Battletech - Hard to Love Mechs

[@catzo_5762]

Definitely the Raven for me, I love it's variants, looks (new and old), and it's movement profile, 6/9 is solid for a 35t mech. It dies all the time on my table, not just for me, if someone brings a Raven, it is one of the first dead on the table. I know a lot of people harp on the Blackjack, but it's super solid, it gets work done and I manage to always get a lucky golden BB with its AC/2s, scoring headshots or through armor crits.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Yeah I'm with you - I don't think the Blackjack is really all that bad on the table. For the BV its pretty solid!

[@Balevolt]

Really? My Raven is hilariously lucky. My friend's Wolverine on the other hand has been knocked out every game.

[@z3r0_35]

@@catzo_5762 The Raven's fragility makes sense since it's a support asset, intended to let others do the heavy lifting while it provides electronic warfare and recon capabilities. If you want a more combat-oriented loadout for it, look into the FedSuns/FedCom variants that replace the ECW equipment with stuff like jump jets, more armor, and heavier weaponry, those models play more like traditional light striker mechs. The Blackjack really comes into its own once special ammo becomes available. Take AP ammo on even an introtech Blackjack (or better yet, take something out and install a targeting computer to offset the accuracy penalty), and you have the equivalent of the Golden Gun, dimunitive yet horrifyingly deadly in the right hands.

[@chrish1906]

The Stalker may look to be overgunned, but it's really just the most efficiently gunned assault in 3025. It's heat safe (no penalties) damage potential at every range between 1 and 15 is greater then any other assault. Yea, it can't quite match everyone once you get past 15 hexes, and it doesn't quite have the armor of some assaults...but it will absolutely up whatever you point it at.

[@JonathanCrane82]

I really love the avatar and the sunder. Good Swiss army knife guys for my money. But i usually get outperformed by a specialist mech. Also the bushwacker because (like many PC folks) was my first mech, but same issues as above.

[@gerritvandenbosch4681]

The commando is one of my favourite lights, and the enforcer my favourite medium. The are both amazing and put serious value into their BV. Overload of SRMs is a perfect tactic for through armour crits or head shots, fishing for 2s and 12s. Infact! Combining an enforcer and commando together is a power combo if you can

[@freeranger00]

Exactly, activate the Enforcer first, weaken some armor or punch some holes, then capitalize with the Commando's SRM volley.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

I'll have to try this. Maybe its just bad dice luck but for me a Commando just ends up dying so fast. I probably need to hold it back for a bit till something's weakened and then jump in on opportunity kills.

[@tabletopacademy]

@@CrankyOldGamer Yes, thats exactly the problem. Too thin armor and no jump jets. You can't escape and can't stand the fire.

[@HouseDavieMerc]

Great to see you back again! Urbanmech-I'm actually OK with the crazy slow speed.It's the having only 10 rounds for the main gun with no real back up and then getting an 11th heat sink that makes me say no. You can't have a mobile pillbox with minimal ammo. Thunderbolt-an immensely popular design. It blows up from through armor crits EVERY time I use one to the point that I don't choose them anymore. Works great for everyone else though. Cyclops-A 90 tonner with 7 slots of ammo and only 160 armor points. The big gun just makes it a bullet magnet.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Hey thank you! Good to be back! I must have good Thunderbolt luck because it is usually the last mech standing for me. Its just tough as nails. And I love it. The new design is such a refreshing update from the original 3025 TRO.

[@ambientlight3876]

Yeah, I agree about the Commando. It's combination of average speed, lack of jump Jets and short ranged weapons often results in a dead 'mech. The Enforcer, on the other hand is an old time favorite. The Crusader is another favorite mech of mine. That being said it's the design that I've modified the most. Finally, the Stalker is a great Assault mech in which you must learn to bracket its weapons.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Yeah I just simply can't get the commando to work

[@derekburge5294]

It's the Marauder for me. Just can't get one on the field without inevitably thinking, "a Warhammer would handle this better" as soon as the fighting even touches brawl range. That AC5 just drags the design down hard.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Yeah - I do find the default variant not the best. The one with the large laser on top is superior imho

[@135forte]

I have had one encounter with an Enforcer. My Phoenix Hawk lit up it's back then kicked it. Enforcer whiffed a piloting check after the kick and took a floating crit to the cockpit on the fall, and that is probably going to be how I always remember it. The Crusader is hard to justify next to the Catapult, even though i love the look. Jjs are golden. As for what I can't like (at least in their base forms) is a lot of the older 'great in one super specific niche mechs' like the Charger, Shadowhawk and Urbanmech. As a man who loves his vehicles, it I can't think of any really good reason outside of being forced to use them to take them. Well, I guess selfdestructing the Charger might be worthwhile . . .

