BattleTech: Why Do We Love The Piranha? - A Short Mech History

[@Psychohistorian42]

"Machine guns are useless against mechs. You would need a dozen of them to do anything." Diamond Shark scientist: "Ah, I see." *starts taking notes*

[@MechanicalFrog]

Yes...yes...a dozen you say?

[@AnimeSunglasses]

​@@MechanicalFrog ...to shreds, you say?

[@derekburge5294]

Clan Wolf: "No, you can't just sell Clan Tech to the Inner Sphere! That's illegal!" Clan Sea Fox: "Lol. LMAO even. Cash register go brrrrr."

[@MechanicalFrog]

Exactly.

[@Dang_Near_Fed_Up]

Every government since the beginning of time has attempted to limit arms sales, to anyone and everyone besides themselves. Even the American government, which is supposed to be barred from interference in anything to do with arms, by the 2nd Amendment, is guilty of this. And every arms dealer has done all they can to circumvent the limitation on sales by those governments. This practice goes back to the days of swords and daggers and is going to continue until man has settled the stars, I have no doubt. So seeing this depicted in Battletech is no surprise, and only adds realism to the game in my opinion.

[@uroghai3439]

"We're gonna need some more Falcons." I guess the blast rattled her skull enough for her to start using contractions.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Apparently. I blame the script reader.

[@SeismicWolf]

Nothing Like Piloting a Light mech and chewing on some Assault mech rear armor....

[@MechanicalFrog]

nom nom nom...

[@FrostyIrishBastard]

Because we hate the PBI, and assault Boyz don't need rear armor.

[@KG-jm1zl]

#AssualtMechLivesMatterToo 😅

[@alexanderwhite298]

​@@MechanicalFrogthe lore of Battletech leaves something to be desired because the battle of Tukkayid from the strategy and tactics side. No culture steeped in war like the clans would ever make such military blunders as to one not control the airspace entirely and two to split forces up to strike at two objectives at the same time if it doesn't need to happen.

[@PeachDragon_]

​@@alexanderwhite298why comment if you don't know the lore?

[@TehSquare]

The Piranha: The only mech that can reasonably burn through a ton of MG ammo in a reasonable amount of time.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Or die trying...

[@HeadHunterSix]

I kind of prefer the way the MGs work in the HBS video game. An MG takes 5 shots when fired, and burns through 5 rounds of ammo. So if you had 4 MGs firing every turn, a ton of ammo would last you 10 rounds. Now that MG ammo is available in half-ton lots, it's more sensible.

[@bababo0oey297]

I have 15 Piranhas I use in Alpha Strike as a dedicated striker Trinary. Its always a hoot breaking from cover and sending the little bastards to death or glory.

[@MechanicalFrog]

15... glorious!

[@scytheseven9173]

It's funny how a good standard BattleMech will often outshine OmniMechs, especially ones with poor standard configurations. I suppose OmniMechs can be quite good in the ilClan era if you know your enemies will be using specialized armor (say, to bring Re-engineered Lasers against a 'Mech with hardened armor), but actual battlefield conditions are frequently far too murky to exploit that and enemies will bring a mix of equipment anyway. Outside of the ability to meet the strategic and logistical needs of a campaign, given the spare OmniPod equipment (for instance, using more ballistic weaponry on hot or vacuum environments, or swapping to energy weapons for extended periods without resupply), OmniMechs tend to have their advantages be overstated, and a well-designed BattleMech and a MechWarrior trained to make the best use of it cannot be underestimated.

[@MechanicalFrog]

The differences are definitely more subtle when discussing OmniMech vs. 2nd Line Clan. Often the 2nd liners are more specialized and can shine in their element.

[@Nostroman_Praetor]

From what I understand about omni-mechs, they work in a war with stable supply lines. Take a guess how supply lines have been since The Amaris civil war?

[@Ironclockwork]

"So, how many MGs do you want in this bad boy?" "Yes."

[@MechanicalFrog]

"I would like all the machine guns. Now I know you might have heard, he wants a lot of machine guns, but I meant what I said. I want all the machine guns."

[@HeadHunterSix]

@@MechanicalFrog I regret that I can only give this comment one like. Is Swanson a bloodname among the Clans?

[@MechanicalFrog]

@@HeadHunterSix If not, it should be.

[@Xynar]

My best and only Piranha story comes from a Mechwarrior game I was playing in. One player character was doing their Trial of Position in a Hellbringer Prime. The other players were lined up as opponents. I got to go first with my Piranha 1. Let's just say, if I got one more round of fighting in, he would have lost his trial. The Piranha just chewed through the limited armor of the Hellbringer and speed was my armor. But luck doesn't hold out. He only needed a few hits to take my Mech out so he was able to make it to the second opponent. I was so close to making his character lose the Trial.

[@MechanicalFrog]

A Hellbringer in a trial... Putting a lot of faith into getting the kill in those first few rounds...

