Battletech: BEST Battletank In The Game?

[@juancholo7502]

LRM Carriers. Fight in the shade of massed flights of LRMs. The Schrek is a good choice also. Rommel for when I want to Panzer Vor towards the enemy or stalk a city.

[@p12423073]

Oh, look, fritz gushing on the Shrek. /shock

[@WargamerFritz]

When I need to flex a tank…it’s always the Shrek.

[@jamesc.7216]

Want to loose friends? Put an Alacorn on the table. For the battle value I'm partial to the Partisan for looking non-threatening but putting in work. Especially the LRM15 ones.

[@ObiwanNekody]

Alacorn? Why not a Di Morgan, which has a targeting computer too?

[@jamesc.7216]

@@ObiwanNekody doesn't that one move 2/3? That's the 100 ton upgrade of the Shrek / Alacorn from the Dark Ages. I would use the LRM-20 one in a C3 lance for sure. These are very expensive BV tanks though so it's hard to have a gauss boat move so slow.

[@Metal_Carnage]

I'd put 2 or 3 Alacorns on the table with 2 gunnery. When it comes to equal bv in mechs, The Alacorn will chew up the mechs. I also will mix and match the Morgan LRM tank. the Morgan Gauss Variant has 2 issues: comparatively low armor and slow move. if you can place them in good real estate starting or early game and you have something in the way to draw fire. it actually mirrors the drawbacks of the Schrek. Another drawback of the Schrek is if the engine takes a hit, the tank is neutralized because your energy weaons don't work.

[@ObiwanNekody]

​@@Metal_Carnageusually I have found that heavier armor vehicles get crit out so it isn't super valuable to take them. You can put down almost 3 3/6 Di Morgan(gauss) for the cost of 2 2/6 Alicorn. The front armor is 48 to 50... Di Morgan looses a bit in turret armor having only 30 to the Alicorn's 50 tho.

[@Vulpine407]

My friend looking at the thumbnail: "Pikes? Are you friggin' kidding me?" Me: "Pretty sure those are Schreks." Friend: "Oh. Never mind. Carry on then." Me: "Not that it matters. Everyone knows Bulldogs rule." Friend: "WHAT!?" What can I say? Some people just beg to have their buttons pushed.

[@p12423073]

Those do look a lot like the new pikes. Forgivable.

[@rolf-herbertcissarz771]

That's a tough one. Depends on what you want to use as a guideline... Cheap: Po or Bulldog; Best All-Rounder: Manticore or Patton; Combined Arms: Goblin; Low Logistics Campaign: Shrek PPC Carrier; BFG: Rommel (AC20 or Gauss version), Axel Bottleneck Defense: Alacorn, Behemoth, Demolisher, Zhukov.

[@oneproudbrowncoat]

You forgot the Rommel variant packing a Long Tom Artillery Cannon , and the AIV Demolisher.

[@rolf-herbertcissarz771]

@@oneproudbrowncoat True. I would consider those artillery rather than a battle tank. Much like a self-propelled howitzer isn't considered a tank.But I was also limiting myself regarding the technology level.

[@oneproudbrowncoat]

@@rolf-herbertcissarz771 Normally, yes, but Artillery Cannon are more like an area-effect autocannon that can fire directly or indirectly.. and the radius is still identical to that of the artillery piece.

[@abucket14]

I'm an odd duck, I like the weird ones, I even got into the game because of the clix Mechwarrior Dark Ages game. So I have a fondness for weird machines like the Von Luckner who has his LRM on backwards.

[@ObiwanNekody]

Von Luckner is nice.

[@Linkous12]

I love the Manticore. Good armor, decent speed, solid firepower, BV isn't bad. Also, the Ontos is really underappreciated. Great for ambushes.

[@daeamiralis]

I'm here to fight the hetzer fight. You can fit a whole lot of hetzers in for every mech the opponent has, and they can't kill them all in one turn.

