Best Armored Core Titles Before Fires of Rubicon

Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon launches soon—but which previous titles in the series deserve your attention? Explore these essential Armored Core games to understand the franchise's core appeal.

The Armored Core Series Explained

Beyond their Soulsborne catalog, FromSoftware built another legendary franchise spanning decades. Armored Core delivers high-octane mech combat where players pilot customizable "Armored Cores" across dystopian battlefields. As a corporate mercenary, you survive by accepting contracts from the highest bidder—whether that means crushing rebellions, infiltrating enemy strongholds, or intercepting valuable cargo.

Success means credits for vital upgrades: better firepower, reinforced armor, or cutting-edge mobility systems. Fail missions, and you'll struggle just to cover repair costs. It's a relentless cycle of combat and customization where every battle shapes your mechanical evolution.

The series spans 16 titles since 1997, with five mainline entries (each spawning spin-offs) across multiple timelines. Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon arrives August 25, 2023—likely launching another standalone storyline. Our curated guide highlights the must-play classics that define this mech-combat legacy before the new chapter begins.