Why Do We Love The Eris?

Today we take a look at the Eris, a fun mech that has gotten a lot of well-deserved love lately.
Eris-MF Record Sheet: www.dropbox.co...
Note: The introduction is not canon. I wrote it to demonstrate a possible interaction in that board meeting.
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Sources: IlClan Rec Guide 18, Shrapnel 10
BattleTech imagery and mech info remains the property of Topps.
Some imagery/video from Pixabay
Project Development: Johannes Heidler
Development Assistance: Aaron Cahall, Chris Wheeler
BattleTech Line Developer: Ray Arrastia
Assistant Line Developer: Aaron Cahall
Writing: Matt Cross, Johannes Heidler, William Gauthier, Joshua
Perian, Chris Wheeler, Patrick Wynne
BattleTech Line Editor: Aaron Cahall
Editing: Geoff ‘Doc’ Swift
Production Staff
Art Director: Anthony Scroggins
Assistant Art Director: Ray Arrastia
Cover Design and Layout: David A. Kerber
Illustrations: Alan Blackwell, Dale Eadeh, Chris Lowrey, Anthony
Scroggins
Some iconography my edit of the battlemech line art was purchased from Ken Turner on ArtStation.
#BattleTech #Mechwarrior #CatalystGameLabs #lore

[@MechanicalFrog]

Edit: As it turns out, the Partial wing always conveys the -3 to heat even if you aren't jumping, in atmosphere. Oops.

[@jeremysaklad6703]

In terms of heat dissipation, they're like rabbit ears. Except for some reason people aren't okay with putting those on walking tanks…

[@lukedudley5030]

​@jeremysaklad6703 you just made me think of playboy having a military mag in 3050 lol...babes and their mechs is the title I imagined :-)

[@BigRed40TECH]

Purple Bird Strong.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Purple Bird Resurgent

[@mathewkelly9968]

Purple bird is a joke

[@BigRed40TECH]

@@mathewkelly9968 An unkind but fair statement.

[@nono2645]

The fist is stronger

[@ampgp03d]

Purple bird needs a new leader.

[@datriggernator4317]

Nothing funnier than watching my friend be very surprised when my Eris 3R stripped all the front armour off of a Dire Wolf and knocked the pilot out with an Alpha Strike. Sure I overheated and fell over afterwards but it was worth it to watch the panic

[@MechanicalFrog]

It does tend to make an impact.

[@TygerYasha]

One of my favorites! The MF variant looks fun, and packs a decent wallop at close range. I will definitely be playing around with this one, if only for the swooping,

[@MechanicalFrog]

Good luck!

[@WolfHreda]

"So, what do we add to this thing?" "Rockets." "Nice. How many?" _"ALL_ of them."

[@negawan]

the way you color the Eris makes it cooler. It's definitely one the mech designs I adore. Thanks for the good vid

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thank you. I really think the color goes a long way to bringing the mech alive.

[@nurgle333]

All those different color schemes were great

[@nurgle333]

One of them reminded me of Autobot Jetfire and inspired me to paint one of my MW5 mechs like that (my minis don't come until next year)

[@krissteel4074]

That section in the 45-55t is a fearsome lineup so its hardly a surprise that it'd struggle along the long established likes of Phoenix Hawk, Shadowhawk, and Wolverine that fill a similar role of fast strikers. Overall though, it is competitive enough that you'd still do ok with an Eris. The MML-5 variant is honestly pretty good with its load out and its still going to deliver some fairly punishing hits in the short-medium range bracket.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Lots of great medium mechs to choose from.

[@gkeaton9755]

I only have a single lance of purple bird (strong!) mechs, but 2 of them are Eris. I do have a souped up variant, similar to the Eris MF, using clan tech pulse lasers ( LAAAAZZZZEEEERRRS!) She has lived up to her namesake bouncing in and blapping stuff where it doesn't want to be blapped! Her sister is awaiting captured parts and materials. Donations accepted! Heh.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Nice! I'm so glad to see the Eris getting so much love.

[@independentconfederate6604]

As a fan of rocket launchers and bad decisions the 3R is by far my favorite p, I was actually unaware of the composite structure which makes it even funnier.

