Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon: FromSoftware’s Comeback to Mech Combat
Let me be honest with you. When I heard that FromSoftware was making another Armored Core game, I was excited but also a little nervous. The studio has become famous for games like Dark Souls and Elden Ring. Would they forget what made Armored Core special? Would they turn it into a Souls game with robots?
I am happy to say that my fears were completely wrong. Armored Core VI is not Elden Ring with mechs. It is something else entirely. It is fast, brutal, customisable, and absolutely addictive. FromSoftware took everything they learned from a decade of making action games and applied it to their classic mech series. And the result is one of the best action games of 2023.
Let me break down everything you need to know about this game.
Quick Info Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Bandai Namco Entertainment |
| Developer | FromSoftware |
| Release Date | August 25, 2023 |
| Genre | Vehicular Combat / Third-Person Shooter |
| Platforms | PC (Steam), PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S |
Detailed Game Description
Let me start with some context. Armored Core VI is not a sequel to the previous games. It is a reboot . You do not need to have played any of the older Armored Core games to understand what is happening. The story is completely separate. The developers wanted new players to jump in without feeling lost . And honestly, after more than ten years since the last main entry, that was a smart decision .
The Story and Setting
The game takes place on a distant planet called Rubicon 3 . Long ago, scientists discovered a mysterious energy source called Coral. It was powerful. It could revolutionise technology and communication. But something went terribly wrong. An event called the “Fires of Ibis” caused a massive explosion that burned the entire star system. The planet was contaminated and sealed off .
Now, fifty years later, Coral has resurfaced on Rubicon 3 . And everyone wants it. Mega-corporations like Balam Industries and Arquebus Corporation are fighting over it. There is a resistance group called the Rubicon Liberation Front made of the planet’s survivors. And there is the Planetary Closure Administration trying to keep everyone out .
This is where you come in.
You play as C4-621, an augmented human mercenary . You are basically a cyborg. Your handler is a mysterious man named Walter. He sends you to Rubicon 3 with a simple mission. Find the Coral. But nothing is simple on this planet.
As you play, you meet a strange sentience called Ayre who lives inside the Coral . She can communicate with you. And your choices throughout the game will determine what happens to the Coral, to Rubicon, and to everyone on it.
The story is surprisingly good. It is not as cryptic as Dark Souls. Things are explained clearly. There are cutscenes. There is dialogue. You will understand what is happening without watching hours of YouTube lore videos . But there are still mysteries to uncover, especially if you play through multiple times.
The Gameplay: Building Your Perfect Mech
This is where Armored Core VI really shines. You are not just given a robot and told to fight. You build your robot from scratch.
Your Armored Core (AC) has four weapon slots . Two on your hands, one on each shoulder. You can equip machine guns, shotguns, rifles, missile launchers, grenade cannons, laser rifles, plasma rifles, pile bunkers, laser blades, and more. The variety is insane.
But weapons are not the only thing you customise. You choose your head, core, arms, legs, booster, generator, FCS (fire control system), and expansion options. Each part changes how your mech performs.
The legs are especially important . You have four types:
- Bipedal: The standard all-rounder. Good balance of speed and power.
- Reverse Joint: Excellent jump height and aerial mobility. Great for hit-and-run tactics.
- Quadruped: You can hover in the air and fire heavy weapons while moving. Very stable.
- Tank Treads: Extremely heavy armour and firepower. You can fire shoulder weapons without stopping. Slow but devastating.
Your choices matter. A lightweight reverse-joint mech with dual pistols plays completely differently from a heavy tank with dual grenade cannons. The game encourages you to experiment. If a mission is too hard, go back to the garage and try a different build . That is the core of Armored Core.
The Combat: Fast, Aggressive, and Brutal
The combat in Armored Core VI is nothing like Dark Souls. It is fast. Very fast. You are constantly boosting, dodging, jumping, and flying. The mechs are massive but they move like fighter jets.
You have a boost gauge that depletes when you use your thrusters. Managing your energy is key. Run out of energy at the wrong time, and you are a sitting duck.