[@DIEGhostfish]

​@@MechanicalFrogThat's very clanlike. They're sprinters.

[@weldonwin]

When the Clans went just slightly Ork and demanded *MOAR DAKKA!!!*

[@MechanicalFrog]

Ratatatatatatatatatatat

[@michaelkimberling7307]

6:00 apparently her manners got knocked around in that explosion she used a contraction.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Apparently.

[@ambientlight3876]

How did I miss this video??? The Pirahanna is an example of why light mechs should NOT be underestimated.

[@MechanicalFrog]

ABM - Always Be MachineGunning.

[@spectre111]

I think the Piranha is like the Blackjack; a police mech intended to deal with enemies are lightly armed but mobile and numerous, like pirates and local insurgents. The mech is lightly armed because its not meant to fight anything bigger than an APC or maybe a Wasp.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Quite useful in a variety of fun situations... :D

[@wraith7989]

The Piranha and the Firestarter: two mechs designed only to commit war crimes.

[@MechanicalFrog]

"It's only a war crime if you lose," -Malvina Hazen

[@bthsr7113]

@@MechanicalFrog And mulching infantry with machine guns isn't even a war crime! So have fun and fire away!

[@HeadHunterSix]

/Jenner would like to know your location. I'm sure it still holds the record.

[@chrislewis8831]

For the first handful of moments, I forgot I was watching a mech focused video and was thinking it was more New Explorer Corps. I was like, "wait, what, we were in the peripher.... Oh, mech video, damn." LOL. I think you are doing great, and this is a good mech focused video! Keep up the good work my friend.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thanks a lot! This was a fun diversion from the usual nonsense.

[@theatagamer90]

Run this thing in MWO with a friend. Both just running around the backlines causing havoc. He'd get the enemy to turn and Id just pop the back armor. Then theyd turn towards me and he'd do the same thing. Glorious.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It can definitely mix things up and ruin someone's match.

[@carlwells9504]

Why do I get a father/son vibe with the AC2 Kraken. Durka Durka. It’s like they only had Light guns left to supply these guys

[@HeadHunterSix]

I was delighted when the Piranha was introduced - a guy in my BT group in the late '80s had taken the LRM-20s out of an Archer and put an MG in each of the vacant missile tubes. You can imagine how he could shred anything within 90 meters. You can also imagine the amount of ammo required to feed 40 MGs per turn. An unfortunate crit would leave barely enough to salvage in a lunch box. Interesting to hear Leskovic mentioned as I am currently fighting against the Jade Falcon there in my HBS playthrough (using the Battletech Extended Commander's Edition mod).

[@MechanicalFrog]

Makes clean up interesting.

[@elchjol2777]

That's a lot of dakka.

[@MrDmitriRavenoff]

Battle Magic put a dozen machine guns in the place of a Scorpions PPC. Seems similar in thought.

[@MrDmitriRavenoff]

It seems like 20 MG, 40 damage, unless he changed out the engine or was not using the rules properly.

[@HeadHunterSix]

@@MrDmitriRavenoff two LRM-20s = 20 tons. 40 MGs = 20 tons. Remember, the Archer packs a _pair_ of LRM-20s. And this was when 3025 was all we had. And four tons of MG ammo is enough for 20 turns of fire from 40 MGs. Or an ammo explosion you could hear on neighboring planets. 😆

[@RattlerNxt]

The Piranha is one of my favorite mechs. Speed and purity of purpose.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It sure can mix things up.

[@elijahsnow3119]

Amusingly enough i converted my Firestarter in HBS Battletech to a Piranha without even knowing what a Piranha was. Same design philosophy. Two lasers, six machine guns, more armor, less speed. Killed a Victor with it. Ammo explosions are a real bitch.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Sounds like a fun time, for the Firestarter mechwarrior...

[@elijahsnow3119]

@@MechanicalFrog oh yes. Borrowed the name FHS-9LS “Leadspitter” from the Australian KZbinr @Magstv It and the Piranha are the argument against the Steiner Scout Squad. Lost an arm, killed an assault mech. Fair trade.

[@ThelemicPotter]

Your videos just get better and better. The whole evolution of BattleTech video content has been incredible and you're a pillar of that growth. I really need to get to your New Explorer Corps soon.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thank you. I really want to keep pushing forward with quality for the sake of the channel and the BT community.

[@KorrothDyahwanre]

I have a few of these. My friends laughed at them till I used them against them in a campaign where they were playing Jade Falcon and the Steel Vipers had gotten their hands on some and were using them in trails of possession for the groups supplies. The PC's won the day but not before I mauled a War Hawk, Summoner, and a Storm Crow. Only the War Hawk managed to carry the day for them.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I'm glad it worked out for you.

