Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is 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 what Armored Core 6 is like, many are looking forward to this break from FromSoftware's last decade of routine. The game promises to resurrect Armored 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. Mild Souls elements like healing packs, powerful yet choreographed giant bosses, and an altered take on Sekiro's stagger system have all been carefully implemented to work with the different beast that Armored Core is. Fortunately, Armored Core 6 may have even Elden Ring checked in 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 past Armored Core entries, 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 6 has a number of factions players can align with through certain missions or mission objectives. These will eventually culminate in different endings, likely emphasizing specific parts of Armored Core 6's tone and setting. Only time will tell if something particularly hidden like Armored Core: For Answer's genocide path is in AC6, 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 another Armored Core franchise 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 work like in past Armored Core titles, where players could pursue it as a secondary campaign whenever they please. Armored Core 6 encourages 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. Where Souls titles often launch with basic campaign multiplayer and add dedicated online arenas post-launch, Armored Core 6 is 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 to reinforce customization as the heart of AC6. So long as FromSoftware carefully handles the game's meta, Armored Core 6 should be able to provide replay value on every front.

Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon will be released on August 25 for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

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