my advice for buying mechs is the following: buy whatever you want, there are not realistically any limitations on what factions use what mech, even if a mech is used almost purely by onne faction, its likely at the very least one has ended up in anyone elses hand so go with whatever appeals to you. keep in mind theres different eras to the timeline and certain mechs were introduced somewhere onn the timeline, but no mech becomes obsolete as new variants always pop up, keeping every mech fun and usable
I allow various 'advance' tech in our games. in order for a weapon to become common, there had to be prototypes and testing. while everyone in 3025 won't have a heavy gauss rifle, there could be one... with a quarks table, this could be very entertaining.
“No one knows how that makki made its way through the America civil war and out into clan space but when the inner sphere was invaded the clans fielded the very symbol of the beginning of inner sphere warfare
Right!!! I have almost 20k points of tyranids and I haven't played since 5th edition. So much money gathering dust. Oh well I like the models even if no one plays any more. I also have 3.5k points worth of chaos and demons and like 1200 points of space Marines. I can fill up the 8x4 table completely full with models.
I got the Beginner Box for myself and a copy for my brother in law. It was great as an introduction to Battletech for both of us. It's also a good way to play a slightly quicker game without losing all the number crunching and story opportunities.
Nice thing about the short stories in the Beginner and GoAC boxes is that they connect together, plus they conclude in a third story found in the "Mechwarrior: Destiny" RPG rulebook. Thus leading you into that side of the IP, before you then see their ultimate fate in "Decision at Thunder Rift," starting you down the path of reading the Novels.
Frog, I know you've been aging for awhile & have kids so any recommendations as to what rules to keep or toss when introducing those new to war gaming, BT & or kids?
@@harvestblades Umm.. I'm not Frog. :) That being said. The rules of the Beginner box are fine for kids to start with: No heat, no internal structure, no piloting skill checks, no flanking shots, etc. It still shows them a bunch of charts, so as not to blindside them with those when they step up to the full game. Also, floating around somewhere are beginner box record sheets for all the mechs found in the box sets, so they can use more mechs while still using the beginner rules if they wish to do so.
@@A88mph thanks for your input! I believe CGL has the the sheets & rules available to download for free. So maybe I will just download that & give it a try as I do have the Griffin & Wolverine which should be at least two of the mechs from the original beginner box.
@Larry Koziol an added note. you can play any mech in the game with the beginner rules. if there is a design they like, you can probably get a mini of it. when you print out the record sheet, you only use the armor, weapons and movement. and ignore everything else. after a few games, you can add in skill rolls or internal damage. I would save heat for last, trying to balance weapons and heat can be confusing for any beginner players.
Great video! Another idea for a 'beginner to Battletech' video might be 'things to do'. Like Lore inspired scenarios, using the Chaos campaign system, mixing it with A Time of War, etc. I can imagine some people wondering what to do with all the plastic they have coming in the mail.
I could definitely see a video focusing more on the next steps after the boxes. I've done a similar video on it before, but it's been a while and could use a refreshed look.
It's been years so I'm not sure how relevant any of this is, but I used to play online with a game called MegaMek - which is a online version of the tabletop game. I remember it being kind of clunky but it did automatically do all the to-hit/skill roll calculations. I also remember using programs like Mech Engineer Pro, MechFactory, and Battlemech Designer to create custom mechs and print out record sheets for them. I'm pretty sure all my designs are still stored away on floppy disks.
I've read Decision at Thunder Rift more times than I can count. I recommended it to my oldest son a few years ago and I think he's read it four or five times.
Funny to see this in my stream as I have been debating buying the Beginner Box to more easily introduce my kids especially my 10yo son who as MW5. While I wouldn't mind having the Vindicator I have recently bought aGoAC & CI boxes & my goal is to get him playing the standard rules asap & especially once I get my battalion u it's from tge KS.
I'm happy you did this as it is a good thing for the players. It would be smart to cover a video on picking factions and the fact you really have "mostly" an open field on painting and mech choices.
I found this again today. This has got to be one of the best videos I've ever watched about all the ways one could approach the tabletop battletech universe as a new person. Very well done. We play alpha strike, we lose the granularity, and gain in size of forces and speed of play. There are so many options, one is not better than another. It is your gaming group's preference. The world is a better place, for you being in it. Can I give a higher compliment?
For an introduction, you don't even have to buy the mini's, you can print off some standees for your first couple, or many more, of games. Hell, the original box came with standees only. It's traditional. Word of warning, If you are doing a create your own lance game, calculate the forces by Battle Value or Cost in C-Bills. Do not go by tonnage.
@@MechanicalFrog I believe it. When my friends and I wore out our standees, we moved on to mini transformers and lego men as our mechs. I had to save up my allowance to buy my first Ral Partha minis which was the Thunderbolt and the Shadow Hawk.
a recomendation for the cardboard mechs included in the pack, if you buy the exagonal bases you can glue the cardboard with the X stand, in that way it will avoid bending and it will remain solid giving a better feeling that you are playing with an actual piece on the board and not with some dummy. Thats what i did when i purchased this box, with 2 lances of fully playable cardboard mechs and 2 figurines making a total for 10 units at once, more than enough for a full battletech experience. I also purchased the essentials box, mostly because of the riflemen and the additional game mode, but it was soo dissapointing to see they only had 4 cardboard mechs included this time, it also has a lesser ammount of terrain cardboard slots. Just a minor detail i guess but still feels like a downgrade, still i would recomend people on a budget to go for the beguinner box over the essentials.
0:19 Just buy all the big boxes, one of every Lance pack, or one of every star pack, or better yet one each of both, and sort your forces as you gain farmilarity with the game and lore. Practically everything is good for something.
