Armored Core 6: Do you need to play AC 1-5?

Armored Core 6 is the first installment since Verdict Day back in 2013, and the corporate dogfight has spanned more than a single decade. If you’ve just tuned in, you’ll have a question about whether all of them are connected, and if you need to play previous entries before AC6.

FromSoftware’s storied mech series, Armored Core, was first introduced back in 1997. It is what the dev team was known for, once upon a time, before being synonymous with Soulsborne games like Elden Ring.

Armored Core 6 does retain all that is a staple to the franchise, with its deep customization, the dreary premise, and the grueling campaign. Therefore, it’ll be uncharted territory for players who are only familiar with Souls games. But do players need to play previous titles before Armored Core 6?

Here’s all you need to know if you’re playing Armored Core 6 for the first time.

FromSoftware

You can paint every inch of your legs, as well as other parts, in Armored Core 6.

No, you don’t need to play previous Armored Core games to be able to enjoy Armored Core 6. Of course, since Armored Core 6 doesn’t stray from its original roots, you’ll pick up everything from gameplay to mechanics relatively quickly if you’ve played the previous games, but that’s all.

Even from a narrative perspective, Armored Core 6’s story is a fresh start and is not linked with previous Armored Core games. Although, thematically, it shares all the same tropes, that could work in your favor as it won’t feel repetitive.

That’s all you need to know about playing previous titles before playing Armored Core 6, for more on the game, check out:

How to stagger in Armored Core 6 | Armored Core 6 leg types explained | Armored Core 6 crossplay | Armored Core 6 New Game Plus | Will Armored Core 6 on Steam Deck | Armored Core 6 PC requirements | Armored Core 6 Preload guide | Armored Core 6 campaign length | Is Armored Core 6 open world | Is Armored Core 6 coming to Xbox Game Pass | Armored Core 6 editions explained