[@MechanicalFrog]

*Bright flashing light* "What the hell was that?"

[@Axzealot]

Purple Bird Strong

[@MechanicalFrog]

Purple Bird Recovering

[@jefffreese947]

Pretty much a great mech in just about every variant, and really like the MF variant. My only change would be to go with a LPL (hopefully a clan variant) instead of the Stubbie because if you're jumping a lot (which the partial wing wants you too) then your ability to hit effectively with a non-pulse weapon is very limited.

[@ogrehaslayers605]

Or maybe a Variable Speed Medium Pulse. Same damage as a Large Pulse up close. Two more tons for a Targeting Computer for the same weight as the Snubbie. You net a -1 bonus to hit even after a jump 😊

[@MechanicalFrog]

We must listen to what the partial wing wants.

[@KingMakerRook]

My favorite! Well done. The MF variant is fun, I also did a custom but shuffled some stuff around to replace the snub PPC for an LPL

[@MechanicalFrog]

an LPL would be fun. Even more so if it's the CLPL.

[@meining-mech4378]

I have a couple of these I built. CGL gave me an extra because my initial one had three left legs and no right one (props to them for that). It’s a very attractive mech both physically and in loadout. One lance composition I had in mind was two Eris, a Scourge, and a Prefect 2R, as a fast striker/cavalry unit. Another was one single Eris, Anzu, Quasimodo, and a Carronade. - - - Great world on the video!

[@MechanicalFrog]

Imagining you building it anyway into a frankemech... "Ripley...Keel...meeee...."

[@harbingerx7793]

I've always had a soft spot for the 50 tonners.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Doing all the work while the heavies and assaults take the glory.

[@harbingerx7793]

@@MechanicalFrog they don't call the mediums the 'workhorse' for nothing.

[@michaelmoolick9419]

I always *wanted* to feel the enthusiasm that I feel for this beautifully designed mech for the other 50 tonners, but never have.

[@harbingerx7793]

@michaelmoolick9419 it is a well designed, and visualy stiking mech.

[@mikegould6590]

This grognard has never heard of this machine before, but I WILL take notice now! Thanks MechFrog

[@MechanicalFrog]

Sweet! Mission accomplished.

[@AndrewChumKaser]

Eris is just a competent design that has a lot of utility in its base chasis. It's not an expensive design, not too flashy, doesn't have any stupid quirks or weird anti-synergies, it's just what it is, and what it is is a decent choice for most jobs a medium wants to do. The only thing that I could see improving on its design is making it an omnimech and outfitting it with clan tech gear. And when the only real improvements you need for a chassis is "just give it statistically better gear." Then you have yourself a winner.

[@MechanicalFrog]

"It's just neat." - MechFrog

[@Fanatic808]

Love the Eris, beautiful looking mech with a lot of good variants. Also congrats on 10k!

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thanks a ton!

[@AnimeSunglasses]

Nice. VERY nice. Not often i find I like ALL a mech's variants.... also, now I'll have something to run alongside my lovely Agrotera!

[@MechanicalFrog]

It's definitely a gem.

[@Tinytraveler]

You're one of the few channels I turn my adblocker off for.

[@MechanicalFrog]

That IS an honor. :D

[@zhaimorenn8273]

I love the 3R variant. I usually run a 2N and a converted 3R together and the 3R frequently finds slower assault mechs and then proceeds to strip their armor and ruin their days. It's so glorious- It's like having a fast and hard to kill Hunchback IIC - if you're using it right, you'll have no ammo for your main weapons left in a turn or 2 of shooting (usually I fire off the rockets in salvos of 8x at a time for 3 solid volleys, though I have dropped more on Assault mechs that I've caught without defensive modifiers)

[@MechanicalFrog]

When it works, it works...

[@andrewfsheffield]

Your coloring is getting better and better

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thank you for noticing. I'm picking up a trick here and there that is definitely showing some better results.

[@crazytiger800]

I like it, it looks and pretty much fights like an Armored Core. I am a huge advocate of fast strikers with accurate weapons, especially to deal with Steiner Scout Lance "me want to win gaem without playing gaem" TurretTeching.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It's definitely not for the meek.

