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So I would like to get into battle tech tt game, and have seen the massive array of mechs available, but haven't got a clue where to start, ideally I want the most up to date looking mechs but again, don't know where to look, the stores just give you the whole range with no break down of what is what.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Like historical games, Battletech is generally broken down by eras, with the newest mechs often looking the best and coming with more advanced weapons. The 'starting point' for the franchise is around 3025 and the mech designs at the time were the derpiest.. simultaneously reflective of both model design in the late 80s and the state of technology in 3025, where the golden age has come and gone and a lot of the advanced tech had actually been lost in the conflict between the great houses of the Inner Sphere. This meant that 'new' mechs coming off the production line were often less adanced than older designs and the technical manuals you could buy at the time frequently mentioned these mechs including components or weapons that nobody understood or could make anymore.

This era is known as Classic Battletech and is very well represented by the mechs in the Introductory Box Set. If you are drawn to the BT universe, the chances are that 80% of the models in that box will make you go 'urgh' but there will always be a few that you kind of like despite their retro look. The most significant event to happen in that era is the Clan invasion (whereby a 'new' faction joined the conflict and their technology represented an evolution of mechs at the golden age rather than the devolution the great houses were using). These clan omni mechs generally looked a lot better to player's eyes and packed better technology and weapons to boot. It also meant that the Inner Sphere had to play catch up which resulted in better looking mech models for them too once the Clan invasion was over. Of course, the time line has advanced since then (up to about 3150) with significant events continuing to influence mech design and as a result, the look of the miniatures themselves. However, mechs are so expensive that - unless they get totally trashed - there is no reason that a mech that walked out of the factory in 3025 couldn't still be in operation in 3150 and the rules for upgrading mechs means that it needn't be an antique.

Also, while some mechs were experimental and never made it into wide spread production and it was uncommon to see Inner Sphere factions running around with Clan mechs (but designs based on those Clan mechs is another story...) almost every mech can be found in every faction. Sure, factions tended to use mechs they could churn out of their own factories but enemy mechs were regularly salvaged from the battlefield and whenever a planet changed hands, there would always be depots of un-issued mechs to capture.

So the real question is.. do you just want to play the game (in which case field anything you like) or do you want to pick an era to play in? If it is the latter, try filtering the models by year.

Personally my approach is to use CamoSpecs in tandem with Sarna.net - browse the A-Z of painted models on the former, then when you find a model you like, search for it on Sarna and you will find that the chassis had a dozen different variants from 2750 through to 3150.. where this one had more heat sinks, and that one had a large laser instead of a PPC, but generally can be represented by the same model. Build up a list of variants of various mechs that all existed at the same time (preferably 4 mechs because that makes 1 'lance' - equivalent to a squad in most other games) and bobs your uncle

Honestly speaking, I'd say that the Introductory Box Set is a very good place to start. You get an overview of the setting and its history, a cool map of the Inner Sphere, the core rules of the game (what's called "Level 1" nowadays, but it's what we called "the full rules" back in the day), including 'Mech creation rules, a decent amount of pregenerated designs that run the full gamut of possible 'Mech types, two double-sided really sturdy hex maps, and 26 plastic mechs.

You can start by going online, looking at the exported 3D models from Mechwarrior online, download those, have them printed at shapeways for cheap, and play with modern looking miniatures.

Thank you all very much, I've been shown where I can get mwo type miniatures now, so will be getting a lance of jade falcon mechs,, and thanks for explaining the eras etc. I'm gonna go find myself a classic raven too

 Vertrucio wrote:
You can start by going online, looking at the exported 3D models from Mechwarrior online, download those, have them printed at shapeways for cheap, and play with modern looking miniatures.

Is there actually a way to do that that isn't violating someone's IP?

Because if not, Dakka Dakka in NO WAY condones that type of activity - at all.