[@roguerifter9724]

The Ti Ts'ang. Its a jump jet equipped all energy weapon Heavy. Literally all the traits of my favorite designs yet for some reason I can't love it even when running the 9J variant which fixes one of the base model's big weaknesses IMO.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Ill have to check that one out, Ive not had any experience with it

[@matthewmarek1467]

3025, I definitely agree with most of your picks (aside from the Stalker). I'll add the Dervish, it seems like it doesn't know what it wants to be. I want to love that mech, but it has 4 tons of ammo, only 20 LRM tubes, and a decent amount of short range weaponry. I'll take a Whitworth, LRM Hunchback, or my favorite medium LRM boat, the Trenchbucket. I guess if you need a fast, jumping LRM boat it is great, but it doesn't fit well with how I play.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

I totally agree. Im on team Whitworth!

[@miguelsan11]

The Hussar. It's supposed to be the ultimate harasser with its speed and the ER laser, but the XL engine, and the lack of armor it's too much to overcome.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Ive never had luck there either - Im with you

[@joshuawilson8804]

Blackjack is a weird one. I don't know why but I also get tons of kills with that Mech. I thought it was dumb, but I can't find a good mech to replace it. Although... its bigger brother the Rifleman will always be a favorite when it and a Wolverine went toe to toe against an Atlas at close range. It was basically a walking skeleton afterwards but that's how legends are made.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

I recently surprised a buddy of mine by playing a Blackjack - he just associated it with the AC2's. When it closed into short range and I declared firing 4 ML's he was legit like... "what?!?!". He's started thinking about them as legit contenders. I think for the BV they are great. They are ALWAYS underestimated in my mind, which is to their distinct advantage.

[@odinulveson9101]

Also the third sibling the Jagermech... It should technically be better than Rifleman but stock and certain variants is trash. Also widh the Jagermech had the Rifleman looks + chicken legs

[@sgtrock2175]

The Enforcer was the one design from the new artwork that I wasn't really digging, until I actually painted the mini. Now I love it,

[@CrankyOldGamer]

The new sculpt is truly fantastic

[@Haldrahir]

I have a lot of bad luck with the Trebuchet medium. It always seems to get cut down or explode, even when I'm trying to keep it at range until it has used all its ammo.

[@martinwrobel2981]

Nice video and a warm welcome back! I am a big fan of Deepwars ... your videos of this system are amazing. Hope this system is still in your heart an we will see another battkereport in the future 😊

[@CrankyOldGamer]

I keep dreaming of doing another DW batrep!

[@brianhenry152]

I have 2 words for you concerning the Crusader: House Variants. The 3D and 3L Crusader variants have served ne well in numerous games. The idea is to stay at range and fire th LRM's until the bins run dry, then go charging in to brawl at short range. If you stick to range brackets, you won't have heat issues either. The base 3R model? Yeah, it's a fireworks Factory on legs.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Oh very good point. I should look into it. I have a few of them painted, I might have to give that a try. Every time I look at it it just looks like a walking ammo explosion to me. What's your favorite house variant if I may ask?

[@brianhenry152]

@@CrankyOldGamer CRD-3D is the closest to the original without the explodey-ness. It's a good fire-support mech since it retains the LRM15's. The 3L is a close 2nd for me (even though it IS made by Capellans), since it's got jump Jets.

[@BlUsKrEEm]

I absolutely love the look of the Thorn. It's on my favorite weight bracket. On paper it has everything I want for the BV, but every time, EVERY TIME, I use one it dies to the dumbest luck rolls ever. I swear it's cursed

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Hahaha we all have mechs like that!

[@kaibechtloff5674]

the 135t Ares(Republic of the sphere) i love the look, the lore… but on the table they are slow (2/3), big (3level…hard too find cover) and easy too hit (-1)…armor is not much better than most 100t assault‘s. the Tripod rules are simple great(360 fire, 3 crew, +2ini) too have fun on the table i give up the 2+ ini bonus and ignore the -1 (if the group agree) both sites are happy :) good too have back cu

[@CrankyOldGamer]

thank you so much, good to be back! I've never played a tripod - I should really do that sometime.