[@williamjanak2013]

I got ti say that it looks great in that dark green with yellow hights. It looks like a very useful machine. Maybe I have the C-Bills for some.

[@DDVargas1983]

I have one of those premium Eris minis and I painted her up just for a Ilclan force in the service of the purple bird. I can't wait to give her a whirl.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Excellent!

[@scytheseven9173]

loved the video, thanks MechFrog! the Eris is my favorite 50-tonner, and i love all variants-yours is a welcome entry the light engine is a good call, and a salvaged Clan ER PPC is scary main weapon funnily enough, Kallon could contract out Clan-grade Endo Steel to Technicron Manufacturing on not-too-far-off Savannah, which can now produce it in quantity (which it puts to great use in the terrifying AWS-11H Awesome, along with the Clan-grade Double Heat Sinks they can also produce) what makes the Snub-Nose PPC such a good choice for jumpers is it's supremely accurate with its super-long 270-meter 'short' range-you can only really upgrade it in its specific role with a Clan Large Pulse Laser

[@MechanicalFrog]

People underestimate the SnubPPC not seeing the range brackets.

[@greysonjones5429]

Very nice video. I'll hopefully be getting one soon. One of my favorite dark age designs.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I was going to add one to my latest Catalyst order but forgot! Next time...

[@jasonfarley9025]

Oooh... That original Hel, and the Eris II I guess, are damn good energy boats!

[@MechanicalFrog]

Guaranteed to have a time of it in one.

[@MKmaki6094]

I love the Eris, probably my favorite ilClan mech. I got one in my merc company and homebrew noble house. There' just something about it that plays like an Armored Core (or any japanese adjacent mecha in that case), it's jumpy, loves to skirmish, and glides all around like a man possessed. Put it to good use in an urban environment given how mobile it is too. It's also just such a lady killer in terms of looks

[@MechanicalFrog]

It does have a bit of that Armored Core look to it.

[@nukenuked5749]

sweet mate thanks love waking up for a new video mechs are looking good i paited last night wile having yor stream on

[@MechanicalFrog]

Great to hear it. Getting mech work done!

[@nukenuked5749]

hay how can i get a pic to you i real want to show you my work are you on fb insta ect?@@MechanicalFrog

[@STSGingie]

I love this machine. The design has that nice balance of tank and anime that I like, the loadouts make it feel like a new kind of Wolverine, my favorite mech, and it's going to be a joy to paint. I have it in a Lance lead by a captured Supernova(A bonded Spirit cat), Hunchback, and commando. I haven't fielded them yet but I'm looking forward to their debut. I'm also glad to see you include the Corp angle in the opening. Often in between the thunder of stompy robots and explosions we forget the true enemy of BT is the Millitary Industrial Complex.

[@MechanicalFrog]

The true enemy... a gigantic corporation that needs to make its next quarterly earnings report. XD

[@STSGingie]

@@MechanicalFrog The evil entity imaginable, inhuman, implacable, and pervasive!

[@gwin2719]

When you mentioned this yesterday in the stream I thought you said Aries, However I’m not disappointed! Another great video.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thanks a lot! Now I should get started on that Aries vid?

[@gwin2719]

@@MechanicalFrogI’d certainly watch it, but then again I watch almost all of your videos! I do have to say Id be very intrigued to see the MF variant of an Aries…

[@MechanicalFrog]

Will have to ponder it.

[@Tatsu_of_Liao]

Great video, and congrats on achieving 10K subs!!

[@MechanicalFrog]

Thank you so much 😀

[@jamesbeard5513]

The 3R, when you want to imitate mechs from anime. Your design is fun, but as for my choice of design, to keep repair on the cheap and accessible, is a simple swap of the 2H 4 additional double heatsinks for a partial wing and a half ton more of armor. Runs hotter, but with better overall mobility. Pick and choose your preference. (another option for this is to swap the Streak-6 for a Streak-4, keep the armor unchanged from the 2H and keep 2 of the additional heatsinks)

[@scytheseven9173]

Isn't the alpha strike damage for the Hel up to 37? (15 Heavy PPC + 2(5) ER M Lasers + 12 SSRM-6-all shots land on a hit unless protected by Angel ECM I believe) That's respectable for a 50-tonner.

