With FromSoftware getting ready to revisit the Armored Core franchise in over a decade, there will be many who will be taking their first steps in this mech action game. Just like many of the Japanese studio’s games, it can be difficult to understand everything that’s required to succeed in Armored Core VI: Fires Of Rubicon.
To get you up to speed, consider this a starter guide with the 8 essential things to know about Armored Core VI before landing on Rubicon 3.
6 Essential Things To Know About Armored Core VI: Fires Of Rubicon
#1. Linear Structure, Smaller Worlds
As opposed to the gigantic open world of Elden Ring, Armored Core VI: Fires Of Rubicon is on the other end of the spectrum. Sorties can be as short as a combat encounter against just a few enemies, while more involved ones will obviously include more fights and daunting bosses, together with objectives to accomplish.
Exploration is also optional, with certain collectibles to be found in the form of combat logs and parts, but don’t expect any alternate dungeons and the like that can be discovered.
#2. Combat is Frenetic, But Strategy Matters
Piloting the Armored Cores (ACs) can feel immensely powerful, especially when you have the engines boosting and all four weapons firing at once. Add to that opposition forces that can do the same or even better, and a fight can easily become a spectacle.
That said, it is not just about packing the biggest guns. Knowing the right counter to enemy builds is the only way to success, and learning how to manage all the various systems of your Armored Core, like ammo, energy, and overall health, is absolutely vital. Don’t go rushing in; that’s just asking to fail.
#3. Boss Battles Galore
Speaking of bosses, the freedom of Armored Core VI means FromSoftware has more room to experiment when it comes to scale and complexity. Rival ACs are but the tip of the iceberg, especially when there are building-sized contraptions awaiting any unfortunate pilot.
Expect bosses to possess some of the craziest weapons in the game, and they are not afraid to use their power, size, and speed to make you pay. As such, it is always wise to remember that preparation is the avenue to success.
#4. There is no Best Build
The art of preparation in the game comes down to the many parts that can make up an AC. From the different body parts of your mech down to the weapons and even the energy generator, the mech building portion is an entire world on its own.
Each part has various benefits and drawbacks, and the unique characteristics can change how you play drastically. The huge amount of variety goes a long way in keeping invested players engaged, similar to a levelling system in roleplaying games, but instead of XP, you are trying to get more efficient components as part of your setup. Finding a nice balance will keep you up and fighting much longer compared to trying to create the beefiest or fastest AC there is.
#5. Take Your Learning Seriously
Armored Core VI offers several ways to help players get acquainted with its different mechanics, including a robust training section as well as the Arena. For the former, each section will focus on a key part of the combat experience, ranging from using different weapon and damage types to the mobility options afforded by different legs. Completing them all not only bolsters your knowledge, but there are also rewards of additional parts to use in customising your AC.
As for the Arena, they offer excellent opportunities to train up against other notable ACs and their pilots, and earn you valuable OST Chips, which can be used in the OS Tuning portion of the game to unlock more advanced features, such as manual aiming and a boost kick. Passive buffs to other vital stats like overall kinetic damage or your health can also make a huge difference.
#6. Accessible Refinements
While the studio is well known for punishing players, this game is surprisingly accessible in a couple of ways. For starters, repair kits allow players to regain health during missions, a luxury that wasn’t present before in previous titles.
There are also supply sherpas that can come in during certain missions to replenish your health and ammo, and acts as checkpoints before the next portion. Meeting your demise also allows you to restart from a checkpoint, but more importantly, it also provides a chance to tweak your current build, albeit limited to the parts you already have, to change up the strategy before jumping in again.
Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is now available for all major console platforms and PC.
Jake is a full-time trophy hunter and achievement gatherer on consoles, and part-time Steam Sale victim. He has a thing for Batman and awesome statues, and running out of space for both. Send help.
Kevin Low
