Armored Core 6 is the most forgiving game from FromSoftware to date

Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is the latest entry in the classic vehicular combat simulation series developed by FromSoftware, reviving the franchise after nearly a decade-long absence. The title has received predominantly positive reviews, with many highlighting the combat and customization options of Armored Core 6 as its greatest strengths. Thanks to its challenging role-playing elements that gave rise to the Soulsborne genre, FromSoftware has experienced a modern renaissance. While Armored Core 6 does not inherently belong to the Soulslike genre, it remains true to the developer's philosophy of challenging players. The title presents players with the task of overcoming truly brutal mission parameters and confronting a variety of intimidating boss battles right from the tutorial. Nonetheless, Armored Core 6 offers some significant new additions that contribute to making it FromSoftware's most forgiving game.

Armored Core 6 arrives nearly a decade after the last entry in the series, Armored Core: Verdict Day. With enhanced gameplay mechanics, controls, and customization options, the title manages to evolve the beloved fan franchise for a modern audience while remaining true to its roots. Armored Core 6 introduces several brand-new features that further deepen players' strategic approach to combat. One of these additions is the Impact Mechanism, which causes both enemy and player ACs to stagger and become vulnerable to massive damage through consecutive hits. However, the most significant changes in the title pertain to Armored Core 6's approach to FromSoftware's classic trial-and-error gameplay, as it allows fans to recover from setbacks in diverse new ways.

Armored Core 6's Checkpoints Change its Trial-and-Error Formula

FromSoftware's modern games reward players for their ability to learn and adapt, with the Souls series, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and Bloodborne being revered for their challenging learning curves. Elden Ring, released in 2022, brought a subtle shift in approach and opened the door for a broader player base to experience FromSoftware's now-classic formula. However, in comparison to all previous FromSoftware titles, Armored Core 6 presents a crucial change that completely alters how players strategically plan their approach.

Each mission in Armored Core 6 features various checkpoints that allow the player to reload their current objective instead of returning to the beginning of the level. Furthermore, players can modify their entire equipment and equip their AC with weapons and parts that best suit the conflict they were just defeated in. This crucial new addition completely transforms players' approach to Armored Core 6, as they can now implement FromSoftware's trial-and-error formula without the fear of losing their progress. Fans have an unlimited number of attempts to defeat a challenging opponent, and each death fully replenishes their AP and ammunition.

Armored Core 6 Introduces Repair Kits to the Series

In addition to its checkpoint system, Armored Core 6 introduces a unique feature in the vehicular combat series, allowing for swift recoveries. Upon entering a mission, ACs are equipped with three repair kits that enable them to heal their AP during combat. While players cannot obtain additional repair kits in the story mode, they can enhance their effectiveness. After unlocking operating system upgrades, players can increase the healing capacity of each repair kit to a total of 6,000 AP per kit.

While Armored Core 6 will undoubtedly pose a challenge even for the most experienced fans, its latest features make it FromSoftware's most forgiving title to date. When dying in combat or reloading a checkpoint, Armored Core 6 allows players to change their equipment, replenish their ammunition, and restock their repair kits to position themselves in the best possible way to overcome obstacles. The title still demands fans to adapt to FromSoftware's classic trial-and-error gameplay, and fans who find themselves without the necessary parts and weapons to succeed will still have to restart missions from the beginning. Despite its forgiving aspects, the missions in Armored Core 6 are no easy feat, and fans of both the series' previous entries and other games from FromSoftware can be certain that the title will test their skills.

Armored Core 6 is now available for PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.