7 Tips For BattleTech

BattleTech can feel a bit overwhelming when first starting out. In between the busy UI and the tutorials relayed by means of text in dialogues with members of the Argo’s crew, it definitely takes a bit of getting used to things before you’re comfortable with your Lance. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, as the game has its fair share of intricacies, here are a couple of things worth considering when you’re starting out in BattleTech.

1. There are ways to reduce incoming damage.

As BattleTech gives you control of a team of giant, lumbering, bipedal, weapon platforms called BattleMechs, it’s easy to understand that you won’t spend much time crouching behind chest-high walls. This means that, unless you’re outside an enemy’s firing range, you’ll have all sorts of projectiles hurled at you. There are, however, ways to reduce incoming damage. The Brace action is one such way, which also makes your ‘Mech less likely to lose its balance and fall to the ground. When present, forests also help with shrugging off some damage for as long as ‘Mechs stay in them. Line of sight also plays a role, as not being able to flank an enemy hiding behind a tall obstruction will most likely mean can only be reached by long range missiles that fire in an arc. I guess you could sort of see tall towers as the BattleMech equivalent of chest-high walls after all, just without the crouching.

2. Consider your loadout’s optimal range.

Every ‘Mech type comes with its own combination of hardpoints, determining how many and what type of weapons it can equip. It’s worth keeping in mind that each weapon has a minimum, optimal and maximum range which determines effectiveness. They’re shown by hovering over the weapon’s name whenever available and by the different shades of white in the range cone that pops up upon moving a mech. Engaging an enemy at a weapon’s proper range grants a higher chance of landing shots.

3. Manage your heat.

I won’t hold it against you if your first instinct upon taking control of a ‘Mech – especially the heavier ones – is to unload everything you have into the first enemy. Depending on positioning (and a bit of luck), it can very much be a viable tactic that kills smaller foes in one almighty flurry. But weapons generate heat and overheating your ‘Mech causes structure damage, while having the potential to shut it down entirely or make its limbs explode. To this extent, equipping Heat Sinks and only attacking with a portion of your arsenal can make sure you don’t get past the threshold. It’s also not just producing heat you have to look out for. Different contracts take you to different environments and, if in the polar wastes heat drops down faster, in a lunar environment, the vacuum won’t be as friendly. Be mindful of how many weapons you fire and only risk overheating ‘Mechs when it’s worth it.

4. Positioning is key to both survival and good salvage.

A BattleMech’s postion determines not only which side of its foes it can attack, but also which of its sides end up vulnerable to enemy fire. ‘Mechs have less armor on their back, but as it might not always be easily accessible, focusing fire on a target’s left side might soon leave it without a left arm (and the weapons attached to it). When targeting a foe, you’ll get a schematic at the top of the screen. Right clicking a section will show the equipment attached to it. If you spot an improved version of a weapon, or one you have none of, you might want to target a different portion as parts that aren’t destroyed can be obtained as salvage after the mission. The Precision Strike ability, available to every ‘Mech, allows for targeting specific sections.

5. Maintain a varied roster.

Unless you’re like me and lose half of it in your first couple of missions, it’s easy to get comfortable with the starting roster. However, after playing a bit it’s definitely worth expanding it from the hiring halls present on the planets you visit. While MechWarriors require monthly salaries which impact your finances, reserve MechWarriors will not only allow you to take on contracts without the risk of injuring your “primary” team, but also keep replacements around for when death comes by. Just remember that the better they become, the more money they’ll want.

6. Eject when in trouble.

Once you’re on the field, your ‘Mechs will inevitably take a beating and those whose structure gets exposed can be closer to destruction that you’d think. When things get too hot and several sections are without armor and have taken structure damage, it might be worth ejecting that ‘MechWarrior. Keep in mind that it can only be done during their turn. This will destroy the Head section of the ‘Mech and won’t magically repair any damage the ‘Mech or its pilot already received, but a month’s stay in the MedBay is arguably better for your pilots than an eternity spent in virtual space heaven.

7. Withdrawing is a valid option.    

Considering you’ll be outnumbered in most situations, withdrawing from secondary contracts is a valid approach. Withdrawing can be done in either good or bad faith depending on how much of the mission you completed. Both situations yield reduced rewards in terms of cash and salvage, with bad faith also guaranteeing your reputation with the faction issuing the contract takes a hit. Regardless of penalties, withdrawal is a better option that blowing a hole in your wallet for heavy repairs and losing valuable MechWarriors in a mission you’ve few chances of seeing through to completion.

As a super-secret super tip, I’ve heard whispers that giving our BattleTech review a read can make your MechWarriors like you a tiny bit more than they would otherwise. Why not give it a shot?

Bogdan Robert, NoobFeed
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