BattleTech Buyer's Guide

Classic BattleTech

The original rules of BattleTech are known as Classic BattleTech (CB). Each opponent usually controls one full Lance (four Mechs) and fight on a map with hexes. Each Mech is represented by a detailed plastic miniature on the battlefield and a very elaborate record sheet (a full A4) that lists its tonnage, its weapons, and its hit points per location (head, arms, torso, back, legs). Taking damage can result in critical hits that can disable weapons, rip a leg, or even trigger a huge explosion of the ammunitions carried by your Mech. This level of realism means the rules are fairly complex and that battles can last up to four hours.

If you wish to play Classic BattleTech, start with A Game of Armored Combat which contains eight Mechs and a comprehensive 56-page rulebook. You could also start with the Beginner Box but it contains only two plastic Mechs and the rules are simplified to the point that you would have to relearn everything if you decided to play the full rules.

Alpha Strike

The rules of Alpha Strike (AS) were released in 2013 as a streamlined and faster way to play BattleTech. Each opponent usually controls a Company (three Lances or twelve Mechs) and fight on a free map using measuring tapes to calculate distances. In Alpha Strike, Mechs are also represented by plastic miniatures and simplified record sheets the size of a name card. Hit points are global and critical hits are much simpler, resulting in games that can last up to two hours.

If you wish to play this ruleset of BattleTech, grab the Alpha Strike boxed set. it contains 13 miniatures, a 40-page rulebook, and everything else needed to play.

What should I buy next if I like BattleTech?

If you purchased A Game of Armored Combat, you could grab Alpha Strike next or vice versa since the plastic miniatures can be used in both systems. Actually, many players buy both sets to end up with 21 (8 + 13) different Mechs for a very good price. Otherwise, there are many different products to consider.

Clan Invasion and Mercenaries

If you are playing Classic BattleTech, you can delve deeper into the rules with the two following boxed sets.

BattleTech: Clan Invasion introduces rules for the OmniMechs that invaded the Inner Sphere in the year 3050. It comes with 5 OmniMechs.

BattleTech: Mercenaries introduces rules for using vehicles and running a company of mercenaries. It comes with 6 Mechs and 4 vehicles.

ForcePacks & Salvage Boxes

ForcePacks are a great way to expand your army. They either contain 4 Mechs (Inner Sphere), 5 OmniMechs (Clans), or an assortment of vehicles. The boxes also include the corresponding Alpha Strike cards and MechWarrior cards to use with Classic rules. Full record sheets to use with Classic BattleTech can be downloaded for free online.

Prefer surprises? Buy a Salvage Box and get a random Mech, OmniMech, or vehicle. There are various sets of Salvage Boxes, each with a preset list of units to discover.

Books

Players that want to dive deeper into Classic BattleTech should consider buying the Battlemech Manual that focuses on Mech-only combat or Total Warfare which covers rules for vehicles, mines, and more. Players that are dedicated to Alpha Strike should have a look at the Alpha Strike Commander's Edition rulebook.

There are many other books: novels, two roleplaying games, rules to run campaigns, sourcebooks that cover specific eras of the Battletech story, and more.

Maps

One easy way to bring variety to your games is to change the terrain. BattleTech offers both paper maps and neoprene mats. The MapPacks (paper) are meant for Classic BattleTech and have hexes. The BattleMats exist both for Classic and Alpha Strike. Read the description carefully to know if they have hexes or not.