@@MechanicalFrog One at a time... I was half joking anyway, and there keep being more and more... I don't have all the Clan packs yet, and none of the new Mercs packs save Wolf's Dragoons. I'm really looking forward to the new tracked tanks and hover craft (and warriors!) from the last kickstarter; the vehicle packs are a big development for combined arms. Something you rarely see on the table but is a nice cheap way to enhance your force and make it stand out: At $1.80 each, a squadron of 6 micro-scale fighters from Iron Wind Metals is a great deal.
too bad i cant use that cupon to buy physical stuff because of the 200 dollar delivery charge to my location, (i cant even get a single blindbox) but i used the coupon to buy the digital books, 3 trilogy packs making a total for 9 books plus another extra so 10 e books for free its a fantastic deal
I need to find a community I can play with, but I had collected and reworked second hand 40k Guard for about 5 years. They ended up being toys for my kids, which is great because they love them. Never got anywhere remotely close to playing. Between AGAOC, The Clan Invasion, Battletech Legends and a TRO, in just a few months I’m already leaps and bounds ahead of where I was with 40k.
If I may be so bold as to offer a suggestion for a video... A friend of mine recently got into the game and is taking to funny more info about the clans, specifically how to 'roleplay' them so he knows he's doing zelbrigin right and how they talk and if/when they surrender to superior foes, etc. There's plenty of videos about clan history (the Exodus, Pentagon wars, the refusal, etc) but not much on clanner culture. A clan culture/psychology video would be an amazing asset for new players
Perhaps a general overview of what's broadly typical of clanners (or expected to be) and a brief section on exceptions based on clan or circumstances. Probably not enough material to do full videos on each clan's differences with maybe a couple notable exceptions
Standing naked in my kitchen at 3am eating out of a tub of frosting watching Mech Frog videos. I can’t tell if I’m living the dream or hit rock bottom. 🤙🏻
First time doing the Kickstarter thing and I’m just curious how the Pledge Manager works once it’s complete. Safe to assume there’s a period of time after it closes and then we’ll get a notification that the pledge manager is available for us to go select the options for rewards and what not? Super excited for this release! Going to be a long year waiting 🤣
I Would just like to point out that one great way to get into Battletech is to get one of the many various video games. For me, it all started with Mechwarrior 2.
Picked up a few Clanner's last summer, but havent done anything with them, but feeling the pull atm - might try dropping by Factorum soon as thats not too far from me and they host events :)
It's funny how 40k is so complicated, yet it is just a game of chance. BT, however, whilst still a dice game, actually has tactics with half the complication.
This is such a bad take. High level 40k players are able to win consistently. It's a game of strategy, tactics, positioning, and statistics, with elements of luck. Calling it a game of chance is bordering on a braindead take.
I just got into this. I've painted a few mechs, but haven't played any games. My question is, how would new players find all the variants out there? As well as how can we get our hands on the play sheets for different mechs without having to buy every single book and technical manual? Basically, is there a place to print all this stuff out and what other online materials are there for new players?
Welcome to the fray, Mechwarrior. There are a few websites out there that have record sheets but I prefer sheets.flechs.net/ It has almost all the mech variants and you can print directly from the website. If you want to try making your own mechs and play against AI, Megamek is a good program for both. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.
Damn, I just bought the Beginner Box, Game of Armored Combat and Alpha Strike today and suddenly, this video happens! Any imput on what to do in term of painting/ faction for a beginner with Beginner box + Game of Armored Combat (and maybe Alpha Strike). Would you have everything in the same faction except for clan, or would there be cool ways of separating the inner sphere lance to have "two factions" to play (potentially against each other!)? Idk, I'm just hyped about getting into the game and figuring out what to do with my new models! Could very well be a topic for a future video too ;)
You have a lot of freedom concerning paintjobs as it's not like 40k where you're locked into a sub-faction. It really depends on what you like. If you're one to have just one grand army, make sure you pick a paintjob you enjoy painting. I have several focus armies and a bunch of lances/stars of various groups because my head is full of cats. Do a web search for CamoSpecs if you want ideas for paint schemes but keep in mind they're just suggestions and you don't have to paint them any specific way.
@@arekishi6364 I used to paint for specific factions. then I switched to painting either a Lance (4) or company (12) in a generic camo pattern. now my entire collection is available as any faction. as mechfrog pointed out, there are no faction specific rules. also, the game is not wysiwyg and nothing is obsolete, banned, nerfed or removed. when you add in the mech design rules and mini's from sources outside of battletech, it really opens up what you can do with the game.
Thank you for this. Made it easy on how to enter into this gaming system. I was to slow to make up my mind on the kick starter. Are there any (western) Canadian online stores anyone can recommend?
I just wish I could get a group together again. Listening to you Red Tex and Mage Leader is making me crazy to play again. But all sites I've tried to look for old school TTRPG players has been a bust. I'm sooooo bummed. 😭😭😭
I am working my way through the Saga of the Grey Death & whike it's not Frank Herbert or JRR Tolkien for older content it gives some good lore on the Inner Sphere, mechs & how they are used & obviously the history of the Grey Death. Hopefully I'll e dome w the saga in time for the Grey Death force pack.
I got the game of armored combat box and was wondering if there is a good way to have reusable record sheets since i don't own a printer and going to the library to print stuff might get tedious, i know the back of the included record sheets has a blank sheet for making your own custom mech loadout but i don't think making 6 - 8 copies and having to fill them out every time would be very fun
So just to clearify for a newbie: Battletech: A Game of Armoured Warfare is the "base version", Battletech Total Warfare is the version that builds on that base ruleset right (with all the optional rules and so on) So when in the RPG Mechwarrior Destiny it says that I need the Total War values of Hardware in order to convert it to the RPG I can use all the unit profiles made for those 2 games, right?