 Albertorius wrote:
Honestly speaking, I'd say that the Introductory Box Set is a very good place to start. You get an overview of the setting and its history, a cool map of the Inner Sphere, the core rules of the game (what's called "Level 1" nowadays, but it's what we called "the full rules" back in the day)

Level 1? That seems counterintuitive to me. Level 1 feels like it should be the trimmed down starting rules that progressively get harder as the number goes up. Is the cumbersome full rules the starting point for CBT now that they have a separate alpha strike?

 warboss wrote:

 Albertorius wrote:
Honestly speaking, I'd say that the Introductory Box Set is a very good place to start. You get an overview of the setting and its history, a cool map of the Inner Sphere, the core rules of the game (what's called "Level 1" nowadays, but it's what we called "the full rules" back in the day)

Level 1? That seems counterintuitive to me. Level 1 feels like it should be the trimmed down starting rules that progressively get harder as the number goes up. Is the cumbersome full rules the starting point for CBT now that they have a separate alpha strike?

"Level 1" is the basic rules. It's 3025 era tech and stuff, and just 'Mechs. And honestly speaking, as long as you're using just 'Mechs, the rules are quite easy to follow. That said, it has more to do with what's allowed than anything else:

http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Level_1
http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Level_2
http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Rules_Level/BMRR#Rules_Level_3

I'll echo the suggestion to get the Introductory Box. You get a whole slew of minis along with the basic rules, a booklet on the universe and whatnot. Apparently it is getting hard to find though, and no reprint has been announced.

Personally I enjoy the details of marking off armour and structure in the classic game. If you want quicker playing rules (or larger games) you have the Alpha Strike version as well, which kind of plays more like X-Wing with regards to damage tracking and so on. It's a great ruleset as well, that is now starting to get "Codexes" in the form of Combat Manuals for various factions (two so far, mercenaries and Draconis Combine).
Persistent rumours that refuse to go away mention an Alpha Strike Introductory Box set with Inner Sphere and Clan mechs, but that seems to be on hold for all we know.

Heartland wrote:
I'll echo the suggestion to get the Introductory Box. You get a whole slew of minis along with the basic rules, a booklet on the universe and whatnot. Apparently it is getting hard to find though, and no reprint has been announced.

Personally I enjoy the details of marking off armour and structure in the classic game. If you want quicker playing rules (or larger games) you have the Alpha Strike version as well, which kind of plays more like X-Wing with regards to damage tracking and so on. It's a great ruleset as well, that is now starting to get "Codexes" in the form of Combat Manuals for various factions (two so far, mercenaries and Draconis Combine).
Persistent rumours that refuse to go away mention an Alpha Strike Introductory Box set with Inner Sphere and Clan mechs, but that seems to be on hold for all we know.

Well, taking into account that the Introductory Box Set is apparently OOP, it would probably be a good thing to redo it with the new "reseen" mechs that Catalyst have been doing lately and an additional booklet with the Alpha Strike core rules. That would make it almost perfect.

 Albertorius wrote:

 warboss wrote:

 Albertorius wrote:
Honestly speaking, I'd say that the Introductory Box Set is a very good place to start. You get an overview of the setting and its history, a cool map of the Inner Sphere, the core rules of the game (what's called "Level 1" nowadays, but it's what we called "the full rules" back in the day)

Level 1? That seems counterintuitive to me. Level 1 feels like it should be the trimmed down starting rules that progressively get harder as the number goes up. Is the cumbersome full rules the starting point for CBT now that they have a separate alpha strike?

"Level 1" is the basic rules. It's 3025 era tech and stuff, and just 'Mechs. And honestly speaking, as long as you're using just 'Mechs, the rules are quite easy to follow. That said, it has more to do with what's allowed than anything else:

http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Level_1
http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Level_2
http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Rules_Level/BMRR#Rules_Level_3

Thanks for the clarification. When you said "full rules", it confused me.

 warboss wrote:
Thanks for the clarification. When you said "full rules", it confused me.

