Battletech: Next Mechs Pt. 1 - Light and Medium Mechs

[@AlexDenton0451]

"Wolfhound (Not 3025)" But why? My baby boy still slapped back in the day.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Wolfhound is a fantastic machine. Love it.

[@WolfHreda]

​@@CrankyOldGamer the Wolfhound and Commando: Proof that the "Steiner Scout Lance" is only _mostly_ a joke.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

@@WolfHreda lol right???

[@cptncutleg]

The Phoenix Hawk is my boy. Similar to how Mercs had a unit which fielded almost solely Marauders, I did the same for a Phoenix Hawk.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Love me some Phoenix Hawk

[@matthewpena3932]

Love the videos and more so when you do your own thing. I do feel some of your other videos had a bit of the wargamer fritz feel but I really dig what you did over the few years especially when you had your own particular take on things.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Thanks so much! Im working on finding time to do more videos

[@Coupdegrace1]

Just starting out in Battletech and your videos are very helpful. Thanks heaps.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Hey thanks! Glad they are helpful!

[@ZombieSexmachine]

I'm just getting back into the game too. Best thing I've found is the "mech factory" app for Android phones. It has everything, EVERYTHING. Mechs, vehicles, infantry, battle armor, aerospace. Even full of history. I spent a few hours just looking up the history of random worlds of the sphere. Faction history like The Word of Blake. Tech info like C3 computers and heavy ppc. It amazing.

[@lexington476]

You're spot-on with all of these. The Phoenix Hawk is a classic light lance or recon lance leader. I like the Enforcer and Centurion as they're good general-purpose combat units. They work well as general combat, and as the lighter element of a heavy lance.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Those are all great picks. I dont love how thin Enforcer rear armor is, but overall really solid machines all of them.

[@sevendaggerssix7298]

If you allow "custom" mechs using the rules and the guides online to create the score cards for a mech. The Jenner has a variant that build that makes it a fast harasser. JR7-D-x, 2 light ppc, 2 small lasers, 2 srm 4 (1 ton ammo), xl 250 at 115kph/125kph, double heatsinks (engine only), 2 jumpjets. Indosteel, Max armour for size at 6.5 tons. This is a quick meck that can shoot then move to another location under coverage of terrain and cityscapes with jumpjets that allows it to ambush fairly quickly. The light ppcs has great range and still has the sensor disruption which gives targeting penalties which allows units to move in and out positions safer. If you use "Fog of War" guidelines, having sensors disturbance can effect line of sight engagement or effects indirect firing targeting.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

I do love exploring the variants. Some if the best experiences Ive had is using the less common variants.

[@sevendaggerssix7298]

The reason I mentioned this Mech with the variant plus the notable sources is that I recently discovered a table that was doing a Star League Era campaign. They used the rules that allowed a roll play like senerio to which royal and prototype gems are tested in battlefront conditions. I played two sessions on Turian worlds with a Jenner and then A Catapult. Really had fun with creating semetric optimized killing machines then using them in game tabletop.

[@Helcarexe26]

The mechs are all good choices for a starter force. Lights that I would pick are Jenner, Wolfhound 3028, Thorn, Commando and Spider, you can't go wrong with adding a couple of those to your force. Medium battlemechs Phoenix Hawk, Whitworth, Vindicator, Hunchback ( Swayback) and Trebuchet, I prefer the Hunchback variant called the Swayback over the AC/20 version because it carries 8 medium lasers. You really can't go wrong adding a Dervish or Whitworth to your force for LRM support.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

I love all these mechs too! I've had a lot of fun with the Whitworth - sort of a "baby Catapult". I've not played with the Dervish yet but I just got an Alphastrike mini for it and am looking forward to getting it on the table.

[@Helcarexe26]

@@CrankyOldGamer I like the dervish because its faster just like the Trebuchet

[@CrankyOldGamer]

@@Helcarexe26 That's a very good point - even at medium weight class, a few more pips of speed can make a huge difference.

[@AirCrude]

Agreed, swayback is my all time favorite mech.

[@chrisbritt4266]

My favorite light Meck from that era is the Firestarter and it's vcreations.And I love that Enforcer in the medium mech bracket along with the Centurion and I also love that Valkyrie.

