FromSoftware’s newest patch for Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon makes it clear that they’ve been closely listening to the community feedback following its much-welcomed launch.
Patch 1.02, now live on all platforms, brings both weapon adjustments and crucial changes to some of the game’s most notorious bosses.
To put simply, FromSoftware realized that some of the game’s bosses were too hard to “git gud” to, so they’ve nerfed them a bit.
ARMORED CORE update 1.02 is now available.
Full patch notes can be viewed here: https://t.co/smIwlrSZHy
Please apply this patch to continue playing #ARMOREDCORE online. pic.twitter.com/9HHLJdB1uE
— ARMORED CORE (@armoredcore) September 11, 2023
Famed for their intricate and challenging games, FromSoftware has a reputation for making some of the industry’s most unassailable challenges. The latest entry in one of their oldest franchises isn’t an exception. The Armored Core series, which predates the more commonly recognized Souls series, is renowned for its intense mech-based combat.
With players from both old and new generations challenging the mechanized titans in the game, FromSoftware felt a need to level the playing field slightly.
One of the most discussed points of contention in Armored Core 6 has been the difficulty spikes introduced by several of the game’s earlier bossesbosses, especially AAP07: Balteus, IA-13: Sea Spider, and IB-01: CEL240. These conclude the game’s initial chapters, serving as veritable walls and blocking the progress of countless players. Balteus, in particular, is known for his missile-spraying barrage and being an early bane for many. Post-patch adjustments have made Balteus’ homing missiles a tad less accurate. Additionally, the fourth chapter’s contender, CEL240, now reportedly inflicts lesser damage with specific attacks, and the formidable Sea Spider is now more susceptible to energy and explosive weapons, thereby altering the combat dynamics.
However, some couldn’t help but wonder if this trivializes Balteus’ difficulty as an early skill check. Even before the new patch, Balteus’ challenge was more due to the limited options players had against it. With the right strategy and build, the boss was already manageable, much more so in the New Game Plus mode.
If nothing else, Armored Core 6 continues the age-old tradition of FromSoftware’s older titles, where constant tweaking and adaptation is key to success.
Beyond bosses, the weapons within Armored Core VI have received some love as well. The patch targets several of the game’s most underused weapons, amplifying their potency to increase gameplay diversity. Weapons such as the RF-024 TURNER, MG-014 LUDLOW, and a host of others now boast increased attack power, reduced reload times, as well as thef aster projectile speeds. These buffs serve a dual purpose. Not only do they provide players more options in the early and mid-game when assembling their Armored Core but they also present additional viable strategies against the game’s more formidable opponents.
On the note of weapons, it’s worth mentioning that certain weapons like the Songbirds grenade launcher and the Zimmerman shotgun, which the community considered overpowered, remain untouched in this update. These weapons, especially when dual-wielded, have been reported to decimate many bosses with ease.
Patch 1.02 isn’t just about balance, either. Various bugs plaguing the game, including a notorious one on PC and Xbox where the game would inadvertently enter offline mode, have been addressed. FromSoftware’s diligence in this aspect ensures that player experience remains paramount.
If you’re wondering where the PvP balance changes are, don’t worry. FromSoftware promises that a separate adjustment is in the pipeline. Game director Masaru Yamamura had earlier stressed that the multiplayer component was created to enrich the single-player campaign and cater to the series’ ardent fans.
With Armored Core VI: Fires of Rubicon selling well on Steam, we can expect more support from FromSoftware on the way.