[@ObiwanNekody]

There's the Legendary Hetzer commander Perun that you can recruit if you buy enough, or so the rumors go.

[@arcdecibel9986]

Seconded. The Hetzer can be beastly. I'd only add the Zhukov for heavy tanks because it can travers hexes that give the Hetzer trouble, and it's still cheap.

[@daeamiralis]

Alright, you've got me listening. Even without the srms I'm a fan of having 2 shots over 1

[@ObiwanNekody]

Di Morgan... The big brother to the PPC carrier. Gauss version has 3x Gauss w/ targeting computer and a c3 slave. Challenger XI is a 2x gauss, targeting computer, and c3 master. You don't know suffering until you have 5 targeting computer gauss rifles getting short range shots from across the map. At least it will be breif. Vehicle cheapness lets you get veteran gunner for them on the cheap if you are extra mean feeling. Add two cheap mechs, helios, or hovers to be the c3 scouts, have them run eecm. Remember gauss have short range of 7 and ecm bubble is only 6, so you can work an ECM disadvantage just fine. Add a Scorpion SRM to give smoke cover for the gauss line. Loose friends. Move towns to get have a new LGS. Repeat until you are unable to find games. Change name, get plastic surgery, adjust height like in Gattaca, start again. If that doesn't work, there's always LRM carriers with semi-guided LRMs to make yourself lonely. A Challnger MBT XI, Di Morgan Assault Tank (gauss), Crow Scout Helicopter(c3), and SRM Carrier (c3), with 4/5 crews and c3 networed, are only about 5.5k BV. It's not an optimal force, but it's a pretty good example of how cost effective tanks can be.

[@ObiwanNekody]

SRM6 Scorpion. Dirt cheap and nasty... One ton smoke, one ton inferno, one ton standard ammo. Lays your smoke and quite the punch for the cost

[@Funkin_Disher]

I've found my next campaign opfor, thankyou!

[@ObiwanNekody]

​@@Funkin_Disherhope it is fun! 😊

[@narethliansgamespace3860]

I run a a mix, and it varies. I bring them in pairs as well. 2 LRM carriers, 2 Rommels, 2 Schreks, and two Challengers is the lienup I ran last night to backup a medium/Light scouting lance It also varies based on terrain and who I'm fighting. If I fight 'Joe' I'll bring a different list than I will 'Josh'. I'm known to be unpredictably predictable.

[@seangriffin312]

For Alpha Strike: Epona Prime. Rediculous Speed, Omni so it carries Elementals, and 4 DMG at S and M range. Plus if you save it later in your initiative moves, you can get behind enemies for an extra point of damage. It's almost always ignored when I pair it with a Cavalry or Battle Star because my opponent focuses on the mechs Well worth the PV when you have Elementals latch on to it. The only other units that can move Elementals around like that is a VTOL.

[@brandonschwertley2723]

The Schrek is definitely king of the combat vehicles in terms of damage output, range, capability. Truly a vehicle that will immediately make your opponent sweat and commit serious firepower to destroy. However, I will play devil's advocate and say the Schrek is more of an Anti-Mech vehicle instead of a tank. In it's base fusion engine form the Schrek only carries a trio of PPC's. No anti-infantry weapons, no sub weapons of any kind and they have a minimum range. Plus the Schrek is slow with 3/5 movement brackets and poorly armored for the fire it will receive. Making it specialized at setting up in cover with good sight lines and ambushing from range. Which is the definition of a slow tank destroyer that you would have found in WW2. Looking at other vehicles, I believe the Patton is the best Tank. It has reasonable mobility at 4/6, still has threatening armament to armored vehicles with an AC/10 and LRM5. It also has a few sub weapons for attacking other smaller threats if they manage to close. These being the flamer and small laser. The Patton also has significant armor. It definitely prioritizes protection on the armored triangle above the other corners. This combination of features makes the Patton a much more desirable frontline combat unit, instead of a long range support asset. The Patton brings a strategic dilemma to your opponent. Do they focus firepower on the Patton because it has absurd levels of armor, or fight the more threatening mechs. Many players will ignore the Patton, until that AC/10 starts landing hits. By then it's too late though.

