Armored Core 6 launched in August 2023 and promptly reminded everyone that mecha games can be spectacular. Then FromSoftware went quiet. No announcements, no teases, nothing. If you've been refreshing gaming news feeds hoping for a hint of a follow-up, you already know the feeling.
Here's the thing: the indie scene noticed the gap, and a small cluster of developers have been building mecha games that scratch exactly that itch. Some are already out, some are closing in on release, and all of them are worth your time while the wait continues.
The games filling the void
Phantom Brigade from Brace Yourself Games has been the most talked-about entry in this space for a while now. It blends turn-based tactical combat with a timeline mechanic that lets you plan moves a few seconds into the future, then watch them play out in real time. The mech customization goes deep: individual limbs, weapons, armor plating, and salvaging parts from destroyed enemies mid-campaign. It launched into full release in 2023 and has quietly built a dedicated following on PC.
Garrison: Archangel takes a more direct approach. It's a 2D side-scrolling mech fighter built specifically for competitive 1v1 play, with a customization system that genuinely affects how your unit handles in combat. The developer, Evolved Games, positioned it as a competitive mecha game from day one, which is a niche that Armored Core never really targeted. If you want to take your build into a ranked match against another pilot, this one delivers.
HARDCORE MECHA from RocketPunch Games is the most visually expressive of the bunch. It's a 2D action platformer with an anime mecha aesthetic that would feel at home in a Saturday morning cartoon block, but the combat has real depth. The single-player campaign runs about 6 to 8 hours, and the multiplayer mode supports up to 8 players. It's been available on PC and PS4 for a few years now, but it consistently resurfaces in mecha fan discussions because nothing else quite looks like it.
Vox Machinae from Space Bullet Dynamics goes in a completely different direction: VR-first mech piloting with a cockpit simulation focus. You're physically reaching for controls, managing heat, and coordinating with teammates in 5v5 matches. It's the most immersive option on this list by a significant margin, though it does require a VR headset. For players who have the hardware, the experience of sitting inside a functioning mech cockpit is something Armored Core's third-person camera simply can't replicate.
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All four titles are available on PC via Steam. Vox Machinae additionally supports major PC VR headsets. Check each store page for current system requirements before purchasing.
Mech arena multiplayer combat
What most players miss about this genre
The mecha genre outside of FromSoftware's work tends to get dismissed as niche or derivative, but that framing misses what's actually happening. These four games aren't trying to clone Armored Core 6. Each one is doing something structurally different, whether that's the timeline combat of Phantom Brigade, the competitive focus of Garrison: Archangel, or the VR immersion of Vox Machinae.
The key here is that Armored Core 6's success in 2023 appears to have validated the genre for a broader audience. The game sold over 2.5 million copies in its first week according to Bandai Namco's reporting, which is a number that gets attention in development circles. Whether that momentum translates into more indie investment in the space over the next few years is the real question.
For now, the four games above represent the most complete options available. Phantom Brigade is the best starting point if you want depth and a proper campaign. Vox Machinae is the wildcard that rewards players willing to invest in the hardware. Browse the latest gaming guides on our site for coverage as new mecha titles surface, because the pipeline is starting to fill up.
