BATTLETECH: The Crusader

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The CRD series, or #Crusader series, is an incredibly powerful #battlemech in the world of #battletech / #mechwarrior . Heavily armed, and heavily armoured, it would fight from the time of the #starleague, through to the #successionwars , and into the #claninvasion , as well as beyond.
Incredible in its design, especially the redesign by #catalystgames, this mech offers incredible value to anyone who takes it. Today, let's go over what makes this one so special.
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#Battletech #Mechwarrior #HouseKurita #HouseDavion #HouseMarik #HouseSteiner #HouseLiao #Battlemech #SuccessionWars #Mechwarrior #Heavy #HeavyMechs #HeavyBattlemechs #crusader #CatalystGameLabs #CGL #StarLeague #SLDF #crd
Note: I am not associated with the Battletech / Mechwarrior IP, and create this under fair-use. Ownership of the Battletech IP resides with several companies at this time. I support all official releases.

[@meshuggahshirt]

It's rarely discussed but the cherry on top of the Crusader is its perfect trifecta of quirks: Easy to Maintain, Rugged, and Ubiquitous. Crusaders don't just take a beating but get back to the front faster and cheaper than any of their peers.

[@SuaveNerd2000]

I’m starting to realize that the Capellans will always find a way to put jump jets on a mech, that and camo armor later on

[@BigRed40TECH]

Tru

[@Endilbiach]

If you're going to commit war crimes, better do it while flying in a mech.

[@imadrifter]

@@Endilbiach its only illegal if you're on the soil of the lawmaking entity.

[@meshuggahshirt]

Credit where it's due, they get more interesting results than House Kurita's "put a PPC on it" policy

[@shukilevyandbrookesheildsl2638]

The Unseen Crusader was the very first Battletech miniature I ever owned back in '90. And, for that, it will always hold a very special place in my heart.

[@GojiKaichou]

I bought the Ral Partha Crusader mini in '86. Also had a RP Stinger LAM mini as well. Those were seriously overpriced back then.

[@quannd]

Same I'm newish to the Fandom and the crusader was the first battletech mini I ever painted

[@ericwollaston5654]

The look and feel (and name) of the Crusader is iconic for Battletech. It's use of missile, energy, and ballistic weapons in a symmetrical package lend to its iconic feel and image of balance. Though battlefield endurance is not is hallmark, many times nothing is left when it's empty. 😂

[@NonApplicable1983]

What an absolute beast. The long-range power of a catapult with the close-range power to match any medium or heavy brawler, and anti-infantry capability on top of it all.

[@alexzenz760]

Tabletop: one crit in a side torso ..... 20 years ago- playing BT- i liked the t-bolt more. Really loved this game. Greetings.

[@NonApplicable1983]

@@alexzenz760 You gotta split those racks and pack those crit slots. CASE helps. I do like the Thunderbolt a bit better too, though. The Multi-Trac quirk adds a lot of versatility.

[@alanrickett2537]

Or you get less weapons than a locust if you have supply issues

[@NonApplicable1983]

@@alanrickett2537 Two medium lasers versus one.

[@alanrickett2537]

@@NonApplicable1983 sorry my memory said it only had one front facing laser. Will you let me change it to a spider?

[@bezyn2291]

I really like Crusader, it`s new redesign is amazing, really hope it finds it`s way into pc games soon.

[@mali5698]

MWO's gonna be releasing a Crusader soon, sadly it somehow didn't make it's way into MW5

[@fusfauxpas]

@@mali5698 June 21st 👍

[@boneshaman8912]

If we are lucky. They might make a patch after it comes out... we can dream.

[@eddapultstab2078]

I'm still partial for the shoulder missle pods on the original

[@shakeemsymonds7362]

@@mali5698 hopefully someone will mod it in

[@darwinsfolly2117]

I like to pair my Thunderbolt with a Crusader to create a versatile bracket- build lance. Also, if you put the two CGL sculpts next to each other, it looks like they're fist bumping each other. I nicknamed them the 'Bracket Bros'

[@benthomas5759]

Fist bumping! That needs to be a meme.

[@ErinPalette]

I remember when I first got Aerotech back in the 80s and discovered Land-Air Mechs. I made a Crusader LAM. It worked about as well as you think it might.