Yeah, I can see I was not being very clear ^_^

 Alpharius wrote:

 Vertrucio wrote:
You can start by going online, looking at the exported 3D models from Mechwarrior online, download those, have them printed at shapeways for cheap, and play with modern looking miniatures.

Is there actually a way to do that that isn't violating someone's IP?

Because if not, Dakka Dakka in NO WAY condones that type of activity - at all.

You can print the MWO mechs for personal use.

The people selling MWO mech models are violating IP and anyone buying those models are supporting illegal activity.

I would love to have MWO style mech models, but I'm not going to support that type of activity.

I was about to say the Introductory Box Set, but then I saw the mention that it had gone OOP.

I just bought it about two months ago. I was finally upgrading my old 1987 box set.

I hear there's supposed to be a Alpha Strike box set sometime in the undetermined future. I'm waiting for that one to jump into that rules set.

If you decide not to do the 3d printing thing and don't want to wait for the print run of the box set, here's what to do .

Buy one or two "Lance Packs" it's a pack of 4 plastic mech for about $15-20 bucks.

Download the "Introductory rulebook" or buy it on ebay from a reseller for less than $10 bucks. It used to be free online from the publisher, but I can't find it now so you'll have to look elsewhere to find it. The Introductory rulebook is what used to be called "Level 1".

If you don't already have a hex map of some type there are lots of free printable options available.

 Nostromodamus wrote:

 Alpharius wrote:

 Vertrucio wrote:
You can start by going online, looking at the exported 3D models from Mechwarrior online, download those, have them printed at shapeways for cheap, and play with modern looking miniatures.

Is there actually a way to do that that isn't violating someone's IP?

Because if not, Dakka Dakka in NO WAY condones that type of activity - at all.

You can print the MWO mechs for personal use.

The people selling MWO mech models are violating IP and anyone buying those models are supporting illegal activity.

I would love to have MWO style mech models, but I'm not going to support that type of activity.

Dude, keep this out of my thread please, your gonna start a debate about that nonsense, 99% of you lot who speak about "illegal" recasts don't understand UK or US copyright law, as its a complicated mess, and I really dislike people throwing around bad info lol.

On topic, I have bought myself the intro set and a couple of the MWO mechs to see how good they are, ill post pics of my progress

 Formosa wrote:

 Nostromodamus wrote:

 Alpharius wrote:

 Vertrucio wrote:
You can start by going online, looking at the exported 3D models from Mechwarrior online, download those, have them printed at shapeways for cheap, and play with modern looking miniatures.

Is there actually a way to do that that isn't violating someone's IP?

Because if not, Dakka Dakka in NO WAY condones that type of activity - at all.

You can print the MWO mechs for personal use.

The people selling MWO mech models are violating IP and anyone buying those models are supporting illegal activity.

I would love to have MWO style mech models, but I'm not going to support that type of activity.

Dude, keep this out of my thread please, your gonna start a debate about that nonsense, 99% of you lot who speak about "illegal" recasts don't understand UK or US copyright law, as its a complicated mess, and I really dislike people throwing around bad info lol.

On topic, I have bought myself the intro set and a couple of the MWO mechs to see how good they are, ill post pics of my progress

Alpharius, a Mod, brought up the subject by asking a question. I provided the official stance of PGI and Microsoft, who own the rights to the MWO designs.

Rule no.1 please.

Yes, please.

And again, please do not discuss in detail casting up someone else's IP - and do not direct people on where to buy casts of someone else's IP.

Back on topic, the intro box set is awesome. Lots of value for the money and with the latest iteration the minis aren't as bad in person as they may look online.

I started with that then got the Total Warfare, Tech Manual, 3025 and 3050 sheets books.

Probably got more Battletech in all that lot than I'll ever get around to playing!

The Battletech Introductory Box Set is a fantastic deal and ideal place to start. Every time Catalyst Games makes it (I think they are on the 4th or 5th printing?), it sells out pretty fast. You may have trouble finding it online, but check your FLGS. They might have one, or can order you one (a lot of distributors have ways of getting OOP stuff).