[@Cadimus6]

Hi there Cranky would you be willing to make a how to play battletech video? I'm trying to get into it but I'm having difficulty finding good introduction videos.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

I do dream of doing another game of that! Maybe I can convince my buddy to come down and get a game in soon!

[@rudyvalle9022]

I struggled to put the crusader into games for years. It has advantages in close range combat but then it’s one hit away from an ammo explosion. How did any of them survive the succession wars?

[@CrankyOldGamer]

I have no idea. Maybe star league ones had case? Otherwise its just a roman candle waiting to blow

[@armondphilmon]

For me? Jagermech, at least the original config; lackluster armor and weapons. He is slow as well. I understand he is a role-based battlemech, but the majority of games are small formation vs small formation and usually don't have a ton of units involved the Jagermech would be good for. Charger is a rough take, again another role-based performer that almost never gets to play the role. But even if he can, a lot of the mediums/lights he was made to intimidate just out-distant him. Banshee? An under-gunned Assault that intimidates no Assaults/Heavies unless they are within punch range. Obviously, later variants fix that. I love the Blackjack, great performer for me. Shadow Hawk is a looker, I love its aesthetic, but compared to its peers (Wolverine and Griffin), it underperforms.

[@ShadrackMeduson]

even a lighter mech like the centurion outperforms the shadowhawk in any way, shape or form.

[@armondphilmon]

@@ShadrackMeduson Absolutely! Also, love your username, Iron Hands rights?

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Yeah to me there are just so, so many better designs than a shadowhawk. They never really hit the table for me anymore. I"ve tried. Centurion is a great example - it is superior in every single way in my mind. Early Banshees also don't make it on the table for me. There's a later variant that is good; but to be honest, I tend to play games that are between 4-8k BV and if I do take an assault, the Banshee is way down the list for me.

[@matthewpena3932]

Welcome Back!

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Thank you! Good to be back!

[@christophk.3085]

All i think of on the Topic: "Shadowhawk" (it looks so cool and dies from all the packs of wet noodel ammonition , the only Thing the shadowhawk blasts away it is self.... )

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Lol love it 😂

[@von_derpenstein]

funny that my very first lance had an enforcer, crusader, and stalker in it. the jenner being the light i guess was the only redeeming quality lol edit: oh! as for your question. still too new to the game to find my hard to love mech. but i do have an issue trying to fit a marauder or raven in. love the designs, but every time i end up going with something that i would feel fits better

[@CrankyOldGamer]

I just have a mental block on the Crusader I think. Although I think its based on a good premise of being a walking ammo explosion! :D

[@jellyfisharedumb9783]

Any clan mech ever. They’re all so expensive and have no armor. If I want clan tech, I’ll take mixed tech designs.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Lol perfection

[@chrispowell4625]

Agree with you on the crusaders, im sure they're fine, just so derpy. But try pairing the enforcer with a centurion. Their range bands work well, and they're great at protecting each other.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Oh thats a good idea - I should try that! Centurions make everything better let's be honest...

[@Chris-dz3rs]

I tend to swap out the arm mounted SRM-4 on the Commando with an LRM-5. At least you can harass at long range .Remove its chest SRM-6 and replace with a second LRM-5 .Use the remaining ton for more armor.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Thats a great idea. Might keep it alive longer

[@Chris-dz3rs]

@@CrankyOldGamer it's also not exactly high tech . 3025 level technology is simpler to modify .

[@Magermh]

I have had issues with the Raven, Centurion, Stinger, and Kashi. The Centurions side torso armor gets wrecked easy. The Stinger getting gunned down by basic rifle infantry trying to get into MG range. The Raven because of the light armor and XL and have failed trying to use smoke to conceal the 3L. And the Kashi. I get into trouble because it really needed that 7th jump jet. Other than those NP as I keep trying new mechs to find ones that work for me. Interesting that you have problems with the Stalker. I have had little issues with the thing as it covers so many bases with the over lapping and flexible fire power. The LRM-10 could distribute smoke rounds and the SRM-6s inferno's. I first encountered a Stalker playing city tech and learned to respect that mech. I can understand the Commando but have had some success with the 2D model when playing with odd lances of assault, heavy, medium, and a light. The 2D could be devastating hunting toads and is a little bugger when properly held back or when covered by smoke rounds. Welcome back my regards.