The rulebook you get with AGoAW is your general use rules. Total Warfare has all the base rules along with some of the optional rules. I don't know the TTRPG stuff but I assume it's all convertable.
@Mechanical Frog Now, now... settle down. Just because y'all are Clanner Scum is no reason to act uncivilized... Like your content, my Foggy friend. And you are right; those of us, like me, who have passed from "Vintage" to "Antique" love to see new players enjoy our game. And if you have a few hours, I can tell you why the FedCom civil war was the greatest tragedy since the fall of the Star League. Not that I read the novels.
I was in to the lore for awhile and have decided to to get in to the game, Ive just got the beginner box, GoAC box and clan invasion box. What would you recommend to get next? I.e. do I need to get the total warfare book or any of the tech manuals?
Welcome to the fray, Mechwarrior. If you've got the boxes and want to take the next step, I'd go with Total Warfare which has more advanced rules that you can add to your games. The BattleMech Manual is fun if you want to try building your own designs. There are some rules overlap between the TW and BM sourcebook so you can't go wrong either way.
Joined the kickstarter for mercenaries because I haven't played since before lockdown. I have the last catalyst rulebook from the red beginner box. Has that been superceded by the new game of armoured combat rulebook?
The beginner box has a simplified ruleset that leaves things like piloting skill rolls and heat out. The Game of Armored Combat box has the full ruleset.
@Mechanical Frog apologies I have the game of armoured combat 25-year anniversary box. Does that share the same rulebook as the game of armoured combat?
I just bought in and am starting with alpha strike. Master unit list doesn’t have Northwind Highlanders. I assume they would just be under the generic mercenary heading?
While I can see how Alpha strike could be fun & while it has been the new hotness as so much BT content has been focused on that vs the OG (Which is frustrating when you're new & all you see is AS vids!). My question is this if I'm not planning on playing AS is the boxset still a good value @ $65 if my primary focus is the mechs?
If all you cared about was the mechs, that would be 13 for $65, or $5/mech which is typical for the mech boxes. The pilot cards and terrain tokens are nice to have even if you're not playing alphastrike. I guess it would boil down to if you want those specific mechs.
Can I mix and match different mechs from different Mini Force Packs? Like if I buy the Inner Sphere Support Lance pack and the Clan Heavy Star pack, I can just pick 1 or 2 from each pack to make a team?
You can mix and match mechs however you want. However, If you're playing to certain years or scenarios, you might want to make sure your opponent is ok with it. Running a 3150 Clan mech against a 3025 Inner Sphere battlemech is not going to be much of a fight.
Jumping in with my son. Bought Total Warfare and Tech manual, comstar command lance, and heavy battle lance…my question is, are there printouts for Mechs? We want to play total warfare and not alpha strike but we have no idea where the stats or equipping sheets are for mechs.
Hey mechfrog, I was an avid player in the old FASA days and would now like to come back into the game with nephews. What should i get to get me back into the game? also whats the big bad in terms of mech design software?
If you want to stick to the classic rules, the Game of Armored Combat box is a great place to start. If your nephews are younger and you think they might want a more streamlined ruleset, the Alphastrike box is also fun. I use MegaMek for all my mech designing these days. It allows for save to PDF and you can test the mechs in their virtual tabletop against bots. megamek.org/
@@MechanicalFrog follow up question, do you buy from catalyst web site, gaming store, or online retailer? I was going to go strait to CGL but man couldn't make heads or tails aout of the web site!
I'm coming in, after an entire lifetime of loving the harmony gold franchises, and the IP they screwed. Ive always played the Mechwarrior games, and the battletech pc games. My favorites are the marauder, and the Timberwolf. What would be a good place to start if I want those mechs? Or a good book about a marauder, or timber wolf?
If you want both models, they're actually in the same Legendary mechwarriors box that is on sale right now on the Catalyst Game Labs store. store.catalystgamelabs.com/products/battletech-forcepacks-legendary-mechwarriors As far as books go, The Marauder is featured in the Gray Death Legion series of novels. For Timberwolves, that's a little trickier as they show up sporadically here and there. If you got the Clan Invasion Technical Readout, it has updated art and 1 page lore entries for both mechs. store.catalystgamelabs.com/products/battletech-technical-readout-clan-invasion
How do the model sizes compare to 40k’s newish Titanicus game and how open to conversions are battletech players? I haven’t played proper 40k since 6th, using just OPR, but if a model won’t fit with my Sisters or Battle or Tyranids I’m just not gonna ever paint it. I’d be happy to buy the BT stuff and use the right weapons/any gear that opponents would want to be able to see, but I’d much rather use knights, dreads, penitent engines etc as the base for each conversion and build. I say this with love, but BT mechs are ugly.
I don't think I've seen the Titanicus models in real life but I think they're slightly larger than battlemechs. The CGL mechs are roughly the same size as a classic space marine model. As far as WISIWIG goes, it doesn't exist in Battletech as you can use whatever you want to represent a specific model in a battle.
Older video, but genuine question: Does the beginner box allow me to play the game with a friend or do I need to find someone with another beginner box to play against?
Oh... that Lori comment is gonna set off at least one Davion supporter. He Does NOT. LIKE. Lori, I think her response as a junior MechWarrior is reasonable though.