[@Dang_Near_Fed_Up]

These are an overlooked, and under feared, backstabber that can bring down much larger mechs if not dealt with before they can get into your backfield. They serve well as anti-artillery / LRM support, due to their speed as well. I personally am not a fan of MG's on Mechs, but this odd machine serves to prove that they do work, when used properly.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Dangerous if ignored, or in great numbers...

[@KillerOrca]

The sheer amount of casings that come out of this thing can cause small fires if they hit flammable material

[@MechanicalFrog]

It may have to turn in is honorary forest fire preventer badge to Ranger Rick.

[@darkwave8892]

FYI this video isn't in the "why do we love" Playlist.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It is now. Thanks for the heads up.

[@harvestblades]

Thanks for covering the variants & rules especially the MG array. I've never been a fan of the MG in Classic or MW (I love them IRL!), due to extremely limited range, ammo dependency, & using tonnage to carry around something that seemingly is more likely to do more damage to my mech than my opponent. However on a zippy little guy like the Piranha I am realizing how incredibly nasty they can be especially against Infantry, vehicles or the rear armor of even those big boys. I was a bit shocked to see a new vid today & especially for it being on a mech. It was a pleasant surprise!

[@MechanicalFrog]

I was fuzzy on the MG Array anyway, so it was good to sit down and make sure the rules said what I thought they did.

[@ericloranger7462]

First time I used one, it was just to fill up some BV. After that, the li'l fucker is a mainstay on my lists.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It's definitely not a light mech you can ignore.

[@ericloranger7462]

@@MechanicalFrog on that first game, I was thinking " why call it piranha?" Then when the shooting phase came up and I really looked at the sheet I just went. " yup, that scans"

[@MechanicalFrog]

@@ericloranger7462 Yeppers.

[@ghoulbuster1]

Hear me out. Piranha III with 15 micro pulse lasers.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Hmm... "I'll allow it."

[@malusignatius]

The Piranha has one thing to say: BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRT.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Ratatatatatatatatatatatat.

[@malusignatius]

@@MechanicalFrog Dakkadakkadakka.

[@keeganm139]

I always figured Machine Gun Arrays were made to speed up play; instead of making 4 to-hit rolls and 4 location rolls you make 1 to-hit roll, a cluster table roll, and 1 location hit roll.

[@DairXV]

I had a Pirrahna take out an Atlas. Two turns and every time the Pirrahna was in the Atlas's rear. All those machine guns even caused enough Crit damage to take out the fusion engine. My opponent was, well, mad and swore to never play outside 3025 ever again. Sadly the Pirrahna died the next turn as what was left of two lances focused fire on it.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Yeah, that'll do it...

[@Bolththrower]

Excellent work. Placing the short story in front grounds the video well with the info content that's then is presented. This was a pleasure to listen to.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Glad you liked it!

[@NemFX]

Because DAKKA. I have two of them, they're great. Everyone always worries about my Mad Cat or Masakari, they ignore the pair of Piranhas that have been doing all the work. Sure, keep hammering my Masakari that almost never hits anything. Whoops there goes your mech.

[@MechanicalFrog]

You definitely can't ignore them, that's for sure.

[@sharlin648]

Great video :) The Piranha is an amazing and mean little SOB. And if you get the chance to go hooting and braying across the battlefield to zip around an assault or Heavy ''Mech's back at point blank range, as Palpy said. Dew it!

[@MechanicalFrog]

It's a wildcard, for sure.

[@scytheseven9173]

Thanks for the rules talk about machine gun arrays!

[@MechanicalFrog]

It seems to be a confusing subject, so maybe it can help.

[@Brigand231]

Piranhas, much like Vixens (Incubi) are wonderful backshooting units. Great for anti-infantry too, of course. All of this, you covered nicely.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Love em.

[@calebharris292]

The modern design just makes me think about a Cyclops going "don't talk to me or my son ever again"

[@WeOnlyEatSoup]

This mech is one of the reasons I play Clan Diamond Shark 🦈

[@MechanicalFrog]

An excellent reason.

[@XetaStation]

Finally got the “Battletech: A Game of Armored Combat” box after it was stocked at my local game store. What luck it is to find this channel not even a week later! Subbed

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thanks so much! Welcome to the fray, mechwarrior!

[@Yacovo]

Short Mech, I get it! Who is ready for a Golden BB? Thanks for the video.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Boom!

[@robertreid9256]

our group uses miniature rules, all ranges are X3, and we use the optional rule each machine gun fires 1-6 bullets, giving the potential damage of 72 points of damage, but on the down side its also 1 heat per shot, which could be very bad.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Oh wow. I'm going to have to ponder this house rule.

[@robertreid9256]

the Macinegun rule is in the Battletech Manuel on page 101, and Miniature rules are if your not using the maps, one you play this way you will never go back. Neither are house rules just optional rules.

