Excitement is ramping up for FromSoftware’s newest title, Elden Ring DLC. Instead, however, the studio delivered on its trend of epic cinematic trailers to get fans excited about its return to the long-dormant Armored Core series. The marketing cycle for Armored Core 6 will now be in full gear, beginning with FromSoftware’s announcement of the game’s release date, which is much sooner than most may have expected.
What Is Armored Core 6’s Release Date?
FromSoftware took to Twitter to announce the official release date for Armored Core 6 Fires of Rubicon, which will launch on August 25, 2023, and pre-orders are now open. It’s refreshing to see a game set to release so soon after its initial announcement. It contrasts with the multiple-year-long wait for Elden Ring. However, it’s worth noting that that game did release a short one-month delay so the team could deliver a more polished product. On the other hand, Armored Core 6 looks quite promising, and FromSoftware seems confident in the game, especially since it is releasing within a year of its announcement. So, hopefully, there will be no delays.
Armored Core 6 will be coming to most current and last-generation consoles, much like FromSoftware’s most recent title, Elden Ring. The game is currently set to release on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, both Xbox Series S and Series X, as well as the Xbox One. Armored Core 6 will also release on PC. Unfortunately, Nintendo Switch owners will have to look elsewhere to play the game and given that Elden Ring has yet to receive a Switch port, there are likely no plans to make the game available on Nintendo consoles.
Armored Core 6 Fires Of Rubicon Gameplay Details
The new gameplay trailer for Armored Core 6 Fires of Rubicon showcases its dynamic mech combat. The game features an omni-directional movement system, allowing players to take land battles into the air. The massive combat arenas facilitate the game’s advanced mobility, providing plenty of space for fighting to play out. The customization feature allows players to personalize their mech while significantly changing their playstyle. Changing pieces of equipment can affect player maneuverability and combat strategies.
Armored Core 6 will primarily feature a traditional single-player experience, focusing on the story which empathizes the player’s role as a lone mercenary. There will also be an online PvP mode and social features that allow players to share their mech designs. More details about Armored Core 6’s multiplayer modes were promised to be revealed at a later date.
In an interview with IGN, FromSoftware producer Yasunori Ogura states that Armored Core 6’s gameplay considers the experience FromSoftware has gained from working on its other titles. This means the game will look at the level design and enemy encounters from games like Dark Souls and Elden Ring and incorporate those elements while embracing the mech customization and combat indicative of the Armored Core series. However, it was made clear that Armored Core’s gameplay has no direct similarities with the Soulsborne titles.
Armored Core 6 Fires Of Rubicon News, Editions, & Preorder Bonuses
With the announcement of Armored Core 6 Fire of Rubicon’s release date comes news of pre-order bonuses and different editions of the game. In addition to the standard edition of the game, which includes only a copy of Armored Core 6, there are four other special editions. The Digital Deluxe Edition includes a copy of the digital art book and soundtrack with the game. The Launch Edition includes stickers, art cards, and a poster.
The Collector’s Edition includes a steelbook case, stickers, the art book, pin badges, the digital soundtrack, and a mech figurine. The Edition of Armored Core 6 is exclusive to the Bandai Namco Store and includes everything in the Collector’s edition, with the addition of a detailed garage to accompany the figurine. All versions of Armored Core 6 can be pre-ordered now and will come with a bonus skin for the player's mech, the Melander C3 G13 customization.
Armored Core 6 Story Details - Setting, Characters, Plot
Armored Core 6 features a new story with no ties to the previous games in the series, making it a good entry point for new players. The game is set in a distant future, where space travel is easily accessible and frequently used. The game takes place on a planet called Rubicon 3, fifty years after the outbreak of a mysterious substance called Coral devastated the planet. Some elements of Armored Core 6’s story take inspiration from Dune, specifically concerning the Coral substance, which has similarities to Dune’s Melange.
After the outbreak, Coral was believed to be lost. However, the substance was rediscovered by the start of Armored Core 6. This leads to outside corporations invading the planet to claim rights to Coral while indigenous forces resist the advance and protect the planet and the substance. The player takes on the role of a lone, independent mercenary in the middle of this conflict and must navigate their way through the politics and dangers of Rubicon 3.
Armored Core 6 is shaping up to be a tense, fast-paced action adventure that takes the best parts of FromSoftware’s more recent titles and mixes them with distinctive gameplay that put the older Armored Core games on the map. It may be a bit of an adjustment from the gameplay loop of games like Dark Souls and Elden Ring. However, FromSoftware is keenly aware that this will be the first Armored Core game for many fans, so Soulsborne fans can rest assured that Armored Core 6 Fires of Rubicon will be an enjoyable experience for them as well as for hardcore fans of the series.
Source: Bandai Namco/YouTube, FromSoftware/Twitter, Yasunori Ogura/YouTube
