BATTLETECH: The Wolfhound

[@WolfHreda]

House Kurita: "This Lyran 'mech is absolutely thrashing our light forces. Let's build a 'mech specifically designed to destroy it." Also House Kurita: "Here's a 'mech that's ten tons heavier, costs twice as much, and can't even reliably defeat the one 'mech we want it to."

[@fistan5447]

which was sortof uncharacteristic of them. I mean say what you will of Kurita but their mech designs were superb. Panther, Jenner, Catapult K2? Muah, they even had Longbows for assault iirc.

[@Taurox220]

​@fistan5447 yeah kurita's entire culture is stupid but their iconic mainstay mechs are solid. Simplicity, mobility, and a big gun are always effective.

[@DIEGhostfish]

Also we are upgrading the panther with recovered lostech to protect it from this damnable dog. We gave it a gun that overheats it standing still

[@fistan5447]

@@DIEGhostfish they did fix it later on iirc. Problem was DHS was quite rare at the time that mech came out and other mechs took priority. Mech can still fire ERPPC and only gain +2 heat, so it is quite acceptable even if its not optimal.

[@DIEGhostfish]

@@fistan5447 +4 if running and firing. Also what mechs took priority? The Atlas? Oh wait no, that has 2 ERLLs and like 26 singles.

[@paladinslash4721]

It’s easy to forget that Steiner produces some of the best “assassin” mechs in Battletech

[@z2ei]

And what might be the iconic light Mech in the Commando.

[@robrib2682]

Yup, leave it to the resident Germans of BattleTech to produce some of the most dangerous things in certain weight classes whenever you anger them

[@Jake9066]

And they use the most iconic of "recon in force" mechs, the Atlas

[@mrbigglezworth42]

Which is doubly ironic given their propensity to produce walking fortresses en mass.

[@robertivey7644]

It had some Davion help. The cockpit ejection system is from the NAIS.

[@vikteren8723]

The Wolfhound quite possibly the best light IS mech out there for everything put pure scouting. Its only real weakness is the lack of jump jets and given what you get for your money that's forgivable.

[@nemamiah7832]

I'd argue Mongoose is better, but Wolfhound is pretty good.

[@rotwang2000]

It will get hot, but as part of a lance with heavier mechs it its a pretty good flanker or even backstabber, also good for hunting bugs. Pair it up with a commando or a Jenner and you have a pretty good duo for keeping enemy scouts at bay.

[@tullyDT]

As a Drac player I hands down concede that this is the best IS light mech, in the right hands. It can be beaten but if you're dealing with someone who knows what they're doing you're going to be sending a heavier mech or multiple light mechs after it. I often dealt with the older single heatsink versions by giving my Jenner's inferno rounds for their SRMS to force the hound to run hot. Ironically the Wolfhound actually teams up very well with its arch enemies, making the Inner Sphere Striker Lance one of the best force packs available.

[@ogrehaslayers605]

The Rasalhague Lance Pack 😉

[@Zalamx]

I love the Wolfhound and the Panther, tanky lights that can punch above their weight.

[@Dang_Near_Fed_Up]

The Panther has always proven to be rather squishy when I tried to use them. The Wolfhound on the other hand is absolutely not.

[@Real_Iron_Smith]

As a Steiner Player on the tabletop, and someone who grew up with MW4: Mercenaries, I love the Wolfhound so much. It's a beautiful machine, cheap to build, no worries about ammo (either exploding or running out) and fast enough to matter but tough enough to survive getting hit. She's a beauty!

[@andrewmiddleton3487]

I feel like there's an interesting comparison you can make with the Wolfhound and the Raven. Both mechs were designed by desperate successor states to fill specific needs in the form of a new light mech asset during essentially the same time period. Both mechs are very well-regarded and capable (particularly so in their second iterations), and both mechs feature a sort of animal totem design that became somewhat iconic. And yet that's basically where the similarities end. The Raven was designed to scout to enable a better response to a broad variety of situations, with new technologies and follow-up configurations that only doubled-down on that concept. The advancements introduced with the Raven were intended as a part of a much larger shift in military doctrine: a new strategy that would enable the CCAF to evade and destroy much larger, materially superior foes. Guile and subterfuge as a part of the Raven's design as much as they are House Liao's military strategy as a whole. The Wolfhound on the other hand has taken a completely different approach. The Steiner designers apparently believed that their standing military strategy was just fine, and it was simply the enemy that was the problem. Instead of being designed around executing a larger wartime strategy requiring specific information or position, they designed a mech that simply exists to kill the enemy: about as subtle as a gauntleted fist to the face. Unsubtle, but also with a perfect clarity of purpose, while being efficient and thoughtfully executed. In a lot of ways, the design philosophies of the two mechs reflect the people, governments, and circumstances that they originated from. Both nations respective identities are proudly on display in these two mechs. Its fitting that both mechs became such a successful product, both are - in essence - their people.

