The Lore of Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon Explained
Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon plunges players into a gritty, war-torn future centered around the planet Rubicon 3, a once-thriving world devastated by a cataclysmic event known as the Fires of Ibis. The game’s lore revolves around a valuable energy source called Coral, discovered on Rubicon 3 and the ensuing corporate power struggle to control it. You play as C4-621, an independent mercenary augmented to pilot an Armored Core (AC), a customizable and heavily armed mech. Pulled into the Rubicon conflict by a handler named Walter, you navigate a complex web of betrayals, alliances, and desperate battles as various factions vie for control of the Coral and the potential it holds, even at the risk of reigniting the devastating Fires.
The Setting: Rubicon 3 and its History
Rubicon 3 is the heart of Armored Core 6’s lore. Before the calamity, it was a planet brimming with life and industrial development, thanks to the discovery of Coral. This new energy source promised untold advancements, but its unstable nature led to the Fires of Ibis, a planetary-scale disaster that engulfed Rubicon 3 and its surrounding star systems in flames.
The Fires of Ibis: A Cataclysmic Event
The Fires of Ibis are the pivotal event shaping the present-day Rubicon 3. The uncontrolled release of Coral caused a massive explosion that scarred the planet and left it a desolate wasteland. The disaster not only decimated the population but also left behind lingering pockets of Coral contamination, making it a dangerous and highly contested resource. The memory of the Fires serves as a constant reminder of the potential dangers of Coral and fuels the ethical debates surrounding its exploitation.
The Coral: A Blessing or a Curse?
Coral is the driving force behind the conflict in Armored Core 6. This mysterious substance possesses immense energy potential, making it highly desirable for corporations seeking power and technological advancements. However, it’s also inherently unstable and dangerous, as demonstrated by the Fires of Ibis. The game explores the moral implications of exploiting Coral, raising questions about whether the potential benefits outweigh the risks of another catastrophic event.
The Factions: A War for Control
Several powerful factions are vying for control of Rubicon 3 and its precious Coral deposits. Each faction has its own agenda and motivations, adding layers of complexity to the conflict.
Arquebus Corporation: Ruthless Ambition
The Arquebus Corporation is a dominant force in the Rubicon 3 conflict. Known for its ruthlessness and unwavering pursuit of profit, Arquebus seeks to monopolize Coral and secure its position as the galaxy’s leading power. They employ advanced technology and a vast army of mercenaries to achieve their goals, often resorting to brutal tactics to eliminate any opposition.
Balam Industries: A Pragmatic Approach
Balam Industries is another major player in the Rubicon 3 conflict. While also driven by profit, Balam adopts a more pragmatic approach compared to Arquebus. They are willing to engage in alliances and negotiations to achieve their objectives, but they are equally capable of employing force when necessary. Balam’s focus is on securing a stable supply of Coral and maintaining a competitive edge in the market.
Vespers: Arquebus Elite Forces
The Vespers are the elite military unit of the Arquebus Corporation. They consist of highly skilled Armored Core pilots, each with unique AC builds and combat styles. The Vespers serve as formidable opponents in the game, showcasing the full potential of AC technology and strategic combat.
The Rubicon Liberation Front (RLF): Fighting for Freedom
The Rubicon Liberation Front (RLF) is a resistance movement fighting against the corporate powers that seek to exploit Rubicon 3 and its people. Driven by a desire for independence and self-determination, the RLF employs guerilla tactics and utilizes salvaged technology to combat the superior forces of Arquebus and Balam. They believe that the Coral should be used for the benefit of Rubicon’s inhabitants, not for the enrichment of corporations.
RaD: Revolutionaries
RaD is a group of rebels and salvagers on Rubicon who aren’t tied to Arquebus or Balam. They repurpose the damaged machinery for their own means, and aren’t a part of RLF.
The Protagonist: C4-621 and the Handler Walter
You play as C4-621, a mercenary codenamed “Raven” who has undergone augmentation to become an Armored Core pilot. Under the control of Handler Walter, a mysterious figure with his own hidden agenda, you are thrust into the Rubicon conflict. Your choices and actions will determine the fate of Rubicon 3 and the future of Coral.