[@ATurkeySandwichGAME]

Ive had a lot of fun using a hunchback to cover for my hatchetman or axeman while they run in for melee

[@matthewneuendorf5763]

IMO: If you are patient and can save up some funds (depending on how many you want to buy, up to several hundred dollars is easy to assign and gets you a lot) within the next month or two, I suggest joining the Clan Invasion KS as a late backer. The sculpts will be consistent with the BB and AGOAC, there's a great variety of core IS mechs available (especially all the core light and heavy classics like the Marauder, Warhammer, Valkyrie, and Stinger/Wasp duo), and there are enough options that you can pretty easily tailor your purchase, especially if you want multiples of anything (bonus is the IS Response pack with all ten Box Set mechs for 40 USD). If you prefer to get some minis quickly and don't mind mixing IWM sculpts with the new Box Set mechs, the IS bundles that you get discount codes for in the Box Sets are a pretty solid selection at a very good price.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Agreed. I went a little nutty on the KS and Im looking forward to the rewards. I won't mind mixing the mechs in with what I will be getting. I will likely from here out get more obscure mechs and wait for the KS to get more of the more common ones.

[@GliderBane]

It is rarely seen on the table, but an awesome 3025 35t fire support mech is the Capellian Firebee. It moves 5/8/5, sports a large laser and 4 srm 2. If it has cover to jump into, it can play down an impressive amount of damage for its weight.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

I need to check out that mech again, I keep forvetting about it!

[@randyfant2588]

I find the Panther to be more of a very cheap long range fire support mech. It is very slow for its size, and while it is heavily armored for a Light mech, it is a Light mech, and that means about half the armor of most Heavies. It's best use is to find a good hiding place with lots of cover and a good view, and simply take pot shots at targets. remember, regardless of how much armor the rest of the mech has, if it looses that right arm it becomes a neutered cat. A good tactic with this is to position the mech, not strait on towards the enemy, but with your left arc towards them, this has the tendency of redirecting incoming fire to the mechs left side, increasing the survivability of the right arm, and that all important PPC. You can then declare torso-twist left to bring the weapon to bear. Of-course don't forget that once the left arm is gone and the left torso starts taking damage to straiten back up so the right side can start taking its share of damage before that left side damage starts transferring to the even more important Center Torso. The Centurion is a good example of what he calls a "Guardian" mech. It's slow and has moderate armor (more than any light mech but less than most heavies, or many mediums) its speed matches many heavy and low end assault mechs making this a good mech to walk beside them, using the Assault mech to draw fire that could be directed at it. The AC-10 and ML are very good dissuaders for light fast mechs thinking they want to race in and take back shots at the large mech. My preferred standard Medium Mech is the Griffin. This mech has decent mobility, at 5/8/5, great armor for a medium mech, and very heavy, long range firepower. It is similar in many respects to the Wolverine, but that mech has very poor long range firepower and only moderate close range fire. The Griffin is a great mobile fire mech, maneuvering around, keeping at a respectable range and blasting the enemy with its PPC and LRMs (depending on variant) The early -1G has some heat issues, with only 12 HS and a PPC but good heat management and use of Jump Jets to back out and cool off helps mitigate this, the later -3M is even more powerful, with an ER-PPC and LRM-20, it boast some massive firepower at long range, and can still use its PPC in close when needed. It does have a highly vulnerable XL-Engine but (unlike many XL equipped mechs) its combination of speed, armor and Long Range weapons, help mitigate this drawback to a great degree. The Griffins 1 draw back is a complete lack of short range weapons, which makes it the least appropriate mech for standing in a room, guarding a throne from a crowd on foot. Don't ask me why the Lyrans chose this mech for that. The -3M is helped in this drawback with its ER-PPC, which can now be used in close quarters, but only at need. The mech should use its mobility to try to stay at a distance and blast away at range. One of my personal favorite mechs. Arguably the most powerful and devastating medium mechs is the Wraith. A VERY nasty mech strait from hell, this 55 ton beast has an unbelievable jump capacity or 7, made possible by the use of a powerful 385 point XL-Engine. It also carries massive armor for its size, which combined with it incredible 7/11/7 movement, for up to a +4 movement modifier, makes killing this demon the next best thing to impossible in spite of its XL-EN, its weapons load out consists of a Large Pulse Laser and 2 Medium Pulse Lasers whose to-hit bonus helps mitigate the mechs own movement penalty, allowing this mech to take full advantage of its speed to race/jump into close range on a target, BLAST it with massive firepower then jump away to set up its next attack. Heat is a mild concern when Jumping and alfa-striking (its signature move) but this is easily handled by alternating between charge/attack and retreat/cooling. A truly nasty opponent for any mech (with the possible exception of a Clan 85tn Masakari/Warhawk C with its pair of Clan LPLs linked to a TC for 2 10pt shots at -3 to-hit and a massive weight, tech and BV difference).

