The Best Armored Core Games to Play Before Fires of Rubicon Comes Out

Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is about to come out, but what are the other games in the Armored Core series? Here are the best Armored Core games you can play to see what the games are all about.

The Armored Core Series

If you thought that FromSoftware made nothing else than Souls-like games, then you’d be surprised to know that the famous game company has had another flagship title with multiple titles made up until the early 2010s. Armored Core is a decades-old video game franchise that revolves around fighting with mechs called "Armored Cores." Typically, the games are set in a post-apocalyptic Earth, and you are a mercenary who fights for the highest bidder.

As a merc, your only concern is to make your clients happy. Destroy rebel soldiers, reconnoiter enemy bases, or even chase after trains or other precious cargo. If you manage to complete a mission, you earn money. What do you need money for? Generally, two things: maintenance costs (including ammunition), and new parts for your mech. Do your missions well, and you’ll be rolling in shiny new parts and taking out enemies with ease. Do poorly, and it's game over.

As of 2013, there have been 5 numbered Armored Core titles, with each of them having their own spin-offs, totaling to 16 games across the entire series. Armored Core 1 and 2 are set in their own continuity, while Armored Core 3, 4, and 5 are set in separate continuities. The sixth numbered entry in the series, Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon, is coming out on August 25, 2023, likely starting yet another continuity. So if you wanted to get yourself acquainted with the series before playing, we here at Game8 have put together a list of the best Armored Core games to play before Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon comes out.