[@AngelWolf12]

Give me a Manticore or Bulldog any day. Manticore have the armor to take a few hits and weapons at all brackets. Bulldog is cheap and cheerful with a large laser. Keep it guarding ranged units and dare enemies to get close with double SRM4s.

[@jonbezeau3124]

Same thought for me. Shreck is intimidating but can't deal with mechs that can close to point blank without exposing themselves in the 3-6 optimal range. Manticore still hits decent at range but overlaps the PPC with LRM, SRM, and ML so it's going to match firepower with any fast vehicle hunter... you need to commit more tonnage and more time to closing in and dealing with it.

[@Heldermaior]

SRM carriers. Urban scenario as the DM of a campaign. 2 players quit. Not my fault. I gave them more than one chance to reconsider attacking a DCMS defensive position heavily fortified. SRM carriers laying in ambush is a glorious thing to see. Melting an Orion in 2 volleys... Priceless.

[@FoxxofNod]

Nothing draws fire like an Alacorn. Nothing gets ignored like a Goblin.

[@hermes7587]

I would not class the Shreck a battletank but as a self-propelled gun. It is essentially a fire-support vehicle that can dish out a lot of damage against Mechs but is very vulnerable to many other units. It is slow, has only mediocre armor, minimum range and no effective weapons for self-defense gainst vehicles and infantry. When looking for a true battleteank in the 3025 era, my favorite is the Manticore, followed by the Rommel / Patton.

[@Andrewlik]

I personally got use of the XL variant of the Schrek PPC carrier. ~120 BV more BV to go up to 4/6 movement and add another 18 points of armor to the front, 2 to the sides. Clan invasion legal The 4/6 means it can more reliably get it's +1 movement bonus when forced to move, and the extra armor on the front usually translates to an extra turn of survival, which when it's life expectancy might be 2 turns is a big deal and might equal another 2 PPC hits down range. Would reccomend y'all try it out!

[@WolfHreda]

I don't know about best, but my favorite I've used so far is the Challenger MBT. The variant I used was the XI. A 90 ton tank with two Gauss Rifles, a Targeting Computer, and C3? It's amazing. Pair it with an LRM Carrier and an AC/2 Carrier (the LB-X version is my go-to), then hook them all up with a C3 equipped scout or two (potentially including the Scout VTOL), and it's a horrendous firing line.

[@rudyvalle9022]

Dude, I have the fear of kicks, too. Both attacking and defending kicks carries the risk of your mech wallowing in the mud while your lancemates are getting blasted to pieces. If the dice want to break your mind and your soul, they will cause an ammo explosions from failing to stand up. Kicks are the most brutal reminder that mechs are amazing machines of war and complete death traps at the same time.

[@jotarofatso5743]

I played a tournament game and my opponent missed a kick on 3+ and fell. I'd say that alone lost him 30% of that game.

[@verysilentmouse]

Alacorn, di morgan

[@WRXSEVEN]

Eurus MBT - 60 ton Clan-tech Omni-vehicle with 5/8 tracked movement profile and ferro-lamellor armor reducing damage by 1 per 5 (and negating LB-X shots) is by far the most effective MBT on the table. There are several deadly configurations including one with a Clan ERPPC and 3xStreak SRM-6s to crit any other vehicle to death. There's another configuration with a HAG 40. Or you could take the one with a Clan Ultra AC/20 and targeting computer with a Supercharger allowing it to move up to 10 hexes to close range.

[@Docleegb]

First in! LET’S GO!! Total war, bring on the ACR.