[@CrankyOldGamer]

This is great advice folks - take a read on this comment - pure gold!

[@Ungeboren1988]

Were is my beloved "Griffin". On the question which great house you failed in mentioning the Griffin... all of them! Nonetheless a nice overview.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Griffin's part of the beginner box I believe (NOT AGoAC) so a good call out! I honestly had mixed feelings on it for a while but Im really warming up to it.

[@Ungeboren1988]

@@CrankyOldGamer Yes it is part of the beginner box which makes it hard to get multiples of it. If you like the SLDF Royal variants with Lostech, take a look at the Griffin GRF-2N and be amazed.

[@brianhenry152]

The Whitworth and Blackjack are both decent, jump-capable medium fire support mechs that have enough close range weapons to survive a short range brawl if needed. I love that you mentioned the Mongoose! It's a great light harasser that can safely push heat for several turns. As far as sheer personality though, none can match the Urbanmech! Especially the UR-60L variant that packs an AC/20! It's bragging rights forever if you can bring down a heavy mech with one of these babies!

[@CrankyOldGamer]

@@brianhenry152 Yes! I love the Mongoose, so good at 25 tons and 3 ML. I love the Urbie too, been a long while since I played one but so much fun. Definitely a unsung hero!

[@MrCovi2955]

I just got through my first game of "full rules" "not the starter set that doesn't include heat rules" battletech. I have horrible heat discipline. Good to know that there's a word for it.

[@WolfHreda]

It's called burning bright, mechwarrior. Remember, your ammo can't cook off if you fire it all really fast.

[@steveharrison76]

Magnificent. Exactly the sort of deep dive I needed!

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Excellent! Thank you for watching!

[@ericwollaston5654]

Now back in the day, my newly graduated Federated Sun's officer in the role playing campaign we did started in an Enforcer. Solid 'Mech but as you said, "Watch Your Six".

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Exactly... that paper thin rear armor!!!

[@tywren2486]

The Wolfhound actually IS a 3025 mech, the WLF-1 was released in 3025 exactly. Though the 10 single heatsinks does make that version a challenge to heat manage, and it didn't become a powerhouse until the 3050's with the WLF-2, and the switch to double heatsinks.

[@razzan532]

It should be noted that all of these mechs were involved in the recent kickstarter campaign. So if you are interested in picking one up you might want to wait for the new miniatures because the quality is quite high.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

A very good point! 100% agreed. Many of the iconic mechs (that these fall into) are part of the Kickstarter. I would say, its going to be hard to say when these mechs will *actually* drop. I believe Catalyst will do a great job with the Kickstarter but by their own admission, I would expect there to be "waves" - not sure when each of these mechs (or mech sets) will drop.

[@tullyDT]

I have a full lance of Jenners. I run them with inferno rounds in the SRM4s and mess with mechs that have a moderate to high heat curve. As far as the panther goes I run it as a nuisance mech. I have it jump in and out or cover and take pot shots I once killed an atlas with one, I scored a head shot with the PPC and destroyed to cockpit on my critical roll

[@CrankyOldGamer]

I love that. My first game coming back I played against a lance with a panther. My Spider ran up and he got head shotted, first turn. Needed an 11. Amazing. I was hooked right back in!