Long story short I used to play in the late 1990's lost all my battle tech stuff (as well as all my worldly possessions) to a dorm fire at a military school. Got older my kids became my focus. Kids are older now getting some time back. I recall there being a battle compendium that had all the rules and then all you needed was maps and technical readouts. Is this still the way? What is the modern name for the compendium? (if such a thing exist) As to alpha strike is it completely separate ecosystem or do the technical readouts and maps still play into the system? Thinking about getting back in but don't want to waste time or money. Thank you in advance? PS are LAM's still a thing?
ok lots of questions. Sorry to hear about the fire! :( The modern version of the Compendium is split between the Battlemech Manual and Total Warfare. Both are pretty hefty sourcebooks and there is some overlap between them. Total Warfare has a bunch of the rules and info on plenty of extra rules. The Battlemech manual has some rules but also the instructions to build mechs. The TROs are NOT needed to play the game. Record sheets can be found here: sheets.flechs.net/ If you want to go super cheap, you can buy the Game of Armored Combat box and it will have everything needed to play including the standard rules. Total Warfare and the Battlemech manual are the next step if you want to dive a bit deeper into the ruleset. For AlphaStrike, it's a completely different ruleset, but the AlphaStrike box set is all you would need to play it. Each box of CGL mechs comes with Alphastrike cards, which are the only specific item needed beyond the beginner box. Plus there is a website www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Filter which has all the units and their alphastrike stats. And finally, LAMs do still technically exist and remain canon, but the developers have been clear they aren't going to be incorporated into any new game materials. We are unlikely to see LAM CGL models.
@MechanicalFrog Just wanted to say thank you for your help, my kid and I are happily playing battle tech together. Lots of lore changes wow.. just need to find out what happened to the warden wolfs.
ok. They're also available for $5 apiece made from plastic you can fire out of a cannon and still not break. This isn't 40k where a box of Space Marines requires a 2nd mortgage.
Hello Frog. You mention that Humanity has explored and settled a 'good chunk' of the Galaxy in Battletech. But, how much, really? The Galaxy, the Milky Way, is about Eight TRILLION cubic Light Years in volume. Even given a 1500 LY radius from Terra, and a 'depth' of about 500 LY, that 'only' amounts to around 1/10,000th of the Galactic volume of space. Or, roughly, 1 one hundredth of ONE percent of the Galaxy. Mind you, this is 'ballpark figures'. The actual numbers are even worse. Just thought I'd remind everyone just how HUGE our galaxy is, compared to the maps available for the Battletech game.
@@MechanicalFrog : What we do know is that the entire B-Tech universe is no larger than around 1500 LY across and roughly 500 LY deep. 1500 x 500 = 750,000 cubic LY. The Galaxy is 8 TRILLION cubic LY. 8 trillion divided by, 750000 is: 10,666,667. So, the galaxy as a whole is over 10 million times the size of the entire b-tech mapped areas, including the extended maps. This works out to be less than 1 thousandth of one percent of the galaxy as a whole. Math is math, my friend. Numbers don't lie.
There can be a TRPG component added, with all the various rules and supplements. The sourcebook Mechwarrior: Destiny has the TRPG info in it. store.catalystgamelabs.com/collections/battletech/products/mechwarrior-destiny
I would honestly steer away from the beginner box UNLESS: you want to just try the game, are playing with a young child, are trying to get a "normie" friend/family member into the game, or just want the mechs in it. If you are already into boardgames or tabletop games and you think Battletech looks dope, spend the extra 15 doll hairs or w/e it is for aGoAC. IMO, the rules in the starter box are too simple for someone who is already 'in the mindset' so to speak.
my advice for buying mechs is the following: buy whatever you want, there are not realistically any limitations on what factions use what mech, even if a mech is used almost purely by onne faction, its likely at the very least one has ended up in anyone elses hand so go with whatever appeals to you. keep in mind theres different eras to the timeline and certain mechs were introduced somewhere onn the timeline, but no mech becomes obsolete as new variants always pop up, keeping every mech fun and usable
Absolutely.
I allow various 'advance' tech in our games. in order for a weapon to become common, there had to be prototypes and testing. while everyone in 3025 won't have a heavy gauss rifle, there could be one... with a quarks table, this could be very entertaining.
“No one knows how that makki made its way through the America civil war and out into clan space but when the inner sphere was invaded the clans fielded the very symbol of the beginning of inner sphere warfare
Run a 2550 Mackie mech in 3150 .
@@777dragonborn POV: You are an absolute gigachad with endosteel nuts.
"Isn't it refreshing not to have to drop $500 into a game before you really enjoy it?"
Critical Hit!
Inexpensive shots fired...
I'm a Warhammer 40k fan and that is correct!!!! 😂😂
Right!!! I have almost 20k points of tyranids and I haven't played since 5th edition. So much money gathering dust. Oh well I like the models even if no one plays any more. I also have 3.5k points worth of chaos and demons and like 1200 points of space Marines. I can fill up the 8x4 table completely full with models.
@itchymadness3960 Depending on how long you spent painting your armies, you may have got your money's worth from that alone
I am glad to see a new wave of beginner videos. So many curious new players. Thank you.
Happy to do it. The more mechwarriors there are, the better.
As a new player who just bought the box sets but haven't played a single game yet, I'm kinda excited. And the community seems pretty cool.
I got the Beginner Box for myself and a copy for my brother in law. It was great as an introduction to Battletech for both of us. It's also a good way to play a slightly quicker game without losing all the number crunching and story opportunities.
Definitely a good way to dip your toe into the water.
I prefer the beginner rules instead of alpha strike rules for larger battles. you get all the weapon options, but lose some of the rules crunch.
Nice thing about the short stories in the Beginner and GoAC boxes is that they connect together, plus they conclude in a third story found in the "Mechwarrior: Destiny" RPG rulebook. Thus leading you into that side of the IP, before you then see their ultimate fate in "Decision at Thunder Rift," starting you down the path of reading the Novels.
Frog, I know you've been aging for awhile & have kids so any recommendations as to what rules to keep or toss when introducing those new to war gaming, BT & or kids?
@@harvestblades Umm.. I'm not Frog. :)
That being said. The rules of the Beginner box are fine for kids to start with: No heat, no internal structure, no piloting skill checks, no flanking shots, etc.
