Why Armored Core 6 Needs Its Own Epic Co-Op Adventure Now!

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Lately, FromSoftware has been consistently delivering major games annually, starting with 2022’s Elden Ring. Titles like Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon, Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree, and Elden Ring Nightreign (2025) have kept the studio in the spotlight. Even Armored Core 6 received an episode on Amazon Prime’s Secret Level show to end 2024. While they may not be on par with their PS1 and PS2 era, their current output is significantly closer than many modern developers can manage, indicating a return to form and even the expansion of their franchise variety, which has become uncommon in the AAA industry.

As a dedicated gamer, I can’t help but feel that the legendary Armored Core franchise deserves more attention, especially considering the uncertainty surrounding future Elden Ring games post-Nightreign. With Armored Core 6 selling an impressive 3 million units in its first year and setting a new series record, it’s clear that fans are hungry for more. I truly hope this renewed interest will solidify Armored Core as one of FromSoftware’s flagship franchises once again.

Given the rumors swirling about multiple projects FromSoftware is currently developing, I can only cross my fingers and hope that Armored Core makes a comeback on this list. With Elden Ring Nightreign creating such a buzz, it would be a strategic move for them to capitalize on this momentum by releasing a co-op spin-off of their own in the Armored Core universe.

Armored Core 6 Is Primed For A Spin-Off

Over the course of its existence, the Armored Core series, much like many properties from FromSoftware, has adhered to certain conventions. However, a tradition it hasn’t revisited in Armored Core 6 is the release of spin-off games. With each new generation of Armored Core, there have been one or two supplementary titles that enhance the gameplay, mech components, and occasionally, the storyline of the primary numbered game. Given this pattern, fans have been speculating about whether AC6 might receive a spin-off titled “Shadow of the Erdtree” for quite some time now. Although no definitive answer has been given on that front, there are other means to keep the sixth generation thriving.

Cooperative Multiplayer Is Lacking In Armored Core’s Sixth Generation

Currently, the multiplayer experience in Armored Core 6 is limited to online Player versus Player (PvP), but past installments like Armored Core 4, AC For Answer, AC5, and AC Verdict Day have featured two-player campaign cooperative modes. The fifth generation even introduced special bosses that could be challenged by larger PvP teams. While it doesn’t offer the multiplayer roguelike setup of Elden Ring: Nightreign, these games show that co-op is a viable element in the Armored Core series. A new title could build upon this foundation, potentially making Armored Core 6 the equivalent expansion for Armored Core as Nightreign is for Elden Ring.

Nightreign’s Example Would Serve Armored Core Well

How Armored Core Can Bring Co-Op Back

As a devoted fan, I’m envisioning a spin-off of Armored Core, reminiscent of Nightreign, built upon the foundation of AC6. This hypothetical title would leverage many of its assets and characteristics, but it wouldn’t necessarily follow the roguelike path. Instead, it would accentuate the cooperative experience, with the return of campaign co-op, now accommodating full trios in addition to the previous duos. Moreover, it would introduce special missions explicitly designed for multiplayer engagement.

While single-player mode would still be available, similar to Nightreign and other Armored Core titles, this game could emphasize the multiplayer aspect as the primary experience. This could be achieved by crafting a narrative or gameplay mechanics that enhance the cooperative element, making multiplayer feel more engaging and immersive than ever before in the Armored Core universe.

As a fan of the Armored Core series, I can’t help but reminisce about the intriguing AI companions in AC6. In the upcoming game, it would be thrilling to lead a band of mercenary protagonists, using their stories as the backbone for our narrative. This could either be a prequel focusing on Walter Handler’s former pilots or an exploration of the past exploits of a team bearing the Raven callsign. The possibilities for the story and setting in a new AC6 game are endless, and it would be exciting to see how its co-op multiplayer, perfected by FromSoftware between Verdict Day and Armored Core 6, could make a comeback in future Armored Core titles. It’s about time for FromSoftware’s first multiplayer franchise to reap the rewards of their years spent refining co-op gameplay!

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2025-02-26 21:59