Core

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The most essential unit of an Armored Core, the Core contains most of the AP of an AC and also comes with many features.

Overview[]

The Core is the 'torso' of the mech (anatomically speaking, a Core piece is roughly analogous to the human upper torso, or its "chest"). It is the 'Armored Core' from which the mech and the game series take their name. The human pilot sits inside the core.

The Core holds all AC parts together. Thus, unlike a destroyed Head, Arm, or Leg which only reduce an AC's performance upon destruction and will not result in a mission failure, the destruction of the Core would lead to the AC's complete destruction and a mission failed. On all Armored Core timelines, a rigid and complete standard has been set on Cores' connection technology.

This has made the Cores come in different weights to suit different styles of ACs; the lighter ones are less well protected but more suitable for more mobile ACs. Similarly, there are highly defensive heavyweight cores.

Cores contain a number of slots into which Optional Parts can be placed to improve AC operation. Also, some cores have built-in anti-missile systems. These come in the form of a single-barrel situated at the front center of the core that fires a guided beam of energy that shoots down incoming missiles. Generator, FCS, and prime booster are also placed in a core.

Features[]

Missile interceptor guns (Armored Core to Last Raven): The aforementioned anti-missile system consists of a gun turret installed in the front of the Core that automatically intercepts any missiles that have approached it the front direction. Missile interceptor guns are the most basic form of missile defense: they do not consume any energy of Generators and have an unlimited ammo, but in turn have specifically limited coverage range and exhibit the least probability of capturing a missile compared to the dedicated defense systems (such as the Extension anti-missile launchers). Missile interceptor guns are installed in every Core of PS1 trilogy games, Emeraude's Cores and Crest Industries's Cores.
Over Boost (Armored Core 2 to For Answer): A high-powered booster system that operates in combination with the external or leg based booster of an AC. When activated, it allows the AC to move at amazingly high speeds, but can only be used to move forward, left, right, or diagonally left or right at a forward angle; backward movement is impossible. While it offers a tremendous amount of extra speed, Over Boost both drains energy very quickly and causes a massive increase in the Core's heat level when initially used (solely the original Armored Core 2 version of the Over Boost does not generate waste heat of its own). These two factors heavily limit the amount of time an Over Boost function can be used. As of Armored Core 4, Over Boosters have become a separate, equipable part for every AC rather than a feature of certain Cores.
Exceed Orbit (Armored Core 3 to Last Raven): Exceed Orbit (EO) Cores contain one or more orbital pods that can be deployed to hover above and behind the AC and retracted at will. They automatically target and shoot enemies. The rate of fire, power, and field of vision for EO pods varies from model to model. For EO pods with energy weapons, the ammunition supply gradually regenerates when not in use. Two important factors that limit Exceed Orbit usage are the small amounts of added heat that occur whenever an EO pod is deployed, as well as the energy drain from the pod firing. In addition, Exceed Orbits generally do not track targets as well as the other AC weapons. EO Cores with solid ammo do not suffer from an energy drain while firing but their ammo cannot be replenished once depleted. EO's are not featured in Armored Core 4 onwards.
Hanger Unit (Armored Core: Nexus onward): Any Core with this feature can hold one spare piece of equipment for each hand. Only small weapons can be stored inside this unit, for example, a hand gun is a light weapon and grenade launchers are not. Some Cores are equipped with both Over Boost and Hanger functions but there are no Exceed Orbit cores with Hangers. In Armored Core 4, all ACs are equipped with a hanger function, and it is suggested that the weapons are actually stored in the legs. This is because while the "small weapons" rule still applies to most leg types, the large, tank type legs are able to store any arm weapon. The Hanger Unit is renamed as the Weapon Bay since Armored Core V; any handheld weapon can be stored at and changed from the AC's shoulders.
Primal Armor/Pulse Armor (Armored Core 4, For Answer, and VI FIRES OF RUBICON): An energy shield powered by Kojima Particles (KP). Called PA for short, it reduces the damage that most weapons inflict on an AC. It is most effective at longer ranges and against shell weapons, since energy weapons have a greater ability to penetrate PA (PA piercing). However, solid weapons cause much more damage to KP (PA reduction), and can destroy PA shields (PA breaking), which leaves an AC with greatly reduced defensive capability. Beyond solid weapons breaking technique, and energy weapons piercing technique, there is a class of weapon known as Kojima weapons. There both pierce and reduce PA, and can destroy an AC in a single shot, but they need time to charge up, and draw energy from the PA of the AC wielding them, which can hurt defense. A similar ability has previously been seen on the Airborne Pulverizer in Armored Core: Last Raven. The waste emitted by Kojima Particles is a chemical and radiological hazard. In ARMORED CORE VI FIRES OF RUBICON, Primal Armor is renamed as Pulse Armor and emits a pulse or Coral (if the AC has a Coral generator installed) force field instead.
