Top Armored Core Games to Play Before Fires of Rubicon Release

If you're eagerly anticipating the release of Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon, getting familiar with the series' legacy can greatly enhance your experience. FromSoftware, best known for its challenging Souls-like titles, has another deep and mechanically rich franchise in Armored Core. Spanning decades, this mech-centric series offers a unique blend of customization, strategy, and intense combat.

The Armored Core Series

While many associate FromSoftware primarily with Dark Souls or Elden Ring, the studio has a long-standing history with mechs through the Armored Core franchise. The series is set largely in a post-apocalyptic world where players take on the role of mercenaries piloting customizable mechs—known as "Armored Cores." Missions often involve objectives like eliminating enemy forces, conducting reconnaissance, or securing valuable cargo. Success means earning credits, which are essential for maintaining your machine and upgrading it with better weapons and parts.

Since its debut, the Armored Core series has expanded across multiple timelines and gameplay styles. There are five mainline entries, each with their own spin-offs, bringing the total number of games to 16. The first two games belong to one continuity, while Armored Core 3, 4, and 5 each establish their own separate universes. With Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon launching on August 25, 2023, it’s likely introducing yet another fresh narrative arc.

To help you prepare for the latest installment, here's a curated list of the best Armored Core games that capture the essence of the series and offer an engaging entry point ahead of Fires of Rubicon.