[@observationsfromthebunker9639]

Won't criticize a guy who wanted to make the BT version of Super Valkyrie though.

[@SmokersTars]

Just dropping a comment to say, you're making great, concise and Interesting Vids! As someone that only recently found Interest in Battletech, it helps greatly to slowly understand the tens of years that were spent on this amazing franchise

[@BigRed40TECH]

Much appreciated!

[@imadrifter]

So much content to catch up on, isn't it great?

[@SmokersTars]

@@imadrifter yeah, it's what I found so wonderful after playing MW5. Each mech, each state, all of this is so absurdly deep and has such rich and interesting history - designs going back generations. A integral part of my work nowadays is watching things (as my job is "boring") and being able every day spend watching topics connected to something I enjoy is great

[@imadrifter]

@@SmokersTars they say if you love your job you never work a day in your life. I think if you can space out and get lost in thought about something you enjoy whilst working you have it made 🚬

[@SmokersTars]

@@imadrifter well i don't earn too well, but also not badly (I'm a customer support, chat&Email), but I work around 20-30% of my jobtime, my manager doesn't butt into my work, I'm allowed to work from home and our workload is good enough. It ain't the end of my journey, but after stressful jobs at large scale companies and burnout, it's heaven on earth. I finish work, and I forget work, it's this kinda job 😁

[@robertroy7818]

I had just finished painting this mech and admittedly knew nothing about it, the Crusader had been off of my radar before the box it came in. DEFINITELY excited to give it a run now, I've got a soft spot for these flexible "light" heavies between 60-65 tons. Keep up the good work, and as always appreciate you actually taking the time to respond and discuss these comments.

[@treevenewson]

The classic 65 ton 'Mechs are some the best ever designed: Crusader, T-Bolt, Catapult...

[@MKmaki6094]

No way me too! lol I painted mine as a filthy Ghost Regiment Drac, always loved how this mech looked

[@robertroy7818]

@@MKmaki6094 nice, I've got a custom scheme for my merc company. Main body is mountain camo in desert tan and Grey with those classic red and yellow checkerboard markings

[@MKmaki6094]

@@robertroy7818 sounds interesting

[@spartana1116]

Ever since getting the new dlc the crusader became my favorite heavy mech when I swapped the LRMs with extra SRM6s to alacablam my foes

[@Gigas0101]

The original Fasa design is probably my favourite look for the thing, something about those hip-guns feels so uniquely Battletech. This feels like something I'd pair with the Whitworth for a nice mixed weight fire support lance.

[@frankb3347]

I like the idea of a Jihadist Crusader. Anyways, It's a solid Mech for its era and tonnage. I wouldn't mind fielding one in any campaign that doesn't have supply line problems.

[@NonApplicable1983]

The CRD-8R was created just after the Jihad. It's pretty great. Streaks in the legs.

[@mikedowd6015]

What's the scariest thing that a Crusader pilot can hear? (The sound of ammo bins running dry...)

[@cavalryscout9519]

The Crusader is my favorite "missile boat" mech, because it's not exclusively a missile boat. It's LRM capacity is good enough for fire support (especially if othe mechs in it's lance carry a rack or two), but it can also move up on the frontline a bit. The Crusader can punch way above it's weight, since the dual LRM-15s remain threatening even to assault mechs, and it has enough armor that if can survive engagements with any mech in the game.

[@carlwells9504]

And it can protect itself if someone gets under LRM range, it’s its own bodyguard 😁

[@Dracobyte]

The Crussader: Everyone, look at my missile arms!

[@oscarcoastwilde]

we all know the Crusader is actually a Pheonix Hawk wearing several jackets and pants layered over and over

[@BigRed40TECH]

Damn, if only I'd realized it.

[@robrib2682]

Don't forget the extra guns it stuffs in the pockets of each coat

[@TheBloodedCat]

I thought it was a wasp and stinger in an overcoat

[@eddapultstab2078]

My favorite version of the crusader is the Davion version that downgrades the srm from 6 to 4, removes the MG and ammo and replaces it with heatsinks to give it more staying power when firing at all ranges.

[@stormsurge2103]

Cool, mine’s the Star League one with the streak SRMs.