There is a new mechanic called the Stagger System . When you hit an enemy continuously, a bar fills up. Once it is full, the enemy becomes stunned or “staggered.” They cannot move for a few seconds, and they take extra damage from all sources. This is when you go all out. Use your heaviest weapons. Rush in for melee attacks. Destroy them before they recover.
This system forces you to be aggressive. You cannot just hide behind cover and take pot shots. You need to keep the pressure on. It makes every fight intense and satisfying.
The boss fights are spectacular. FromSoftware is famous for their bosses, and they brought that expertise to Armored Core. The first real boss in the game is infamous for being extremely difficult . Do not be discouraged if you die twenty or thirty times. That is normal. The game expects you to fail, learn, and come back with a better strategy.
The Mission Structure
The game is mission-based . You select a mission from a menu, complete the objectives, and get paid. Simple.
But here is the interesting part. Your performance matters. If you complete the mission quickly, take little damage, and use ammo efficiently, you get more money. If you take too long or get hit too many times, your pay gets reduced . This adds a layer of challenge. Do you play safe and accept a smaller reward? Or do you risk everything for a bigger payout?
If you fail a mission, you can retry as many times as you want. You do not lose any money for failing . This is much more forgiving than older Armored Core games where failure meant debt. It encourages experimentation.
As you progress, you unlock new missions. Some missions are mutually exclusive. You have to choose which faction to work for. Your choices affect the story and which endings you can get.
The Multiple Endings
Yes, there are multiple endings. Three, to be specific .
The first ending is the “standard” ending. You side with your handler Walter and his associate Carla. You use an old colony ship called the Xylem to destroy the Coral once and for all. It triggers another Fire, destroying Rubicon 3. Bittersweet.
The second ending is the “good” ending. You side with Ayre and the Rubicon Liberation Front. You stop the Xylem and preserve the Coral. You hope that humans and Coral can coexist. Optimistic.
The third ending is the “true” ending. You unlock it by playing New Game Plus and New Game Plus+ and choosing specific missions . You work with an AI called ALLMIND to trigger something called “Coral Release.” The Coral spreads throughout the universe and fuses with humanity. It is weird, it is philosophical, and it is deeply satisfying.
To get the full story, you need to play through the game at least three times. Each playthrough is slightly different. New missions appear. Old missions have alternative versions. The game respects your time by making each run feel fresh.
New Game Plus and Beyond
When you finish the game, you unlock New Game Plus. You keep all your parts, money, and upgrades. You start the story over, but new choices are available.
There is also a New Game Plus+. Even more content unlocks. This is where you can access the third ending.
The game expects you to replay it. And honestly, it is fun to do so. You can try completely different builds. You can challenge yourself to S-rank every mission. There is a lot to do.
Multiplayer and PvP
Armored Core VI has PvP multiplayer . You can battle against other players online. Up to six players can be in a lobby . You can do 1v1 duels or 3v3 team battles.
There is no co-op. You cannot play through the campaign with a friend. The multiplayer is purely competitive.
The PvP is where the customisation really shines. You will see builds you never imagined. Lightweight missile boats. Heavy tank snipers. Dual melee assassins. The meta is constantly evolving.
Visuals and Performance
The game looks great. It runs on a custom engine, and FromSoftware has optimised it well. The explosions are massive. The particle effects are flashy. The mech designs are detailed and realistic.
On PS5 and Xbox Series X, the game runs at a stable 60 frames per second. On PC, performance depends on your hardware, but the game is not extremely demanding .
One thing to note. The game has no ray tracing. But honestly, you will not notice. The action is so fast that you will not be stopping to admire reflections.
How Long Is the Game?
This depends on how many endings you want to see.
- One playthrough (main story only): 15 to 20 hours
- All three endings (standard play): 40 to 50 hours
- S-ranking all missions and 100% completion: 60 to 80 hours
The game respects your time. There is no filler. Every mission is unique and has a purpose.
The Difficulty
Armored Core VI is hard. Not Dark Souls hard, but close. The difficulty curve is uneven . The first boss is a massive wall. Then the next few missions are easier. Then you hit another wall. It can be frustrating.