[@Ruggedtoaster]

The Wolverine 6R. I love the idea of the Wolverine and so many of the variants are great but the basic 6R is always underwhelming when I play it. And I’ll add for clan mechs vulture. I’m just not the right person to ride the high heat low armor mechs.

[@obfuscatedhippo]

Great discussion point!! I actually like most of the mechs that you mentioned: Commando, Enforcer, Crusader, Stalker. They all have an Ammo problem but that is part of the game. I'm also a little Old Skool and remember playing those mechs with cardboard counters. And Crusader was much cooler when it was the Armored Veritch with missiles in the shoulders. I think they went with gauntlets when they produced the Seen versions. Light = Urban Mech, can't stand the trash can Medium = Shadow Hawk is underwhelming and underpowered. The look is great but the original designers had to adapt their rules to an Anime art and it just doesn't work. Heavy = Jaeger Mech. It suffers from the AC's weigh too much issue from 3025 tech Assault = Charger. No one would pay $7.5M C-Bills for that : ) And someone else mentioned Alpha Strike below .. the stats on a Shadowhawk and some other very mediocre mechs are much better in AS than Classic. Thanks for sharing!

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Yeah good points - Jaeger Mech and Charger - oy. Such suboptimal designs. I can get behind sub-optimal designs, but for me, if they look derpy (and in my opinion - yeah, they kinda do ) - they just wont see the table. I have Jaeger mechs painted, I don't think I've ever played the Charger.

[@tabletopacademy]

I can agree with the Commando

[@CrankyOldGamer]

I just cant keep them alive. Too slow and tissue paper armor

[@MidnightDream034]

Hate me if you want, but for me it's the Atlas. It's just too easy to focus fire and kill, especially when you consider ammo. For me a good assault is one that takes advantage of the armor for as little risk as possible like the AWS

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Atlas' always SEEM like theyd be fun, but to me its too slow with few long range weapons. It wants to get close. But then immediately gets outmaneuvered.

[@z3r0_35]

For me, the Clint. If you play with the optional rule (iirc from Battletechnology Magazine) that basically gives it a free built-in targeting computer (same applies to any other mech with the Sloane 220 Lockover System like the Viper/Dragonfly), and this STACKS with Improved Targeting design quirks, which the Clint also has for all ranges. It's borderline broken because you can make called shots reliably even at long range, even better if you swap out the AC/5 for a PPC and a couple heat sinks. It becomes the best sniper of its era, by far. Otherwise it's the definition of "meh". Another one that comes to mind is the Cyclops. Yeah, the Q model has tissue paper armor, and the Z model's firepower is underwhelming, but that initiative bonus from the Battle Computer quirk has won me games all by itself (though in introtech games I use the Z model exclusively if custom builds aren't allowed).

[@semperatis]

The Scorpion is another mech that benefits from the Battle Technology rules, the Targa-7 Vidcom 17 combi adds 5 hexes of range to your long range and a -1 to hit, meaning that the stock PPC is firing out to 23 hexes in the 3025 era and 28 hexes with an ERPPC in 3050.

[@z3r0_35]

@@semperatis Oh yeah, forgot about that one.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Ooh good pick. The Clint is just... the definition of "meh"

[@z3r0_35]

@@CrankyOldGamer Again, unless you use the optional rules from BattleTechnology, which makes the Clint almost broken, but it's obscure enough that most people don't know about it. The only limiter on it is the AC/5 being inefficient for its weight...but swap out that AC/5 for a PPC and some heat sinks, and then you have yourself possibly the scariest mech in 3025.

[@spacewolfblackmane19]

The Crusader is my most recent experience. Dispite having 3 of him in various positions and load outs. For whatever reason he just doesn't seem to perform to the expectations that you would probably expect from a 65 toner. He's cheap for a heavy, and you have option overload for variants but they just don't seem to be the best at any at all. He a trooper heavy mech, but honestly if your not desperate for points wouldn't probably take one, out side of bodyguarding for more valuable mechd.

[@MrTudenom]

For me it’s the dragon. It looks like a pig head with arms and legs, I just can’t see any Kurita warrior being stoked to pilot one.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Hahaha youre not wrong!

