Here’s a list of the best games like Armored Core that will keep you busy until Fires of Rubicon arrives.
The Japanese game giant FromSoftware has finally returned to its abandoned mecha series. After a decade of waiting, fans are preparing to pilot massive mechas and brave the battlefield.
But since the announcement, both newbies and the veterans of the series are looking to satisfy their thirst for the mecha genre.
The previous games in the acclaimed Mecha series are scattered across gaming generations. Getting a PlayStation 2 or installing emulation software to play Armored Core might be difficult. That’s where the best games like Armored Core take the scene.
What are the best games like Armored Core?
Undoubtedly, the titles below take heavy inspiration from the series. Some of them take their own spin on the mecha genre. Others only feature elements that will keep the fans of the Mecha concept happy.
The games below will be more than enough until you dive into Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon in August 2023.
18. New Gundam Breaker
Set in the long-running franchise of the Gundam universe, New Gundam Breaker takes players to a high school of Gunpla Battling. While it checked some of the right boxes as a Gundam game, it was criticized for many reasons.
But despite its lackluster mechanics, New Gundam Breaker is worth your time, especially if you are a fan of Gunpla models. New Gundam Breaker is available on Steam for those looking for a fast-paced mecha game with customization aspects.
17. Vanquish
This third-person shooter might not feature massive mechas fighting each other. But it is impossible to find strong similarities between Vanquish and Armored Core regarding futuristic aesthetics. Both games depict a dystopian feature where intense battles between various factions are the norm.
Like FromSoftware’s celebrated mecha games, Vanquish offers a satisfying sense of power and agility during combat.
While it doesn’t come with in-depth mech customization options, Vanquish is an adrenaline-fueled third-person shooter that would fit perfectly into the Armored Core universe.
16. Titanfall 2
There is no doubt that Titanfall 2 is simply one of the best first-person shooters with a brilliant narrative. It comes with amazing mech-based combat that keeps on giving throughout its story. Indeed, you don’t see massive mechas ravaging the battlefield or don’t get to blow up megacorporations.
But the game still offers solid, fast-paced action you can dive into while waiting for Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon. And thanks to its brilliant story, it will satisfy even the die-hard Mecha genre fans.
Thanks to all these reasons, Titanfall 2 is one of the best games, like Armored Core, in 2023.
15. DUAL GEAR
Those who favor turn-based gameplay will absolutely love Dual Gear during their time in the Armored Core 6 waiting lobby. While the developers stopped supporting the game, Dual Gear’s mixture of turn-based strategy elements with real-time combat showed great potential.
Dual Gear deserves your time if you spent hours in FromSoftware’s acclaimed series and the missed Front Mission franchise. But remember that the game doesn’t seem like it will receive new updates anytime soon.
14. Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 3
Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 3 is one of the hidden gems within the Xbox 360 library. The action-packed hack-and-slash title combines the Musou concept with the iconic Gundam characters.
Like Armorelayers pilot mechs and delve into strategic thinking about resource management. While both of these aspects are a lot more complex in FromSoftware’s games, Dynasty Warriors: Gundam 3 is still worth your time if you want some relentless mecha action.
That being said, you need to have a decent copy of the game alongside a working PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360.
13. Lost Planet Trilogy
While the Lost Planet Trilogy differs in terms of gameplay and focus, it comes with a dystopian aesthetic and mecha action that we often see in Armored Core.
Like Vanquish or Titanfall, Lost Planet games let players dive into third-person shooting action. Indeed, there are stark differences in their gameplay formula.
But both series proudly deliver mech presence, customization, sci-fi elements, and futuristic action. So it is a great Armored Core alternative!
12. Front Mission Evolved
Fans of the mecha genre see the Front Mission series as a distant cousin of the Armored Core franchise. Both series put their own spin on the genre and stood the test of time when the genre was struggling.
Of course, the most significant difference between the two series lies in their gameplay style. Indeed, strategic thinking, in-depth customization, and resource management are the most prominent aspects of Armored Core games.
But Front Mission games also come with those very elements. Instead of intense real-time action, these games embrace turn-based combat with RPG elements. And finally, Front Mission Evolved offers a more refined experience than the previous entries in the series.
11. Damascus Gear Operation Tokyo HD
Damascus Gear Operation Tokyo HD is another title that is similar to the Armored Core series. At its core, it is a mobile game with promising features while naturally lacking depth in mech movement and customization.
That said, it comes with an exciting idea that combines Diablo-like hack-n-slash with mecha simulation. While the idea sounds thrilling, Damascus Gear sometimes fails at delivering an engaging experience.
But despite its relatively simple approach to the genre, Damascus Gear Operation Tokyo can scratch that Armored Core itch while waiting for Fires of Rubicon to make planetfall. It is especially a good recommendation for those who seek unique approaches to the mecha concept.
10. Brigador: Up-Armored Edition
You’ll notice that Brigador doesn’t look anything like the Armored Core. But at its core, it offers the very feeling that made us miss the series even after a decade.
Stellar Jockeys’ magnificent top-down shooter successfully delivers explosive mecha gameplay filled with overwhelming firepower. Even though it comes with humble graphics, Brigador: Up-Armored Edition will be an amazing addition to your gaming arsenal.
It is safe to say that it will provide you with the AC fix that you really need if you can’t get your hands on Fires of Rubicon.
9. Battletech
Best games like Armored Core should feature in-depth customization options and strategic decision-making. And Battletech boasts those very elements that made us fans of FromSoftware’s celebrated franchise.