The box set is level 1 rules- basic movement, shooting, heat, etc. etc. More advanced rules like making your own mechs, or more advanced weapons come in the Tech Manual and expansion books for the setting. This version of Battletech does a fantastic job of lance vs lance (4 v 4) combat, though the more mechs you add to the game, the longer the games go and more book keeping is required. Your hand will become cramped at filling in little bubbles!

An alternative is Alphastrike. I love Alphastrike, and tend to think of it as "Battletech Light" as it does away with a lot of the nitty, gritty little details that you have in Batteltech. For example, in Battletech, your 85 ton Heavy Mech might have a PPC, SRM 6, a couple Machine Guns, and a medium laser. All those weapons have different stats and different rules on how they are used in the game. Each one generates a certain amount of heat, each one has certain additional affects on a mech, each one does different damage, etc. etc. In Alphastrike, you have a single attack characteristic for each mech. In other words, each mech has a fixed attack and damage value, and all mechs only have a couple "hit points". Yes, you still have to fill in bubbles, but it's only 3-5/mech instead of sometimes 100+ in Battletech. Movement is much more streamlined, and the game focuses more on multiple lances of mechs vs. multiple lances of mechs. If you want army vs. army action, Alphastrike is the way to go. If you want more realistic, gritty, and complicated, one on one action, Batteltech is the way to go.

 Nostromodamus wrote:

 Formosa wrote:

 Nostromodamus wrote:

 Alpharius wrote:

 Vertrucio wrote:
You can start by going online, looking at the exported 3D models from Mechwarrior online, download those, have them printed at shapeways for cheap, and play with modern looking miniatures.

Is there actually a way to do that that isn't violating someone's IP?

Because if not, Dakka Dakka in NO WAY condones that type of activity - at all.

You can print the MWO mechs for personal use.

The people selling MWO mech models are violating IP and anyone buying those models are supporting illegal activity.

I would love to have MWO style mech models, but I'm not going to support that type of activity.

Dude, keep this out of my thread please, your gonna start a debate about that nonsense, 99% of you lot who speak about "illegal" recasts don't understand UK or US copyright law, as its a complicated mess, and I really dislike people throwing around bad info lol.

On topic, I have bought myself the intro set and a couple of the MWO mechs to see how good they are, ill post pics of my progress

Alpharius, a Mod, brought up the subject by asking a question. I provided the official stance of PGI and Microsoft, who own the rights to the MWO designs.

Rule no.1 please.

sorry Nostradamus, that wasn't aimed at you, I quoted the wrong person.

Thanks Tam, your write up was very helpful, I like the sound of both actually, so I will try alpha and battletech, as I love big battles and nitty gritty realism (as much as you can get in a TT game anyway)

 Formosa wrote:
So I would like to get into battle tech tt game, and have seen the massive array of mechs available, but haven't got a clue where to start, ideally I want the most up to date looking mechs but again, don't know where to look, the stores just give you the whole range with no break down of what is what.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

One thing I should have mentioned first, have you actually played Battletech yet? I ask because while there's alot ot love about the universe (It's my favorite gaming universe by far) and the game has alot of fans, it's a fairly old-school, rulest and is, IMHO a bit clunky, even at the Level 1/Introductory level. That is not to say you won't like it, but it might be good to try out the rules first, because it's definitely not a ruleset for everyone.

It looks like the introductory rules (level 1) are no longer free but the "Battletech Quick-start" rules available here: http://bg.battletech.com/downloads/
It's a simplified version of the level 1 rules that will give you an idea of how battletech plays. It has a couple of record sheets, a map and some standees for mechs, vehicles and infantry. Give it a go and...

-If you like how it plays and would enjoy something a bit more complex, then Level 1 Battletech would be a great place to start. As I mentioned above, you can wait for the next box set print run or find the rules easily for sale on ebay.