Quick Boost (Armored Core 4 onward): Also known as QB, this system is a function of normal boosters, that greatly increases their power and energy drain for brief moments. QB is mainly used for avoiding attacks, but it can also be used to move quickly through an area. Combined with Over Boost, ACs can reach speeds approaching Mach 1.5. This ability was allowed previously only via an Extension part, which also limited sudden boosts to basic directions such as forward, backward, left/right, left/right (strafe), and in whichever direction the Core faces when activated.
Assault Armor (Armored Core: For Answer and VI FIRES OF RUBICON: An offensive barrier system. It is a last resort "suicide attack" that weaponizes a NEXT's Primal Armor by compressing Kojima energy in a NEXT's Over Boost unit and then releasing it to create a large scale Kojima shockwave. It is often powerful enough to destroy most enemies in its blast radius. In a 1-on-1 NEXT battle however, it should only be used as a last resort unless the opponent has such low maximum health that it is likely she/he will be disabled by a single attack, in which case one should make sure to have enough generator KP to regain full PA strength as soon as possible should the attack fail. Assault Amplifiers are also a good choice, should they be available. However, Assault Armor made its first appearance in Armored Core 4 as it is used by the 00-ARETHA In ARMORED CORE VI FIRES OF RUBICON, Assault Armor emits a blast of pulse energy or Coral (if the AC has a Coral generator installed) instead.
Normal Boost (Armored Core V to Verdict Day); Normal Boost is a default booster function which allows an AC to traverse terrain faster than walking. This boost takes no energy, and while airborne, an AC will stay aloft for a short period of time, slowing floating back to the ground. Because of its slow nature, it's not particularly useful for dodging, but allows an AC the ability to quietly maneuver in tight spaces.
Hi-Boost (Armored Core V to Verdict Day): A very quick multi-directional burst of acceleration which replaces the Quick Boost of the Fourth Generation but is slower to reuse. This can range from a short and controlled burst to a powerful and long lasting one, moving a unit over huge distances.
Glide Boost (Armored Core V to Verdict Day): Similar to the Over Boost of previous generations, Glide Boost is a cruise mode that allows an AC to travel at a fixed height but with the flexibility to move almost 360 degrees on a horizontal plane. It can be combined with Hi-Boost to increase speed for short periods of time. Its main limitation is that it can only be activated on a flat surface, and not in the air.
Boost Charge (Armored Core V to Verdict Day): In essence a melee attack reinforced with boosters (a kick or a full unit tackle). It is an extended Hi-Boost, and will still move an AC a significant distance, albeit slower.
Boost Drive (Armored Core V to Verdict Day): Tthe ability to jump off building to gain more height or suddenly change directions. Its low energy usage and versatility gives ACs an edge in combat, allowing them to overtake or flank enemy units almost instantly.
Assault Boost (ARMORED CORE VI FIRES OF RUBICON): An Over Boost-like feature that essentially serves as the AC's cruise mode, allowing them to cross vast distances at high speed. Unlike the simple open-plate design of Over Boost, Assault Boost causes several parts in the rear portion of the AC to reconfigure while exposing its main heat sink component.
Core Expansion (ARMORED CORE VI FIRES OF RUBICON): Chips that can be unlocked by OST Chips in the OS Tuning menu. Core Expansions have 4 types: Assault Armor that emits a pule blast, Pulse Armor that creates a barrier of pulse energy around the AC, Pulse Protection that creates a pulse barrier at a fixed location, and Terminal Armor that gives an AC and its pilot a last chance to survive by creating a pulse energy around the AC and leaving 1 AP. When using each Core Expansion, the AC's Core will be overheated and needs to cool down, although it can still use Assault Boost. All Core Expansions can also change from pulse to Coral if the AC has a Coral generator installed.

Cockpit[]

Pilot Core ACV — The internal core layout of an Armored Core V-era AC

Pilot Core LR — The internal core layout of an Armored Core 3 to Armored Core Last Raven-era AC

The Core of an AC usually contains the pilot's cockpit, although this space is presumably replaced with a computer system in unmanned ACs.

In all ACs prior to Armored Core V, the cockpit lacks a way for the pilot to abandon his craft in an emergency. As a result, the pilot usually went down with his AC when an engagement goes awry. From Armored Core V onward, the cockpit comes equipped with an emergency jet-pack and a personal sidearm.