Handler Walter: A Mysterious Figure
Walter is C4-621’s handler and guides you throughout the game. His motivations are often unclear, and he seems to possess a deeper understanding of the events unfolding on Rubicon 3. Walter’s true intentions and his connection to the Coral are among the central mysteries of the game. He only wants his hounds to hunt down their target and finish the task.
The Technology: Armored Cores and Customization
Armored Cores (ACs) are the centerpiece of Armored Core 6. These customizable mechs allow players to tailor their loadouts and combat styles to suit their preferences. From weapons and armor to boosters and FCS (Fire Control System), every component can be customized to optimize performance and create unique AC builds.
Customization: A Key Element
Customization is a core mechanic in Armored Core 6. Players can swap out different parts to change their AC’s performance and capabilities. Experimenting with different builds and finding the optimal configuration for each mission is essential for success. The game encourages players to think strategically about their AC’s design and how it complements their playstyle.
The Themes: Corporate Greed, Environmental Disaster, and the Value of Life
Armored Core 6 explores several thought-provoking themes, including the dangers of unchecked corporate greed, the devastating consequences of environmental disaster, and the value of human life in a war-torn world. The game raises questions about the ethical implications of technological advancement and the responsibilities of those who wield power.
FAQs About Armored Core 6 Lore
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the lore of Armored Core 6:
1. What exactly is Coral and why is it so important?
Coral is a mysterious and highly potent energy source discovered on Rubicon 3. It’s important because it offers the potential for massive technological advancements and economic power. However, it’s also unstable and dangerous, as evidenced by the Fires of Ibis.
2. What caused the Fires of Ibis?
The Fires of Ibis were caused by the uncontrolled release of Coral on Rubicon 3. The resulting explosion devastated the planet and surrounding star systems.
3. What are the goals of the Arquebus Corporation?
Arquebus Corporation aims to monopolize Coral and establish itself as the dominant power in the galaxy. They use any means necessary, often resorting to ruthless tactics.
4. How does Balam Industries differ from Arquebus?
While both seek to control Coral, Balam Industries is more pragmatic in its approach, willing to form alliances and negotiate. They focus on securing a stable supply of Coral and maintaining a competitive edge.
5. What does the Rubicon Liberation Front (RLF) want?
The RLF fights for the independence of Rubicon 3 and the fair distribution of Coral’s benefits to its inhabitants. They resist corporate exploitation and seek self-determination.
6. Who is Handler Walter and what are his motives?
Handler Walter is C4-621’s handler, a mysterious figure guiding you through the Rubicon conflict. His true motivations are unclear, but he seems to possess a deeper understanding of the situation.
7. What is C4-621’s role in the conflict?
C4-621 is an augmented mercenary pilot, controlled by Walter. Your choices and actions as C4-621 will determine the fate of Rubicon 3.
8. How important is customization in Armored Core 6?
Customization is crucial. You can modify every aspect of your Armored Core to create unique builds that suit your playstyle and optimize your performance for different missions.
9. What are the Vespers?
The Vespers are the elite military unit of the Arquebus Corporation. They are highly skilled AC pilots and formidable opponents.
10. What happened to the original inhabitants of Rubicon 3?
Many died during the Fires of Ibis. Those who survived face the challenges of a war-torn world controlled by powerful corporations.
11. Are there any factions that aren’t driven by greed?
The RLF is primarily driven by a desire for freedom and self-determination, rather than pure profit.
12. What are the different endings in Armored Core 6 and how are they achieved?
Armored Core 6 features multiple endings that are influenced by your choices and actions throughout the game. Certain missions and alliances will lead you down different paths.
13. Is there a connection between the Coral and humanity’s evolution?
The game hints at a potential connection between Coral and human evolution, suggesting that exposure to Coral may have unforeseen consequences.
14. What role does technology play in the lore of Armored Core 6?
Technology is a double-edged sword in Armored Core 6. It offers immense power and advancement, but it also carries the risk of catastrophic destruction, as demonstrated by the Fires of Ibis.
15. What makes Armored Core 6 stand out from other mecha games in terms of lore?
Armored Core 6 stands out due to its complex and morally ambiguous storyline. It explores themes of corporate greed, environmental disaster, and the value of life in a war-torn world, creating a thought-provoking and engaging experience.