[@haileysaint5443]

I did indeed buy the premium Eris mini, for both myself and my youngest son. He painted his up, unintentionally, in the colors of Avanti's Angels, and I did mine after Cammie's Holon from gen:LOCK. I suppose I technically have 2 variants, though I don't know if the first one really counts as the ERS-2N-L simply mounts the Snub-Nose PPC in the left arm rather than the right, and moves the Small X-Pulse Lasers and hand over to the right arm. The ERS-2ISM arises from that a bit, as it mounts the 'big gun' in the left arm instead of the right; in this case a Plasma Rifle/w 3 tons of ammo. A switch was made to Clan Endo-Steel and a Clan XL engine to keep the weight savings while reducing the amount off interior space used. A trio of Clan ER Medium Lasers are carried in place of the Small X-Pulse Lasers, and a pair of Clan ATM-3s with 3 tons of CASE II protected ammo split between the two torsos replaces the IS MML-5s. No increase is made to the number of DHS carried, though they are now of Clan manufacture rather than the slightly bulkier IS versions. While somewhat of a threat to lighter 'Mechs, it's more effective against conventional armor and infantry. Theoretically, of course; I haven't tested the variant out.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Two is a good start... but what about 12?

[@marsar1775]

for the ERS-3R all i can think of is the Self Destruct move in pokemon lol ".. or a target that sees you coming the whole time but cant stop the inevitable" heck, now i have to try it. the memes i can pull off with this

[@MechanicalFrog]

"Do it" - Malvina

[@laggybum3218]

This mech sounds like one i would love to pilot! Fast, jumpy and can hit hard! Yes, please!!

[@MechanicalFrog]

Good times had by all... :D

[@KingMakerRook]

Thinking about the Eris again and revisited this video. Rather surprised in hindsight that the -MF doesn’t field a plasma rifle lol

[@MechanicalFrog]

Talk about a missed opportunity.

[@iananderson6530]

I like to run this bad boy alongside the Agrotera, Wraith Alexander and Spider 8XR, losing the initiative means nothing if you can't get hit.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Truth.

[@EdmondHiggins]

This thing is amazing. One of my favorite of the premium miniatures. I hope to see this and a Wraith in the FWL box.

[@MechanicalFrog]

It would be a great addition in standard plastic to the FWL box.

[@Arvyn992]

The 3R is similar to the scene from Indiana Jones The Last Crusade of "He Chose Poorly" when it either Alpha Strike or just firing all it's Rockets

[@MechanicalFrog]

Go big or go home, I suppose.

[@lukedudley5030]

Another great overview of a decent mech that packs a punch :-) its got the gundam look which isnt necessarily a bad thing :-)

[@MechanicalFrog]

It's not for everyone, but I can appreciate that it went in a Griffin/Shadowhawk IIC direction.

[@kierdalemodels]

Good stuff! My Purple Bird army still lacks an Eris. I must remedy this!

[@MechanicalFrog]

I had one on the list for my latest Catalyst order, then forgot to add it before hitting buy... Next time.

[@GraniteGhost778]

Honestly this kinda sounds like a jumpy Centurion-AL with a slight variation of weapons...I think I like it.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Quite similar.

[@georgesulea]

Ok, as always, LOVE the MF variant. A very cool harasser mech.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Could be quite fun.

[@jeremysaklad6703]

The Eris 2N kind of reminds me of the Griffin 1N: PPC, ten LRM tubes, lots of jump capability.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I can see that similarity. Definitely some possible overlap in roles.

[@sim.frischh9781]

Funny that saying "FWL" is almost just as long as "Free Worlds League" XD But seriously, the Hel was an in teresting design, i like that loadout. Meanwhile the Eris deals more and more damage the closer it gets to a target, giving it a psychological advantage. The kind of "the closer it comes the worse it gets for you". The MF variant gives up on that idea, but the Clan PPC certainly leaves an impact on its own. A DEEP impact, of almost one ton of armor gone.

[@MechanicalFrog]

There's an Eris for every taste, much to the horror of its opponents.

