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Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon — Everything We Know

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In the eyes of those devoted to FromSoftware's long arm of signature ARPGs, Rubicon isn't just a carbonated drink; it's a remote planet that yearns to recover after a global catastrophe set its pillars ablaze. This is, at least in part, a snippet of what's to come in the reputable studio's upcoming instalment in the long-standing Armored Core saga, which we haven't actually caught wind of since 2013's Armored Core: Verdict Day.

It's been nearly a decade since FromSoftware last stoked the fires of the mecha-based action series, which also means there's plenty to make up for in the upcoming Fires of Rubicon. Question is, what do we actually know about the long-awaited sixth entry to the celebrated anthology? Well, here's everything you need to jot down before making that all-important pre-order next year.

What Is Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon?

Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is an upcoming third-person mecha-based action game by FromSoftware, a firm best known for award-winning ARPGs such as Elden Ring, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and Dark Souls. Like its earlier chapters, players are invited to assemble and pilot a state-of-the-art mechanical suit and use it to overwhelm enemies and crush an ever-evolving carousel of challenges.

To put it short, this is not a Soulslike game, though it will lean into some of the combat as seen in Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. “There are no elements directly referring to Sekiro, but I feel both titles share the same essence of battle such as aggressive, speed change and action-oriented fighting,” FromSoftware's Masaru Yamamura told IGN.

So, if it isn't a Soulslike game, then what is it? Well, according to its official media page, Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon will be “a new action experience,” one that will bring FromSoftware's robust gameplay and innovative designs to a new generation of mecha combat that many initially presumed to be dead and buried. And if that doesn't whet your appetite, then perhaps its story will. Speaking of which…

Story

“A mysterious new substance was discovered on the remote planet, Rubicon 3,” the official blurb reads. “As an energy source, this substance was expected to dramatically advance humanity’s technological and communications capabilities.
Instead, this substance caused a catastrophe that engulfed the planet and the surrounding stars in flames and storms, forming a Burning Star System.”

Historically, players have taken on the role of a mercenary, one whose purpose is to complete contracts for public and private sectors through the use of advanced mecha suits called Armored Cores. From glossing over the reveal, it appears that this will also be the case in Fires of Rubicon. Until FromSoftware or Bandai Namco shed a little more light on it, though, a lot of the narrative will remain open for speculation.

Gameplay

Seasoned pros of the Armored Core saga will likely know of its typical gameplay spiel. For those who don't, however, it's simple enough to comprehend, but ludicrously difficult to master. True to its Soulslike cousins, Fires of Rubicon players can expect a plethora of riveting close-quarters combat through the eyes of an Armored Core, advanced tech that comes complete with fully customizable components and 3D maneuverability.

“For this title, by continuing to attack even the strongest enemy, the force of impact can break the enemy's posture and inflict a large amount of damage — a critical hit,” Masaru Yamamura commented when asked about the combat. “This is the starting point for the slow and fast speed change of the battle, and when combined with long-range firefighting and close-range melee combat, the enemy and his machine engage each other violently, creating a more aggressive and dynamic battle that only mechas can engage in.”

“Rather than calling it a counter mechanic, what we want to stress is this reason to continue attacking and to continue on the offensive,” Yamamura continued. “You want to create chances for yourself in combat and turn the battle to the player's advantage. So what we feel is this is going to create a really nice back and forth flow in battles in Armored Core VI, and create this nice mix of offensive and defensive play…but we want the player to feel like they're constantly able to pressure the enemy and that's why we incorporated some of these systems.”

Development

Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is being developed by FromSoftware, and is being published by Bandai Namco. Although many would argue that the Japan-based studio didn't really emerge from its breakout success until the release of Demon's Souls in 2009, others would state their case that 1997's Armored Core, really, was the studio's humble beginning.

Since its inception, Armored Core has gone on to span five main instalments and just shy of twenty spin-offs on a multitude of platforms. Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon marks the return of the series after laying dormant for nearly a decade. According to FromSoftware, the sixth chapter will launch at some stage in 2023 for ex-gen consoles, current gen, and PC.

Trailer

ARMORED CORE VI FIRES OF RUBICON – Reveal Trailer

FromSoftware formally announced the sixth entry to the Armored Core series at The Game Awards, which aired on December 8, 2022. Although footage of the game was leaked in January of the same year, it wasn't until the studio confirmed it at the annual awards ceremony that fans caught a first glimpse of the upcoming title. You can see it for yourself in the embed above.

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon will launch on an undisclosed date in 2023 for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC. At the time of writing, neither FromSoftware nor Bandai Namco has mentioned anything about the game coming to Game Pass or PlayStation Plus as a day-one exclusive. This is subject to change, though at present, it appears Fires of Rubicon will only be available as a full-priced physical and digital copy.

As far as launch editions go, it's a little too early to tell. Perhaps, if we're lucky, FromSoftware will announce them in the six or so months leading up to the game's launch window. Here's hoping, anyway.

For more information on FromSoftware's Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon, be sure to follow the official social handle here. We'll be sure to drop any updates that come our way right here on gaming.net.

 

So, what's your take? Will you be picking up a copy of Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon? Let us know over on our socials here or down in the comments below.

Jord is acting Team Leader at gaming.net. If he isn't blabbering on in his daily listicles, then he's probably out writing fantasy novels or scraping Game Pass of all its slept on indies.