Top Armored Core Games to Play Before Fires of Rubicon Release

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

With the highly anticipated release of Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon just around the corner, fans and newcomers alike are eager to dive into the rich history of the Armored Core series. If you're wondering what other games in the franchise you should check out, we've got you covered. Here's a guide to the best Armored Core games that you can play to understand the essence of this legendary series.

The Armored Core Series

FromSoftware, renowned for their Souls-like games, has another iconic series that spans decades: Armored Core. This franchise, which has been captivating players since its inception, is all about piloting customizable mechs known as "Armored Cores" in a post-apocalyptic setting. As a mercenary, your primary goal is to satisfy your clients by taking on a variety of missions—from battling rebel forces to scouting enemy territories, and even pursuing high-value targets like trains.

Completing these missions earns you money, which is crucial for two key aspects of gameplay: maintaining your mech, including restocking ammunition, and purchasing new parts to upgrade your machine. Successful missions lead to better equipment and an easier path to victory, while failures can lead to a swift game over.

Up until 2013, the Armored Core series had released five main entries, each with its own set of spin-offs, culminating in a total of 16 games. The first two games, Armored Core and Armored Core 2, share a unique continuity, while Armored Core 3, 4, and 5 each introduce their own separate storylines. The upcoming Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon, set to launch on August 25, 2023, is expected to kick off yet another distinct narrative arc.

To prepare you for the latest installment, we at Game8 have curated a list of the best Armored Core games to play before diving into Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon. Whether you're a long-time fan or a curious newcomer, these titles will give you a solid foundation in the world of Armored Core.