[@yourseatatthetable]

A solid design that I tend to favor. I like that it supplements pretty much any medium, heavy lances I want to put together. While a true jack of all trades, the Crusader's variants also allow it to plug into some pretty specific roles. For me, if any unit I run has one or more Crusaders in it, I like to use it in command lances and fire lances because it lends support to many mech designs that are more mission specific. A pair of Archers or Catapults, backed up by a pair of Crusaders, for example. Or, a Battlemaster, pair of Crusaders, and a Wolverine as a command lance option.

[@Bomfunker91]

My Liao-bias aside, I'm so happy you covered the 3L in particular. IMO the Crusader 3L is damn near the perfect Succession Wars era mech. Solid firepower both at range and up close, excellent mobility for its size, improved endurance with the added heat sinks...I love that thing.

[@kennetth1389]

Crusader was my first heavy mech. Purchased the medium lance lead minis. Crusader, shadowhawk, wolverine and wasp. It was pretty standard for many to drop the mg's and ammo for more lrm and srm ammo back in the day.

[@DangerGnom]

Good timing. They just announced the next DLC for MW5:Mercs. And the new mech coming with the DLC is the Crusader with 11 variants. Since i am not as deep into the lore, your video was helpful. Thanks.

[@vali6717]

This heavy has been on my radar since 2009 when I was able to take a copy of Decision At Thunder Rift home from my school's library. I still own the book. It is one of the first mechs I was familiar with and it is still a personal favorite.

[@johnarnold8485]

Almost every one of my merc regiment commanders started in the Crusader under the callsign "Lionheart." I adore the mech in both stock and the many modified configurations I've had it in over the years. I will always treasure it.

[@MKmaki6094]

I just finished painting my Crusader yesterday, this almost felt like a reward! Glad you took a look at one of my favorite mechs

[@BigRed40TECH]

Love the Crusader. So good. :D

[@MKmaki6094]

@@BigRed40TECH it's always 4th of July when he's around lol

[@connorriggs1518]

I definitely prefer it’s newer design in comparison to its old one it looks really cool for me

[@stormcrow28]

The Crusader is one of my favorite mechs, especially in the form of the 2R, the Royal refit which came back into existence during the Jihad. 4 Streak 2s with one ton of ammo, 2 LRM-15s with Artemis IV and one ton of ammo each, Endo Steel, 10 DHS, CASE, 2 MGs with a ton of ammo, and 2 Medium Lasers for around 1500 BV. You get improved missile accuracy, better hit dissipation, but still have the MG ammo as a potential issue. The Rec Guide added in tons of variants, including one Davion 3053 variant which is extremely nasty. The 6T has a 325 rated XL engine, 12.5 tons of armor, 17 DHS, 12 medium lasers, 2 Flamers, 5 Jump Jets, and a C3 Slave. It's like someone saw the Black Hawk Prime and said, we need a 65 ton beam spam version with a spotting link, oh and it needs to shoot fire!

[@blue95kun]

Ah Crusader. The other alternative for long range fire support and Galen Cox's mech of choice.

[@buffewo6386]

Played a Mechwarrior RPG campaign years ago. We were a mix of college kids, Veterans/ Active Mil, and the token teenager (me). We played as a FedCom Affiliated Merc company (12, but 10-16 per session as "orphans" picked up by the unit.) durring the start of the Clan Invasion. Ran with rules for resupply, salvage, and other "real world" constraints. Having an (USA) Tank Company XO and (USAF) Wing Deployment Planning Chief... well... it was fun. Remember speciallty parts (Artemis-type missiles, LB-X/Specialty Ammo, Thunder/FASCAM, XL engines...) are not always going to make it to your unit. And for Missile Boats like Crusader/Archer/Catapult no resupply leads to Melee as your high damage system. These designes are optimized for the "Shoot you from further away than you can shoot me", school of tactics. No missles make that not work effectively. And they cost C-bills... We ended up with only a few Boats with most of the rest of us going Energy primary loadouts. Except for our Hunchback pilot. We called the Universe's worst kamikaze... because trying ever session, he always managed to not die. Ended up with Clan salvage UAC-20, XL Engine, ERMLs, and Standard Jump Jets. Having him jump over a Mad Cat to core it from behind is one of my favorite memories of the game. Long live large whiteboards with hexes, color coded topography, and your Mech sheets with tape over the dots so you can erase pencil.

[@observationsfromthebunker9639]

You lived the dream, man.