[@ThatSlowTypingGuy]

With you on the Commando, the Flea is the same for me. I'll take almost any model of Locust over a Flea. Assassin I love the look of but good lord it is underwhelming. I'm surprisingly OK with most other mechs except maybe the Champion, but its faults are well known by most.

[@Gothmetalhead13]

Cruds are good. For me its the Axeman 1N. I love it, I know how its meant to be used but every time I bring it my opponent gets some seriously lucky hits on it. Ive had it headshot on turn 2, its ammo bins hit despite that torso having been fresh at the start of the turn, its engine shot out by lucky crits.... I cant seem to get it to work despite loving it.

[@semperatis]

Light:- Jenner. Medium:-Cicada; Heavy:- Jagermech; Assault:- Charger. Mechforce UK made a decent upgrade for the Shadow Hawk(SHD-2N) in 1989, drop the AC5 for a Large Laser; increase the LRM5 to an LRM10 and upgrade the SRM2 to an SRM4, it keeps the ML..

[@Aladine11]

warhammer 6R- bad heat, low armour and arms are lost very fast with its most long range weapons, also ammo tends to explode

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Ive often struggled with Warhammers too. There are some solid variants but usually they feel like walking ammo explosions to me

[@AlexDenton0451]

Assaults as a whole have never given me good luck, apart from the Battlemaster. Theyre always the first ones to die of something like a Through Armor Crit or Headshot for me.

[@Gothmetalhead13]

I have a friend who is amazing for getting headshots. In 3 games he killed my Zeus 9S2 twice and my Nightstar once with turn 1 or 2 headshots.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

I think the only assault Ive really had the best luck with is an Awesome.

[@AlexDenton0451]

@@CrankyOldGamer lately I've been enjoying investing in Clan Mediums for my extreme BV investments. They tend to blitz things for such extreme damage while also being mobile enough to be hard to hit and can constantly be in optimal positions.

[@freeranger00]

I'm surprised that you have bad luck with the Enforcer, with the range on the AC/10 and LL and the four jump jets it shouldn't be getting flanked very often. I understand your arguments for all of these mechs, though you left out how the Crusader is a walking ammo explosion with that missile ammo uncovered in the torsos. My 3025 list: Light - Jenner in it's classic configuration. The thing doesn't have enough armor or heat sinks, makes it a pain to manage. It's a good mech, but not one I like to use. Medium - Shadow Hawk. This thing is only good for firing as it closes and then engaging in fisticuffs. Just make sure you eject the missile ammo before you start swinging. Heavy - Marauder, unless you're playing with quicks. Armor is only okay and the heat sinking is barely sufficient. This guy is a beast with the low-profile quick, though. Assault - I don't play with mechs in this class often at all, so we'll say the OG Banshee. This guy is mostly armed just so that it can fire as it trundles into charging position. The refit is the best 3025 assault, though.

[@gehtdichnixan3200]

totaly agree on the shadowhawk i love its looks i love its mobility it just well it has no real punsh i whant one weapon on a medium that is over 5 damage or somethign with reeeal long range i allso agree on the commando a light one needs speed or long range and the commando does not have any of those i have those heat management issues you mention with the stalker when it comes to warhammers .. i allso tthink its a bid thin armored some of those lasers should have made better use for armor or heat thinks my i cant get it to work but i want to mech is the tech one banshee i like its looks and i whant to play cool looking mechs but i simply dont think the t1 banshee is worth the points

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Oh yeah Banshee is a good one - I've not honestly had much luck with that one myself!

[@vojtechpribyl7386]

The Commnado needs something to occupy the enemy and then it may throw a boatload of SRMs on the target to exploit any holes in the armour. Also consider all those nasty crits it can cause to vehicles. SHD is really there to be ignored while quietly adding damage whenever the main attacker didn't do 20 damage to force that piloting skill roll. Or to pummel targets up close. Alone it's a very sad 'Mech. The Enforcer also doesn't work all that well alone, but making holes begs for solething to explit them. Something with a lot of SRMs. The Blackjack is also rather sad at range, but it can shoo away helicopters and annoy the hell out of things that can't fight back. And then something comes in the ML range and suddenly it's a lot of fun for everyone. The Crusader is a two phase 'Mech. First it hangs back for about six or seven rounds to empty the LRM ammo bins and then it runs toward the enemy with the last LRMs leaving the tubes. After that it's brawling time. Alone it won't have much fun, but if it gets to work in a team it might just reinforce the full-blooded brawlers when they are already damaged. And yeah. The Stalker. It's all about the firing discipline.

