Armored Core 6: Achieving the “Fires of Raven” Ending in New Game Plus and Beyond

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The “bad” ending, officially known as the “Fires of Raven” ending, in Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon, is primarily achieved by making specific mission choices in Chapter 5. Specifically, you need to select the mission “Intercept the Corporate Forces” when given the choice between that and “Eliminate ‘Cinder’ Carla.” This ending is accessible on your first playthrough and remains a consistent option in New Game Plus (NG+) and New Game Plus Plus (NG++). The core gameplay loop is unchanged, even if the builds you face get tougher.

Understanding the Multiple Endings of Armored Core 6

Armored Core 6 offers three distinct endings, each reflecting different allegiances and outcomes in the conflict over Rubicon 3. Understanding the narrative implications of each ending adds depth to subsequent playthroughs and allows players to experience the full scope of the story.

The Three Paths: A Brief Overview

• The Fires of Raven: This ending involves siding with the corporations and perpetuating the cycle of exploitation and destruction on Rubicon 3. Choosing “Intercept the Corporate Forces” locks you onto this path.
• Liberator of Rubicon: This ending sees you aligning with the Rubicon Liberation Front (RLF) and fighting for the freedom of the Rubiconians. Choosing “Eliminate ‘Cinder’ Carla” initiates this path.
• Alea Iacta Est (The “True” Ending): This ending, only unlockable in NG++, represents a more nuanced outcome, involving key decisions and mission completions across multiple playthroughs.

Achieving the “Fires of Raven” Ending in NG+ and NG++

The process for securing the “Fires of Raven” ending remains the same across all playthroughs:

1. Reach Chapter 5: Play through the game, making whatever choices you desire in the previous chapters. While some missions influence the availability of others, the final choice in Chapter 5 is what dictates the ending.
2. Decision Mission: In Chapter 5, you will be presented with a Decision Mission, forcing you to choose between two options: “Intercept the Corporate Forces” or “Eliminate ‘Cinder’ Carla.”
3. Select “Intercept the Corporate Forces”: Choosing this mission will set you on the path to the “Fires of Raven” ending.
4. Complete the Subsequent Missions: Finish the missions that follow this choice to reach the ending sequence.

No Difficulty Scaling Considerations

It’s important to note that while NG+ and NG++ introduce new mission variations and enemy compositions, the fundamental difficulty of achieving the “Fires of Raven” ending doesn’t significantly increase. Your existing AC build and acquired parts will still be effective, and the choice itself remains the same. There are no additional requirements or hidden steps to unlock this ending in subsequent playthroughs. Some claim that New Game Plus does not get harder, however, new missions and weirder builds by the enemy provide new challenges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about the endings and related aspects of Armored Core 6:

1. Does Armored Core 6 have multiple endings? Yes, Armored Core 6 has three different endings, each requiring specific mission choices and decisions throughout the game.
2. What’s the difference between the endings? Each ending represents a different outcome for Rubicon 3 and the conflict surrounding the Coral. The “Fires of Raven” upholds corporate control, the “Liberator of Rubicon” strives for Rubiconian freedom, and “Alea Iacta Est” explores a more complex resolution.
3. Do my choices in earlier chapters matter for all endings? Yes, while the final choice in Chapter 5 is crucial, certain earlier mission selections influence the availability of some missions and impact the narrative context of each ending. To see all endings, you will need to see all the missions.
4. How do I unlock the “Liberator of Rubicon” ending? To unlock the Liberator of Rubicon ending, choose “Eliminate ‘Cinder’ Carla” in Chapter 5. Earlier missions such as Prevent Corporate Salvage of New Tech in (Chapter 3), Destroy the Special Forces Craft (Chapter 3), Ambush the Vespers (Chapter 4) all influence the narrative and the overall experience of this route.
5. How do I unlock the “Alea Iacta Est” ending? The “Alea Iacta Est” ending, often considered the true ending, is only unlockable in NG++. It requires specific mission completions and choices across your first two playthroughs, often aligning with both the “Fires of Raven” and “Liberator of Rubicon” paths at different points.
6. Is there a specific order I should play the endings? While not strictly necessary, many players recommend experiencing the “Fires of Raven” and “Liberator of Rubicon” endings first before attempting the “Alea Iacta Est” ending, as the latter builds upon the narrative threads established in the previous two.
7. Does NG+ change the gameplay significantly? NG+ introduces alternate mission routes, new Decision Missions, and additional parts in the shop, enriching the gameplay experience and allowing players to explore different narrative paths.
8. Can I replay missions after completing the game? Yes, Armored Core 6 allows you to replay any completed mission through the “Replay Mission” tab in the Sortie menu.
9. Does Human Plus return in Armored Core 6? The information does not explicitly state whether Human Plus is in the game.
10. Are there secret parts to find in the game? Yes, there are containers scattered throughout the levels containing new parts for your AC. These are often hidden and require exploration to find.
11. How long does it take to beat Armored Core 6? A rushed playthrough of the main story can be completed in about 15-20 hours, but achieving 100% completion and seeing all three endings can take around 50-60 hours.
12. Will Armored Core 6 have mechs? Yes, Armored Core 6 is a mech shooter game, featuring customizable Armored Cores.
13. What is the best blade in Armored Core 6? Laser Lance – VE-67LLA is regarded as the best blade to use in the game.
14. Does the game have post-game content? Yes, Armored Core 6 allows you to keep playing after the credits roll, with new missions and content appearing in New Game Plus.
15. What are the best learning resources to find out more about Armored Core and its impact? Educational sites such as the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org offer deep insights into how games contribute to learning, offering a broader understanding of the game’s impact.