[@dragoon508]

The srm tubes in the legs were always neat to me

[@shakeemsymonds7362]

Max armor, low heat, all ranges. One of the staple brawlers for a reason!

[@michaelsudsysutherland5353]

Crusader "You can try to run, but you'll just die tired"

[@SeedemFeedemRobots]

the Missile Man! carrying on the spirit of Itano. among the most all-purpose heavy mech i can think of think of alongside the Thunderbolt and Orion as walking arsenals with always having something to use for any range (though i consider Marauder and Warhammer to be more PPC-use centered and not really count). though this has a weapon for everything is what i think defines the design, it tries to do a little too much with weapons that are meant for things its unsuited for, like the Machine Guns which i think is best used with lights and mediums, so i think the 3D and 3K are the more optimal variants that keep its core design values, the 3L on the other hand with it's jump capabilities make it feel like its the variant where the machine guns make more sense to have, honestly those 3 would be the most interesting choices.

[@Dragoran5836]

Macross Missile Massacre!

[@observationsfromthebunker9639]

This is one of my most loved OG battlemechs. It's a versatile battle able to go from long range to indirect range to short range. One of my friends (who usually played a cleric in D&D) fell in love with the Crusader and always used it. He led my mercenary unit's fire lance so it was perfect for him. We stopped playing when lostech was appearing. It was too bad for him because his Crusader had gotten a set of double sinks and CASE for all its missile launchers.

[@michaelcook2290]

Mate, you are pumping out these awesome vids. Keep up the good work

[@BigRed40TECH]

Glad you like them!

[@SteelWolf13]

YAAAASSS!!!!!!!

[@ambientlight3876]

The Crusader is my absolute favorite heavy mech and one that I have the most heavily modified. Its such an amazing design. Side note, at 3:17 there is an amazing pic of the Crusader. Where does it come from? I want it as a wallpaper!

[@BigRed40TECH]

That's from MWO!

[@ambientlight3876]

Sweet! Such a nice design for the Crusader!

[@impressiveprogressive7343]

I ran the Crusader back in the 80's when battle droids first came out before the name change to Battle Tech. Hopefully soon they will release the Ostman mechs and the Wasp and Stinger.

[@BigRed40TECH]

Wasp and Stinger are out. OStman is coming out in the new Kickstarter.

[@impressiveprogressive7343]

@@BigRed40TECH Sorry i probably should've stated that i wanted those mechs to come out for MWO.

[@Chris_Sizemore]

Ah the Crusader. Really doesn't need the MGs, and really needs the weight spent in either heat sinks or ammo for its missile systems. Honestly 10 heat sinks isn't enough, so remove the MGs and its ammo in favor of 2 heat sinks. The 3049 CRD-4 series of upgrade kits love the Streak-2 missile systems. Honestly? Junk. Replace the engine's 10 built in heat sinks with doubles. Remove the MG and replace with LRM ammo. Field upgrade kit done. For new production models use Endo Steel and put that extra 3 tons into Artimis upgrades for the LRM-15s and an extra ton of SRM ammo. Keep the normal medium lasers. The inherent drawbacks of the Inner Sphere ER and Pulse weapons make it so that they don't outperform the basic model.

[@xenofett7008]

One of my favorite mechs and a nightmare for an opponent.

[@chaosknight9131]

Ah the Crusader, this is what premier IS engineering looks like, stretched to the absolutely limit to what it can stack with introtech and would benefit the most from Lostech upgrades. Endo-steel lets you pile in most in the way of firepower and safety equipment like CASE and an Extra pair of Medium Lasers, or give it more ammunition for the weapons it already has, while DBHs can give it a much more ferocious rate of fire

[@observationsfromthebunker9639]

For my money CASE for all the missiles and MGs plus double sinks will definitely keep a Crusader competitive in the later stages.

[@jollyjohnthepirate3168]

Had a Mechwarrior character who piloted a Crusader. Spent 2 hours rolling up the character. Role played for 4 hours and we ended the game with some table top. Critical hit touched off the MG ammo, which set off a cascade of ammo explosions. When you blow up let them see you from space!

[@BigRed40TECH]

Better to burn out, then fade away :D

[@jollyjohnthepirate3168]

Still love the Crusader. But one less Lyran mech jock.

