How many endings does armored core 1 have?

The Armored Core series, developed by FromSoftware, has captivated fans for years with its intense mech combat, deep customization, and compelling narrative choices. The original Armored Core game, released in 1997 for the PlayStation, laid the foundation for the iconic series that would go on to spawn multiple sequels and spin-offs.

One aspect that made Armored Core stand out was its multiple endings, a feature that gave players the ability to influence the outcome of the game based on their actions throughout the campaign. In this blog, we’ll dive into the different endings of the original Armored Core, how they are triggered, and what they mean for the overall story.

The Armored Core 1 Endings

Armored Core offers two main endings that depend on the choices you make throughout the game. These choices are primarily tied to your faction alliances, the missions you take, and the decisions you make in key story moments. Here’s a breakdown of the two possible outcomes:

1. The True Ending (Or "Good Ending")

The True Ending is considered the "good" or "canonical" ending of Armored Core, though it's up to players to decide which one they prefer. To unlock this ending, you need to make specific choices throughout the game, including aligning with certain factions and completing key missions.

How to Achieve the True Ending:

• Factions and Choices: The key to unlocking the True Ending lies in your choice of factions and the missions you undertake. Align yourself with the Raster faction and complete specific objectives related to their storyline.
• Final Mission: To achieve the True Ending, you must defeat the final boss, which involves facing off against powerful adversaries and making the right moral and tactical decisions in the later stages of the game.
• Outcome: The True Ending revolves around a world where the protagonist helps to shape the future of humanity, making significant strides towards restoring order and defeating major antagonistic forces. You play a pivotal role in deciding the fate of the Earth’s future and the survival of humankind.

2. The Bad Ending (Or "Alternate Ending")

The Bad Ending is a more tragic outcome that contrasts sharply with the True Ending. To unlock this ending, you must make choices that align you with a different faction or take actions that lead to a darker resolution.

How to Achieve the Bad Ending:

• Faction Alignment: This ending typically occurs if you choose to align yourself with the Human Plus faction or certain other factions with morally questionable goals.
• Missed Key Missions: Failing to complete critical missions or siding with certain factions in the story can also trigger this ending.
• Outcome: In the Bad Ending, the protagonist becomes a pawn in a greater power struggle, and their actions contribute to the further decline of society. It represents a world where you fail to prevent the downfall of humanity or make a series of decisions that lead to disastrous consequences for the world.

What Do These Endings Mean?

Each ending of Armored Core presents a different perspective on the consequences of the player's actions. The True Ending reflects the ideal outcome, where you actively work to restore balance to a broken world and play a part in humanity’s recovery. On the other hand, the Bad Ending serves as a warning of the consequences that can arise from misalignment, poor decision-making, and acting in self-interest.

Both endings contribute to the depth of the game’s world, showcasing how your decisions impact the larger narrative. The game emphasizes the idea that your choices matter, and the ending you receive reflects the kind of mercenary you become by the story's end.

Are the Endings Worth Going Back For?

Given that Armored Core is built on a foundation of player choice and customization, going back to experience both endings is highly recommended for those who enjoy exploring different narrative possibilities. New Game+ mode, which unlocks after completing the game once, allows players to replay the game with upgraded parts and even tougher enemies, making the experience fresh while giving you the chance to see the alternate ending.

Conclusion

Armored Core was one of the early games to offer multiple endings, and it set a precedent for future games in the series. While the True Ending gives a sense of accomplishment and hope for the future, the Bad Ending serves as a dark reminder of what could happen if the wrong choices are made. The ability to influence the outcome of the game through your actions makes Armored Core a deeply engaging experience that encourages replayability and exploration of different story paths.

So, whether you choose to fight for the restoration of order or embrace a darker path, the different endings of Armored Core allow you to shape your own destiny in a world teetering on the brink of destruction.