Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon hits store shelves in less than a month, and while many anticipate its launch, details on the game have been sparse until just recently. You may be wondering how this entry differs from other games in the series, or perhaps you just want to know what to expect. This guide will go over all the major information we have on Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon.
The Premise
The latest entry in the Armored Core series will take place on the fictional planet of Rubicon 3. Players will assume the role of 621, an augmented human who’s taking orders from a man who’s referred to as Handler Walter. 621 has been smuggled onto the surface of Rubicon 3 to find a substance known as Coral.
Eventually, the player character will take on numerous jobs for various corporations. Some of these will be quite difficult, while others will be basic tasks. FromSoftware is no stranger to bleak worlds, and Armored Core VI appears to be no exception.
The Gameplay Structure of Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon
Armored Core VI will be quite a bit different from FromSoftware’s more recent titles. This will not be an open-world game and won’t even be similar in structure to a Soulsborne game. Instead, the game will feature a mission-based structure similar to previous entries in the series.
These missions may vary greatly in length, with some taking only a few minutes to complete and some taking much longer. Long missions will have checkpoints where the player will be able to go back to after failing a mission and swap out or customize their AC.
Money earned from these missions can be used to buy new parts to customize your mech. Players can also compete in Arena matches against other AC pilots to earn money and chips for OS Tuning.
How Long Is Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon?
According to an interview with Masaru Yamamura, a single playthrough of Armored Core VI will take approximately 20 hours. However, things don’t exactly end there. it’s worth noting that the game will contain around 50 missions and multiple endings.
If you have seen reports that the game takes anywhere between 50 to 60 hours to complete, this is probably why. Armored Core games are traditionally shorter experiences that take roughly 10 hours to beat. With this in mind, it is almost a guarantee that Armored Core VI will be the longest title in the series.
Level Design
Missions in Armored Core VI will be a mostly linear experience. Objectives are fairly clear-cut and won’t require much exploration. This will likely be one of the most noticeable differences for FromSoftware fans coming from Soulsborne titles.
However, there will be incentives to explore. FromSoftware wishes to create some of the biggest, most complex levels in the series with Armored Core VI. Players will be able to scavenge levels for hidden AC parts or challenge optional, tough opponents.
How Combat Works In Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon
Armored Core VI presents something of a mech power fantasy where the player will often be facing opponents significantly weaker than themselves. Players will be able to use weapons equipped to each arm and shoulder simultaneously. In addition, repair kits can be used for instant heals.
The game also contains a stagger mechanic that’s very reminiscent of Sekiro. If a player manages to deal enough damage to an enemy’s attitude control system, they enter a weakened state where a large amount of damage can be dealt. It’s important to note that your mech can enter this state as well.
A lot of how combat will function depends on which parts and weapons you bring into battle. Some builds will likely be better for certain situations than others. As parts lose no value when purchased, it may be important to experiment with different parts. To pilot an AC efficiently, players will need to make full use of their movement options.
Bosses
Armored Core VI will feature plenty of challenging bosses that FromSoftware has become known for. Players will be encouraged to stagger bosses to deal the most damage they can.
Bosses will likely be the most familiar element of Armored Core VI for Soulsborne fans. Players will need to pay attention to how attacks are telegraphed to master each fight. The lack of any invincibility frames means that players will have to focus greatly on their positioning.
Customization
Armored Core VI will contain many customization options. Numerous different parts will have a huge effect on how the game plays. Everything from legs to boosters can make a noticeable difference.
In addition to earning new AC parts, players will be able to create custom paint jobs for their mech. This includes being able to paint individual parts and not just the Armored Core as a whole. Moreover, players will be able to make custom emblems to show off.
OS Tuning
OS Tuning is a new feature that players will be able to utilize as they win Arena matches. As the player earns more chips, they will be able to unlock new abilities through OS Tuning. This adds a layer of progression separate from the standard process of customizing an AC.
OS Tuning will allow the player to utilize abilities such as boost kicks and unlock features such as manual aiming. Overall, this system appears to be a more in-depth take on the optional parts players could equip in previous Armored Core games.
Multiplayer and Online Functions
Players will be able to engage in an online PvP mode. This will allow you to test your creation and your piloting skills against other players. This is where players will also be able to show off their builds and share their custom emblems.
FromSoftware fans should note that they will only be able to play online via the PvP mode. Even though some missions will team players up with AI-controlled allies, don’t expect to have other players join you. Story missions will be single-player only, meaning there will be no online co-op.
There Will Be No Debt
In many Armored Core titles, it was very much possible to go into debt as a result of poor mission performance. However, Armored Core VI will have no such system. Players will never have to worry about their balance going below zero.
The lack of a debt system allows new players to more easily enjoy the customization aspects of the game. In turn, this should make the entire game more accessible to people who have no prior experience with the franchise. However, according to the YouTube channel VaatiVidya, Masaru Yamamura may want to explore the concept of a debt system in the future.
Stay Tuned for More Guides and Coverage
As the launch date for Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon quickly approaches, more updates on this title are basically a guarantee. There will be more guides and news to come. Be sure to keep an eye on Final Weapon for more coverage on Armored Core VI!
