Armored Core VI Producer Offers New Gameplay Details

In an interview during the Taipei Games Show 2023, Producer Yasunori Ogura gave new details about Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon development and gameplay. The game was announced during the 25th Anniversary of the franchise in 2022, and will arrive 10 years after the release of the last Armored Core entry. Ogura talked about the setting of the game, how FromSoftware’s experience with the Dark Souls series and Elden Ring is shaping the development, and Hidetaka Miyazaki’s involvement in the title. [Thanks, Famitsu!]

When asked about Hidetaka Miyazaki’s involvement, Ogura said in the interview that FromSoft’s president participated in the early stages of development under the title of “Initial Game Director.” Miyazaki was in charge of deciding the direction of both maps and action. Meanwhile, Ogura is in charge of reexamining the way robot parts and customization works, how they affect player freedom, and the actions that can be performed with each different part. As for gameplay, like in previous entries, Armored Core VI will include barriers, quad legs, and pile bunker among other returning equipment. Ogura also said that the trailer already included many elements hidden within, in terms of equipment for the mechs.

In regards to the budget for Armored Core VI, Ogura said that they are utilizing more resources than they had in the past for the series. Additionally, FromSoftware’s knowledge and experience gained with the development of Elden Ring and the Dark Souls series is helping the developers in creating an action game that combines all the concepts that make the Armored Core series work.

As for gameplay difficulty, Armored Core VI will be classic FromSoftware fare. In typical Armored Core fashion, combat will be dynamic and flashy, and mechs will move at breakneck speeds. Boss encounters will be challenging to overcome, with players needing to pay close attention to attack patterns and choose mech parts accordingly. Likewise, a mix of close quarters and long-range combat will be key to overcome these challenges.

Ogura said that the main story won’t be connected to other games. It will be exclusively single player, but an online arena will be available. The subtitle “Fires of Rubicon” refers to the setting of the game, the planet Rubicon 3, home to a new energy source that caused turmoil and conflict between companies, organizations, and mercenaries.

You can check out the reveal trailer below.

Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is in development and will come out on the PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and PC in 2023.