But the game gives you tools to overcome the challenge. Change your build. Try different weapons. Experiment with tactics. The solution is always there. You just need to find it.
If you are stuck on a boss, do not just bash your head against the wall. Go back to the garage. Rethink your approach. A different weapon or leg type can make all the difference.
The Reception
Armored Core VI has been very well received. It sold three million copies by July 2024, making it the best-selling game in the entire series . Critics praised the combat, customisation, and boss fights. Some criticised the uneven difficulty and the mission-based structure.
Players love it. The Steam reviews are “Very Positive.” The community is active. The PvP scene is growing.
Is This a Souls Game?
No. Let me be very clear about this. Armored Core VI is not a Souls game. There are no experience points. No levels. No stats to grind. No corpse runs. No bonfires. No shields.
The only similarity is the difficulty. Both series are hard. But the type of difficulty is different. Souls games are about patience and timing. Armored Core is about speed, aggression, and build optimisation.
Do not go in expecting Elden Ring with robots. You will be disappointed. Go in expecting Armored Core with modern polish. You will be thrilled.
What is the System Requirement for Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon?
Now let me talk about the technical side. The good news is that Armored Core VI is well-optimised. You do not need a super expensive PC to run this game.
The only thing you need to know is that 60 frames per second is highly recommended for a game this fast. Lower frame rates will make aiming and dodging harder.
Minimum System Requirements
If you want to play the game at 60 frames per second on low settings, here is what you need :
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10 64-bit |
| Processor (CPU) | Intel Core i5-8400 or AMD Ryzen 3 3300X |
| Memory (RAM) | 12 GB |
| Graphics Card (GPU) | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960 (4GB) or AMD Radeon RX 480 (4GB) |
| Storage | 60 GB available space (SSD recommended) |
| DirectX | Version 12 |
My advice: The GTX 960 is a card from 2015. The i5-8400 is a processor from 2017. If you have a gaming PC from the last seven to eight years, you can run this game on minimum settings. The 12 GB RAM requirement is a little unusual. Most games ask for 8 GB or 16 GB. Make sure you have at least 12 GB.
Recommended System Requirements
For a smoother experience with higher graphics settings, aim for this configuration :
| Component | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Windows 10/11 64-bit |
| Processor (CPU) | Intel Core i7-7700 or Intel Core i5-10400 or AMD Ryzen 7 2700X or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 |
| Memory (RAM) | 12 GB |
| Graphics Card (GPU) | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 (6GB) or AMD Radeon RX 590 (8GB) |
| Storage | 60 GB available space (SSD strongly recommended) |
| DirectX | Version 12 |
Can My PC Run Armored Core VI?
The honest answer is yes, probably. The minimum requirements are very reasonable. Even the recommended specs are not crazy. A GTX 1060 is a card from 2016. Most gaming PCs from the last six to seven years will exceed these requirements.
The real question is whether you have 60 GB of free space. That is not huge by modern standards, but it is not nothing. Make sure you have room on your SSD. The game will run on a hard drive, but load times will be longer. In a mission-based game where you will be retrying missions frequently, an SSD makes a big difference.
Console Performance
Armored Core VI runs well on all consoles:
- PS5 and Xbox Series X/S: 60 FPS, smooth performance, fast loading
- PS4 and Xbox One: 30 FPS, still playable but not ideal for such a fast game
The game requires 65 GB on PS5 . The Xbox and PC versions require 60 GB.
Is There Cross-Play?
No. Cross-play has not been confirmed . You can only play with people on the same platform.
Can You Play on Steam Deck?
The game is not officially Steam Deck Verified. Some players have reported that it runs at 40-50 FPS on low settings. Battery life is not great. Do not buy this expecting a great handheld experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
These are the questions people ask most often about Armored Core VI. I have gathered them from forums, reviews, and community discussions.
1. Do I need to play the older Armored Core games before playing VI?
No. Armored Core VI is a reboot . The story is completely separate. You can jump in without knowing anything about the series. There are a few references for longtime fans, but nothing essential .