[@jamesricker3997]

Back in 1988 I used a panther take out 3 assault mechs in four turns with headshots. I was accused of using loaded dice

[@Circ00mspice]

Anything to replace the underarmed Shadow Hawk and underarmored Commando. A Centurion is cheaper and better armed than the SHadow Hawk. What the hell.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

I detect no lies

[@denistrandalljr.6436]

My favorite med mech is the Marauder

[@otaylig3786]

The Crab is probably a little less popular since it originally appeared in the 2750 compendium, along with the Mongoose, 2750 just never seemed that popular, probably because although the mechs had bits of "advanced" tech, they mostly weren't very optimized, and mostly just incorporated one or two "lostech" features in each design. For example, the Flashman is a heavy with 3 large lasers and 4 medium lasers (and a forgettable flamer), solid firepower, but no fancy pulse lasers or extended range stuff. Instead, it had an XL engine and double heat sinks, which allowed it to have really good heat management and 5/8 movement, and really good armor on top of that. It would be great against any mechs from 3025 compendium, but the more optimized stuff from the 3050 or 3052 would easily annihilate it. Literally everything in those was "ER" and "XL" and double heat sinks. Another light mech worth discussing is the Spider. 8 Jump Jets! For mediums, the old Trebuchet is a really solid mech.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

I love the Spider and Mongoose. Def some of my go-to lights!

[@lexington476]

29:59 I'm pretty certain actually the enforcer is The Unofficial official Mech of the Federated Suns.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Anything with an autocannon! 😀

[@lexington476]

@@CrankyOldGamer ah, very true.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

But yes the more I think about it Enforcer feels pretty cannonical

[@RUINERx117]

The Raptor II is my favorite medium and overall favorite mech. I'm new to the game and working on building lance(s) around that. The BT video game helped a lot in learning the mechs

[@juancholo7502]

For a really "Fluffy" ie Lore appropriate Light lances, get several of what are called the "Bug" mechs. Stingers, Wasps, & Locusts. they are in the low end of the weight scale, but according to the lore they are some of the most common light mechs & still being produced in many still functioning plants across the inner sphere pre 3050. All the houses have some of these mechs.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Well said. A game of all lights can be fun - although you may not hit often due to speed modifiers, each dice roll is potentially a crippling hit for thosev20 tonners.

[@SavageBruski]

You and I have about the same taste in Mechs. I would've maybe thrown the Trebuchet on the mediums though. It lacks for ammo but as a missile boat it does as well as the catapult with more mobility. In a low BV game that scares the crap out of me on the other end of a board.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

It is a great machine. A touch under-armored for my taste. But agree in smaller battles it can be a game changer.

[@SavageBruski]

@@CrankyOldGamer yeah, it's not as well defended. I think in the lore that was partly why the Centurion was made but still. Two LRM 15S from a great hiding spot, makes a difference in a game of mediums and lights.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

@@SavageBruski 100%

[@mr.gunzaku437]

Best overall light on 3025 is the Jenner. The Javelin is another solid light that could use ES for some CASE and maybe a touch of armor. It's got the space for the addition of FF armor as well. *Maybe* DHS to fire both SRM-6 when jumping. But that's a lot of space on the crit sheet taken up.

[@HeadHunterSix]

Blake's Blood, the Enforcer is not just my favorite medium Mech, it's among my favorite Mechs of any weight class or era. And the new sculpt is gorgeous. If you're getting flanked, you are probably not using those jump jets properly (remember you can land with any facing)

[@CrankyOldGamer]

I agree wrt Enforcer. I dont know what it is about me or my play style. I just can't keep them alive. I hillariously once had an enforcer slip and fall in the water, got leg damage, the mech filled with water and my pilot drowned!

[@HeadHunterSix]

@@CrankyOldGamer not the worst way to go (see my comment about the custom Battlemaster)

[@semperatis]

The Crab only has ONE medium laser,not two,(2x LL,ML,SL). I always loved this little 50 tonner, as time progresses,a simple upgrade is to drop 2 H/S,double the rest and add 2 ML's. Don't be tempted to go the ERLL route,as this will cause you problems with heat,if you go for a close range Alpha strike. Leaving the LL's as they are,this allows you to fire a full Alpha strike,inc the SL,run and just break even in heat.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

I love the crab (yes 2x LL and one med). The thing im finding with it is Id trade that ML ans SL for a bit more armor...

[@tenchraven]

The Crab has a small laser because it can engage enemy infantry (or friendly infantry if you owe them money). One at a time. For Mediums, anything 55-tons other than the Scorpion

[@jamesricker3997]

The Mongoose was the most important Mech since the Mackie, but nobody realized it at the time. It was the first Omnimech

[@CrankyOldGamer]

I love the Mongoose! Totally underrated mech!

