Although completely straightforward, Armored Core 6’s story might just seem like mech-on-mech violence with lots of guns to people completely unaware of the game. But, for people who care, each decision you make and each step you take could lead to completely different Armored Core 6 endings.
While players can acquire a total of three different endings, all of them share the same starting circumstance in Chapter 5. It starts off with the mention of Arquebus’s plan for total world domination, as he has taken control of Coral Siphon – the vascular plant, and trying to gather all the Coral from Rubicon 3.
Coral was a revolutionary energy resource and a data conduit poised to transfer human society by leaps and bounds. But in the wrong hands, this tremendous amount of Coral could bring an end to humankind. This Coral was almost destroyed in the Fires of Ibis but being a self-propagating substance, it was not completely eliminated. Ayre’s brothers and sisters are also known to be consumed by the Fires of Ibis and their own consciousness is scattered into the Coral flow.
You could think of Coral as an organic matter that has taken form and become the medium for all the Rubiconians who perished in the Fires of Ibis. You must decide the fate of the rest of the Rubiconians by either siding with Walter and Carla, leading to Ending 1, or siding with Ayre which leads you to Ending 2.
Armored Core 6 Endings Are Decision-Based
All Armored Core 6 endings are determined by choices you make during Chapters 1, 3, 4, and 5. With our Armored Core 6 endings guide, you can achieve them easily.
However, the third ending also known as the secret/true ending can only be achieved after you have completed the game twice and acquired New Game++ status.
The Good, Bad, & Secret Armored Core 6 Endings
Sticking to Walter and Carla’s plan to nuke the Coral Siphon will lead you to the Fires of Raven ending which is considered to be the default/bad ending of the game. Whereas, if you abandon the plan and heed Ayre’s words, this will result in the Liberator of Rubicon a.k.a the good ending in the game.
After you’ve started a New Game++ run in Armored Core 6, ALLMIND will be a more prominent voice throughout this leg of the game. He will make his presence known during Chapter 3 and will urge you to follow his orders. If you follow all his instructions, you will be in a boss fight against ALLMIND with Ayre supporting you by your side. Defeating him will trigger the true Alea Iacta Est ending.
The Fires Of Raven Ending
Walter wants Raven (you), to eliminate all the Coral untouched by the Fires of Ibis. To do so, the colony ship Xylem needs to be slammed towards the Coral Siphon and set fire to all the Coral collected from the Rubicon. Going along with the plan for the Fires of Raven ending hands you back-to-back boss fights with V.I Freud, Rusty, and Ayre. The fights are rather heartbreaking since Rusty and Ayre have stood by your side multiple times.
Ayre plans to take out Xylem and do her duty as a Rubiconian preventing us from blowing up her home. The final fight leads to Ayre transforming into the Ibis Series and attacking. Throughout the fight, she shares her ideas of Coral and humankind living peacefully, a term called Symbiosis. But, sticking to the Fires of Raven ending, she is eliminated and the Xylem is thrown towards the plant.
This creates a massive explosion and the fires burn Rubicon once again. The Fires of Raven leaves no civilization behind but the story of yet another calamity that had taken the lives of several Rubiconians.
The Liberator Of Rubicon Ending
Instead of siding with Walter, you choose Ayre. Her idea of the Coral and humans living as one seems like the more peaceful option. To fully give in to Ayre’s plans you must eliminate Carla and Chatty, the two opposite forces determined to eradicate the Coral.
Carla auto-locks the Xylem’s path towards the Coral Siphon after her death. Now Raven is tasked with destroying the ship altogether. Ayre asks for all Rubiconian’s aid and they come to help hearing Raven’s name. Rusty is one of the first ones to arrive offering his help and the fight with all the enemies residing in Xylem ensues.
The last fight faces you against a Coral infused mutant Walter. All interactions during the fight lead to the idea of Arquebus’s influence to alter Walter’s form. Walter is defeated and the Xylem is destroyed, leaving the vascular plant unscathed and Rubicon unharmed.
The game ends with Ayre promising a future where the Coral and humanity thrive together and praising your bravery.
The Alea Iacta Est Ending
The secret ending is revealed after the Armored Core 6’s New Game + playthrough. It introduces a new character called ALLMIND, a sentient being. His plan is for a universal Coral release so that the Coral could grow to its full potential.
The term “Alea Iacta Est” comes from Latin meaning “the die is cast.” This term was phrased for Julius Caesar who crossed the Rubicon River to initiate the Roman War. Alea Iacta Est used in Armored Core 6 means passing the point of no return and facing whatever consequences may arise.
The final battle is a showdown between you and Ayre vs. ALLMIND occupying G5 Iguazu’s body. Triggering the Coral release spawns a black hole that swallows Rubicon. Later you wake up in a shallow pool of water surrounded by other Armored Cores.
Ayre explains that the Coral release has disseminated everyone across the stars and now it is everywhere. Her wish to unite humanity and Coral’s powers has finally come true and now she and the ACs are truly free. The ongoing theme for all endings is to “find your freedom.” Above everything, you get the best rewards at the end. Don’t forget to read our guide on Loghunt Rewards.