2. Is Armored Core VI like Dark Souls or Elden Ring?
No. It is a mech action game. The combat is fast, ranged, and mission-based. There are no experience points, levels, or stat grinding. The only similarity is the difficulty. Both games are hard . But the type of difficulty is different.
3. How long does it take to beat Armored Core VI?
About 15 to 20 hours for one playthrough. 40 to 50 hours to see all three endings. 60 to 80 hours for 100% completion.
4. Does Armored Core VI have multiple endings?
Yes. Three endings . You need to play through New Game Plus and New Game Plus+ to unlock all of them.
5. Does Armored Core VI have co-op?
No. There is no co-op campaign. The only multiplayer is PvP .
6. Does Armored Core VI have PvP?
Yes. You can do 1v1 duels or 3v3 team battles. Up to six players in a lobby .
7. Is the game hard?
Yes. It is challenging. The first boss is notoriously difficult . But the game gives you tools to overcome the challenge. Change your build. Experiment with weapons. Learn the patterns.
8. How does the customisation work?
You can change every part of your mech. Head, core, arms, legs, booster, generator, FCS, and four weapons . Different leg types (bipedal, reverse joint, quadruped, tank) have different movement styles. The customisation is very deep.
9. What is the best build in Armored Core VI?
There is no single best build. Different missions require different approaches. A build that destroys one boss might be useless against another. Experimentation is the key.
10. Does Armored Core VI have microtransactions?
No. No microtransactions. No loot boxes. No battle pass. You buy the game, you get the full game.
11. How much does Armored Core VI cost?
The standard edition is around $59.99 USD. It frequently goes on sale. Check your preferred platform for current pricing.
12. What is the difference between the endings?
The first ending destroys the Coral. The second ending preserves the Coral. The third ending fuses the Coral with humanity . Each ending has different emotional weight and different implications for the world.
13. Is there a physical version?
Yes. Physical versions are available for PS4, PS5, and Xbox. PC is digital only.
14. What is the stagger system?
When you hit enemies continuously, a bar fills. Once it is full, the enemy becomes stunned and takes extra damage . This encourages aggressive play.
15. My game is stuttering. What should I do?
Armored Core VI is generally well-optimised. If you experience stuttering:
- Make sure the game is installed on an SSD
- Lower graphics settings, especially shadows and effects
- Update your graphics drivers
- Close background applications
- Verify game files on Steam
16. Does Armored Core VI have a photo mode?
No. There is no official photo mode.
17. What is the best weapon for beginners?
The pulse blade (melee) is excellent for staggering enemies. Missiles are great for consistent damage. Machine guns are good for building stagger. Experiment and find what works for you.
18. Can you respec your OS tuning?
Yes. You can reset your OS Tuning chips at any time and reassign them. There is no penalty.
19. Is there a New Game Plus?
Yes. New Game Plus and New Game Plus+ unlock new missions, new parts, and new endings .
20. Is Armored Core VI worth buying?
Yes. It is one of the best action games of 2023. The combat is excellent. The customisation is deep. The bosses are memorable. If you like mechs or challenging action games, buy it.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy Armored Core VI?
Let me be direct with you. Armored Core VI is not for everyone.
If you hate challenging games, skip it. You will get frustrated.
If you need a story that holds your hand and explains everything, skip it. The story is good, but you have to pay attention.
If you want a slow, tactical game where you can hide behind cover, skip it. This game rewards aggression.
BUT.
If you love mechs. If you enjoy deep customisation. If you like fast, intense combat. If you appreciate games that challenge you and respect your intelligence. Then buy Armored Core VI.
FromSoftware took a ten-year-old franchise and brought it back to life. They did not turn it into Dark Souls. They remembered what made Armored Core special. And they used their modern expertise to make it even better.
The combat is exhilarating. The boss fights are spectacular. The customisation is overwhelming in the best way. The multiple endings give you reasons to replay.
For $59.99, you are getting 40 to 50 hours of content if you want to see everything. That is a fair price.
This is not Elden Ring. It is not Dark Souls. It is Armored Core. And it is fantastic.
Get in the robot, pilot. Rubicon is waiting.