It still shows them a bunch of charts, so as not to blindside them with those when they step up to the full game.
Also, floating around somewhere are beginner box record sheets for all the mechs found in the box sets, so they can use more mechs while still using the beginner rules if they wish to do so.
@@A88mph thanks for your input! I believe CGL has the the sheets & rules available to download for free. So maybe I will just download that & give it a try as I do have the Griffin & Wolverine which should be at least two of the mechs from the original beginner box.
@@harvestblades I would drop piloting skill rolls for younger kids. Just doing the math for movement and gunnery is plenty.
@Larry Koziol an added note. you can play any mech in the game with the beginner rules. if there is a design they like, you can probably get a mini of it. when you print out the record sheet, you only use the armor, weapons and movement. and ignore everything else. after a few games, you can add in skill rolls or internal damage. I would save heat for last, trying to balance weapons and heat can be confusing for any beginner players.
Great video! Another idea for a 'beginner to Battletech' video might be 'things to do'. Like Lore inspired scenarios, using the Chaos campaign system, mixing it with A Time of War, etc. I can imagine some people wondering what to do with all the plastic they have coming in the mail.
I could definitely see a video focusing more on the next steps after the boxes. I've done a similar video on it before, but it's been a while and could use a refreshed look.
It's been years so I'm not sure how relevant any of this is, but I used to play online with a game called MegaMek - which is a online version of the tabletop game. I remember it being kind of clunky but it did automatically do all the to-hit/skill roll calculations. I also remember using programs like Mech Engineer Pro, MechFactory, and Battlemech Designer to create custom mechs and print out record sheets for them. I'm pretty sure all my designs are still stored away on floppy disks.
Megamek still exists. I use it frequently to test out designs and fill the BT need when my son isn't down to play.
Just jumped in with the beginner box a few weeks ago and I'm hooked!
Welcome to the fray, Mechwarrior. If you have questions, let me know.
I've read Decision at Thunder Rift more times than I can count. I recommended it to my oldest son a few years ago and I think he's read it four or five times.
It definitely holds up.
I am really glad you made this video as I finally picked up the beginner box 2 days ago
Awesome. Welcome to the fray, mechwarrior!
@@MechanicalFrog Thank you, playing with my brothers as we speak
@@a.p.walnut3630 Awesome!
Funny to see this in my stream as I have been debating buying the Beginner Box to more easily introduce my kids especially my 10yo son who as MW5. While I wouldn't mind having the Vindicator I have recently bought aGoAC & CI boxes & my goal is to get him playing the standard rules asap & especially once I get my battalion u it's from tge KS.
A 10 year old would easily handle the Beginner Box rules.
I'm happy you did this as it is a good thing for the players. It would be smart to cover a video on picking factions and the fact you really have "mostly" an open field on painting and mech choices.
I hope it is helpful. As far as factions go, it's a bit of a quagmire as there are dozens to choose from and I'm not exactly unbaised. ;)
I found this again today.
This has got to be one of the best videos I've ever watched about all the ways one could approach the tabletop battletech universe as a new person.
Very well done.
We play alpha strike, we lose the granularity, and gain in size of forces and speed of play.
There are so many options, one is not better than another. It is your gaming group's preference.
The world is a better place, for you being in it.
Can I give a higher compliment?
Thanks a lot. A little positivity goes a long way these days.
For an introduction, you don't even have to buy the mini's, you can print off some standees for your first couple, or many more, of games. Hell, the original box came with standees only. It's traditional.
Word of warning, If you are doing a create your own lance game, calculate the forces by Battle Value or Cost in C-Bills. Do not go by tonnage.
Fair.
Back in my day we played with standees and we liked it! 😜
@@dieseljester3466 I know of one Iraq War vet who played with rocks as mechs.
@@MechanicalFrog I believe it. When my friends and I wore out our standees, we moved on to mini transformers and lego men as our mechs. I had to save up my allowance to buy my first Ral Partha minis which was the Thunderbolt and the Shadow Hawk.
@@dieseljester3466 Hah, that's great!
a recomendation for the cardboard mechs included in the pack, if you buy the exagonal bases you can glue the cardboard with the X stand, in that way it will avoid bending and it will remain solid giving a better feeling that you are playing with an actual piece on the board and not with some dummy. Thats what i did when i purchased this box, with 2 lances of fully playable cardboard mechs and 2 figurines making a total for 10 units at once, more than enough for a full battletech experience.
I also purchased the essentials box, mostly because of the riflemen and the additional game mode, but it was soo dissapointing to see they only had 4 cardboard mechs included this time, it also has a lesser ammount of terrain cardboard slots. Just a minor detail i guess but still feels like a downgrade, still i would recomend people on a budget to go for the beguinner box over the essentials.
Solid recommendation. Thank you. Maybe we're spoiled today with plastic, but the cardboard cutouts are great for gaming on a budget.
0:19 Just buy all the big boxes, one of every Lance pack, or one of every star pack, or better yet one each of both, and sort your forces as you gain farmilarity with the game and lore. Practically everything is good for something.
Heh, I guess that could work if you aren't strapped for cash.
@@MechanicalFrog
One at a time... I was half joking anyway, and there keep being more and more...
I don't have all the Clan packs yet, and none of the new Mercs packs save Wolf's Dragoons. I'm really looking forward to the new tracked tanks and hover craft (and warriors!) from the last kickstarter; the vehicle packs are a big development for combined arms.
Something you rarely see on the table but is a nice cheap way to enhance your force and make it stand out:
At $1.80 each, a squadron of 6 micro-scale fighters from Iron Wind Metals is a great deal.
That’s what i did. Now to learn
As a new player myself, I found this clean and easy to digest. Good solid advice.