[@digitaldynamic3476]

I typically abhor ammo reliant Mechs generally preferring a solid energy load out but this lil monster might be just what the “Good” Doctor ordered to remedy pesky infantry or maybe even Savannah Masters 🤔 Thanks for the inspiration 😁 Gunna have to give it a shot ❤

[@MechanicalFrog]

A Piranha that survives long enough to run out of ammo is a hero.

[@meshuggahshirt]

"You have one thousand kilograms of ammunition, and by the Founder you are going to *use* them."

[@MechanicalFrog]

Why have it, if you're not going to use it?

[@meshuggahshirt]

@@MechanicalFrog The struggle of every MG-equipped MechWarrior since at least the Stinger

[@MechanicalFrog]

Indeed...

[@mhyzon1]

Ever since the original Paladin from the S7 sourcebook, I’ve always lived the idea of an MG boat mech.

[@MechanicalFrog]

And now everyone can have one! Joyous day...

[@jasonmorello1374]

One thing about battletech, people don't get a good feel on the speeds some of these have. An abrams tank, one of the biggest machines deployed now, is 60+ tons and does a top speed of 45 MPH. Sure, this guy is 20 tons, but twice as fast in standard, almost triple with that supercharger. that much sheer mass moving at speeds like that going to do work if it were a real world machine. The one thing that could make a 'mech work as a two legged machine, it that kind of speed with better start/stop and turning than anything else in the weight class. I don't know if it could be realized, but that is part of why 'mechs have these massive gyros. weighted spin stability is definitely a force to consider.

[@bthsr7113]

That opening story is a pretty apt summary of how the Clans dominated yet lost. Their warriors and mechs are amazing, but they can't comprehend how to face total war. The Lyrans burned countless factories to deny the Dragons, so why would the Falcons get a roost or the Sharks a Harbor intact? "Welcome to the Inner Sphere F_cko!"

[@MechanicalFrog]

This event is canon. It was determined that the explosion was likely accidental.

[@bthsr7113]

​@@MechanicalFrogoh. Edit: I guess Lyran Scale applies to industrial malfunctions and volatile storage too.

[@marsar1775]

this clan mech is speaking my language! small, fast, good stamina, and lots of fun guns ill need to seek out the next sea fox expo...

[@MechanicalFrog]

See if you can get them to agree to a 3 for 2 deal.

[@marsar1775]

@@MechanicalFrog i happen to know a sea fox merchantwoman(friend plays sea fox), so who knows, maybe i can get a discount with a trade

[@MechanicalFrog]

@@marsar1775 Quite likely.

[@jasonhenninger8220]

Non-ammo dependent, mostly self-sufficient. From the V, drop to 160XL, 3.5t Ferro, Lt ActiveProbe, targeting computer, 2 Imp Hvy Med Lasers, 5 ER Sm Lasers,

[@MechanicalFrog]

That one is spicy.

[@franksmedley7372]

Heya Frog. Oh, the Piranha... How I HATED that Mech during the Clan Invasion period, when the Clans were introduced into Battletech. Passing on, to a slightly later period... post 3050, my special Locust variant, with the ER Lrg Laser, was fast enough to keep up with Piranhas, and had a big enough weapon to do deadly damage with a single hit. Up to that point, my much slower, and shorter ranged units, all using Inner Sphere 'standard' tech, took some serious beatings from Clan Tech. Post 3055 and 3067 though, things were not so 'lopsided' in the Clan's favor, and I was able to use the newer available tech to decent results against even Clan Mechs... including Piranhas. And once Sea Fox started selling Piranhas, I just about moved heaven and earth to gain as many as I could afford to add to my formations. Although requiring 'ammo' for the MGs, it was a very good unit, which only got better with the inclusion of Machine Gun Arrays. Deep penetration raids are the 'meat and potatoes' of my lightest units, and this includes the Piranha. When sending such forces into an Enemy's rear areas, I would also hazard a few trucks to carry ammo for the MGs, which would be hidden away in caves, or under camo-tarps, and when able to do so, would roll out to meet the Mechs to replace their MG ammo expenditures and then hide again until needed. In a few scenarios I played as part of a campaign, I was able to loot enough MG ammo to keep my Piranhas well supplied, and only had to hazard the occasional Repair Vehicle to replace Armor damage, and the rare weapon loss (either Lasers, or MGs, as needed). I discovered that dropping several Leopards behind Enemy lines, only one of which held a raiding group, to be a nice way to 'throw off' Enemy intentions of discovering my landed forces... at least until they were able to put a good distance between the landing site and operations area. As for the other drop ships, one would carry nothing but Battle Armored Infantry, and the other would carry the Mobile Repair Unit, and a security force of tanks and infantry. Believe me, it was hilarious to ambush an Enemy unit hunting for my Light Mechs with Battle Armored units, or raid their over-night camps with stealth trained 'commando' infantry units. Killing as many Pilots as possible before disengaging. One series of such 'mini' scenarios had my Lights raiding, only to run into the hunters, blaze past them at high speed, and lead them into difficult terrain... only to have the Enemy ambushed by Battle Armor, and then their camp, later, hit by night attacks by stealth commando infantry. One Player got so pissed off at me, he threw his dice at me, called me a 'cheater', and stomped off in a snit. It took quite a bit of persuasion from me in order to NOT have him 'banned' from the club for several months. The player returned to playing a few weeks later, apologizing for his harsh words and actions, and thanking me for saving his membership in the club. This same player, later on in the campaign, ran a few missions for us players, and he 'hired' me for both Recon, and 'Hunt and Kill' missions. (Unlike most Players, I had reasons for being able to get 'intel' back to my Unit. Things like, oh, remember that Mobile Repair Unit? And it's 'defenders'??? Well, instead of 'just' a command vehicle of some sort, I had a dedicated Command Vehicle that was as armored armed as best I could get, as well as mounting Satt-Tac Comms Systems. This enabled me to be able to send data up to orbit, where a loitering Drop Ship would receive the data, and pass it on as needed. Satt-Tac was a system we 'invented', that used a pair of Small Lasers that could be pointed upwards and track things in orbit. Flickering them on and off in coded sequences, basically gave me 'Morse' code laser comms). All in all, the Piranha is a decent Mech, and several of the variants can be very helpful for raiding, deep penetration raids, and even 'hunt and kill' missions on Light Mechs. Enough Piranhas can be a Serious threat, even to Medium and Heavy Mechs, if the Piranha 'swarm' can get that unit pried away from its group. Been there, done that too.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Deep calming breaths...