[@elchjol2777]

A force that has both would have a nasty light lance. Three Wolfhounds with an ECM equipped Raven to cover them could appear out of nowhere, eliminate enemy scouts then disappear. Thus leaving the enemy force blinded.

[@DevilPogoStick]

It really says a lot of how successful this mech is from day one and never fell off the pedestal ever since. It's that solid of a mech.

[@chaosknight9131]

I've killed everything from Battlemasters to Mad Cats in this thing, a truly mighty weapon

[@Dracobyte]

Really? By flanking or how?

[@elchjol2777]

Killing a Mad Cat/Timberwolf with just a Wolfhound? I applaud your skill and luck. If that clan MechWarrior survived he or she has been shamed to such a degree that they may have wished your lasers melted them inside their mech.

[@cesaravegah3787]

Well, not even Khan Phelan Ward-Kell was able to do that but good for you.

[@Cha-Khia]

One of the few Inner Sphere light mechs I actually like, anything a light can do a 45 ton mech can do better, but the wolfhound impresses none the less.

[@cleverkitsune4302]

Except most 45 ton designs are complete garbage and offer nothing more than a 35 ton can while costing 50% more

[@Myzzzy]

@@cleverkitsune4302 Seriously. 45 ton medium mechs almost across the board are hot garbage, and really, very few stand out at 40 tons either. The better mediums really stand out at 50 and 55 tons like the crab, centurion, Shadow Hawk, etc. I'd rather take a good, niche built light mech over most 45 ton medium mechs.

[@mattikuokkanen]

@@cleverkitsune4302 Phoenix Hawk

[@EllenbergW]

@@mattikuokkanen I really like the Phoenix Hawk, but if we are honest, the P-Hawk is just a scaled up Wolfhound (well, ok, the Wolfhound is a scaled down P-Hawk). It keeps the armor, the armament and the movement. The only thing lacking are the JJs and for the saving in cost, I'm willing to live with that.

[@mrbigglezworth42]

@@Myzzzy The vindicator is a very economical trooper mech, one that held the Capellans afloat when they were desperate for mechs in general. Likewise the Blackjack is a good enough fire support mech that just had a bad rep.

[@Feonir44]

WLF-3M - We strapped a pair of legs to a gun. We will take no questions.

[@robertdrexel2043]

I thought that was the Hollander??

[@Feonir44]

There is a lot of robits who neatly fit that description.

[@cobalt968]

The Panther's bane, and a serious deterrent for most Jenner pilots. I've even heard stories of wisely utilized Wolfhounds giving Warhammers and Marauders fits during introtech levels. Though the Lyrans have their trademark "wall of iron", the Wolfhound also gives us a much-needed reminder that they also have a fair amount of solid light/medium designs too.

[@WilliamSlayer]

The Commando being another great one

[@robertivey7644]

The Wolfhound is a zombie mech. It’s my second favorite light right after the Spectre.

[@vulkhanasennet9961]

Ahhh the Wolfhound, as a light mech pilot there are few mechs I adore more than this beautiful little monster.

[@brothersgt.grauwolff6716]

I tried out the Wolfhound in a friendly TT game it's quite a useful mech either as an ankle biter against heavy/assault mechs or a good bodyguard for fire support mechs staying close to ward off attackers thanks to a friend I have a custom datasheet for a Wolfhound that drops the rear med laser for an extra double heat sink keeping me in the fight longer

[@frocat5163]

That's the same refit that gave us the WLF-1A, just applied to the WLF-2.

[@franksmedley7372]

Anyone playing the Wolfhound eventually 'stumbles' upon that minor 'upgrade' and then ruthlessly presses their advantage with it.

[@brothersgt.grauwolff6716]

@@frocat5163, huh never thought of that 🤔

[@blue95kun]

This mech has proven its worth over and over again, even able to punch way above its weight class. This brave Light can definitely bring the pain to Snakes or Trashborn alike.

[@ryanbrandhagen6202]

Big Red, I love how you bring into the equation the force on force match ups that created the need for the Wolf Hounds. This is how militaries design and procure their gear in the real world and is a detail missing in much of the battle tech lore. Great JOB!