[@sim.frischh9781]

@@MechanicalFrog So this mech literally proves Diversity CAN be a strength XD Not that this would prove anything, since its always the same mech and only the inside changes, not the skin color of gender. @.@

[@TAVAAR7]

Its in large part the inspiration for a custom mech design I made that has the side benefit of making Princess cry (or at least thats how I envision it). Played multiple 55k games fielding only that mech and haven't lost a single one yet. Sometimes custom builds should be left to software war crimes....😅

[@MechanicalFrog]

You're going to make Princess into a monster.

[@TAVAAR7]

@@MechanicalFrog if the Princess on my laptop ever becomes self aware and transforms I to Skynet, I will take full credit (cough) I mean responsibility for it. Good news is if Primcess is Skynet and we can develope mechs beyond that point, I know the exact design thats her kryptonite. 🤣

[@MechanicalFrog]

All your fault...

[@Kurogumo]

The Eris can leap very far, can punch very hard for its relatively light weight, and to top it off, it looks very cool.

[@sebastiang.5032]

We need this Mech in a neat plastic box. Such a cool design!

[@MechanicalFrog]

Hopefully, it'll show up in normal plastic form in a future FWL box.

[@Kingofdragons117]

If I were to change the mech frog variant, I would drop the er small and half a ton of armor for a PPC Capacitor for more damage.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Bold move.

[@Ironclockwork]

Looking at the 3R variant makes me suspect this particular 'Mech's internal structure consists more of rocket rather than myomer.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Load-bearing rocketry.

[@Nikotheos]

Hippity hoppity, it unleashes hell at thee!

[@sterner626]

ERS-MF is easily the best variant! Pew pew

[@MechanicalFrog]

It has all the pew pew.

[@Kasperl88]

Anyone else feel like the Eris looks like it would fit right in to Battle Clash on the SNES?

[@MechanicalFrog]

It has a bit of that look to it.

[@Accentaur]

Purple Bird is the Word (according to Purple Bird)

[@MechanicalFrog]

Purple bird resurgent.

[@michaelkimberling7307]

I really need to put that mech together

[@MechanicalFrog]

They are much more useful that way. :D

[@tripwire31]

Ah the Eris. It's a fine loadout of a mech, same goes for the Hel. But man I'm not a fan of the visual style of it. I'd be fine if it was made to be a 25-30 ton scout, but not a rival to the Wolverine. Just looks too much like something out of armored core or ZOE if anyone remembers that IP. It is a fun mech to use though. I always love seeing mechs with MMLs.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I think it is a little hit or miss. Some people think it is a little too heavy gear or Armored Core for the setting.

[@joshuamidgette4846]

Finally, something that runs MML.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Finally finally...

[@claytonhollowell4488]

You don't have to jump to trigger the partial wing's heat benefit.

[@MechanicalFrog]

You know what? Now that I re-read the rule, that makes sense.

[@theodoreschott3293]

ROCKETS! 240! I love anime missle boats, so rockets!

[@MechanicalFrog]

All the rockets... load-bearing rockets...

[@thunderK5]

i really love the green and purple paint scheme, though I doubt any Lyran would like it. Too much of the colors of hostile factions.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Yeah that might be a little annoying.

[@rednecktek2873]

So if the partial wing makes it jump 2 hexes farther, how much faster would it run with a Folgers can on the exhaust pipe?

[@MechanicalFrog]

With caffeine you jump the same distance but you feel like you're doing it faster.

[@ChaosTicket]

Dark Age mechs confuse me because new designs come across as redundant compare to making variants of existing ones. The Eris is okay, but it wont replace any existing mechs, and it lacks on kind of niche to fill like the Blitzkrieg or Legionnaire do. The Eris is pretty focused on close-range combat, but it lacks notable speed to advance or withdraw. Its very unusual that is uses clan Jade Falcon's Partial Wing system. I was unaware that they were sharing their bird-mech technology with the Inner Sphere.

[@MechanicalFrog]

"sharing" may be the key word there. It's probably more like, "taking"

[@Brigand231]

I don't think I've ever actually encountered any version of the Eris. It looks decent, though.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Something new to surprise friends...

[@GeorgeOBrien-jn6uf]

are you going to do an episode on mechanized infantry at some point? I want to use some, but don't know which ones are decent.

