Armored Core 6 release date and time, story, trailers, gameplay

The Armored Core 6 release date is almost here. 10 years since the previous AC game, From Software’s 16th entry into the series, Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon, is nearly upon us. Announced back in December at The Game Awards, this long awaited revival of the mech-battling series is set to rival the coming Elden Ring DLC in anticipation. In fact, we’re almost at the Armored Core 6 release time now.

Since then, we’ve learnt more about the game and what to expect. Here, we’ll cover the Armored Core 6 release date, its story premise, trailers, gameplay details and more. From what we’ve seen so far, this is a title with the potential to top the Armored Core rankings. While we wait for the game’s full release though, be sure to keep up to date with everything happening in From Soft’s other current major title, Elden Ring, including the new balances and changes in the latest Elden Ring patch notes.

Armored Core 6 release date

The Armored Core 6 release date is set for August 25, 2023. This is a lot earlier than many were speculating, especially given the ongoing development of Elden Ring DLC. However, the game has been in the works for a while now, with Hidetaka Miyazaki mentioning the game’s entry into early development all the way back in 2016.

From Software have shown a relatively strong caliber of quality throughout recent titles. Elden Ring, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, and Dark Souls 3 all saw levels of critical acclaim. There’s good reason to expect a well-rounded and polished experience from the Studio come August.

Armored Core 6 release time (Global)

Armored Core 6 release time will fall on August 24th at 11:00pm BST.

• Aug. 24 – 3:00 p.m. PT
• Aug. 24 – 6:00 p.m. ET
• Aug. 24 – 11:00 p.m. BST
• Aug. 25 – 12:00 a.m. CEST
• Aug. 25 – 8:00 a.m. AEST
• Aug. 25 – 10:00 a.m. NZST

As the game is going to experiencing a global launch, you’re not going to be able to try popular tricks such as the New Zealand trick to get onto the game early. Preloading the game on PS5 and Xbox has already begun, though those waiting for the PCs preload might need a little more time.

Armored Core 6 platforms

Armored Core 6 will likely be the most accessible entry in the series to date. Publisher Bandai Namco have confirmed on their official page for Armored Core 6 Fires of Rubicon that the title will be available to play on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.

Previous titles are more difficult to access these days, especially the earliest entries in the series, but thanks to what we know so far about AC 6, it should provide a good jumping-on point for fans new to the series.

Armored Core 6 story

The Armored Core series takes place in a dystopian sci-fi future. Megacorporations run rampant, with humanity constantly in conflict over limited resources. A nihilistic sense of life lacking value persists. Throughout the games, you’ll play as mercenaries piloting huge mechs, carrying out dirty work for various different corporate entities through shady contracts to scratch out a living. While more grounded than the fantasy entries of FromSoftware’s catalogue, the Armored Core series definitely still aligns with the thematics of a decaying, dystopian world where little is valued and the small joys in life are all the more cherished. In this sense, fans shouldn’t expect too great of a tonal departure from other games they might be more familiar with.

As for Armored Core 6’s specific story, we don’t have all the details, but we do know a fair bit about the premise. Humanity discovers a mysterious new substance on a distant planet, Rubicon 3. The substance holds the potential to accelerate humankind’s technological advancement, acting as a powerful energy source. Something went wrong during its early discovery though, and instead, the substance ignited the planet and surrounding star system in in a cosmic firestorm, the catastrophe of flames creating a Burning Star System.

Almost fifty years later, the same substance resurfaces on Rubicon 3, now a quarantined planet. Corporations, rebels and others scramble, and players will drop into the chaos as an independent mercenary, charmingly named Augmented Human C4-621. From here, you’ll be fighting through the other factions to obtain the mysterious substance.

Armored Core 6 trailers

So far, we have three trailers for Fires of Rubicon available.

First is the reveal trailer we saw last year at The Game Awards, which gave many their first real look into this long-running franchise. though included fewer scenes that we’re likely to actually see in the game at launch. Still, it did a good job setting up the hype and atmosphere when the “Armored Core VI” title burned to life on-screen.

Second is the gameplay trailer now on Bandai Namco America’s YouTube channel, which gives a bit more footage of the the in-game locations, mechs, bosses and fights, and beautifully showcases the speed and volatility of combat the series is known for.

Third is the most recent new gameplay trailer. This one’s a fair bit longer and came out on the publisher’s YouTube channel on July 25. It showcases loads of new designs, the new HUD, and plenty of combat.

Armored Core 6 gameplay

It’s difficult to say how much will change from the older games of the series in this entry, but what we’ve seen so far looks to promise a return to form aligned with polished pacing, speed, and combat.

Armored Core is known for high-octane fights that rely on a mixture of speed and accuracy with an arsenal of ranged and melee weaponry. Early gameplay has so far showcased just how vast this arsenal may be, with missiles, machine guns, close-range ordinance, and a spectrum of energy weapons all seemingly choices for combat engagements. This goes hand-in-hand with speed of course, and dodging attacks will be just as critical as closing distances for strikes. Gameplay even shows limited flight capabilities for mechs. We’ve also seen what looks to be a return or successor to Primal Armor, Assault Armor and charge attacks. All this should make for some intense and interesting missions and game modes.

The second core part of the Armored core games is mech building and customisation. It’s currently unclear how in-depth this will be, but Bandai Namco do describe the customisation system as ‘robust’, with the different approaches to buildouts dramatically altering playstyle. This will include a massive variety of weapons, as well as at least the most basic components like leg parts and a reactor core. We know that radiators won’t be an independent part in this game, with heat management integrated into the reactor components instead. We can’t be sure just how many parts or types of parts will be available yet.

Thirdly and finally, to the surprise of absolutely no one who’s a fan of From Software games, boss battles are going to be big in Fires of Rubicon. Even better, the man behind Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, game director Masaru Yamamura. Expect the tempo of Armored Core 6 to compliment his expertise perfectly. but when the Armored Core 6 release date comes around, we’ll be sure to keep you up to date with guides on how to bring down every single major foe the game can throw at you.

That’s everything you’ll need to know for the Armored Core 6 release date, story, gameplay and more before the full game’s release comes out in August. We’ll be sure to keep you updated with the latest as we approach final release.

When does Armored Core 6 release?

Armored Core 6 releases on August 25th, 2023.

Where can I play Armored Core 6?

Armored Core 6 will be available on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.