Proto Harrison

As a new player how do you start Battletech (BT)? The easiest way is to buy the “Battletech: Alpha Strike” box set for a more streamlined game. This will come with everything you need to get started in Alpha Strike. It has model cards and rules. Everything you need to play. With most of the items in this set you can also play Battletech Classic.

The second route you can take is to buy the “Battletech: A Game of Armored Combat” box. This leans more towards Classic Battletech. The record sheets are simpler for newer players and this (like the Alpha Strike) has everything you need to play the game.

What other options do I have?

For Battletech (BT) you can buy one of the lance boxes they offer for Inner Sphere or Clan, or even a Mercenaries company. The rules can be found on YouTube or you can surf the net and see if you can find the rules online for free. This route won’t come with a mat that has hexes. But this is only important if you are playing BT classic. This game is open to players that want to buy or make their own 3D printed models as well. It is important to know that in this game factions and colors are mostly fluff and aren’t like most other games so buy the mechs you like and paint them how you like. There are many people (including myself) that build for the fluff. I made my own company and colors, including a backstory and founder.

What now?

If you are ready to dive deep and make your own personal lance there are a few things that I came across that may help to ease the pain of what this game is. Use Chat GPT to help with lance building. I know most of us hate AI and it has its place. Input the mechs you own and ask it to compile a lance that has synergy and make sure to include the battle value (bv) or point value (pv). It will generate a lance that works. Be aware that the system isn’t perfect so we have to get the record sheets and we have to verify the bv or pv.

Battletech Classic Record Sheets.

Sheets.Flechs.net and Mordels.net

Flechs will be where you can look at almost all of the record sheets available to you in the game of Battletech. Type the name of the mech in the search bar and select the year/model of mech you want and it will give you the record sheet. If you notice, the bv is not on the sheet and this is where Mordels comes into play. Take note of the mech model number. Use this to search on Mordels site to get the bv to make your lance.

When you go to Mordel.net find the unit management drop down and select search. Then in the search bar type the mech model number and it will give you all the information you need for making your lance. This is the easiest process when making your lance and if you know of an easier process please let me know.

And for Alpha Strike?

Master Unit List

I am not the most familiar with Alpha Strike but the master unit list is what I have been turned to whenever I ask about the cards. These are also printable just like Flechs Sheets

There are many more sites, books and information out there that I haven’t covered. Many more Battletech boxes to buy as well but I think this is a good starting point for new players or even older players that may not have known this information. I am still a fairly new player to BT and YouTube is a good source for more information and tips/tricks for Battletech from experts. Happy hunting and I hope I was of some help; Thank you.