[@tarron3237]

I recently re-visited the Battletech TT rules. I think LRMs should have a lock-on mechanic and SRMs should be upped to 3 dmg per missile. That would improve balance for ammo-shortage ridden mechs and the often maligned SRM 2 and 4. And it would make the Crusader an amazing machine.

[@BigRed40TECH]

It still is an amazing mech :P

[@tarron3237]

@@BigRed40TECH Yes you're right, and I actually thought about adding that at the end of my comment, but then decided against it. I love the Crusader. It's one of the mechs you have to use right to make it shine. I mean.. everyone can pilot a Warhammer-6D, right? Plus it looks so good 😎

[@observationsfromthebunker9639]

I feel your pain regarding the very random missile hit tables. Back in the day we always joked that our targeting computers had COLECO under the screen.

[@foxdavion6865]

One of the best brawler Pre-Clan Heavy Mechs.

[@lexington476]

Love the 4L, it's a compromise design that actually can make the unit better especially in built-up terrain.

[@upandaljm]

One of my all-time favorite mix regardless of where it came from.

[@BigRed40TECH]

It's a great mech :D

[@jonbezeau3124]

I can't help but think of the Crusader as a further up-armored Phoenix Hawk. The capellans got it right when they dropped missile tubes for jump jets... the smaller weapons are easier on heat and the mech can use JJs to hit equal-weight opponents where the sun don't shine.

[@BigRed40TECH]

The Crusader doesn't come with Jump Jets unless you get the Liao variant :)

[@jonbezeau3124]

@@BigRed40TECH I'm so unused to giving Liao credit for anything good that I called them Capellans instead lol. Normally their variants are extra-janky versions of already disadvantaged machines.

[@duongquan4986]

My Macross VF-1J Armoured Valkyrie aka the Unseen Crusader just arrived the same day as this video. Good time.

[@maxanderson2180]

absolute gem of a mech

[@BigRed40TECH]

Damn right it is

[@donaldcampbell3043]

Probably one of my favorite original mechanics, next to the Shadow Hawk

[@kylebarrie2887]

One of those mechs that you can fine tune to fit for long range or short range roles. It gets a thumbs up from me :)

[@peigeot9906]

This mech just makes me want to start singing Saxon's Crusader out loud ♪♫ Crusader, Crusader, please take me with you The battle lies far to the East... ♪♫

[@GliderBane]

I think the Crusader is a solid mech, but I will take the Catapult C1 over it if given the chance. The Crusader has a better short range alpha, but lacks the style that can only be afforded with jump jets and an awkward chicken leg design.

[@BigRed40TECH]

Crusader's a bit of a different mech.

[@knightofberenike9633]

Yes, but can the Catapult pick up and throw a 20-tonner at its enemies?

[@GliderBane]

@@knightofberenike9633 having hand actuators gives you options for flipping your opponent the bird or throwing small mechs. It is not early as terrifying as heaving your massive 65 ton Catapult bulk through the air at your opponent with those massive jump jets. The Capellans enjoyed it so much the put those jets on their Crusaders.

[@stevegering4367]

Perfect there's a video already. They just announced the crusader for mw5.

[@aresthedog4637]

excellent video Human! you are doing well! now feed me!!!!!

[@BigRed40TECH]

You refused to eat your expensive wet foot earlier today. Bad ares. BAD.

[@aresthedog4637]

@@BigRed40TECH BAD!!!! Human i require steaks and Beer!!!!

[@grtdrmmrs]

@@BigRed40TECH see what happens when you spoil them!!! smh

[@realmofrandom3696]

I would greatly like to have these in MW5 mercs, this thing has ample armor and weapons to satisfy my itch for lots of weapons

[@The_Bird_Bird_Harder]

How's it feel to have your wish granted?

[@rylian21]

Sometimes goofy-looking, but always a terror on the battlefield. The Crusader is literally one of the best mech designs of all time.

[@eddapultstab2078]

while I like many of the cgl designs, the original crusader is still my favorite, not the one shown on video but on the classic 3025.

[@daltoncates7296]

love that most of the locations that this mech is produced at are in house marik and liao space

[@ronforister8374]

Good video, hope to see more variants mentioned. Will see if Mechwarrior Online does it justice to the lore. Variants will be CRD-3R CRD-5K CRD-5M CRD-6T CRD-7L CRD-CR 'CRAEL' I pre bought to help the game out, and see if its 6T, 7L and Crael are to my playstyle.