[@jgodwin17]

Thanks for doing this one Red! The Wolfhound, in my mind is the perfect light mech- reasonably fast, hits hard, very well armored, no ammo explosions- it’s tough as nails for its weight. I only play Alpha Strike, but this mech has taken down mechs many tons larger than it many times - particularly in the Clan invasion and earlier eras. Its in a close running for my favorite mech.

[@Chris_Sizemore]

The Wolfhound and other 35 ton mechs are classified as light mechs, but most 35 ton mechs act more like medium mechs than most 40 ton mechs. In part this is due to the engine ratings being slightly more favorable to the lighter mechs. Mostly its due to most 40 ton mechs being designed with multiple range brackets and 35 ton mechs being more purpose built. The Wolfhound punches above its weight. The focus on armor and an all energy payload that maximizes the utility of the 10 engine heat sinks is the keys to success on this model. Some people say the Wolfhound would be better with jump jets, but honestly the extra heat burden would mess with the dependable offensive output. Also those jump jets would have to come at the cost of either armor and/or weapons. The ability to jump isn't valuable enough to mess with the perfect ratio the Wolfhound enjoys.

[@SulliMike23]

My personal favorite battlemech. I first saw it in Battletech the Animated Series, used it in MW4 Black Knight, finally used it on the tabletop, and have 3 different versions of it on MWO. It's a wonderful mech designed for fighting other mechs like it and fulfilled that role perfectly.

[@malusignatius]

The Wolfhound is designed for a specific job: Hunting light 'mechs. It's a job it does very well.

[@cdndragontamer7162]

The Wolfhound has always been among my most favourite mechs. Nicely done!

[@ambientlight3876]

While it could be argued to simply be a weaker Phoenix Hawk, the Wolfhound is nevertheless an excellent light design, and one of my personal favourite lights IS designs. Good job reviewing as always!

[@oscarcoastwilde]

Lighter, more efficient Pheonix Hawk it could also be argued haha. (No jump jets is a key weakness tho)

[@Gigas0101]

The fact that it's comparable to medium 'mechs is a good sign for a light 'mech. Though I'd argue it's better than the Phoenix Hawk as it can lose a limb or two and still be able to put up a fight, lol.

[@franksmedley7372]

Comparing the Wolfhound to the Phoenix Hawk is 'unfair'. The Wolfhound has no jump jets and thus 'suffers' from the comparison. But, paired with Phoenix Hawks, the Wolfhound is an asset that any good Mech Commander would kill to add to his or her command to upgrade the unit's TOE (Table of Operational Equipment). The Wolfhounds excel in flanking and rear attacks upon slower units, while the jumping ability of the Phoenix Hawks ensure that the foe cannot escape their doom.

[@ambientlight3876]

@@franksmedley7372 Good point. This wasn't a criticism of the Wolfhound. In fact, the Wolfhound can in most situations go toe to toe with a Phoenix Hawk and quite possible win, while being 10 tons lighter and cheaper to produce. This goes to show just how deadly a Wolfhound is. Funny side note, the Draconis Combine tried to beat the Wolfhound with a mech the same weight as the Phoenix Hawk, not to mention far more expensive, yet it still couldn't compare to the Wolfhound.

[@jdmmike7225]

One of my favorite light mechs along with the PPC equipped Panther.

[@MajorTymojo]

Gotta love that XL laser on the 2 ;) Anyways, an excellent video on an excellent mech!

[@stuartwald2395]

An excellent presentation! I best remember Phelan Kell/Wolf/Ward/Kell's rebuilt Wolfhound with Clan (3050) technology; it had all of the capabilities maximized (with the risks of an XL engine), but also when I worked it out on paper using the Stackpole text I found that a fraction of a ton was left over (unused mass), which for most mechs could simply go to extra armor but the mech was already at maximum levels for its size.

[@BigRed40TECH]

Who? Clan which?

[@stuartwald2395]

@@BigRed40TECH The Clan that you don't want to talk about anymore. It was in "Blood of Kerensky: Blood Legacy" (I was in my first year of law school when it came out...now my only "blood" connection is my blood pressure meds which I am going to take along with my daily lipitor!)

[@robertivey7644]

The extra weight was for a laser anti missile system if they ever got it working right I think.

[@stormcrow28]

And now the Kell Hounds have made their own little Steiner house in being, and the Wolfhound serves many masters. I love how the ilClan era has turned the tables on the victors of old. A great video on a splendid mech, @BigRed40K.

