Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon will be a departure from previous games in the series. Not in terms of mech combat, which looks like it'll be just as fast and frenetic as ever, or in terms of its traditional mission structure. What Armored Core 6 will have over previous Armored Core games is player onboarding.
In an interview with IGN, FromSoftware producer Yasunori Ogura spoke on how Armored Core 6 will be more approachable than previous franchise entries.
"Armored Core has always been a game with many parameters, and is a game where you can enjoy the complexity and depth it offers, but we feel it's also a game where you can enjoy simply by assembling your AC without thinking too deeply about it," Ogura explained. "That said, in regard to new players, we've taken careful steps with onboarding and level design in the early stages of the game so that players can deepen their understanding step-by-step, little-by-little, and work their way into that fun of the more complex parts."
"We've also prepared a training simulator where the player can learn the basics of action and assembly using sample ACs, and we've also tried to make the controls more intuitive," he added. "We hope that those who have no experience with the series and enjoy the feel of piloting their very own armored core."
Previous Armored Core games had a "trial by fire" philosophy, where the player either learned the game's systems by playing or not. This philosophy, combined with complex mech customization and three-dimensional combat where ACs could rocket in any direction on command, gave the franchise a reputation for being punishingly difficult and unforgiving to new players.
It sounds like FromSoftware might have turned over a new leaf. Elden Ring's after-the-fact tutorial helped loads of new players get into the latest Soulsborne, but it looks like Armored Core 6 won't have to wait for a post-launch update for players to be given a tutorial.
Elsewhere in the interview, Ogura reiterated Armored Core 6's commitment to a single-player experience but noted that the game will have a PvP mode where players can show off their builds and share emblems. And speaking of combat, Ogura said that Armored Core 6 will have more "unique" melee weapons such as the chain sword and laser lance showcased in the recent gameplay trailer. You'll be encouraged to learn how to create your own weapon combos, such as combining an EMP blast to knock out an enemy's systems before riposting with a laser lance.
Armored Core 6 arrives on consoles and PC on August 25.