[@BigRed40TECH]

I only cover a couple variants in every video, I don't go over all of them.

[@brianhenry152]

I always preferred the 3D and 3L House variants for better flexibility and survivability, since the 3R base model is VERY explodey if the torsos are breached. It's one of my favorite designs both aesthetically and practically. The hands give it a lot of options in a mission, and as long as you limit your fire to either only long range or only short range weapons, the heat can be easily managed. Overall this is a fantastic mech for just about any mission type.

[@Chris-ry3fr]

Ahh who could forget the old walking ammo explosion.

[@BigRed40TECH]

It's better to burnout, than fade away. :D

[@patrickkenyon2326]

Nice thing about sitting on a pile of ammunition. If it blows, you'll never know...

[@madmaxx426]

Gotta unload all that ordinance, then just dump the rest before you roll in for a fist fight. I had my LRM bins go up a few times but she managed to get in range and punch a timberwolf right in the cockpit.

[@ian5395]

I've a gimmick squad of these and Nighstars in an old RT file. jumpy shotty boys

[@fedupN]

Another one I forgot about! Always loved its look, even if I was neutral on the heavy reliance on missiles. Not that it's a knock against it, just preference. Oh, except it's machine guns. Seeing those tacked onto mechs that arent based around them (anit infantry or back stabbing things like a Piranha) always makes me shake my head.

[@michaelkeha]

Solid all rounder that is dumb simple to understand making it unflinchingly reliable and cheap

[@Tronnus]

No words about the 12 small laser 6T variant? :D

[@temp3608]

**chuckles in 10 HMG CRAEL**

[@louhodo5761]

It's funny but the unseen version you showed was the second version. The original Crusader was the Robotech model... It had two hands the missiles were on the top of the shoulders and it had the SRMS on the sides of the hips.

[@BigRed40TECH]

The 2nd version is still the knock-off, which is why it's unseen, it's just a cleaner drawing.

[@JulianVR4]

What a beast! They run hot asf tho unless you phase in weapons after you run it out of LRM ammo. Keep those ammo explosions away 😐

[@treevenewson]

I love my armored vertitech fighter in battloid mode, LOL, bur seriously. Other than it's lack of heat sinks it is a great direct/indirect fire-support 'Mech.

[@Sturm01]

Yet another mech I wish had been in MW5. Screw the melee weapons, I want more mech variety

[@Demolitiondude]

WE ARE RETAKING THE HOLY SEE!

[@stephenknizek2651]

My first unit had a Crusader, mostly because it was a 2d6 roll of 4+ to obtain. Decent Scout Lance leader. Nothing to write home about.

[@fernandozavaletabustos205]

The chunkiest defender of the Deus Vult creed!

[@raabaddler5802]

this is the unseen armored VF-1 Valkyrie

[@elchjol2777]

Seems like a mech that would lead a lance of Centurions or other versatile mechs. A Crusader with three Centurions backing it up would be a dangerous nut to crack at multiple ranges and not something I would take on unless I'm at a position of advantage over that lance. Also I want one in MW 5.

[@WarCriminal-y1u]

Well you are getting your wish!

[@elchjol2777]

@@WarCriminal-y1u Well ask and you shall receive I guess.

[@lukedudley5030]

A lighter stalker that doesn't have the looks :-) empty the lrms and then close the range for the brawl :-) a good arounder that makes a great front line mech :-)

[@csnation]

The Crusader also known as fire all ze missiles.

[@Kpiozero]

The Crusader is one of the few mechs i really really want to punch someone with then just let loose with the LRMs. Damn the minimum range, give me my rocket bosted punch!

[@ironboy3245]

get clan LRMs then

[@youtmeme]

this is a great machine!!😉👍

[@BigRed40TECH]

It sure is!

[@Stranglygreen]

this power house sliped under my radir... but i really do liek the idea of it.

[@Tekdruid]

A great do-anything mech.

[@brentbartley6838]

The Crusader in MW5 is STOOOPID. I loaded one of mine with tier 4 SRM6's with plenty of ammo and it shreds EVERYTHING. Only the toughest Assault mechs last more than a couple full missle barrages. Mediums and lighter Heavies last seconds. Faster light mechs survive longer only if they are harder to hit.