[@Kingofdragons117]

I think the Blackjack is fine for the most part. AC2s are kinda bad, but it has those 4 Medium lasers and as much armor as a Centurion. The only real issue is the ammo in the center torso for me.

[@TheTrueOneSheep]

The Enforcer was the first Mech I played with, twenty three years ago. I use it whenever I can, but I have to say that it dies horribly nearly every game - including that first game so long ago. For me, I cannot love what I call the "four brothers" - Wolverine, Shadow Hawk, Phoenix Hawk and Griffin. Some variants of them are very good, but I cannot put any of them on my lists.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Oh interesting your experience with the Enforcer - I share that feeling as with the Commando. They just die. Of the 4 brothers, I love the PHawk and Wolvering. The other two - not as much. I know folks love Griffin's but I"ve had pretty mixed results with them. A medium mech sniper just feels - odd to me.

[@gerritvandenbosch4681]

I want to love the crusader, but I cannot, it's got to much ammo and to little heat sinks.

[@gkeaton9755]

Light: IS= Panther, Clan= Adder Medium: IS=Shadowhawk, Clan= Nova. Heavy; IS= Warhammer, Clan = Timberwolf, Assault; IS= Battlemaster, Clan= Executioner. Ill Luck, Or the dice gods hate me, these mechs have always given me trouble.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Timberwolf - interesting! Does it underperform for you, or just too expensive, or?

[@gkeaton9755]

@@CrankyOldGamer Under-performance, coupled with "OH! CRAP! a Timberwolf!!" syndrome, I guess its a decent bullet magnet. Meanwhile, the gauss and 2 ERPPC packing Night Gyr next to it is often a much lower priority for my opponents.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

@@gkeaton9755 ah ok this I get!

[@luckyomen]

Crusader is a worse Archer. Blackjack is my favorite Medium for how consistent it has been for me, not great, but reliable hits and usually lasts for most of the game if I don't place it poorly. Worst Assault for me is the Atlas, but that's partially due to my poor luck, it getting focused down, and my love of the Banshee (even the pre Steiner/Marik upgrades). Finally, the light a consider a no-go is the Raven. Just never really liked how it compared to the Commando, Jenner, and Spider of all things. Few like the Spider because of its lacking weapons, but it has been a great strategic option when I can't afford a Wolfhound or Locust. it just ends up rounding out my tonnage and BV games really well so I feel like I'm not leaving points off the table.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Id rather take a Whitworth or a Javelin than a crusader

[@ChaosEddy75]

I would say for me its these four designs. The Valkyrie, a LRM is nice but to little damage output for me. The Scorpion, I like the look of it but thats it. Quickdraw, the speed is good but no real armor or firepower. And the Cyclops, an AC20 is really nice but only 160 Armor... I would take a Javelin, a Vindicator, Ostsol and Battlemaster

[@mattikuokkanen]

I don't have anything in the way of "hard to love". While I have high preference for more optimized 'Mechs, like WVR-6M, Thunderbolts, Archers, Thugs, Awesomes, Timber Wolf, I have enough love for less optimized 'Mechs too. Like Wasp and Banshee. It seems BNC-3E is among the least loved 'Mechs, but I have got great use out of it. To me BNC-3E is an overengined, oversinked, and undergunned BADASS laughing at firepower as it charges across the maps punching cockpits. Like in cover of TRO3039. "It isn't cool because it suck. It is cool because it suck WITH BALLS!"

[@Stormeris]

Honestly, i'm not sure i have a mech that i want to love but i do not, as i usually don't really care for performance and go for looks almost exclusively. Hence my favorite mech list includes the Scorpion, Vulcan, Whitworth, Quickdraw and many other mechs most people consider pretty awful.

[@novacat415]

For me its the Victor, I really want to love it but every goddam time it goes up in flames in 1 or 2 rounds.

[@theredbeardbard]

Leg mounted SRMs on the Crusader is just... odd... imo.

