FromSoftware’s upcoming mecha action game Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon has revealed a new feature that will please fans of the long-running series. The game will include a mode called “Arena” that will let players challenge other mercenaries in one-on-one duels for fame and rewards.
This mode was not present in the previous Armored Core games developed by FromSoftware, such as Armored Core V and Armored Core: Verdict Day.
What is Arena mode?
Arena mode is a single-player mode that allows players to test their skills and strategies against various opponents in different arenas. Each opponent has a unique name, rank, and mech design, and they will use different tactics and weapons to try to defeat the player. The player can choose to challenge any opponent they want, but they will have to pay a fee to enter the arena. If the player wins, they will receive a reward based on the difficulty of the opponent and their rank. If the player loses, they will lose the fee and their rank will drop.
Arena mode is not only a way to earn money and parts for customizing the player’s mech, but also a way to learn more about the lore and characters of Armored Core 6. Each opponent has a profile that reveals their background, personality, motivation, and relationship with other mercenaries. Some opponents may also have special dialogue or events that trigger before or after the battle, depending on the player’s actions and choices.
How is Arena mode different from previous games?
Arena mode was a staple feature of the Armored Core series until Armored Core 4, which replaced it with a mode called “Coliseum”. Coliseum mode was similar to Arena mode, but it had some differences, such as:
- Coliseum mode was multiplayer-focused, allowing players to compete against each other online or locally.
- Coliseum mode had more variety in terms of match types, such as team battles, survival matches, and capture the flag.
- Coliseum mode had less emphasis on story and character development, as most opponents were generic or randomly generated.
Armored Core V and Armored Core: Verdict Day did not have any mode similar to Arena or Coliseum, as they focused more on the online cooperative and competitive modes called “World Mode” and “Conquest Mode”. These modes involved players joining factions and fighting for territory and resources in a persistent world.
Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon brings back Arena mode as a homage to the classic Armored Core games, while also adding some new features and improvements, such as:
- Arena mode is fully integrated with the main story mode, meaning that the player can access it at any time from their base or from terminals in missions.
- Arena mode has more depth and variety in terms of opponents, arenas, and rewards, as well as more dynamic and realistic AI behavior.
- Arena mode has more impact on the story and world of Armored Core 6, as some opponents may become allies or enemies depending on the player’s decisions and actions.
Why should fans be excited about Arena mode?
Arena mode is a fan-favorite mode that offers a lot of replay value and challenge for players who enjoy mecha combat and customization. It also provides an opportunity to explore the rich lore and characters of Armored Core 6, which is set in a dystopian future where corporations and resistance groups fight over a mysterious substance called “Coral” that can power mechs and weapons. Arena mode will also feature some familiar faces from previous Armored Core games, such as Nine-Ball, Stinger, Hustler One, Evangel, Zinaida, White Glint, Joshua O’Brien, Wynne D. Fanchon, Rosenthal, Anatolia’s Mercenary, Strayed, Reaper Squad, Silent Line Squad, Last Raven Squad, Answerer Squad, Line Ark Squad, Zodiac Squad, Verdict Day Squad.
Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon is scheduled to launch on August 25th for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The game is available for pre-order now with some bonuses such as an exclusive digital artbook and soundtrack. The game will also support cross-play and cross-save across all platforms.