[@Vagabond820]

The Steiner meme still holds true: the Wolfhound is the assault mech of light mechs.

[@BigRed40TECH]

Not really? :\

[@Vagabond820]

@@BigRed40TECH yah, i guess that its not Steiner’s fault that the most effective weights for the light class is 35 and 30 tons. Still, Wolfhound is the heaviest class of light mech possible.

[@BigRed40TECH]

@@Vagabond820 Does this mean the Draconis Combine is all about those assault-mechs too? Given most of their lights are 30-35 tons? XD

[@Vagabond820]

@@BigRed40TECH I’m gonna say yes. Lol

[@ampgp03d]

The wolfhound looks like a faster and tougher black knight. No wonder this thing is loved as a light mech. It’s no scout. It’s a predator on light mediums and other light mechs.

[@ironboy3245]

The wolfhound is just a baby black knight if you think about it. Same type of weapons, just smaller and lighter due to its size

[@Dang_Near_Fed_Up]

Predator is a good job description for the Wolfhound. It makes a nearly perfect deep infiltration / harasser as well. Turn a lance or even a company of these loose behind enemy lines to disrupt supply lines. You could tie up several companies of enemy in hunting them down for months, since the Wolfhound has no need for ammo. The Wolfhounds could steal, salvage, or improvise for repairs and spares while making life miserable for the enemy.

[@Troubleshooter11]

@@ironboy3245 A squire, if you will. :)

[@Finnssssss]

My personal favourite custom Wolfhound is a clan xl, 11 dhs, 7/11 base speed enhanced further with a Supercharger, 3 cmp-lasers, 2 streak4s, an srm6 with infernals and a TAG. Case II protected ammo. Beast! Hunts light mech like a boss and keeps bigger mechs from ever flanking while providing spotting for missile boats. Such a great mech.

[@michaelkeha]

The Wolfhound remains the premier duelist light mech of the IS against other lights and some mediums and when given access to clan tech it can beat the brakes of some heavies and assaults

[@OptimusJedi]

Such a cool looking Mech and great lore behind it too.

[@Gigas0101]

The Lyran Commonwealth always had this odd feel of "USA" to me, mainly in the perception (deserved or otherwise) of massive incompetence and privilege backed by an equally massive industrial complex. But, like the proverbial stopped clock, sometimes it hits on something serene, perfection humbling to behold, like the Wolfhound. The best pupper in all of Battletech. Great vid, the Wolfhound was the first 'mech I ever piloted in the mechwarrior series, the machine that made me a fan of the franchise. Thank you for doing the good boy right.

[@BigRed40TECH]

There isn't really an allegory for the US in almost any way as a major periphery or successor state. Though people's perceptions are of course completely valid. The Terran Alliance and Terran Hegemony were meant to be Space North America. Uhhhhh. It didn't work out. lol

[@cleverkitsune4302]

Nor realiy american at all lyrans are german and indian descendants

[@Gigas0101]

@@BigRed40TECH Honestly, one could possibly do a read on 80's America as a whole through the lens of Battletech, though that'd be an odd undertaking not worth getting into. Either way, the Wolfhound is a great light 'mech. Thanks for the video!

[@meining-mech4378]

I was hoping that Daniel Allard had been mentioned as he was one of the more famous Wolfhound pilots. Even so, excellent video! Always loved the Wolfhound, and have had great experiences using it.

[@ghostcat5303]

My favourite light mech and one of my top performing tabletop mechs full stop. This thing has won me several games virtually single handed, even if it had to die in achieving that. A lot of bigger mechs can ignore the odd light flanking them, but the wolfhound with the er large laser can put nearly 25 damage into your rear armour and really isn't something you can shrug off. Add that to how relatively hard it is to kill and you have one of the premier flankers in the game. Model looks super cool too.

[@Jake9066]

Yep, back before "Archon Katrina Steiner" were dirty words... Thanks, Katherine!

[@anthonyvogel9328]

Nice video red. You really cover all the strength of the wolfhound and the weakness it has. I fine the wolfhound is almost a perfect light mech in my mind.

[@Dracobyte]

His channel deserves more views and views!

[@arcangellord5372]

The lyrans, the one faction that frustrates it's own competent generals more then any other, cause as you said money or family connections gets them positions and although some are competent most are not.