List of Cores[]

A list of Core parts by organized game

Armored Core[]

Armored Core: Project Phantasma[]

XXA-S0

Armored Core: Master of Arena[]

XXL-D0

Armored Core 2[]

Armored Core 3[]

Part ID	Price	Weight	EN Drain	Unlocked	Notes
CCM-00-STO	61,000C	1105	1043	Starting Part	Crest's general purpose model.
MCM-MX/002	80,000C	1016	1100	Shop	Mirage's standard, high-AP model.
CCL-01-NER	88,000C	788	1310	Shop	Powerful OB thrust, but lacks defense.
MCL-SS/ORCA	114,000C	890	1553	Shop	Many option slots and very expandable.
CCH-0V-IKS	139,000C	1502	879	Shop	Provides exceptional AP and DEF.
MCH-MX/GRP	72,000C	1378	992	Shop	Heavy model stressing AP and DEF.

Silent Line: Armored Core[]

Part ID	Price	Weight	EN Drain	Unlocked	Notes
CCM-00-STO	61,000C	1105	1043	Starting Part	Crest's general purpose model.
MCM-MX/002	80,000C	1016	1100	Shop	Mirage's standard, high-AP model.
MCM-MI/008	115,000C	1000	1255	All Mirage Missions	Moderate OB energy consumption.
CCM-0V-AXE	78,000C	1297	1120	Destroy AI Prototype	Rigged with a solid ammo EO function.
CCL-01-NER	88,000C	788	1310	Shop	Powerful OB thrust, but lacks defense.
MCL-SS/ORCA	114,000C	890	1095	Shop	Many option slots and very expandable.
MCL-SS/RAY	94,000C	822	1273	Arena - Shade	Exceptional OB speed performance.
CCL-02-E1	102,000C	910	1449	All Crest Missions	Streamlined offensive model core.
CCH-0V-IKS	139,000C	1502	992	Shop	Provides exceptional AP and DEF.
MCH-MX/GRP	72,000C	1378	779	Shop	Heavy model stressing AP and DEF.
MCH-MX/GROA	90,000C	1322	973	Accompany Air Transports	Well-rounded, heavy-armor model.
CCH-04-EOC	84,000C	1492	889	Attack Unexplored Region	Long-range EO attack capability.

Part ID	Price	Weight	EN Drain	Unlocked	Notes
CR-C69U	Free	874	1094	Default	First generation model. Weapon storage capability provided.
C01-GAEA	62200c	1388	1371	Shop	First generation Mirage model with built-in energy EO.
CR-C75U2	67500c	1035	925	Shop	Excellently balanced core model with built-in weapon storage.
RAKAN	87770c	833	1091	Shop	Kisaragi core design featuring a high power OB function.
C04-ATLAS	128000c	1182	1205	Shop	Core design that includes both OB and weapon storage functions.
CR-C89E	139300c	1405	1082	Shop	Core model equipped with a solid round EO function.
CR-C90U3	169900c	1116	1124	Shop	Fourth generation basic core design. Weapon storage provided.
CR-C06U5	170000c	1231	1482	Shutdown Internecine	Core model with high DEF ratings and weapon storage capability.
CR-YC03U4	122000c	1109	1368	Destroy The Internecine	End result of Crest's redesign of the CR-C06U5 core model.
C02-URANUS	70000c	1095	1342	Shop	Second generation core design. Energy-based EO function.
C03-HELIOS	80000c	945	1344	Shop	Core model specially designed for highly mobile combat.
CR-C84O/UL	131000c	989	1183	Shop	Lightweight OB model with built-in weapon storage.
YC07-CRONUS	160000c	760	1191	Shop	Lightweight core model with weapon storage capability.
CR-C98E2	188000c	1113	1221	Shop	State-of-the-art design based on the C89E core model.
CR-YC99UL	88000c	809	192	Destroy The Control Towers	Prototype model with a low equip weight and respectable stats.
CR-YC010/UL2	89000c	897	1294	VR Arena (Rank 1)	Core part specifically designed to reduce OB energy consumption.
YC08-ICURUS	110000c	1002	1404	Destroy Transport Convoy	Prototype OB model designed to balance DEF and mobility stats.
CR-C77O/U	85000c	1321	923	Shop	Heavily armored, multi-function core design.
CR-C83UA	99000c	1245	786	Shop	Heavily armored core model with excellent AP and defense.
C05-SELENA	145000c	1622	935	Shop	Third generation model equipped with a high power EO function.
C06-EOS	150000c	1404	878	Shop	Heavy armor core type. Equips a high power OB function.