[@asimplenobody7797]

Ah, the Piranha. When you absolutely must kill an entire infantry company every pull of the trigger

[@MechanicalFrog]

Just as the old woman at the carnival predicted.

[@asimplenobody7797]

@@MechanicalFrog Never figured you for a Nova Cat, Frog

[@MechanicalFrog]

@@asimplenobody7797 Settle down, meow.

[@johnmoore8599]

It's a wonderful glass cannon, even more glassy than any Hellbringer, and more dangerous.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Wouldn't want to run into either of them.

[@johnmoore8599]

@@MechanicalFrog Streak missiles work wonders on Piranhas. A dual heavy gauss salvo to the CT ends things pretty quickly too. So, it's not all roses.

[@MechanicalFrog]

True enough.

[@sebastiang.5032]

Amazing! I've just painted a Piranha for my Clan Sea Fox Spina Khanate force! 🦊👍

[@MechanicalFrog]

Very cool! I hope it serves you well.

[@Based_Lord_Humongous]

Two things people forget about the Piranha. 1) They in the Amazon! 2) not all of them have double heat sinks. Just because you're in a Clan mech don't mean you got them good good double doubles.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Good times had by almost all.

[@Based_Lord_Humongous]

@@MechanicalFrog LMAO, almost is the operative word there....I could only fire 6 of my MGs next turn! Such is life

[@HeadHunterSix]

When your primary weapon array generates no heat, who needs doubles? As long as you fire the ER mediums in volley mode (2 on one turn and only one on the next), you'll never even generate enough heat to slow down.

[@DIEGhostfish]

​@@HeadHunterSixHaving to treat mediums like PPCs just sits wrong with me.

[@JosephMitchell-zw3db]

Had fun with it in a old Solaris tournament it did well but a lucky shot from ac20 finished me dam king crab

[@DIEGhostfish]

Why do we love the Piranha? DAKADAKADAKADAKADAKADAKADAKADAKADAKADAKADAKADAKADAKADAKADAKADAKADAKA!

[@MechanicalFrog]

The Machine Gun Ammo manufacturer sure does.

[@spencerjones841]

When you see a piranha call in your CAS and artillery strike to vaporize that square grid. Then again that applies for all clanner mechs

[@MechanicalFrog]

The Piranha does not recognize your artillery strike. It does what it wants.

[@spencerjones841]

well in that case I use it to deploy FASCAM galore. The one true weakness of speedy mechs@@MechanicalFrog

[@CaptainBanjo-fw4fq]

I love me my light mechs. This has got to be among the most vicious of killers…

[@MechanicalFrog]

It can sure mix things up.

[@matagy]

Hands down one of the most fun mechs I field. Not best, not favourite, and its success rate is a coinflip, but its always funny

[@MechanicalFrog]

The fun factor must always be considered.