[@ericwollaston5654]

Fantastic Battlemech. I used four Wolfhounds along with a Victor in a tournament in the late 80's - the Huntsman and his Hounds. Back in the day, with 3025 tech the only thing, the tournament rules were simple: 220 tons of Mechs (only) AND all mechs had to be stock. Those 4 Wolfhounds acted great, sweeping in with Initiative or sniping from afar when not. All while the Victor used his jump jets to work his way into the fight for the kill. Very fun, made it to the championship.

[@terrinils3165]

Fantastic as always Big Red. Can't wait to get my hands on the get the plastic model.

[@CapnArrich]

God bless those absolute mad lads in the FWL. "What if, Gauss rifle?" "Brilliant!" Absolute mad lads I tell ya.

[@Katzbalger001]

Wolfhound is one of my favorite mechs--especially in HBS BattleTech.

[@TheMHohSoma]

I stumbled into Battletech through the novels i found in my local bookstore and the Wolfhound was my favorite Mech once I read the first book about the Clan Invasion! Never really got into the tabletop game And here I am 25 odd years later stumbling on your YT channel.... great Mech! didn't like the locomotion in MWO all the fast movers there feel clumsy and weirdly like they fly over the ground instead of running But oh well

[@blastimir]

I've been following your videos since the beginning and there is definite rise in both quantity and quality. Never knew Wolfhound was so awesome. My first experience with it was in Mech4 Mercenaries, and at the time I did not dislike the mech but neither did I praise it. Cheers.

[@conorvernondupreez6201]

Glad to see a vid of what has to be my favourite light mech in the setting.

[@franksmedley7372]

Hello Red. Finally, the Wolfhound. A Mech type that I used to great effect when it was released into the game. Up to that point, I had been forced to deal with Kuritan Players who chortled as they flooded battlefields with Panthers. Even though my 'Locust Swarms' were effective against this tactic, my operational costs were higher due to having twice or thrice as many Mech Pilots as my opponent. And then the Wolfhound was available. A Mech that could dance around the Panthers. Outmaneuver them, and due to the speed of the Mech, often avoid those crippling PPC shots. And this with only the first two types of the Wolfhound available. Later on, with the new tech available after the Helm Memory Core was found and distributed, the Wolfhound only got stronger, faster, and harder hitting. Not always on the same chassis, but enough of an improvement to keep the enemy 'on the back foot' in combat against the Wolfhounds. Fielding Wolfhounds, backed with Phoenix Hawks, almost ensured that enemy Light, Medium, and Heavy Mechs were always worried about flanking attacks from ambush... and Assaults Mechs came to fear the sight of such fast, lethal, and effective units. The Wolfhound was one of the few Mechs that I 'tinkered' with... only to find that the original and 'book' variants were just fine... as is. It is one of the few Mechs, even today, that I would readily field against any opponent in its 'book' versions. This Mech scores a near perfect set of 10s in my personal list of Mech effectiveness. Speed, Armoring, and Firepower. The only thing one can truly say about the Wolfhound is: "Yes, please! Give me MORE!"

[@MrGrimsmith]

It's a beast of a mech and a fantastic addition to any lance. Love this little puppy :)

[@greysonjones5429]

Well great, now I'm going to have to get a Wolfhound or two. Especially since I made the mistake of buying my friend the clan invasion box set.

[@Dang_Near_Fed_Up]

I think Catalyst Games has a miniature of "Grinner" Phelan Kell's clan refit Wolfhound. Look that one up for a true nightmare version of the Wolfhound.

[@greysonjones5429]

@@Dang_Near_Fed_Up oh yes, the premium model. It is nasty on the tabletop.

[@TroySeward]

Another great mech video. Nice light mech.

[@elchjol2777]

The Wolfhound,I got one displayed on my shelf alongside it's lance of a Wolverine (The lance leader), a Panther and a Jenner. I thought it would be a rather deadly set of mechs but I have yet to use said lance in a match.

[@elchjol2777]

Update,the Wolfhound has had a battle. It ended up dueling a Hunchback during a Lace on Lance combat and rolled nothing but sixes on an alpha strike. Said Hunchback got its face melted.

[@drigger2416]

Nice

[@blacktemplar7540]

Thank you very much!!!! The wolfhound is my favorite light mech!!!

[@Axzealot]

My favorite mech in MWO. My buddies and i would run a lance of these and wreck any isolated mechs. Provides fire support with a ppc or large laser and buzz off the lights with medium lasers

[@PopeMetallicus]

It maybe a Steiner design, but the AFFC/S made this little beastie famous

[@metalmadness5851]

Yeah, it's not an entirely accurate meme, but even their light mech follow the heavier design ethos. The Commando is rather slow and poorly armored in exchange for firepower, while the Wolfhound similarly reduces scouting capacity for more guns and armor. Lyrans even build their light mechs under the doctrine of "more firepower or more armor," both at the cost of mobility.

