It has been over 10 years since the last Armored Core game came out. In the time between Armored Core V and VI, there have been 2 console generations, and FromSoftware has released Dark Souls II, Dark Souls III, Bloodborne, Sekiro, and Elden Ring. Plus, each of those games were massive successes for the studio and ushered in an entirely new genre of game. With the massive popularity of the Soulsborne games, it is easy to forget that FromSoftware also made, arguably, the king of the mech-combat games. Long before Dark Souls or even Demon's Souls, Armored Core was FromSoftware's bread and butter.
Naturally, due to the series' extended hiatus, Armored Core VI will likely be many players first Armored Core Game. Based on FromSoftware's recent games, you may be inclined to assume the gameplay of Armored Core will be similar to Soulsborne games like Dark Souls. However, you would be wrong in your assumption. Armored Core is, first and foremost, and mech game. While the sixth entry has likely borrowed some modern design ideas from games like Dark Souls, the genre, gameplay loop, design style, and overall feel of the game is radically different from the Souls series. Here is what you need to know to jump into Armored Core if it is your first game in the series.
Armored Core Isn't a Soulsborne Game
As stated above, it is easy to assume that a game coming from FromSoftware would take on the Soulsborne formula, but that is not the case. Armored Core is a mission-based, highly customizable, mech combat game. You won't have to worry about picking up lost souls upon death or grinding for souls, and there is no open-world. Each level may be fairly large and open, but they have a set beginning and end point, and it will take less time to complete Armored Core missions than an area in Dark Souls. There isn't as large of a focus on discover as in the Souls games. While combat is just as deliberate as seen in previous Soulsborne games, the combat loop is different, and there is naturally a larger emphasis on ranged weaponry.
The two series do share one thing in common, however, and that is boss fights. Previous Armored Core games had some intense boss fights, it is clear the newest entry has clearly taken inspirations from FromSoftware history in the last 10 years. Armored Core VI's boss fights look epic, imposing, and difficult to master. There have been difficult boss fights in the series before, but this has clearly borrowed the massive scale of the bosses from Dark Souls and Elden Ring. In addition to boss fights, Armored Core VI does utilize a health system that is similar to the Estus Flask of the Souls games. Although, it doesn't quite have the versatility of the Estus Flask. Basically, Armored Core VI may borrow a few modern conveniences from Dark Souls, but it isn't a Soulsborne. You won't be able to play this game like a Soulsborne and come out successfully.
Customization is King in Armored Core
When Armored Core says you can customize your mech, it lets you customize almost every aspect of your mech. Almost every aspect of your mech can be customized from the weapons down to the paint job. Each mech (called A.C.s in the game) can equip 4 weapons, one in each hand and one on each shoulder, and there are dozens of internal parts that can be customized to further affect your mech's stats. There are several stats to balance for each part as well, and it will force you to weigh the trade-offs of each new part. Due to this, a large portion of your time spent in the game will be in the garage upgrading your A.C.
Naturally, upgrading your A.C. is important in Armored Core. There will be several times in the game when you may have to adjust your mech's current composition of parts to handle different missions. Some missions may benefit from your A.C. having heavier weapons. On the other hand, it may be more beneficial for your A.C. to be faster to deal with the barrages of enemy weaponry. Armored Core is all about tweaking your mech to both fit your playstyle and adapt to the situation at hand, and striking that perfect medium is a true test of skill.
The Fire Control System and OS Tuning
The Fire Control System, or FCS, essentially serves as both a lock-on feature and part of the HUD. The targeting reticle on screen shows a variety of information. It shows enemy health, enemy stagger meter, and the status on each of the weapons you have equipped. In Armored Core VI, it will also automatically lock-on to enemies. While this has caused some controversy from die-hard Armored Core fans, the FCS can further be customized to turn off the lock-on system. Your shots are also less accurate when using the auto lock-on FCS. Learning how to use it effectively will be invaluable in each mission.
On the other hand, OS Tuning can essentially provide persistent upgrades that can be incredibly beneficial. Not only does it offer a new level of customization, but it is also a way to upgrade and make your A.C. even stronger. It can offer upgrades like a blast that will cancel enemy attacks, allow you to trade out your shoulder weapons lots for two extra arm slots, or activate a quick-turn dodge while in combat. These can be turned on and off, so you won't be stuck with any upgrades that you don't like. OS Tuning is one of the best ways to upgrade your mech, and while some have trade-offs, there are several that just serve as improvements to your mech.
Lastly, it is important to remember to experiment and try new things. Armored Core's customization not only allows you to fully customize your curate your playstyle, but it can also be a way to overcome difficult missions or complete side-objectives. Sometimes it can help to approach a new challenging enemy or mission with a different strategy. Also, the part descriptions can be incredibly useful for helping decide what pieces should make up your A.C. and what strategy to use. If you are hopping into Armored Core for the first time, it can certainly seem daunting. However, once you have the basics down the rest will be easier to master. The most important thing to remember is to create the A.C. that fits your playstyle and be prepared to adapt to changing challenges.