While it lacks the real-time combat formula of the AC games, the title’s solid turn-based strategy approach has attracted thousands of Mecha fans. Currently, Battletech has nearly 20 thousand positive reviews on Steam. The game also boasts a Very Positive rating on Valve’s storefront.
8. Vox Machinae
In its essence, Vox Machinae is a brilliant virtual reality game that offers a wonderful mech simulation experience. It has a Very Positive rating on Steam and hundreds of great reviews.
The title invites players to assume the role of a pilot of a security mech of a mining company. Similar to Armored Core’s missions, Vox Machinae allows you to delve into unending mecha action while uncovering the secrets of the planets.
Even though it is a VR game, many players share that it still offers a great experience without a VR headset.
7. Zone of the Enders
Boasting one of the most esteemed video game directors Hideo Kojima as its producer, Zone of the Enders favors a more fast-paced action filled with aerial combat and acrobatic maneuvers.
Unlike Armored Core’s more grounded and realistic mech movement, Konami’s mecha games have more agile and fluid gameplay.
Despite the stark differences in gameplay formulas, Zone of the Enders features an engaging story, cinematic cutscenes, and a strong narrative. Those who missed the series during its great run in the PS2 era can jump into the remake version on Steam right now.
6. MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries
MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries is another brilliant mecha game that stands proud despite the decreasing popularity of the genre.
FromSoftware did shock the gaming landscape by returning to its abandoned franchise ten years later. But before the announcement, the MechWarrior series held the fort for years and successfully formed a faithful player base.
The last installment, MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, certainly lacks the complexity in customization and mech building.
Undoubtedly, these are some of the most prominent features of AC games. But MechWarrior 5 is a solid game on its own with its methodical combat and realistic mech simulation.
5. Metal Wolf Chaos XD
There is no doubt that Metal Wolf Chaos is one of the best games, like Armored Core. And that’s only natural, considering it is also a FromSoftware game.
Metal Wolf Chaos is the ultimate combination of Armored Core with the celebration of American patriotism. You take the role of the President of the United States of America and fight against the rebellion led by your right hand, the Vice-President.
The 2004 Xbox exclusive offers a fantastic experience that will definitely scratch that Armored Core itch. Moreover, you won’t have any difficulties getting your hands on it as it is available on Valve’s storefront.
4. Daemon X Machina
Daemon X Machina is another great Armored Core-like game you can dive into right now. It comes with brilliant and responsive controls that will satisfy the fans until ACVI comes out. And that’s only natural since the development team includes talents who previously worked on the Armored Core series.
Alongside its toned approach to the AC-style controls, Daemon X Machina also offers a refined version of customization and mech building. And despite its lighter execution of the AC elements, Daemon X Machina hits all the right spots as a great Armored Core alternative.
Do keep in mind that it embraces an anime-style narrative, though. And unlike the enigmatic plots in FromSoftware’s games, the title’s story will not keep you on the edge of your seat.
3. Chromehounds
Chromehounds is one of your best options to scratch that Armored Core itch. And that’s only natural, considering that it is also made by FromSoftware. The Japanese game giant released the mech simulator in 2006 as an Xbox 360 exclusive.
While it might be difficult to find a working copy in 2023, those who sank hours into Xbox 360 multiplayer era would want to dive into Chromehounds after all those years. The mecha simulator came with squad-based intense action that convinced thousands to buy a Live subscription.
For many, Chromehounds is easily one of the best games like Armored Core. Thanks to the in-depth mech customization and responsive controls, Chromehounds deserved a special place among the Xbox 360 lineup.
2. M.A.S.S. Builder
M.A.S.S. Builder boasts thousands of positive reviews on Steam thanks to its great combination of mechanics seen in various mecha titles.
It offers a gameplay formula that mixes Gundam Musou with Armored Core-ish customization. It also comes with amazing customizability that allows you to build dream mecha, resulting in a delightful experience, especially for Gunpla builders.
While it doesn’t have the mecha aesthetics of Armored Core, M.A.S.S. Builder offers a ton of great stuff to love for any fan of the genre.
Grinding, real-time mecha action, and in-depth customization are the best features of M.A.S.S. Builder. And when you add a reasonable price on top of it, you can’t go wrong with M.A.S.S Builder. and Gundam-style frames,
1. Mecha Knights: Nightmare
This indie game might be the best game like Armored Core you can play right now.
Available on Valve’s storefront, Mecha Knights: Nightmare takes heavy inspiration from the Armored Core series. Despite its one-person development team, Mecha Knights is a great game that executes the best features of the genre. And it also comes with a twist.
Every aspect of Mecha Knights: Nightmare is drenched with AC sauce, from mech movements to weapon control. It is impossible not to see this game as a tribute to FromSoftware’s celebrated franchise.
Alongside all the familiar features that made us all fans of the Armored Core, Mecha Knights: Nightmare also tasks players with fighting against aliens and massive creatures. That’s why it is also a solid pick for the Earth Defense Force fans.
Wrapping Up
FromSoftware’s surprising announcement at The Game Awards attracted thousands of new players to the Armored Core series. Since the games are scattered across platforms, newbies and genre veterans jump into the best games like Armored Core.
A decade after the last entry, FromSoftware will release Fires of Rubicon on August 25, 2023. Unlike the previous games, the long-awaited mecha game will land on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Microsoft Windows.