[@MechanicalFrog]

I haven't done one on pure infantry yet but there are quite a few Battle Armor videos.

[@xXSpaceMexicanXx]

Is there a current medium that can run a stock Eris build?

[@MechanicalFrog]

Good question.

[@krisg4085]

I mean… if you fire *all* the rockets then there is no ammo left to explode the mech…

[@MechanicalFrog]

An unimpeachable strategy.

[@toxictoast6599]

Purple Bird Ascendent

[@MechanicalFrog]

Wounded but improving.

[@CraigSteinhoff]

I was thought this mech looks weird with tiny skinny legs :)

[@MechanicalFrog]

It needs to quit skipping leg day.

[@ero9841]

I want to like this mech but feet are to small and it bugs me

[@MechanicalFrog]

Maybe we can get it some boots?

[@ironboy3245]

Uhhhhh, im no scientist, but the MF variant screams brawler instead of long range heavy hitter...

[@MechanicalFrog]

Now I have to hire a scientist. Brb.

[@trilit2]

As a diehard jade falcon i love the Eris for... umm.. reasons. "jokes aside" this mech just proves our "cultural" superiority over the inner sphere 😝

[@MechanicalFrog]

Green Bird Strong.

[@bthsr7113]

Something about the looks just don't work for me. Also not really a fan of X-Pulse lasers. They just feel redundant to clan spec pulse lasers. Overall, decent mech, just not my speed.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Well, they can't all be home runs, right? :D

[@bthsr7113]

@@MechanicalFrogTrue, and that's part of the appeal of the setting from a meta perspective. I would say it's not helped by the RL spam variant, but I'm torn on that one. On the one hand, the RL10 is the favorite of pirates and Bubba's. On the other, there's 24 of them here.

[@RyeFields]

Totally don't have too many Eris units. 6 isn't enough

[@MechanicalFrog]

Gotta pump those rookie numbers up.

[@user-cp4ku4gs7q]

Purple for the win lol

[@MechanicalFrog]

Purple bird resurgent.

[@Kepora1]

"When it was available" Biggest problem with CGL there.

[@MechanicalFrog]

Good news, it's in stock! store.catalystgamelabs.com/products/battletech-eris-ers-2n-premium-miniature

[@Kepora1]

@@MechanicalFrog sweet! They really need to produce more of the multi part "premium" figures, that Stormcrow they did is just made of sex. Plus their resin models seem to have much sharper details!

[@TheStraycat74]

the last person I dated used the name ERIS and they totally screwed me over, and then stole my guitar... not a fan, so I hate this mech because of that. sorry froggy

[@MechanicalFrog]

The Eris battlemech would never steal your guitar. Just your heart.

[@TheStraycat74]

@MechanicalFrog the last eris stole my heart, Broke it, and then stole my guitar... and I'm too tired of being hurt again to risk it

[@mathewkelly9968]

Sigh i detect the influence of big red battletech grifter

[@MechanicalFrog]

I've been a Jade Falcon fan since 1992. I took the near total destruction of my clan on the chin in the IlClan era without whining about it or claiming the game was ruined. I didn't take my ball and loudly declare that I was going home. I didn't run to Reddit and start a thread badmouthing anyone or anything. I have earned the right to take a friendly jab at the Wolves from time to time. Red has been a friend of this channel and a friend of mine for a while now so if that's a problem, I don't know what to tell you. He's a good guy and doesn't deserve the hate that is being flung at him now that some people on Reddit have decided to make him the latest target of their ire. Just remember when you're speaking poorly about someone, that they're an actual human being and not just a "youtuber." Countless hours and lots of hard work goes into these videos to entertain you. If you and others just want to go from target to target destroying them for fun, or out of boredom, that speaks to a serious lack of character. When I ask you to make the world a slightly better place today and tomorrow, I don't mean to necessarily go out and save someone from a burning building. I mean in moments like these, where you can choose to say something cruel or do something pointlessly hostile, you just don't. Sometimes doing nothing is helping improve the world when your inclination is to harm others. Don't let yourself become the villain of your own life story. That would be a tragic waste of potential.