Armored Core 4[]

Part ID	Price	Weight	EN Drain	Unlocked	Notes
047AN01	545000c	2870	2470	Shop	Middleweight part with a focus on defense.
C01-TELLUS	575000c	3360	2150	Shop	Heavyweight EN-efficient part with good EN defense.
SALAUX-CORE	540000c	2070	2230	Shop	Lightest weight core on the market, designed for melee.
GAN01-SS-C	530000c	3580	2380	Shop	Solid, heavy-armor part known for resistance to ammunition.
CR-HOGIRE	540000c	2610	2670	Shop	Middleweight part with impressive, balanced specs.
03-ALIYA/C	575000c	2280	2940	Shop	Lightweight part for PA use designed for speedy combat.

Armored Core: For Answer[]

Part ID	Price	Weight	EN Drain	Unlocked	Part Description
GAN02-NSS-C	200000c	3135	2387	Shop	NEW-SUNSHINE's core part. Often called GA's masterpiece.
047AN01	300000c	2872	2470	Shop	Middleweight part with a focus on defense.
063AN01	400000c	2921	2455	Shop	BFF's latest core part designed for offensive ACs. Provides good defense.
C01-TELLUS	160000c	3364	2150	Shop	Heavyweight EN-efficient part with good EN defense.
CR-HOGIRE	240000c	2612	2670	Shop	Middleweight part with impressive, balanced specs.
CR-LANCEL	120000c	2361	2615	Shop	New standard core parts drawing from HOGIRE. Lighter than old models.
EKHAZAR-CORE	120000c	2272	2324	Shop	Middleweight part designed for three dimensional combat.
03-AALIYAH/C	500000c	2282	2940	Shop	Lightweight part for PA use designed for speedy combat.
WHITE-GLINT/CORE	700000c	2229	2357	Defend Line Ark	Designed by a genius architect. Switches to fly mode when using OB.
C11-LATONA	400000c	2143	1993	Shop	Lightweight part developed on the TELLUS concept.
CR-LAHIRE	500000c	1851	2596	Shop	Old Rayleonard technology. Omer's latest part. Boasts excellent air power.
SOLUH-CORE	120000c	2068	2230	Shop	Lightweight part for mobile close range combat. Old, but a good rep.
XCR-SOBRERO	600000c	2015	2683	Shop	Core part designed for air combat. Used in Aspine's craft, SOBRERO.
GAN01-SS-C	200000c	3577	2380	Shop	Solid, heavy armor part known for resistance to ammunition.
SOLDNER-G8C	160000c	3655	2418	Shop	Aldra's first original frame. An extremely heavy armored core part.
ARGYROS/C	500000c	3668	2538	Shop	TORUS' prototype frame. Employs Kojima technology from Sol Dios.

Armored Core V[]

Part ID	Price	Weight	EN Drain	Unlocked	Notes
D/UCR-10	Free	722	805	Default	KE resist type.
OSTARA CR113	76000Au	681	699	---	KE resist type.
UCR-10/I	82000Au	688	762	---	KE resist type.
JOTUN CR113-2	112000Au	803	886	---	KE resist type.
SURT CR114	125000Au	724	688	---	KE resist type.
WODAN CR110	128000Au	576	678	---	KE resist type.
UCR-10/A	133000Au	764	854	---	KE resist type.
UCR-10/L AGNI	105000Au	613	711	---	KE resist type.
D/CR210	Free	1002	1003	Default	CE resist type.
ARES CR211	70000Au	881	948	---	CE resist type.
KT-303/YINGLONG	70000Au	1038	891	---	CE resist type.
ZEUS CR210	120000Au	961	921	---	CE resist type.
HERMES CR212	120000Au	718	1082	---	CE resist type.
KT-302	120000Au	1439	881	---	CE resist type.
KT-304/XIEZHI	120000Au	836	848	---	CE resist type.
D/KT-103	Free	1253	873	Default	TE resist type.
KT-103	80000Au	1158	901	---	TE resist type.
UCR-25/A DURGA	74000Au	1362	822	---	TE resist type.
KT-104/PERUN	120000Au	1098	815	---	TE resist type.
KT-106/DAZHBOG	126000Au	1212	846	---	TE resist type.
KT-105	123000Au	1328	976	---	TE resist type.
UCR-25	110800Au	1636	898	---	TE resist type.
UCR-25/D RATRI	130000Au	1307	782	---	TE resist type.

Armored Core: Verdict Day[]

Part ID	Price	Weight	EN Drain	Unlocked	Notes
CA-215	?	764	854	?	KE resist type.
CB-209	?	883	936	?	KE resist type.