-If you like the general feel, but think that you'd like a game with alot more units and alot less complexity, then Alpha Strike may be for you. Download "Quickstart Battleforce" from the same page and give it a go. Alpha strike is almost the exact same same game as battleforce except that battleforce has a hexmap and chits.

If neither Quickstart Battleforce or Battletech appeals to you then you're just out a a few pages of printing, but if one of them does catch your fancy then you've know exactly which direction to take your Battletech game.

If you can get hold of the introductory box, try and get the most recent printing (mech on the cover is looking / shooting right, product code 3500B) rather than 3500A (mech looking / shooting left).

If you can't get it anywhere, I have a largely untouched 3500A box here (one mech is painted) that I'd be prepared to part with.

Hi

I'm very interested in battletech , but i dislike totaly the plastic miniatures (the metal one vary a lot in quality).

But how to convince peolple to play ? Because , even with good miniatures , is very difficult find players.

saluti

 Formosa wrote:
So I would like to get into battle tech tt game, and have seen the massive array of mechs available, but haven't got a clue where to start, ideally I want the most up to date looking mechs but again, don't know where to look, the stores just give you the whole range with no break down of what is what.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I'd start here.

http://bg.battletech.com/new-to-the-board-game/

Then go here.

http://www.mwomercs.com/

Then go here.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR12.TRC2.A0.H0.XBattletech.TRS0&_nkw=Battletech&_sacat=0

When I got back in, I downloaded everything I needed to get my chops back from the website, I don't know about all these other guys, but if you can get some old school players around, they all have extensive armies.... (That's no joke, either.)

The figures are a song and dance, anymore, depending on the mech and time period you want to play, it is going to take a lot of homework, and your game group is going to have to catch up more then not being able to find the stuff.

You can get it at some reasonable prices if you look, and are frugal.
I started with cardboard old school, so its been awhile. I honestly don't know where they are at in the current time period, so I can't help you there.

Great game, BTW. have a lot of fun with it.

Was sorting through my Battletech books this afternoon. I love the background and I like Alpha Strike, but I've no interest in the Battletech game itself.

-For the current game I've got the "Introductory Rulebook", Total Warfare handbook and a slew of record sheets if anyone want's to PM me an offer.

-Also have the old green rulebook (earlier version of the "Introductory Rulebook" and a copy of the Battletech Compendium if anyone has an interest in 90's BT.

I'll let all of it go for a good deal.

 Grot 6 wrote:


I'd start here.

http://bg.battletech.com/new-to-the-board-game/

Yeah.

You have free downloads of the lore and background, as well as basic rules for the game in glorious, oldschool, detailed, hex-based mapsheet style (see "As a board game") as well as an awesome tabletop miniature game with faster play and less details (see "As a tabletop game").

It's all good!

This is all good info.

I'm getting back into Battletech as well after a long hiatus and inheriting a friend's collection.

Indeed, the Intro Box is the best way to start.

The "Level" definition of complexity was discarded almost a decade ago, it is obsolete.

There is now "Introductory" which uses the simplest technology of the universe.

"Tournament" is all standard rules as presented in Total Warfare, the Battletech Rulebook. This includes vehicles, infantry, power armor and areospace/aircraft support.

"Advanced" uses everything else, including all optional rules you want to use. There are BAZILLIONS of optional rules and advanced equipment. You can use some of it, or none of it.

The Catalyst Demonstration team can help you, but I'm not sure the functionality has been completely restored after a major server migration. That is www.catalystdemos.com

If you want to just look at the units of the Battletech universe and be able to create forces, check out masterunitlist.info. That should keep you busy for a while.

You can also play Megamek, an online version of the tabletop game. I know people that love it, and others are less enthused. It is still a good way to play if players aren't nearby.

As an official Demo agent, you can ask me any more questions you'd like, either by PM or here!

Are we any closer to getting an Alpha Strike Introductory set as I would love to see stuff like the "reseen" designs in plastic as a starter set.

So what era of Battletech most takes your fancy Formosa?