[@franksmedley8619]

Hello Frog. Oh, how I hated the Piranha when the Clans were introduced into the game. At that time, my forces were more combined arms and my Infantry paid for my hard lessons in dealing with Piranhas on the battlefield. In the ILKhan era, I kind of like the Piranha-5, in addition to the 'standard' version. And in the IlKhan era, Piranhas are available to buy from Sea Fox. Once they became available for the Inner Sphere, I made sure to get as many as I could. I mostly used them to hunt down Light Mechs, and deal with pesky enemy Infantry. The Piranha-5 just made things even better. Although I can see a use for the Piranha-3, I have not used any so far in my games. The Piranha-3 should be able to deal with Elementals fairly easily, although it would not destroy a full star of them in one go. But, even so, it should be able to swoop down and deal wth at least a few of the suits to aid a lance member, should they be beset with Elemental madness. As a side note: I once played in a game where NO Mechs were allowed. Only Infantry, Battlesuits, Tanks, and Aircraft. The resulting battle took far longer to conclude, and Elementals were the 'powerhouse' units on the table, even though they were relatively 'slow' in movement compared to other units, like tanks. To speed things up, each player fielded two Light Mechs towards the end of the battle, and some 9 hours of playing time later. I chose a pair of 'standard' Piranhas, and pretty much swept the field of Infantry, and scored several 'kills' on damaged tanks. Fielding the Piranhas allowed me to devote my remaining tanks to fire upon Elementals, making the Piranhas more survivable. I have to say that running up to a star of Elementals in a Piranha and blazing away with all those MGs was satisfying, once the tank threat was reduced. Other forms of Infantry just 'vaporized' under the withering fire of my Piranha's MG storm of fire. Ah, good memories.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Nine hours... I wish I had the energy to do anything for 9 hours these days.

[@franksmedley8619]

@@MechanicalFrog I am in my 60s now, but back then? I was mid 30s. I had a lot more energy than I do these days.

[@omegavulture8379]

Are there better mechs? Yes. Are there better light mechs? Also yes. At the end of my mechwarrior career will they find me in the burning wreckage of my silly dakka fish with my fist elbow deep in one of those mechs engines? Also yes.

[@MechanicalFrog]

yes, yes, yes!

[@kanyewest6539]

ive got a BTA campaign going right now and my pirhanha1/pilot has like 45mech kills and as many vic kills in maybe 180 deployments. for the tonnage its by FAR the hardest hitter ive got. i run pretty heavy but my scouts are an ostscout ,raven with the fancy missle ecm,and the pirhana. i can usually get a kill with 2x backshots and maintain 8-12 evasion with cover. the raven has its -6missle to hit buff so they are essentially untouched every mission.

[@gregdomenico1891]

I paired mine up with a Owens with two MRM 10's W/Apollo Ammo and a Drillson Hover tank. All 3 made life hell for just about everything. Sadly, I lost it a couple of mission's ago to some Sanctuary mech with a Scatter gun 20.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Sounds like quite the mechwarrior!

[@kanyewest6539]

@@gregdomenico1891 before i got the flashpoint raven i was also running the owens. owens did more dps but was slower, and the -6 missle ecm is probably the best tech in the whole game imo. you can blanket your lance on a hill late game too. just have your assualts camp and fire. more or less immune to missle dmg without a narc or a tag, which wont happen if you prioritize enemy scouts. i ran a pegasus instead of the drillson, but the ostscout9c i believe has the sensor quirk that lowers enemy acc, combined with angelecm it is imo the best late game scout team. i will sometimes send the ostscout/pir out together on the wide flank hunting/killing enemy scouts, and push the raven and an adarga pdv slightly ahead of the main formation. this prevents LRM swarms. my other scout i will use in my diff deployment is a single starleague spider with pulses/tag, stealth/guardian and jj's. also has great survivability with the right pilot.

[@kanyewest6539]

@@gregdomenico1891 the scatter guns are a nightmare. if you have sharmat, his custom mech akulakhan can be armor maxxed, give him some masc,harjel and a binary las in his gun. just have him run down their throats he can tank the hits. thats what i did. sanctuary tech is very interesting tho. i run the medium haywires on a few of my mechs.

[@gregdomenico1891]

@@kanyewest6539 I'm in the late game now, up near the occupation zone(Ghost Bear/Combine). It's gotten so bad, with all of the damn Battle Armor and Clan version Assualt Tanks, that running lights and mediums( no matter how well equiped) is a death sentence for those mechs. I'm pretty much at the need as much fire power as possible phase. I do still have a scout, it's just one you wouldn't consider as one. I took a Black Python, gave it a bigger engine, Supercharger, and all the fun Clan electronics. Packed it with 2 IS Plasma Cannons(weigh more then the Clan version, but do more damage) and as many x pulse/ pulse lasers as i could fit. Great little scout, can take damage, and is hell on BA and tanks.

[@anotherdadjoke]

This mech has been a walking (running) war crime against my friends and their infantry. I take one in my star against a pair of mixed lances and a platoon or 2 of unarmoured infantry. The infantry rarely survives past turn 5.

[@fkntwizted]

Yeah, my friends, when I play with that mech, take notice when I bring a couple. Let's just say after I brought down a dire wolf in 2 turns, they don't laugh anymore at the 20-tonner.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It can absolutely be a game changer. However, I just ran a MegaMek game and things did NOT go well... I was a bit too bold with them.