[@a_happyteddy_bear3101]

Hmmmm missiles. I like, I like alot.

[@BigRed40TECH]

As do I!

[@ronaldritchie1301]

My favorite mech is and always was the Thunderbolt. But the 3L Crusader was a very close 2nd. I didn't like that the long range hitting power was reduced the way it was but the addition of 2 heat sinks and 4 jump jets more than made up for the loss.

[@eddapultstab2078]

I had had a thunderbolt that I removed all the ammo using weapons, got ammo exploded 3 times in a row on a campaign and got tired of it, and basically mirrored the laser complement and added heat sinks and maybe some armor if I remember. it did great for a while until I blew up an enemy mechs MG ammo at stackpole range.

[@ronaldritchie1301]

@@eddapultstab2078 Stackpoles rock! I had a soft spot for the 5SS modified so that it had the SRM6 for crit fishing but only 1 ton of ammo, the 3 Medium Lasers, 4 Jump Jets, and a total of 18 heat sinks, I'd put the ammo in the torso with the SRM6 and put all of the heat sinks there to minimize ammo explosion probability except for 4 which I put in the legs.

[@eddapultstab2078]

@@ronaldritchie1301 not saying a stackpole sucks, im just saying it sucks when you're right next to it

[@ronaldritchie1301]

@@eddapultstab2078 Agreed! Stackpoles rock until they end your contribution to the game, but even then they rock for the sheer epicness. If you gotta go down, go down in a screaming ball of fire.

[@eddapultstab2078]

@@ronaldritchie1301 I still remember this battle in a mechwarrior rpg campaign, we were defending timbiki in fact, our 6 mechs came against 2 lances and it got close quarters pretty fast, I was super nervous because everyone else and my team relied on alot of ammo based weapons and right at the end an enemy mech exploded then set off and another mech near that got wasted and moved on. At the end of it, it was a long time ago, their were like 3 or 4 ammo crits. the only mech standing was an archer, totally wrecked with only 2 internals on the center torso left.

[@dwwolf4636]

Values ? Walking time bomb.

[@DIEGhostfish]

3L may be light on upfront Damage for its weight but it's got that crit padding

[@spartanx9293]

It looks very very cool

[@erikbjelke4411]

Never really liked the Crusader. . . until I got the Rise of Rasalhague DLC for MW5 and got a 3R right off the bat. Not only does the MW5 Crusader look sexy as all hell, those hardpoints are awesome. It immediately replaced my beloved Thunderbolt in my heavy line up as the missile support 'Mech, while still being able to brawl respectably. Slightly less enthused with the Hero versions that take the missile hardpoints out of the arms.

[@snitlock2907]

Are you considering changing your name at all given your current upload schedule?

[@BigRed40TECH]

Yes.

[@Magikarp-4ever]

I love the crusader 🥰🥰🥰 fan club right here

[@garycannon4644]

this mech sounds awesome shame it's not in mw5

[@michaelmills8205]

The Crusader is one of the Project Phoenix redesign that I feel did a really good job of capturing the feel of the original artwork. Some of those are just ugly.

[@mr6johnclark]

Coming soon to Mechwarrior Online.

[@miafillene4396]

Jeez...can't really say anything about the Crusader...it's a damn fine mech. I do like the capellan version with the plasma rifles and mml-7s, but...it's just aces, all over.

[@madmaxx426]

Crusader has been my go-to heavy for TT for a long time. Are there better? Sure -- but none have managed to be consistent and reliable as my Crusaders. 2R pulled so much damage in our campaign

[@steelwolfnolast6938]

2 mauraders, 1 crusader 2 raven? Maybe a lance to worry about?

[@defiantmechwarrior2397]

Re Watched this because of the new dlc

[@hammer1349]

While I do like the crusader as a mech, the internals for it on the tabletop are pretty bad. Only thing in either side torso is ammo

[@BigRed40TECH]

As I;'ve said. It's better to burn out, than fade away :P

[@hammer1349]

@@BigRed40TECH admittedly the only time I've used it, it got shot by an atlas in the rear so kaboom should have been expected

[@ironboy3245]

I'm kinda sad that BTA for HBS Battletech doesn't let us build the crusader Crael from MWO