The Armored Core VI guide for Soulslike players

If you’re a Soulslike veteran trying out From Software’s latest title, Armored Core VI, let’s get you up to speed on what to expect.

Armored Core VI is the latest title from Elden Ring, Sekiro: Shadows Never Die, and Dark Souls developer From Software. Before the studio delved into their long run of Soulslike games, they developed a mech-piloting third-person shooter property called Armored Core. Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon is their homecoming to that property. But if you’re only experienced with Soulslikes, you’re in for a whole new world.

Forget everything you know

In all but the vaguest gameplay similarities, Armored Core is supremely different from the Dark Souls games. Gone are the semi-open worlds and constant lore reveals. Instead, you’ll be taking on a series of missions that involve accomplishing a certain task, and it’s up to you to decide how you want to tackle each level. Instead of dodge rolls and parries, you’ll be worrying about Boost and Stagger. Boost is a measure of how much propulsion your mech has access to at any time, from long-range Assault Boosters to regular jumps and ascension.

Stagger is the other core mechanic you’ll be working with. Once an enemy is staggered, all damage to them counts as a direct hit, dealing substantially more damage. Where Dark Souls may have focused on the deadly dance of melee combat, Armored Core focuses on chipping down an enemy from range until they are Staggered and then bursting them down with overwhelming damage.

Beyond those, your playstyle will be determined by your Armored Core’s weapons and systems more than anything else. Don’t forget to be willing to swap up your Core’s loadout and you’ll be well on your way to conquering Rubicon.