While Raven Republic has the history of competitive Armored Core gameplay, a good chunk of it’s members gave the thought that maybe Armored Core could have a good co-op mode.
When AC6 was announced, there was plenty of speculation to what kind of Armored Core game it will be. One of those, aside from Mecha Sekiro, was Mecha Monster Hunter.
The game is ripe for such a game mode, with various play styles, designs, and weapons, it seems like a no-brainer for Armored Core to become a co-op game. And From Software had the same idea, but was, and still is, figuring out how they can approach co-op multiplayer in Armored Core.
From’s Experiments
Armored Core isn’t a stranger to multiplayer co-op, with its first attempt during Armored Core 2: Another Age with split-screen missions, where players were sometimes tasked to complete the same objectives.
Granted it was a barebones attempt, and felt like it was shoehorned into the split screen versus mode (You can still lock-on and fire at your ally accidentally), it does sow the idea of Armored Core as a cooperative game.
Challenges
Games that have done it
Full PvE coop
PvPvE
Competitive Coop
Mechwarrior 5
Monsterhunter
Pros: extensive and long replayability
Cons: Complete overhaul of the parts and stats, necesitating lower end versions of parts to craft, ending up with severely OP versions.
-The lack of PvP removes the identity of Armored Core to a degree
-Sequential fight
EDF
Ace Combat Infinity
Weapon and part balance has to revolve around PvE, progressively getting stronger.
Compromise