Much easier than that thing you tried to digest from that roadside diner outside of Tulsa in 1992.
@@MechanicalFrog lol
For the beginner box and Target exclusive essentials box, I always like to mention that they come with a $20 coupon for CGL store.
Aff. Great additional value.
too bad i cant use that cupon to buy physical stuff because of the 200 dollar delivery charge to my location, (i cant even get a single blindbox) but i used the coupon to buy the digital books, 3 trilogy packs making a total for 9 books plus another extra so 10 e books for free its a fantastic deal
@@ShadrackMedusonif you're in australia they have an australian website, shipping should be way less on there. if not then that really sucks
Very helpful video. My son wants to try this and i got all the info I needed here. Cheers!
Glad it was helpful! Welcome to the fray, Mechwarrior!
Y'all Mech Frog ain't lying. All the purchases suggested are great buys.
A JoJo3 endorsement is as good as gold.
Great vid! Clear, concise and exactly what I needed.
Thank ya! I hope it is helpful.
@@MechanicalFrog Yep. Yet another thing to be interested in. I played it when I was a youngster. Might have to catch up. Thanks again. 👍
I want to start a Comstar Army
The best time is today.
They are an endlessly fascinating faction in my opinion.
They probably have the most interesting lore.
@@emlynfuller6635 It's quite interesting, yes. the OG Comstar sourcebook is great.
Agreed. I Wanna build a "Word of Blake" army myself. My players Wanna see what I can do.
I need to find a community I can play with, but I had collected and reworked second hand 40k Guard for about 5 years. They ended up being toys for my kids, which is great because they love them. Never got anywhere remotely close to playing.
Between AGAOC, The Clan Invasion, Battletech Legends and a TRO, in just a few months I’m already leaps and bounds ahead of where I was with 40k.
Glad to hear you're getting into it.
Very helpful video . i havent played in a loong time since the early days of Battletech . This was a really helpful video. thank you
Glad you enjoyed!
Amazing video, thank you for the intro overview.
My pleasure!
Excellent video - thank you!
You are welcome!
@@MechanicalFrog 🙌🏼
Just getting into this game. And the lore, thank you mister Frog.
Thank you. Welcome to the fray, mechwarrior.
I'd also like to give a shout out to the RPG corner. Destiny is a great intro to the universe for those coming. From the D&D end.
Absolutely. I should have added that.
If I may be so bold as to offer a suggestion for a video...
A friend of mine recently got into the game and is taking to funny more info about the clans, specifically how to 'roleplay' them so he knows he's doing zelbrigin right and how they talk and if/when they surrender to superior foes, etc.
There's plenty of videos about clan history (the Exodus, Pentagon wars, the refusal, etc) but not much on clanner culture.
A clan culture/psychology video would be an amazing asset for new players
That is an interesting idea. I'll have to ponder how that could be done as every clan is a little bit different concerning those things.
Perhaps a general overview of what's broadly typical of clanners (or expected to be) and a brief section on exceptions based on clan or circumstances. Probably not enough material to do full videos on each clan's differences with maybe a couple notable exceptions
I'll ponder it.
Glad to hear it. Hope I contributed something of use to you
@@weaselwolf Of course!
Using third party miniatures is also okay, no one is gonna kick you from a game bc your minis aren’t CGL or IWM
True.
Awesome video man. You have sold me on it finances willing. Thanks for the video
Glad to hear it. Welcome to the fray, Mechwarrior.
Standing naked in my kitchen at 3am eating out of a tub of frosting watching Mech Frog videos. I can’t tell if I’m living the dream or hit rock bottom. 🤙🏻
It's a story as old as time. Nowhere to go but up?
First time doing the Kickstarter thing and I’m just curious how the Pledge Manager works once it’s complete. Safe to assume there’s a period of time after it closes and then we’ll get a notification that the pledge manager is available for us to go select the options for rewards and what not? Super excited for this release! Going to be a long year waiting 🤣
Yes. It's as you describe. We will get an e-mail to an extended manager which will allow you to choose your specific items.
@@MechanicalFrog Annnnd just got the e-mail about the plan. I’ve never been accused of being patient 😂
I Would just like to point out that one great way to get into Battletech is to get one of the many various video games. For me, it all started with Mechwarrior 2.
Absolutely.
Picked up a few Clanner's last summer, but havent done anything with them, but feeling the pull atm - might try dropping by Factorum soon as thats not too far from me and they host events :)
I bet they'd be glad to see another player.
It's funny how 40k is so complicated, yet it is just a game of chance. BT, however, whilst still a dice game, actually has tactics with half the complication.
This is such a bad take. High level 40k players are able to win consistently. It's a game of strategy, tactics, positioning, and statistics, with elements of luck. Calling it a game of chance is bordering on a braindead take.
I just got into this. I've painted a few mechs, but haven't played any games. My question is, how would new players find all the variants out there? As well as how can we get our hands on the play sheets for different mechs without having to buy every single book and technical manual? Basically, is there a place to print all this stuff out and what other online materials are there for new players?
Welcome to the fray, Mechwarrior.
There are a few websites out there that have record sheets but I prefer sheets.flechs.net/
It has almost all the mech variants and you can print directly from the website.
If you want to try making your own mechs and play against AI, Megamek is a good program for both.
If you have any other questions, feel free to ask.
Thanks! This really helped me out.
Glad to hear it!
Damn, I just bought the Beginner Box, Game of Armored Combat and Alpha Strike today and suddenly, this video happens!
Any imput on what to do in term of painting/ faction for a beginner with Beginner box + Game of Armored Combat (and maybe Alpha Strike). Would you have everything in the same faction except for clan, or would there be cool ways of separating the inner sphere lance to have "two factions" to play (potentially against each other!)?
