Gear up, mech pilots! Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is on the horizon, but before you dive into the latest installment, why not explore the rich history of this iconic mech series? This guide highlights the best Armored Core games to play as a primer for the upcoming release.

The Armored Core Series: A Giant's Legacy

FromSoftware, the studio behind the acclaimed Souls series, boasts another legendary franchise: Armored Core. This long-running series, spanning decades, puts you in the cockpit of powerful mechs, engaging in intense, fast-paced combat across a post-apocalyptic Earth. You're a mercenary, taking on contracts from the highest bidder—your success hinges on completing missions, earning credits, and upgrading your mech. Every mission presents a unique challenge, from destroying rebel forces and scouting enemy bases to high-stakes cargo chases. Success means new parts and superior firepower; failure means a swift and brutal end.

The Armored Core series is vast, encompassing five main numbered entries and numerous spin-offs, totaling sixteen games. The first two games share a continuity, distinct from the separate storylines of Armored Core 3, 4, and 5. Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon, launching August 25, 2023, will likely establish a new continuity. To prepare for this exciting new chapter, Game8 presents a curated selection of the best Armored Core titles to play before diving into Fires of Rubicon.