[@theredbeardbard]

Also, the Shadowhawk is a "jack of all trades" mech, which means it underperforms in relation to any other mech that is more focused in purpose. I have a love/hate relationship with the Shadowhawk.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Yeah - I have a hard time getting past that

[@Silverlightlive]

The Commando is a decent mech - but you've got to know its precise limitations. Shadow Hawk, meh, you are right about the pillow fists. I have great luck with Enforcers, but its not a mech that you're going to shove into the front line. You need the 3050 one to really have any chance. I've held down an entire company with just one Enforcer guarding the pass. The blackjack, I can't justify it in any of my formations. The Crusader is another meh mech. It was better when it was unseen. I agree with you on the Stalker. My friend has good luck with them, I think they're trash.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

I just cant get the Commando or Enforcer right. Stalker to me is just trying to be everything.

[@Silverlightlive]

@@CrankyOldGamer I'm not so big on Stalkers, but I have friends who are fond of them. The Enforcer and Commando are just able to punch above their weight - when most other mechs in the 20-30 ton category are 6/6/6, the Commando just packs SRMs and lasers - and jump jets are an advantage, but the BV on the Commando is pretty astonishing. The Enforcer - take the 3050 version and use its maneuverability. That extra point of walk speed turns into a real surprise, and the autocannon is a pretty reliable weapon. Personally I prefer an ER PPC, but the large laser pairs really well with the autocannon. Not sure I'm in love with LB cluster rounds, but might as well go crit hunting.

[@csmead209]

I could never get lucky Battlemaster in megamek's third training scenario (Trial by fire) granted you are outnumbered in that scenario, but I've had a leg blown up before round 4, which kills all chance of killing something else.

[@jonathanreece4151]

The obvious answer for me is the Rifleman. Iconic look, but it just... doesn't... work. And nothing really seems to help.

[@verrezen]

To make the commando work, just shove it ahead and hide behind a rock. It stops most heavies and assaults from closing the range. No one wants a commando pop up in their back. Ten srms and a medium laser are no joke.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

True!

[@thunder_chunder6491]

Mech I love the look of but don't like on TT goes to the Malice. Mech I want to field but don't like the model goes to the Blitzkrieg

[@CrankyOldGamer]

I've honestly not had much experience with those - I'll have to check those out.

[@thunder_chunder6491]

@@CrankyOldGamer Malice is like 100ton and only equipped with 4 LBX5 auto cannons and 4 M lasers, moving at 4/6. Meanwhile the Blitzkrieg is half the weight equipped with a turreted UAC20 and moving at 7/11.

[@dubuyajay9964]

The Charger, version 1. Straight up joke mech outside later variants. And NO ONE has played to its strengths by giving it jump jets, hatchet, wings, TSM, XL, etc... Even the Banshee got a hatchet during the Jihad! One of the few bright points of that era. Alas, no mini ever made of it. Rifleman 1st version. Tin plate armor. Jaegermech didn't properly fix it. Only way it is workable is with cover and/or other mechs running interference and drawing fire. Vulcan (Hermes?)-Good mech Cooker on paper and anti-infantry, but too specialized due to lack of range. Looks awful, most lights can outrun it and most heavies and assaults can stomp it before it can get the job done and overcook the reactor, pilot, and/or ammo. Locust. I just suck at using lights. Do not know how young Clanners survive since most are assigned lights early in their career.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

The Charger is just bad for the lulz

[@TsugeSenpai]

THE DRAGON

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Its so bad...

[@Barga6464]

I feel it the most with the Phoenix Hawk and the Awesome. The Phoenix Hawk feels like a protagonist mech and i despise that the most, and the Awesome feels so tactically unviable in any non physical sense i can't get past it. Also not a fan of some of the clan me ha but that's for a different videos comment

[@mr.e1944]

I don’t like the commando either. I like the look, but it is useless. I also like the look of the flea, but useless. And the urbanmech is cute with big feet, but useless. I like using the shadow hawk in a lance with an awesome for some reason. As a note I really like the Wolverine and will pick it, but I have had been really beaten up in it. I think the Carapult is a good mech on paper, but I have not had any good luck with it. I think I the last one of mine got legs shot off, fell and exploded. As far as your enforcer, you could have just crawled one hex per turn to get out of the water. From a prone position you can use one arm for support and shoot a weapon from the other arm. Sometimes it is best to stay down. As a final note, I like the Longbow. But one time I got a shot in the head and died before even getting a hit on the enemy.