[@Ruggedtoaster]

Lore wise it’s more about about the social generals but also their was the fact that Lyran armies were frequently the best logically supported armies. Leading to a focus on what was called “the long wall” a focus on a solid base of fire formation and using strikers to harass the enemies heavies. Even Wolf’s Dragoons respected the Lyran’s ability to stand and deliver heavy firepower. As stated during their invasion of Hesperus. The Lyran’s beat the Dragoons by making the Dragoons fight on their terms grinding down the Dragoons and even handing the Black Widow herself a rare loss by out playing her strategically.

[@frankb3347]

"As bugs were hammered out." 🦗 Nice. Love the double meaning there.

[@Iridium-77-g]

Love the Wolfhound. It's my favorite light mech and one I am still using while playing Roguetech.

[@NishidateKitsune]

Have we forgotten that Phelan piloted one? And it was upgraded with Clan Tech equipment as well..... not to mention that it was also the 'Mech Phelan used to bash the faeces out of Vlad in his Trial of Bloodright. "Phelan, Phelan, burning bright.... will you survive this fight tonight?" ~ Phelan Kell, Battle of Tukkayid.

[@Aceman52]

This is my favorite IS light mech. Fast, well armored, and hard hitting, it is the best of all worlds

[@kathilmechworks4895]

I'll never forget it's intro attached to wires brand new as Dan Allard was given the prototype then the scene mirrored with Phelen Kells Clan reborn Grinner in blood of Kerensky both times it felt like something special had been born and in truth it was. Nothing was even close as a combat light till the Clan assisted artic fox.

[@BigRed40TECH]

Which character?

[@kathilmechworks4895]

@@BigRed40TECH Dan Allard when he got the prototype in En Garde.

[@BigRed40TECH]

I think you missed the joke I put there XD

[@davidgantenbein9362]

Yeah, I do remember that Phelen Kell piloted a Wolfhound … god is it long ago that I read those books.

[@Linkous12]

Amazingly solid mech. I think the only thing that could give it issue in a one-on-one fight is the F variant of the Jenner.

[@madcat3525]

Great video! Enjoyed watching it. Lots of information. Do you plan on doing a future video on the Battle of Twycross? Thanks for all the work you put into this video. Looking forward to more videos.

[@BigRed40TECH]

I'd love to, but not yet.

[@jameshunter3867]

...A solid design, which doesn't take much to enhance. It pairs well with just about any other light mechs deployed (I still recall a Rasalhauge lance employing a Wolfhound, Firestarter, & 2 Panthers). ...A one-off variant I tried refitted the mech's engine with an XL equivalent, using the free tonnage for 6 jump jets, & dropped the rear-firing medium laser to add a Guardian ECM suite, & TAG). Made an effective ambush unit.

[@defiantmechwarrior2397]

Ah yes my favorite and most picked light of mw4. You know its good when other factions start making a counter to it but fail.

[@treevenewson]

Yes that have competent light 'Mechs, but do they know how to use them?

[@BigRed40TECH]

Sadly. No. lol

[@sim.frischh9781]

Wolfhound is definitely one of the most interesting Light Mechs, i´m a big fan of the Michael Stackpole novels where this mech is fielded extensively. But this mech is also a test of pilot skill, if driven into overheating, no amount of armor can save it. And i would wish for Jump Jets.

[@benjamindunn1942]

If my memory serves, Stackpole designed the mech, or commissioned it within FASA, which is why he was the primary author for its actions. Nothing wrong with it, he was my favorite battletech author as well, so I always loved the things he wrote and added to the universe.

[@johnw5154]

Great video. Cheers

[@Lightningcount4]

Between this and the commando. My Fab light mechs in mw5.

[@kitirena_koneko]

When I discovered the Full-Head Ejection System of mechs like the Wolfhound and Hatchetman, I liked it so much that I proposed a house rule for the group I played with--namely, all mechs were equipped with two ejection systems. The standard system, mounted on all mechs that didn't specify having the FHES, is the basic "ejection seat" used in real-world fighter jets and was used in atmospheres that were breathable by humans. The alternate system was the FHES, automatically used in vacuum, underwater, or in toxic or otherwise hostile atmospheres. The idea was that pilots would usually survive battles unless killed by a headshot and could be either captured by opposing forces or rescued by allies, who could then carry the ejected mech head as cargo when it ejected, and would stay where it landed unless carried off by another mech. (Pilots who ejected via the standard ejection seat were considered to be able to move one hex per round and could be rescued or captured by standard infantry or Elementals, picked up by friendly vehicles or mechs, or captured by enemy mechs executing a successful punch attack against the pilot, representing the enemy mech literally grabbing the pilot and scooping them up in one hand.) Just wanted to share that optional rule for anyone interested in using it in their own campaigns.

