, with Armored Core 1 and 2 sharing a timeline, while Armored Core 3, 4, and 5 each establish their own unique continuities. The upcoming Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon, set to launch on August 25, 2023, is expected to introduce yet another new continuity. To prepare for this new chapter, we at Game8 have compiled a list of the top Armored Core games you should play before the release of Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon.
