Today, From Software is known as the studio behind Dark Souls, Bloodborne, and Elden Ring–which is also on sale for cheap at Amazon for Black Friday–but in the ’90s and early 2000s, the studio’s claim to fame was Armored Core. And following a decade-long hiatus, the series returned in style last year with Armored Core 6. As a sci-fi series with mecha-based vehicular combat, Armored Core is substantially different thematically from the Souls games.

That said, Dark Souls veterans who have never played Armored Core will feel right at home in terms of the challenge. There’s a deep strategic element to Armored Core, too, as part of the fun and challenge comes from outfitting the eponymous Armored Core (your mecha suit). Like other recent From Software games, Armored Core 6 has some incredible and thoroughly imposing bosses to topple.

Published by Future Press, Armored Core 6: Pilot’s Manual is an extremely useful resource for new and returning Armored Core players. It’s also simply a well-made and designed hardcover book with full-color illustrations and display-worthy cover art.

The 448-page book offers a comprehensive deep dive into the world of Armored Core 6, including a detailed look at all 100-plus mecha specs and how they impact your chances for success in combat. It also teaches you how to effectively modify your build with the many, many swappable components you have to work with.

All 59 missions are covered across 200 pages of the book. These are step-by-step walkthroughs, complete with maps and build recommendations based on the challenge at hand. To help you get through each mission, you can consult the enemy intel sections, which provide meticulous examinations of enemy behaviors as well as strengths/weaknesses.

For those who truly want to master Armored Core 6, there’s a 50-page section designed to help you get S-Rank grades for each mission. This section also has other helpful checklists and charts, including details. on unlocking trophies/achievements.