[@fullmetaflak]

YES One of my favorite light mechs

[@ogrehaslayers605]

Always thought the Wolfhound was cool, but never used one until MechWarrior Online. Now it's a favorite and I use it all the time.

[@Athlon2736]

God bless this canine light. It's got the bark *AND* the bite.

[@greysonjones5429]

Oh also, you made a mistake on the text for the WLF-2, you called the ER Large Laser an XL Large Laser. I'm sure you've already caught this, but just in case you didn't. Overall, great video. I need one of these now haha

[@BigRed40TECH]

I caught it before I finished the video. I kept the wrong audio. I specifically-rerecorded that line earlier today -.-

[@Pyrela]

He just prefers girth to length.

[@Timberjac]

I think the best thing that could have been done with the Wolfhound in the 3039, was to use the WLF 1B variant (with all its medium lasers forward), with two simple adjustments, the first, changing the Large Laser for an ER Large Laser and the second changing the heatsinks to double heatsinks. The mech in this configuration is already perfect, because it maximizes the use for which it was conceived and allows you to fight even having lost both side torsos with a still sufficient firepower of two medium lasers. Outside of this, without a doubt, it is one of the best light mech ever designed at EI.

[@charlesquigley4383]

Excellent mech, excellent video, and thank you for battling that obnoxious meme.

[@kazekamiha]

I always loved this one. Now if Steiner could only get more competent leadership...

[@squirrellordsgaming2772]

wow imagine a Pack of Wolfhounds and Panthers working together in a group. That would be a nasty combo.

[@AdmiralxAvocado]

The Wolfhound is my absolute favorite striker

[@lukedudley5030]

An excellent mech that's decent as part of a full lance or on its own dueling it out on solaris....its only the clan freak mechs like the locust IIC that show its weaknesses :-)

[@melonetankberry5211]

the best 35t hands down. like a firestarter but mid to long range capable with only the sacrifice of jump jets. give me the option to either run a centurion or the wolfhound i still will take the latter every time.

[@Papercut337]

Dang, I’m sold

[@frocat5163]

My favorite IS light. I've been a Lyran / FedCom player since the early '90s, and I'm all-in on the whole Scout Squad meme. I also use Wolfhounds in as many light slots as I can. I think I've printed about 30 of them...

[@No1_OfConsequence]

Draconis Combine lgiht forces.."Laughs in Davion Light Guard"... I do love the Wolfhound. The "Fire Javelin" is a respectable rival though. Less armor, but the jump jets and endurance make up for it. Best refit for new tech is the standard WLF-2, remove the rear laser and the ER Lg Laser to swap for a Snub-nose PPC. I'm really surprised that a Wolfhound video makes no mention of Dan Allard or Phelen Kell, and the Wolfhound IIC.

[@ChaosTicket]

3025 era Light Mechs have a basic issue in that that they have balance issues. A Locust is extremely cheap and fast, but doesnt have much tonnage for armor and weapons. The Jenner has a high number of weapons, high speed, and jump jets, but lightly armored and is limited to short range weapons. The Panther is well armored, has a moderately ranged PPC, a backup short ranged Short Range Missile rack, and Jump Jets, but its slow. The Wolfhound is slower than many light mechs, but still faster than most other units of 3025. Its moderate speed allows more tonnage for weapons and armor. Its similar to the also solid Commando Light Battlemech. The Successor States used many shared ideas but sometimes certain elements define them. The Federated Suns' favoritism of Autocannons, the Draconis Combine's Energy Weapons(Especially PPCs), and the Lyran Commonwealths Assault Corps. Its good to see the Lyran Commonwealth make solid battlemech designs. The Wolfhound benefits greatly from Double Heat Sinks. Without significantly changing internal components DHS would greatly improved its firepower or allow it to upgrade its standard lasers with extended range energy weapons. ======================= One issue with the Wolfhound is that its in the shadow of another more common battlemech, The Phoenix Hawk. The Phoenix Hawk is very fast and lightly armored for a Medium battlemech(especially in 3025), but is effectively a "Heavy" Light mech. Its comparable to the Wolfhound but with a major advantage, 6 Jump Jets.