[@fkntwizted]

@MechanicalFrog swarm and make sure it isn't the only mech that the enemy has to decide to fire at. I had this issue yesterday when my friend decided to run his stinger in to tag a Turkina; let's say, between my teammate Turkina and my Ice Ferret J, it didn't last long.

[@MechanicalFrog]

@@fkntwizted yep yep.

[@roguerifter9724]

I like the Piranha 2 and 3 but would tweak the light weapon array to get a couple of tons worth of jump jets. Probably remove the ER Small Laser and some of the Microlasers for the 2. half the Microlasers, one Micro Pulse Laser and the ER small Laser for jump jets

[@MrDmitriRavenoff]

I would love to put together a Star with 3 pack hunters and 2 Piranhas. That would be pretty nasty.

[@wheturangi]

How do I love thee? Let me show you with my 12 MGs! Lets make a MG mech and go crazy! A good decent design, only failing is the single heat sinks, but I like that feature. It shows you this this is a second line mech. It's dangerous, but like most lights it cant take a hit. Recommend you thunder it and get it to slow down. I dont mind facing it, but my group only allow second line mechs to be fielded together. No Omnis and second liners together. Great video MF. Giving some love to the most dangerous light out there IMHO.

[@alexhurlbut]

The reason it used SHS is because the MGs generate zero heat unless you use the burstfire rule on them.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Yeah the Single Heatsinks are a pain but I understand why they're needed for balance. Being able to fire both of the ER Medium lasers + 12 machine guns + the ER Sm Laser every turn would be insane.

[@alexhurlbut]

@@MechanicalFrog and you're only generating 12 heats just from the lasers. So you're using the ER Mlasers until you get close enough to use the MGs and ER Small, then you don't fire the Second Er Mlaser to stay cool while at that point blank range.

[@ian5395]

I NEEEEED this in mw5 with some 6ap/2he ammo splits

[@ian5395]

Ope And whatever for the other guns I forgot...

[@ThugShakers4Christ]

When is the Battle Armour series going to cover the flea?

[@MechanicalFrog]

Not a mech I particularly like.

[@jordansimpkins8784]

Great video

[@MechanicalFrog]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@fherot8200]

That is a sweet Piranha thumbnail, I don’t think I’ve seen that art before. Where is it from?

[@MechanicalFrog]

The Piranha in the video thumbnail is a photo of a 28mm scale Piranha I 3D printed.

[@fherot8200]

Wow that almost looks like a render. Awesome

[@lmoTK106]

The same energy as I put 8 SP Lasers on a Firestarter Hohohohohohoho

[@MechanicalFrog]

Sounds like... fiery fun.

[@nukenuked5749]

top video mate

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thanks!

[@STzim]

Shark Merchant: Nobody uses MG in their trials. Most lose them when making any variant. They do not want any, even for free. Now with a weapon so Cheap I could not resist buying a few. When they heared someone buying them they sold me in bulk. I think this is not a fluke, now has someone an idea what can we do with a mountain of MG?

[@MechanicalFrog]

Using it in trials would be a huge gamble. Very little margin for error.

[@sanguiniusonvacation1803]

Used 3 of them last game.

[@memph1ston]

Do you think Diamond Sharks ever make "SaKahn deez nutz" jokes?

[@MechanicalFrog]

I hope so.

[@Dreadwolf3155]

love the why do we love series

[@MechanicalFrog]

So glad you're a fan.

[@bthsr7113]

The only mech I know of that rivals the Piranha for prime dakka is the Bane. And that's 5 times the weight.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Also a fun mech.

[@bthsr7113]

@@MechanicalFrog I'm particularly partial to configuration 3. It really earns the name of Kraken.

[@toxofoz6233]

If your Piranha doesn't have a red stripe and an orc face decal on it you're doing it wrong. More DAKKA!!

[@MechanicalFrog]

Fair critique.

[@thegunslinger8806]

Sea fox is the cooler name but I gotta admit despite the underhanded way the animal was introduced into the habitat, Diamond Shark is pretty boss sounding. Also, this is me and frog when we make the time traveling Piranha: Me: what's gonna happen when we reach 93 Mph froggy? Frog: If my calculations are correct, when this baby hits 93 miles per hour... you're gonna see some serious shit. 🐸 😎

[@MechanicalFrog]

vroom vroom!

[@thegunslinger8806]

@@MechanicalFrog if you get this comment it means I couldn't get the Piranha up to 93 mph and I'm stuck in an alternate reality with something called a "Gundam" chasing me, whatever that may be, if found please get the back up Piranha and save my silly Free world's league ass. P.S. I ate all the pop tarts

[@MechanicalFrog]

@@thegunslinger8806 This is why we can't have nice things...