[@hideshisface1886]

There are several I can think off. Schrek is a classic here. You can get two for slightly more than a price of a single Awesome. This gives you 6 PPC shots every turn, no problems with heat at all. Sure, it is on a glass-cannon platform, but damn, you can't just ignore the fussilade like that. Even immobilised these things at least create a decently sized "no-go" zone around them. Another good example - Alacorn - if somebody decides to pump a ton of money into this monster, that is. If it is fielded, you can't ignore it, ever. 3 Gauss shots is nothing to sneeze at. Of course there is also a classic Demolisher - double AC20 is always a threat. Short range is a problem, sure, but you can't just let it run around. And there are of course standard workhorses, like Patton and Rommel - they may not be in the same class of ridiculous as the above or below for that matter, but... Can you really ignore their presence for long? I don't quite thing so. From different style of vehicles - we have carrier tanks. LRM and SRM carriers are always a major threat due to insane volume of fire. And last on my personal list, not the least, though - Savanna Master - the friendship ender, the game-banner. Dinky little hover vehicle with poultry levels of firepower. Too bad they are cheap enough to mass and you will never hit them. Using those things is a level of cheese I need to constantly stop myself from utilising.

[@arcdecibel9986]

The most powerful vehicles, IMO, are VTOLs. They're cheap, they're initiative sinks, they're impossible to hit, they can zip all over the place to make the enemy turn around, they act as spotters for arty, and consistently punch your foe in the back where they are REALLY going to feel it, even with a crummy AC/5 H7A (I think?) Warrior variant. They can also be very effective against other vehicles because of the crit rules, so something like a Partisan is actually likely to be crippled by its BV or cost in Warriors before it ever shoots them all down. Oh, but what about urban warfare? I'd bring some Hetzers and Demolishers for sure, but VTOLs can fly below, or pop over buildings to really wreck your enemy's plans. Nowhere is safe, unless you're in friggin' space. I don't bring vehicles there.

[@shadowofnoone9648]

Umm, SRM Carriers, seen opponents call art strike on them.

[@codyfoley2098]

I have had the best luck with a manticore, it just hides and with the lbx variant can create fun hit scenarios. I also like the harasser a small srm hovercraft. But the schrek is one i havent fielded yet.

[@Tellos]

Myrmidon Medium tank well armored for weight, decent speed a PPC and SRM 6 pack for sub 1k BV. Great choice I;ve used them to annoy and even encircle Assault clan mechs. also leg weapons are on the quad mech the Sirocco.

[@andrewszigeti2174]

The Alicorn's a beast with 3 Gauss Rifles, but you pay a premium for it (over 1200 BPV). Burke is like a slow Shrek, but with an LRM 10 to boot (both in the mid 800 range). Demolisher is the ultimate urban battler (another in the mid 800 range). LRM/SRM carriers are nice, but very fragile for their BPV (which is surprisingly high, in the low 800 range) SturmFeur is neat, but again comes with a premium price (again over 1200). Rommel and Patton tanks are good, adding more speed but with less firepower (in the low 900s BPV). Zhukov fits right in the same range. The Behemoth.... looks like too much of a good thing. And it's BPV reflects that, it's only slightly more the Rommel and Patton (in the mid 900s). And if you want speed with your firepower, can't go wrong with the Saladin (just under 600 BPV).

[@ObiwanNekody]

No Di Morgan (Gauss or LRM) love?

[@edwardclay7551]

I agree i prefer the shreck and i dont even own any. The tanks I do own and love. Are the Marksman Artillery Tank. Six of them.

[@JosephofWalton]

With availability tables considered, Pattons are the best. Rommels are up there as well.

[@JCDadalus]

What mechs have weapons on the legs?

[@DaraEhteshamzadeh]

Don't forget, mechs that have hands can pick up trees and lost arms and use them as clubs to do kick level damage. Chargers can do that, so can an atlas actually. As for combat vehicles, there's so many disgusting designs. The PPC carrier is solid, but for sheer power? A long tom mobile artillery platform. Sure you only get one shot a round, but that shot is landing SOMEWHERE.