[@odinulveson9101]

Woohii.. First off, looks. Im NOT fond of and dosent look good regarding humanoid mechs with avian/ chicken legs or fuselage/ long torsos on humanoid legs! The IS Jenner, Sagittaire and Clan Dire Raven etc. SO! Well, Im naturally intrigued and cheer on the underdog and scapegoated mechs. Especially those with bad beginning/ eatly production era variants, that gets used against them for whatever braindead spite. I try to remember some examples... For me its the Flea, Raven Shadowhawk, Jagermech, Banshee on the IS Battlemech side. Tenchi, Raptor for IS Omnimechs. Clan Omnimech side: Kit Fox/ Ullr, Nova/ Blackhawk, Summoner/ Tor, Warhawk/ Masakari, Dire Wolf/ Daishi. Clan Battlemechs: Timber Wolf mk III. Some of the latter might be more popular than I feared though. Im sure theres more I can think of. But thats it for now.

[@JohnnySmithWhite-wd4ey]

The Crusader has too many tons of ammo.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Its a walking tinder box

[@PhilosophicallyAmerican]

I only play the MechWarrior 5 PC game, but I hear you on that Stalker opinion. I do love it enough to struggle through and make it work, but it takes so much caution and double heat sinks to make viable. And then you are just terrified of breaking it because you sunk twice as many resources into it to get it operational. Though, I was able to put it in a pool of water last time and it saved the mission.

[@jasoncooper6047]

Shadow Hawk. Looks great but under armored. Over gunned. Dies too easy. Bad maneuverability.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

I wanna love the SH. Just... can't.

[@thorshammer8033]

The Assassin. Never lives up to its intended role. Or the Vulcan. Why in the name of Kerensky put an AC2 on an anti infantry mech ?

[@charleshudson1729]

90%of them. for the simple reason. there is way too many and they are the same just different names

[@lordmalal]

Hunchback. I just think its fundamentally flawed. AC20 is the wrong weapon for a medium.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Yeah but when that AC20 hits - its magic. But I agree - I can count like on 1 hand the number of times its actually hit. I think the threat of a hunchback is worse than reality. Though the 8 medium laser version is TIGHT.

[@MOONSpellsDoom]

As a newcomer to Alpha Strike, I don't feel I have much to add to the covno except this, and you'll all hate me for it: The Crusader is a futa mech.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

LOL!

[@sombrastewart]

I can't say specifically WHY, but man, I have no love for Shadow Hawks. I like nothing about them. On the light side, I agree on the Commando. Just doesn't work for me. In the heavy bracket... man, screw the Dragon. Base dragon, not Grand Dragon. I never have anything good happen when I play a Dragon, and I'm not a fan of the DCMS or the way it looks. Up on the assault end... just the Zeus. Nope, no thanks.

[@EricVulgaris]

honestly i hate the MAD-3R. The CAT-K2 is far superior.

[@carlk8308]

Not a fan of the too-human looking mechs.... with the exception of the Phoenix Hawk.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

I used to be on team chicken walker exclusively, but I have warmed to the humanoid ones a lot. There are some humanoid ones that I just can't get behind (looking at you Wyvern...)

[@tommydude6735]

Recently, and sadly, all of them. I've fallen out of love with the game. The lore is depressing for me. the mech game doesn't gel well with my learning disabilities and autism. and I never liked the aesthetic designs to begin with.

[@charlesa.7550]

I'm just going to say it, not a fan of the Timberwolf or Madcat or whatever it's called. It looks derpy and confused about what design space it was going for aesthetically. The beautifully ugly missile boxes of a catapult married to the ugly as sin spindly arms of a Marauder? I think not good sirs, you ugly go back to the sewer you crawled out of. For lights I just can't get behind the Panther. Anything with a single weapons system that can give my dice a chance to act the fool is out for me. I don't mind it's speed or armor it's just the letdown feeling of missing that big shot.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

It's most definitely the posterboy for the franchise. That being said, while I do love it in concept, the part that I don't care for visually is the "noodle arms". If they'd kept the design of the more modern version of marauder arms (from which its clearly taking homage) I'd be much more down with it. Great machine on the table though and I do love it from that perspective. Though I do remember a year or so ago when I was playing against one on megamek and it was by itself like 3k battle value (nearly I think), I remember taking it out with one shot to the head with an ER PPC. Ah such is the life of dice... Re: Panther, I feel that same way with things like the Urbanmech. I know the internet says I should love it, and I kinda do, but man its just not... great. Now the hunchback on the other hand - yeah you might miss that juicy AC20 shot, but you have a bunch of ML's that can do work as well.