Idk, I'm just hyped about getting into the game and figuring out what to do with my new models! Could very well be a topic for a future video too ;)
You have a lot of freedom concerning paintjobs as it's not like 40k where you're locked into a sub-faction. It really depends on what you like. If you're one to have just one grand army, make sure you pick a paintjob you enjoy painting. I have several focus armies and a bunch of lances/stars of various groups because my head is full of cats. Do a web search for CamoSpecs if you want ideas for paint schemes but keep in mind they're just suggestions and you don't have to paint them any specific way.
@@MechanicalFrog Tywm for taking the time to answer. I'll look for the right paint scheme and lore idea first and build up from there!
@@arekishi6364 Happy to help. Welcome to the fray, Mechwarrior.
@@arekishi6364 I used to paint for specific factions. then I switched to painting either a Lance (4) or company (12) in a generic camo pattern. now my entire collection is available as any faction.
as mechfrog pointed out, there are no faction specific rules. also, the game is not wysiwyg and nothing is obsolete, banned, nerfed or removed.
when you add in the mech design rules and mini's from sources outside of battletech, it really opens up what you can do with the game.
Thank you for this. Made it easy on how to enter into this gaming system. I was to slow to make up my mind on the kick starter. Are there any (western) Canadian online stores anyone can recommend?
I'm glad it could be helpful. Try tistaminis.com/collections/battletech ? They're based in Canada.
Great Intro Video!
Thank ya!
I just wish I could get a group together again. Listening to you Red Tex and Mage Leader is making me crazy to play again. But all sites I've tried to look for old school TTRPG players has been a bust. I'm sooooo bummed. 😭😭😭
No local game shops? Sometimes there are post it boards up for people to find players for games.
I am working my way through the Saga of the Grey Death & whike it's not Frank Herbert or JRR Tolkien for older content it gives some good lore on the Inner Sphere, mechs & how they are used & obviously the history of the Grey Death. Hopefully I'll e dome w the saga in time for the Grey Death force pack.
I got the game of armored combat box and was wondering if there is a good way to have reusable record sheets since i don't own a printer and going to the library to print stuff might get tedious, i know the back of the included record sheets has a blank sheet for making your own custom mech loadout but i don't think making 6 - 8 copies and having to fill them out every time would be very fun
Buy a pack of clear sheet protectors and some wet erase markers. Slide the record sheet in, mark it on the plastic, wash when done.
So just to clearify for a newbie: Battletech: A Game of Armoured Warfare is the "base version", Battletech Total Warfare is the version that builds on that base ruleset right (with all the optional rules and so on)
So when in the RPG Mechwarrior Destiny it says that I need the Total War values of Hardware in order to convert it to the RPG I can use all the unit profiles made for those 2 games, right?
The rulebook you get with AGoAW is your general use rules. Total Warfare has all the base rules along with some of the optional rules. I don't know the TTRPG stuff but I assume it's all convertable.
As my friend Tex from BPL would say:
Remember Tukyid.
*Grumbling in Jade Falcon*
@Mechanical Frog Now, now... settle down.
Just because y'all are Clanner Scum is no reason to act uncivilized...
Like your content, my Foggy friend. And you are right; those of us, like me, who have passed from "Vintage" to "Antique" love to see new players enjoy our game.
And if you have a few hours, I can tell you why the FedCom civil war was the greatest tragedy since the fall of the Star League. Not that I read the novels.
Life is full of little challenges.
I recently inherited my dad’s collection of metal minis…honest to Gygax metal. XD
Excellent. Keep them safe.
I was in to the lore for awhile and have decided to to get in to the game, Ive just got the beginner box, GoAC box and clan invasion box. What would you recommend to get next? I.e. do I need to get the total warfare book or any of the tech manuals?
Welcome to the fray, Mechwarrior. If you've got the boxes and want to take the next step, I'd go with Total Warfare which has more advanced rules that you can add to your games. The BattleMech Manual is fun if you want to try building your own designs. There are some rules overlap between the TW and BM sourcebook so you can't go wrong either way.
Joined the kickstarter for mercenaries because I haven't played since before lockdown. I have the last catalyst rulebook from the red beginner box. Has that been superceded by the new game of armoured combat rulebook?
The beginner box has a simplified ruleset that leaves things like piloting skill rolls and heat out. The Game of Armored Combat box has the full ruleset.
@Mechanical Frog apologies I have the game of armoured combat 25-year anniversary box. Does that share the same rulebook as the game of armoured combat?
Hey man your doing great work!👍
I just bought in and am starting with alpha strike. Master unit list doesn’t have Northwind Highlanders. I assume they would just be under the generic mercenary heading?
I would assume they'd be in the merc category, yes. Possibly Republic of the Sphere if the timeline is later.
Newbies: "Which faction sucks?"
BattleTech Vets: "Yes."
They all suck in their own special way.
While I can see how Alpha strike could be fun & while it has been the new hotness as so much BT content has been focused on that vs the OG (Which is frustrating when you're new & all you see is AS vids!). My question is this if I'm not planning on playing AS is the boxset still a good value @ $65 if my primary focus is the mechs?
If all you cared about was the mechs, that would be 13 for $65, or $5/mech which is typical for the mech boxes. The pilot cards and terrain tokens are nice to have even if you're not playing alphastrike. I guess it would boil down to if you want those specific mechs.
Can I mix and match different mechs from different Mini Force Packs? Like if I buy the Inner Sphere Support Lance pack and the Clan Heavy Star pack, I can just pick 1 or 2 from each pack to make a team?
You can mix and match mechs however you want. However, If you're playing to certain years or scenarios, you might want to make sure your opponent is ok with it. Running a 3150 Clan mech against a 3025 Inner Sphere battlemech is not going to be much of a fight.
