Armored Core (Japanese: アーマード・コア) is a 1997 third-person shooter mecha video game developed by FromSoftware for the PlayStation. The first installment in the Armored Core series, it was released outside Japan by Sony Computer Entertainment. A digital port was released in 2007 in Japan and 2015 in North America on the PlayStation Network as a part of the PSone Classics line of games.

The story introduces many elements that are commonly found in later games in the series, such as corporatocracies and mech robots known as "Armored Cores". The game takes place in a future Earth that has been wiped out by a cataclysm and forced humanity underground, a theme which would continue until Armored Core 4.

Gameplay involves controlling Armored Cores in combat scenarios against other Cores and vehicles. Cores are highly modular, allowing players a great deal of customization over them, such as swapping out different leg units to gain speed advantages. As players complete more missions, they gain credits to purchase different items and parts for their Core. Armored Core was favorably received by critics, who were especially impressed with its customization and multiplayer.

In single-player, players choose missions to engage enemies and earn credits. Within missions, the player navigates levels built on different kinds of terrain, ranging from desert bases to space stations. Levels are extremely open, forcing the player to look around for enemies that can appear from all directions. Like many shooters, the primary weapon types available for use are guns, rocket launchers, lasers, missiles, and swords which can be customized at will based on player purchases. Ammunition and repair costs are deducted from mission rewards, and mission failure still penalizes the player with these deductions. The player is responsible for purchasing their weapons and AC parts, and must use the money they earn from missions to that end.

As the player progresses through missions, the pay increases, but choosing specific missions can lock others down, creating a branching path through the story that can be noticeably different on subsequent play sessions.

The game has a two-player versus mode using a split screen or the PlayStation Link Cable.

The vast majority of Earth's population is wiped out by a cataclysmic war known as the "Great Destruction". The harsh conditions that result force the few remaining survivors to live underground for fifty years, during which time corporations come to power. The two largest corporations, Chrome and Murakumo Millennium, constantly battle each other for supremacy, causing significant strife among the populace. However, the competition provides endless opportunities for mercenaries called Ravens, who exist independently of the corporations. The player is a Raven and pilots an Armored Core(AC), powerful mecha robots that fight for the highest bidder. Ravens are provided by a neutral organization known as Ravens' Nest.

The player begins their career after taking the Raven Test at Ravens' Nest training ground. If successful, the player receives a mail from "R", the Ravens' Nest operator. The player then begins to take missions from the corporations. After every mission, the player can decide to customise their AC. As the player progresses, the missions become increasingly difficult. The player can also receive mail from Char, a Murakumo agent. Throughout the game, the two corporations continue their conflict until they both break apart and fall.