Armored Core Thread

[diapered]

Anyone tried the patch for AC1? I noticed I had it downloaded from a long time ago, and tried it on a whim the other day, but it seems to not accept any input, even keyboard (beetle core, and duckstation). Master of Arena works...

 

[Codexion]

Where should i start as a beginner?

 

[nintara]

Where should i start as a beginner?

6 is the default answer, if you want something older then either 4 and then play for answer, or 3

Post automatically merged: Jun 2, 2025

also this thread already exists as "raven roll call"

 

[pingugaming]

as the title says, where should i begin with the armored core series? from the very first title on the ps1 ? or is it possible to just jump in on a random, (relatively) more recent title?
thanks!

 

[DAME NINGEN]

As with all things, from the beginning. Go with the production order, although each gen is more or less completely standalone plot wise, so ultimately you can just jump into whichever you find most of interest to you at the moment. You can port your save file in between the games of each duology, keeping your parts and H+ upgrades where applicable. There are also full analog support hacks for the games before Nexus in case the original (yet fully mappable and still quite serviceable) controls filter you. All of the games are playable just fine on the emulators, although for the ps3 games I'd recommend using optimized custom RPCS3 packages (in brackets):
PS1
AC1 -> AC:PP -> AC:MoA
PS2
AC2 -> AC:AA
AC3 -> AC:SL
AC:NX -> AC:NB -> AC:LR
PS3/X360
AC4 -> AC:FA (PCFA)
ACV -> AC:VD (PCVD)

 

[wilddogsdivorce]

the most recent title is a solid jumping on point, the controls of the early series can put people off so if you're not sure whether it's worth it go ahead and start there. after that i would recommend For Answer, it's a sick game. i don't think you need to play all of them honestly. i love the ps2 titles in particular, give them a shot.

the psp titles are great on emulation handhelds, if you've got one.

 

[Morgan Katarn]

I would Say the most recent game armored core VI fire of rubicon. I would dear to say it´s simpler to get in to than the first few games.

But If you have any intention of playing the all the games, then you might as well start from the beginning, with the PS1 games. That way, going back to older games won't be as much of a shock when the QoL changes aren't there.

If you want a fun romp-n-stomp where you get to feel like a god, then play AC4 and 4A. These are also the Miyazaki ones, so you'll see a lot of familiar stuff

 

[RustySK]

Just don't make it Formula Front.

I agree with the chronological approach. I'll add that Project Phantasma kind of blows, so maybe consider skipping that one,

 

[Rox00]

I'd say production order for the games is a good way on playing them to see how they evolve from the PS1 to the latest entry that is AC 6 as they showed improvement as time went on (especially if you played the PS1 to PS2 transition). Though AC 6 is a good entry if you wanna give AC a good bite on the games or AC 4 if you want the AC experience that is both 4 and FA.

Enjoy whatever AC games more importantly Raven. They offer a ton of fun and are quite good experiences overall from being the light build to the chunk.

 

[Pearly]

I'd suggest starting with 6, see if you like the general premise and then play 4 and 4 answer after that, and finally I'd suggest the 3 series after that, the few games based on 3 and including 3.

I really wouldn't suggest the first two games unless you absolutely fall in love in the series and can't get enough of it. This would be my suggested order as someone who played armoured core 1 on release and played every game since then. 6, 4 and 4A are the best games in the series IMO, but the 3 series is the best of the older games, I couldn't play 2 last time tried it, controls are abysmal.

It also depends on what you want from a mech game, I f you want heavy, stiff clunkers that is deliberately so by design, the first three excel at this, not so much 4 or 6. 5 is very much an in between game, they tried to course correct from fan backlash to 4, and 6 perfected the formula.

I got all endings in 6 and it was great, is now my favourite in the series.

 

[Kamako]

I started with 6 and had a blast. The story is self-contained so I didn't feel like I was missing out, and the controls were easy to pick up and understand. Probably my game of the year in the year that I played it.