[@nathanbrown8680]

I'm pretty sure that was the Hermes II, not the Mongoose.

[@AdamWhitehead111]

Probably thinking of the Mercury (not to be confused with the Hermes ii varient with the same name). It was the first mech to be built with easily interchangeable components and inspired omni technology. It wasn't itself an omnimech.

[@HeadHunterSix]

IMO, the Commando is a better light Mech than the Locust. When your speed is your armor, you're also less likely to hit with your shots, and with those weak weapons you need to hit. And all it takes is one hit to a Locust and it's basically out of action. You're either losing weaponry or mobility _every time you're hit_ and you can afford neither. Agreed that Mongoose is better for that purpose, or above all a Mercury. Overall, 3025 era, Jenner is indeed a good Mech but heat management is a real issue. I tend to include them in any light lance I'm designing. Panther is an exceptional choice as well. Medium-wise, Wolverine is indeed a good Mech. Vindicator is a fantastic option (and it's tempting for me to get the new Beginner box, even though it's the only thing different from the first one.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

I want to like the Commando. I really do. I must play it wrong. The combination of thin armor and 6/9 speed means just one slip up getting it out of position means its probably dust. I think its better to lirk and wait till later in battle and see if you can pop out and crit fish or go after severely damaged mechs. I just dont have that kind of patience 😆

[@death2all79zx]

For mediums my next additions to my forces would be a Phoenix Hawk, 2 Centurions and a trebuchet.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Good picks! I almost included the Centurion - my gaming buddy uses it quite a lot

[@death2all79zx]

@@CrankyOldGamer trebuchet? You mentioned the Centurion in the video.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

@@death2all79zx yeah my bad - I meant Trebuchet!

[@jimmysexton5634]

hey I'm returning too lol any way where are some places to get the correct scale for the mechs if I'm remembering correctly it's 1.25 .

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Its a 6mm scale game in general. Also 1/285 scale I think also works.

[@death2all79zx]

29:31 missed an edit there, eh?

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Heh yeah I just had to start that sentence over - tongue tied!

[@death2all79zx]

Where did you get your Urban Terrain mat from?

[@CrankyOldGamer]

That is a Frontline Gaming Fat Mat!

[@jonwooldridge3766]

Where did you find the Hunchback mini? It is resin, correct?

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Its an mwo sculpt 3d printed!

[@rh352]

What’s your opinion of the Hermes II? I haven’t used it yet, but on paper it looks like it would make a good support/anchor mech for a light lance AC/5 with 20 rounds Medium laser Flamer 10 heatsinks 6 walk, 9 run

[@CrankyOldGamer]

I think the Hermes is a great little mech. I haven't played it yet either but a few concerns on my end. An AC5 on a light mech seems dangerous with thin armor. 6/9 is nice but you're not going to get the +4 movement mod to help you stay alive. I do like the flamer though as a harassment mech. It looks like it has great heat management though. Definitely give it a try - it looks like a fun unit!

[@richilkhanmcguthrie7674]

better with an ac2 with heep rounds

[@RevDrKillJoy]

No Urbie? Denied! ☹️

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Lol! Must have Urbie for the luls!!!!

[@starcitizenshenanigans]

Jenner love!

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Its the bestest of mechs

[@jamesricker3997]

Light Mechs are of limited use. The role of recon is better handled by Vehicles because they are more expendable. On the battlefield they are useful for flanking attacks, they should avoid the main fight

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Light mechs do get put down easy! I find spotting or going in for final kill shots work best. Gotta keep em protected with speed and cover.

[@lexington476]

31:32 well you didn't fail this house, but you definitely failed this city 😀😃😄... Just kidding, I just wanted to throw in a Green Arrow reference 😎🤘🤘.

[@CrankyOldGamer]

Love me some Green Arrow. I may have said that line a few yimes playing Green Arrow in my DC batreps heh

[@Aleksandrgrc]

Com stars dead son. The fortress has fallen and mongles are on the boarder, stone needs your head in the game. Re acquaint yourself with the wulfen and gauntlet. centurion omnimechs are still produced tho, if that's what your talking about.