[@thegunslinger8806]

@@MechanicalFrog I'M TRYING MY BEST OKAY! I was going to the store to buy some more but the green light changed to yellow, I panicked and ran the red light real fast and an urbie chased me and I accidentally turned on the gigagwatz and...well you know the rest.

[@MechanicalFrog]

@@thegunslinger8806 Story as old as time...

[@Elphazo_O-two]

Mech Frog, What's the in lore advantages of a Machine gun Array? Also, how do you calculate their weight?

[@MechanicalFrog]

The short answer is that it connects all of your machine guns into a single to-hit roll. More specific rules in Total Warfare pg. 137 Basically you roll to hit, then roll on the cluster hits table to see how many machine guns hit, then apply each MG's damage to the same location, possibly scoring multiple critical hits if hitting internal structure. A standard MG Array is .5 tons and takes up 1 critical location.

[@Elphazo_O-two]

@@MechanicalFrog and the advantages in the BT lore? I don't really have any friend that know BT.

[@MrFireforge]

This is the mech I so want to get in mw5 I cut legs off Altus mechs with my firestarter I know I can be surgical with the piranha

[@MechanicalFrog]

It would be fun. Maybe in Mechwarrior 6 some day.

[@lukedudley5030]

In TT this mech is awesome..how can anyone overlook a light that can do 24 damage without generating any heat :-)

[@MechanicalFrog]

Truth.

[@lukedudley5030]

​@MechanicalFrog I have got a solaris piranha story by the way :-) I took part in a 10 mech light competition where you had to fight the other 9 mechs one on one with points awarded for wins and pilot kills and such :-) it was devastating :-) it destroyed everything it came up agains including wolfhounds, jenners and other clan lights...it was only beaten once by the eventual champion which was a locust IIC...and that was only by a lucky shot that took out a leg :-/ bit annoyed as the pilot was a very bad winner lol and although his repairs cost far more than mine he had to try to rub it in....didnt matter as I pounded him in every other weight class making sure his costs were high :-)

[@noanswer1864]

I truly hate this mech to the deepest core of my being. I'd rather face an entirely range fire support company than a single one of these. I'd rather try to fight a whole lance of LAMs piloted by mechwarriors that know the tricks to making them functionally immortal. I hate them so much, that if my dispossessed butt were given the option of taking either a piranha or an urbanmech to be my replacement machine, I'd humbly accept the Urbie. I despise them more than Jade Falcon despises everyone that isn't them.

[@schneecoraxx8689]

Good ol war crime bot

[@MechanicalFrog]

Only if you lose..

[@schneecoraxx8689]

@@MechanicalFrog I do believe we handed the clans one hell of an L

[@KhalainBear]

Isn't it the other way around? Clan Seas Fox became Diamond Shark?

[@MechanicalFrog]

Sea Fox became Diamond Shark, then later returned to Sea Fox.

[@KhalainBear]

@@MechanicalFrog Oh ok 😄 Thanks :)

[@SolomonSamson747]

BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRT

[@MechanicalFrog]

ratatatatatatatatatat.

[@RecklessFables]

Spider IIC

[@MechanicalFrog]

Toss some jumpjets on there and go!

[@christophermzdenek]

Pure luck of the dice roll, but I've downed an assault every time I've fielded one of these. Oddly, my favorite weight class... Medium, it where my luck always, statistically, falls short. Lights or assualts, though... Gimmick mechs... My play group hates me.

[@MechanicalFrog]

You're a lucky ducky.

[@sim.frischh9781]

The Piranha is one ugly monster and i never want to encounter one even if i´m in a mech myself. It has that bad habit of death-circling you and you can barely do ANYTHING against it. On the other hand, if it is on MY side...

[@MechanicalFrog]

Best hope is that you manage to hit it before it gets around behind.

[@sim.frischh9781]

@@MechanicalFrog One can only hope.

[@RibusPQR]

I don't like arrays. If you're trying to hit exposed sections for crits, you want every bullet hitting a different location like with an LB-X.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Yeah it really depends on what you're hunting.

[@xxxlonewolf49]

"Rubbed her shaved head" where was her helmet? The clans still had them & used them & needed them...this makes the story/event very suspect.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I can rub my head while wearing a helmet. It doesn't necessarily have to be the top. Thanks for the feedback.

[@xxxlonewolf49]

@MechanicalFrog Goong off the art work I recall for neuro helmets, and having worn armored ones for several years, if you are rubbing your head somehow...you are wearing it wrong. Nice video regardless.

[@SamSam-qh1os]

No Mech Frog version?

[@MechanicalFrog]

This was before I started doing them.

[@SamSam-qh1os]

@@MechanicalFrog "OBJECTION!"

[@jamesricker3997]

I love the Piranha because I hate infantry

[@MechanicalFrog]

This is fair.

[@thil2894]

That fucking thing... That's defenitively not an Orion.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Fact Check: True.