 

[UnboundByJunk]

It also depends on what you want from a mech game, I f you want heavy, stiff clunkers that is deliberately so by design, the first three excel at this, not so much 4 or 6. 5 is very much an in between game, they tried to course correct from fan backlash to 4, and 6 perfected the formula.

I fell in love with the way mechs handled in Armored Core 3. It's not really a sim game, but it gave the feeling of actually operating machinery and not just playing a regular action game with a mech skin. Heck, it's the reason I got into mechs in the first place, it's just that good.

 

[Nebulon_Galaxy]

The first one. It has a major plot point that becomes a recurring theme throughout the series. Plus you get to see the series evolve as each new entry gets released.

 

[Boo Man]

i tried to jump into the Armored Core series with AC2, had no idea what i was doing & failed a couple of missions (due to lag) and found myself in major dept, so i quit the Ravens and played Robo Pit (it sucks)

 

[Deleted member 58254]

 

[pingugaming]

thanks everyone for the replies!

 

[Scorchio]

The first three entries on the PlayStation hold up quite well and have a really cool vibe.

I would recommend starting there, but most entries are fine to dive into. Just go with whatever is most accessible to you, and you'll likely have a great time! My absolute favourite mech series.

 

[Pearly]

I fell in love with the way mechs handled in Armored Core 3. It's not really a sim game, but it gave the feeling of actually operating machinery and not just playing a regular action game with a mech skin. Heck, it's the reason I got into mechs in the first place, it's just that good.

This carried over to create a feeling of heavy Armor and clunky, yet realistic movement in demons souls.

From soft are great at replicating the "feel" of things.

 

[JoueurCitoyen]

As previously said, ACVI is probably the best entry point. The controls are modern, the scenery is moving and the story got me hooked too. If you don't have too much free time, the first ones are a good pick too though since they're shorter to beat.

 

[Elpetro]

Im new myself to the series too but what really helped me get into it was the "True Analogs" patch to the PS1/PS2/PSP games by VanLaser.

Makes the early games so much enjoyable by enhancing the controls by making use of the right analogue stick.

I breeze through all the PS1 games that way and currently playing the first of the PS2 era and its much more enjoyable.

 

[solnK!]

Im a huge mecha fan, Zone of the Enders and Bulk Slash are one of my favorite games ever.
However, the AC series is one of the most famous IP´s when talking about mecha games, I´ve only played the first one with the true analogs hack and I did like it but not enough.
So, Im hungry for a new experience with AC and wanted to know wich is the best for a beginner like me.

 

[LostReverie]

I would say that 6 is the best entry point for beginners due to it having checkpoints, mid-mission assembly, and the ability to grind for cash if you're ever in a bad bind

 

[CG4R12I4N]

4 and 4A (For Answer) are the best gateway for beginners actually and the easiest to learn the necessary controls+tricks, provided you can play/emulate PS3. However it do play more fast paced run & gun than the rest of the games, which might develop some bad habits if you're still not used to various AC build customizing.

If you want the game that could translate your skills into the other games, 3 is better and probably your best bet.

 

[Segarov]

The different AC generations actually differ too much to give an answer to that.
While the PS2 titles are mostly an evolution of the formular established with AC1 and its expansions(and even then they can differ hugely in execution because of new system additions or rebalances,From really loved messing around with the Heat-Systems and Energy balance),the PS3 has two generations in 4/FA and 5/VD that might as well belong to completely different franchises.
Same goes for 6.
For the PS2 titles AC3/SL are considered pretty decent starting points(both in narrative and gameplay).
PS3 has a split between FA(which has the baggage of being a direct sequel to 4 so you will absolutely miss out on story bits)and a handful of people who like VD.
6 is the newest but still veers very far from the classic AC feel.

Point being,even if you dont vibe with one generation,the next might be different.

Anyway whatever you do,dont start with Last Raven.

 

[MajesticSiN]

Just play the newest one.