[@ObiwanNekody]

Unless you pay for an elite crew, the shot is landing practically anywhere. +7 to hit for artillery is rough... It's a little annoying that on board artillery can scatter so badly as to hit itself TBH.

[@Magermh]

Hum.. brain food. The Schrek is a splendid fire support tank or heavy tank. Its biggest weakness is the armor and the fusion engine. I have played with the AC-5 Schrek and done well with assault the turret defenses games and ran out of ammo. I typically select a balance to the players requirements, player level or experience, and in many cases enjoyment. Because the vehicles that are enjoyable are often the ones we may play well. Being a Davion focused player, my vehicles would differ compared to my alt factions. All the way to variants. Most of the vehicles in 3025 have LRM’s for the reach. Tanks to add to the list that would be effective and would pull focus. *Ontos “LRM” maybe for the FWL. *Rhino for Comstar Puma for Star League SturmFeur for Steiner Brutus for Cappy *Partisan “LRM” Von Luckner is still good for Kurita and Davion With the larger investment. I end up lacking mechs in my line. My meathead is vehicles as part of the line or as support for a mech line. This is more in line with FWL, Kurita, and Davion. This is the inverse of Cappy that has vehicles forward and mechs in support. To Steiner that has their tanks operate independent of mech units. Why would I consider LRM tanks more often over a direct fire ballistic tank. Because from 3025 to 3150 LRM tanks stay significant over the era’s. The 3025 Partisan and Shrek remain applicable. This is what I often consider the markings of a really good vehicle. I would consider one of these tanks and then have a lesser buddy. Like a SturmFeur with a Rommel.

[@Funkin_Disher]

Tanks aren't the vees you use for mobility, they're relocatable turrets you put into hulldown positions to limit enemy movement and force hard decisions. You want a tank with range, area denial and indirect fire ability plus enough armor to last a bit since you're expecting it to be a valuable target and to be immobilized sooner or later. Something like a Puma, Manticore, Ontos or Von Luckner. On the cheaper side of the BV budget look at the Merkava, Bulldog or Axel.

[@RexfelisLXIX]

Piloting roll for damage is a base rule, not optional.

[@russellorr6720]

Do you suppose he meant the optional variant where the more damage you take progressively penalizes the roll not to fall down?

[@RexfelisLXIX]

@@russellorr6720 Not based on what was said.

[@GamersOnGames]

I see player put out I Shreck I worry. I've lost heavies to that thing

[@snewsom2997]

Too bad the Rules for Infernos Changed, It made the Locust with SRMs and Wasp useful. Infernos used to be absolute death to vehicles. An honestly without environmental sealing they still should.

[@ObiwanNekody]

​@@snewsom2997 current rules for infernos is no damage but a critical role for each hit, right? Under those rules they still wreck heavy vehicles

[@WolfHreda]

As you should. It's basically an Awesome in all but shape. Except taht it cam fire all 3 PPCs every round, which the AWS-8Q cannot.

[@Blipvertus]

Savannah Masters. Virtually useless until you realize they’re consistently getting into your back arc. So now you give your opponent nothing but bad choices. Turn around and face this mosquito this exposing your rear to my mechs or ignore it and let it chew through your rear armor. Patton/Rommels might be a close second as their guns are scary enough to get a mechs attention.

[@ObiwanNekody]

Back arc? You mean you don't just use them as single use leg seeking torpedoes?

[@commandervulkan]

Why does nobody post recordsheets?

[@ObiwanNekody]

MegaMek(PC, anything that runs Java 15), Mech Factory (Android App, website), and Flechs (App, Website) have record sheets available.

[@mathewfitzpatrick5645]

Best AFV = Armored Fighting Vehicle.

[@Spartaner251]

CERPPC Schreck?

[@ObiwanNekody]

Alicorn has 3x Gauss and Di Morgan (gauss) has 3x Gauss and a targeting computer