Gear up, mech warriors! Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is on the horizon, but before you jump into the fray, why not explore the rich history of this iconic mech series? This guide highlights the best Armored Core games to play to prepare for the upcoming release.

The Armored Core Series: A Giant's History

FromSoftware, the studio behind the acclaimed Souls series, boasts a legacy far beyond dark fantasy. For decades, Armored Core has been a flagship title, delivering thrilling mech combat until the early 2010s. This series plunges you into a post-apocalyptic Earth, where you're a mercenary pilot, controlling powerful mechs known as "Armored Cores." Your mission? Complete contracts for the highest bidder. Whether you're obliterating rebel forces, scouting enemy territory, or even chasing down high-value cargo, success means profit. And what's profit for? Upgrading your mech, of course! Invest wisely in new parts, and you'll dominate the battlefield. Fail, and face the consequences.

By 2013, the Armored Core franchise comprised five main entries and numerous spin-offs, totaling sixteen games. The first two games exist in their own continuity, while Armored Core 3, 4, and 5 each inhabit separate universes. Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon, launching August 25th, 2023, will likely establish a new continuity. To get acquainted with the series before diving into the latest installment, Game8 presents the best Armored Core games to play in anticipation of Armored Core 6.