Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is FromSoftware’s upcoming mecha-based vehicular combat title. Besides its story, Armored Core 6 features a multiplayer mode that will pit players using their mechs to go head to head and try to turn each other to scrap metal.
Notably, Armored Core 6 is the first in the series to be heading to PC.
Armored Core 6 multiplayer modes and settings
Armored Core 6 multiplayer mode will feature 1v1 and 3v3 arena combat scenarios. The matches will feature a timer.
Ranked mode and leaderboards are possible additions but have not been confirmed by the studio. Online clan systems, territories, and co-op, however, are not part of the plans.
The game also supports up to 3 spectators for a live match. This is a new addition to the series. Traditionally speaking, it was very difficult to watch Armored Core matches. It was possible if someone were sharing their screen, but even then one could not get all the different perspectives. The other option was to enter the match with participating players and then fly out of the battle area, The spectator mode readily addresses this issue.
In the multiplayer mode, the hard lock-on in the Armored Core will go away with Line of Sight. If there is an obstacle in the way, the player will no longer be able to lock on to the enemy.
The Arena mode also features an exciting feature: once you defeat a mech, you receive its ‘build code’. The build code can be used to replicate the mech built once you have components for it.
Apart from the mechanical and combat-oriented details, the visuals and aesthetics of the mech are also customizable. Carrying on from the previous titles in the series, the emblems return. These are symbols which are used to mark a player’s mech. Players have the ability to create their own emblems and can even exchange them with each other.
Some arenas will also offer permanent stat boosts and new movesets by using certificates that one gets from completion adding some RPG elements into the game.
Receiving and inflicting damage in Armored Core 6 multiplayer
The game allows the player to fiddle with the mech using operator system tuning. This is used to customize the mech as per the desired playstyle. You can add abilities and tune weapons as well. While battling with fellow players, receiving an excessive amount of damage will result in the failure of the aircraft’s altitude control system. This is known as the stagger state which immobilizes the AC.
Contrary to the story mode, the PVP mode doesn’t allow the player to heal their mech at all. The weapon slots present in the mech are the Left Arm, Right Arm, Left Back, and Right Back. Players can choose any combination of the 4 slots to truly customize their very own war machine.
Check out the 1v1 gameplay footage here.
While Armored Core 6 doesn’t steer away from its heavy focus on story and narrative, it strikes a nice balance with its seemingly well-thought-out PVP mode. With no co-op or invasions like the other entries in the Soulsborne series, PVP is the sole multiplayer mode in From’s latest Armored Core entry.
Interestingly, despite being a story-centric game, Armored Core 6 may also pave the way for esports, especially with the new spectator mode. But we will have to wait and see how the scene develops.
That being said, Armored Core 6 is set to launch on August 25 on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
