What is BattleTech: A Game of Armored Combat, and where should you start?
Things come around every once in a while here at Boxcat Games, that pretty much consume me for a while, to the point where I cannot thing of anything else.
Currently, I am getting quite absorbed in the world of Battletech. I grew up playing Mechwarrior 2 on my Dad's computer, and as an adult, I never knew that the two were connected. Recently, we dove down the rabbit hole of Battletech, and created this little guide that may help you decide if Battletech is for you!
"Battletech A Game of Armored Combat" is a tabletop wargame set in a fictional universe where players take on the roles of MechWarriors, piloting massive war machines called BattleMechs. It's one of the core games in the Battletech tabletop gaming franchise and was first published in 1984 by FASA Corporation, and currently being developed by Catalyst Game Labs. The game is designed for two or more players and is typically played on a hexagonal grid map.
Here's an overview of what the game entails:
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BattleMechs: The centerpiece of Battletech: A Game of Armored Combat is the BattleMechs, which are humanoid, heavily armored, and armed war machines. Players choose BattleMechs to pilot into battle, each with its own unique set of characteristics, weapons, and capabilities. These machines range from small and agile to large and heavily armed.
My Personal Favorite, is King Crab! A massive, hulking Battlemech that is older in design, but still very effective, and durable.
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Hexagonal Map: Gameplay takes place on a hexagonal grid map representing various terrains such as deserts, forests, and cities. The map is used for movement and positioning, with terrain affecting how units can move and fire. This is really neat. I am an avid Heroclix player, so I am quite used to square grid maps. The Hexagonal grid map in Battletech makes it feel way more tactical, and forces you to think more about positioning.
also, they are made out of nice matte paper with very fine coloring.
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Piloting and Gunnery Skills: Each MechWarrior has piloting and gunnery skills that determine their abilities to control the BattleMech and aim their weapons. Players must make skill checks during the game to determine the success of various actions.
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Combat: Battles are resolved through a combination of dice rolls, skill checks, and reference to the BattleMech's stats. Players target specific areas on enemy BattleMechs, which can lead to the destruction of limbs, weapons, or even the entire machine.
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Heat Management: BattleMechs generate heat as they perform actions like firing weapons or moving. Managing heat is crucial because overheating can damage the Mech and potentially shut down its systems.
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Customization: Players can customize their BattleMechs by choosing different weapons, armor, and equipment to suit their preferred playstyle and tactics.
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Campaigns: Battletech: A Game of Armored Combat can be played as individual skirmishes or as part of a larger campaign, allowing players to develop their MechWarriors and BattleMechs over time.
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Lore: The game is set in the Battletech universe, which is rich in lore, history, and politics. It features various interstellar factions, known as Great Houses, that vie for control over territory and technology. I am currently digging deep, learning all about the inner sphere, the clans, and the wars that took place. I can whole heartedly say, that Battletech has some of the most detailed, deepest lore in any game I have ever played.
Battletech: A Game of Armored Combat offers a deep and strategic gameplay experience, combining tactical movement, resource management, and combat simulation. It has spawned numerous expansions, rulebooks, and additional content over the years, making it a beloved and enduring franchise in the world of tabletop wargaming.
If you think that Battletech may be the game for you, there are two places that you can start. With either the beginner's box, that has simplified rules and two mechs, or the core box, that comes with a lot more mechs, lore books, and a big fat rulebook that adds the complete set of rules not included in the beginner box.
After you are comfortable with the game, you can dive into our full collection here and grab a few new mechs for your game!
Click a Box to learn more!
See you in the Inner Sphere!
-Drew