[@Staradder70]

The Wolfhound is my absolute favorite light mech.

[@bloodknightgaming]

Fantastic video.

[@alexbrown1930]

I still find it hilarious that the Wolftrap was heavier, and still loses most 1-on-1 engagements against the Wolfhound.

[@Dang_Near_Fed_Up]

Proving that just because you are bigger, does not mean you are better. Especially in Battletech. The Wolfhound is kind of like The Bruce Lee of battlemechs, small but deadly.

[@alexbrown1930]

@@Dang_Near_Fed_Up Consider that I do not consider it unlikely that a Wolfhound could have salvaged an AS7-K...The Wolfhound is one of those rare 'mechs that hits way above its weight class without touching Clan Tech...and even the original Intro Tech version is something that could go against a number of Clan machines, even into the ilClan era.

[@JonathanSirico]

My favorite Light. I love brawlers.

[@IAmTheAce5]

That starting bit about forces outnumbered and outweighed by their enemies still taking them out reminds me of MW5 Mercenaries. Ever since I completed the campaign with Annihilator plus four LBXs, now I can consistently one-shot Mechs through their heads and just little more through their cores. In fact, I have an easier time against Heavies and Assaults than against Mediums and Lights.

[@cargo_vroom9729]

Going by the RATS Steiner doesn't run many Atlas at all, when they bring Assaults it's a plethora of Zeus. So the memes are very wrong. lol

[@NonApplicable1983]

The ending made me think of Wolfhounds popping up like meerkats.

[@mattcarper9853]

Wolfhound is best hound.

[@jonesfigures]

Do the WolfTRAP next!!! I love that thing...

[@BigRed40TECH]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnKak6Nqq696bNk

[@mattikuokkanen]

I wouldn't bet Wolfhound against Phoenix Hawk. Ramping up PXH production would have made more sense for finance, industry, and logistics. But I do understand the need to introduce new 'Mechs to fill the books (TROs and the like) and to sell new miniatures. To me that seems to be the sole purpose for 'Mechs like Wolfhound and Anvil (Ostsol/Ostroc with a new name/skin).

[@hermes7587]

The Wolfhound is a well designed and easy to use light hunter-killer Mech of the succession war era. It is perfect for hunting light Mechs and screening heavies from flankers. Both offense and defense are excellent for a light Mech. The only downside is it´s mobility. A movement of 6/9/0 makes it slightly faster than the main battleline but not fast enough for a flanker and unfortunately not fast enough to escape from tight situations. My rule of thump is that a movement rate of 6/9/0 gets you in trouble fast but rarely out of trouble. Despite it´s good armor and weapon load this Mech has no business brawling with heavy opponents.

[@johnfisher9692]

i always liked the wolfhound when introduced with the only problem being heat. Replacing the heat sinks with doubles solves nearly all of the problems. I don't favor the Inner Sphere ER L-Laser as it does no extra damage, has 50% more heat and the range increase isn't rally that much. By sticking with the original weapons it can fire ALL forward weapons and run without a glance at the heat scale which puts less stress on the overworked pilot in battle. It will only suffer a heat penalty if it had to fire the rear M-Laser at the same time.

[@williamjanak2013]

I know you like the Lament and is excited to get some plastic models later this year. What about the Lancelot, which to me seems to be its older cousin? Keep on making great videos essays.

[@BigRed40TECH]

The Lancelot is in the Comstar packs :)

[@williamjanak2013]

@@BigRed40TECH I thought they were getting the Lament. Woot.

[@BigRed40TECH]

@@williamjanak2013 ???? No, I'm saying it's already out. The Lament is coming out later this year. The Lancelot came out several years ago. It's in the Comstar box.

[@mikelk124]

wolfhound is basically what the centurian wanted to be

[@noteansylvan6051]

The wolfhound. When you want your commando to be a crab but faster. I've used this mech a lot in MechWarrior 5 and this thing can dance through a battlefield giving no fucks, shooting down aircraft, slagging vehicles, and punching right through the rear armor of anything too slow to keep up with it. It's just about everything the commando wanted to be. So it's fitting both are Steiner mechs.

[@ncemt]

My favorite light mech. I take at least 1 WLF-1A in all my 3025 battles if not 2.

[@alexbrown1930]

The WLF-1 was designed specifically to hunt Panthers. That they could also take on heavier 'mechs with a good/crazy enough pilot? That is just a bonus!