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Everything You Need to Know About FromSoftware’s Armored Core 6

After 10 years, the mecha is back.

Updated: April 28, 2023

Originally Published: Jan. 18, 2022

Bandai Namco Entertainment

Before there was Dark Souls, FromSoftware was known for a little mech series called Armored Core. And now, we know the next game in the series is called Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon. It was revealed officially during The Game Awards 2022, alongside a CG trailer. Thanks to a slow trickle of information from Bandai Namco, there’s a lot we know about FromSoftware’s next project. But what can we expect from the next entry in the mech series? And when can we play it? Here’s what we know about Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon.

Armored Core 6 Release Date

Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon will launch on August 25, 2023. Its release date was shared this spring, alongside a lengthy PlayStation Blog post, which highlighted many new gameplay details.

Armored Core 6 Trailer

There is a trailer! This was shown during The Game Awards 2022, and while it didn’t offer any gameplay, it did give us a look at the visual style.

Then, FromSoftware put together a much more in-depth trailer that showcased its gameplay and features.

Armored Core 6 Gameplay

As part of the release date reveal, Armored Core 6’s Director Masaru Yamamura had a lot to say about how this game will play. Yamamura noted that its pacing will fall somewhere between Armored Core 3 and Armored Core 5.

In addition, two new combat features were announced. The first, Assault Boost, allows players to swap between long-range gunfighting and close-range melee attacks with the push of a button. The second is the new Stagger mechanic, which rewards players for dealing lots of damage to enemies. Eventually, after an enemy has taken enough damage, it will “stagger,” making it “vulnerable for a short time,” Yamamura said.

Armored Core VI will also feature large-scale boss battles, a slew of different enemy types, and the ability to customize your own mech.

Interestingly, FromSoftware initially considered making Armored Core 6 different from its predecessors, with an emphasis on exploration. However, that never came to be. “In the process of developing the sequel, there was an opinion to make it in a different game style," Armored Core 6 game director Masaru Yamamura said in an interview with Ruliweb (translated from Korean). “However, as a result of discussions, it was concluded that it should not be made into a title centered on movement and exploration, such as the Elden Ring or Soul[s] series.”

While this might be a turnoff to some, it makes sense why FromSoftware would want Armored Core VI to stand apart from the Souls games and Elden Ring.

Armored Core 6 Developer

Armored Core is a mech action franchise developed by FromSoftware.

Bandai Namco Entertainment

Armored Core VI is being developed by FromSoftware, the team behind Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring. This was rumored in 2022 by ResetEra user Red Liquorice, who posted images from a supposed consumer survey held by FromSoftware. The developer later confirmed its involvement at The Game Awards 2022.

FromSoftware actually developed some of the recent games in the series, including 2012’s Armored Core V. The upcoming installment will mark the first entry in the series in a decade.

The last entry in the series was 2013’s Armored Core: Verdict Day, which received mixed reviews and failed to make a commercial splash. But given how the gaming landscape has changed since 2013, and how much FromSoftware has grown in the past 10 years, now’s a great time to try to bring the series back to the forefront.

Armored Core 6 Rumors

FromSoftware executive Hidetaka Miyazaki will be involved with the next Armored Core game.

Bandai Namco Entertainment

Currently, all the rumors shared ahead of time were seemingly confirmed by FromSoftware and Bandai Namco.

Initially, a ResetEra user shared information about a survey that revealed the game’s existence before its official reveal. Likewise, a slew of leaks pointed to an August or September release date, which ended up being true, as well.

Armored Core 6 Platforms

Armored Core VI will launch as a multiplatform title.

Bandai Namco Entertainment

Despite launching in 2023, Armored Core VI will come to current and last-generation platforms including PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and PC. It doesn’t appear like it’ll be available for Nintendo Switch.

Armored Core 6 Pre-order Details

Bandai Namco has already detailed what to expect in terms of pre-orders, along with the game’s various editions. For pre-ordering any version, players will gain access to the following items:

Melander C3 G13 Special Customization "Tenderfoot"
Melander C3 parts set (Early Unlock)
Emblem (Early Unlock)
Exclusive AC Decal

In addition, there are multiple versions of the game, including two expensive collector’s editions, that can be purchased from the Bandai Namco website.