Jumping in with my son. Bought Total Warfare and Tech manual, comstar command lance, and heavy battle lance…my question is, are there printouts for Mechs? We want to play total warfare and not alpha strike but we have no idea where the stats or equipping sheets are for mechs.
You can print them from sheets.flechs.net/ Welcome to the fray, Mechwarriors.
Hey mechfrog, I was an avid player in the old FASA days and would now like to come back into the game with nephews. What should i get to get me back into the game? also whats the big bad in terms of mech design software?
If you want to stick to the classic rules, the Game of Armored Combat box is a great place to start. If your nephews are younger and you think they might want a more streamlined ruleset, the Alphastrike box is also fun.
I use MegaMek for all my mech designing these days. It allows for save to PDF and you can test the mechs in their virtual tabletop against bots.
megamek.org/
@@MechanicalFrog follow up question, do you buy from catalyst web site, gaming store, or online retailer? I was going to go strait to CGL but man couldn't make heads or tails aout of the web site!
I'm coming in, after an entire lifetime of loving the harmony gold franchises, and the IP they screwed. Ive always played the Mechwarrior games, and the battletech pc games. My favorites are the marauder, and the Timberwolf. What would be a good place to start if I want those mechs? Or a good book about a marauder, or timber wolf?
If you want both models, they're actually in the same Legendary mechwarriors box that is on sale right now on the Catalyst Game Labs store.
store.catalystgamelabs.com/products/battletech-forcepacks-legendary-mechwarriors
As far as books go, The Marauder is featured in the Gray Death Legion series of novels. For Timberwolves, that's a little trickier as they show up sporadically here and there. If you got the Clan Invasion Technical Readout, it has updated art and 1 page lore entries for both mechs.
store.catalystgamelabs.com/products/battletech-technical-readout-clan-invasion
@@MechanicalFrog Thank you so much!! How do I go about getting the unseen mad-7 or macross style marauder? They can't make those anymore right?
I want to get started but how many Miniatures do I need? I found a starter set with 5 minis at my hobby store but do I need more?
Most games of classic BattleTech are 4--5 mechs depending upon their weight and technology. I bet what you have is more than enough to enjoy the game.
How do the model sizes compare to 40k’s newish Titanicus game and how open to conversions are battletech players?
I haven’t played proper 40k since 6th, using just OPR, but if a model won’t fit with my Sisters or Battle or Tyranids I’m just not gonna ever paint it.
I’d be happy to buy the BT stuff and use the right weapons/any gear that opponents would want to be able to see, but I’d much rather use knights, dreads, penitent engines etc as the base for each conversion and build.
I say this with love, but BT mechs are ugly.
I don't think I've seen the Titanicus models in real life but I think they're slightly larger than battlemechs. The CGL mechs are roughly the same size as a classic space marine model.
As far as WISIWIG goes, it doesn't exist in Battletech as you can use whatever you want to represent a specific model in a battle.
@@MechanicalFrog Thanks!
Older video, but genuine question: Does the beginner box allow me to play the game with a friend or do I need to find someone with another beginner box to play against?
The beginner box has two mechs and a basic form of the rules. Just one box is enough for two people to fight a 1v1 mech battle.
Just have fun.
Always a good plan for a game.
i would like to see many of the original sourcebooks republished by CGL. most don't need any revision, just made available.
Absolutely. Many of the old books are really fun and worth reading.
Oh... that Lori comment is gonna set off at least one Davion supporter.
He Does NOT. LIKE. Lori, I think her response as a junior MechWarrior is reasonable though.
She is awesome and if it's a hill that someone else wants to die on, I'm all for it.
Long story short I used to play in the late 1990's lost all my battle tech stuff (as well as all my worldly possessions) to a dorm fire at a military school. Got older my kids became my focus. Kids are older now getting some time back. I recall there being a battle compendium that had all the rules and then all you needed was maps and technical readouts. Is this still the way? What is the modern name for the compendium? (if such a thing exist) As to alpha strike is it completely separate ecosystem or do the technical readouts and maps still play into the system? Thinking about getting back in but don't want to waste time or money. Thank you in advance? PS are LAM's still a thing?
ok lots of questions. Sorry to hear about the fire! :(
The modern version of the Compendium is split between the Battlemech Manual and Total Warfare. Both are pretty hefty sourcebooks and there is some overlap between them. Total Warfare has a bunch of the rules and info on plenty of extra rules. The Battlemech manual has some rules but also the instructions to build mechs. The TROs are NOT needed to play the game. Record sheets can be found here: sheets.flechs.net/
If you want to go super cheap, you can buy the Game of Armored Combat box and it will have everything needed to play including the standard rules. Total Warfare and the Battlemech manual are the next step if you want to dive a bit deeper into the ruleset.
For AlphaStrike, it's a completely different ruleset, but the AlphaStrike box set is all you would need to play it. Each box of CGL mechs comes with Alphastrike cards, which are the only specific item needed beyond the beginner box. Plus there is a website www.masterunitlist.info/Unit/Filter which has all the units and their alphastrike stats.
And finally, LAMs do still technically exist and remain canon, but the developers have been clear they aren't going to be incorporated into any new game materials. We are unlikely to see LAM CGL models.
@MechanicalFrog Just wanted to say thank you for your help, my kid and I are happily playing battle tech together. Lots of lore changes wow.. just need to find out what happened to the warden wolfs.
3D printed battlemechs are available on ebay inexpensively.
ok. They're also available for $5 apiece made from plastic you can fire out of a cannon and still not break. This isn't 40k where a box of Space Marines requires a 2nd mortgage.
Hello Frog.
You mention that Humanity has explored and settled a 'good chunk' of the Galaxy in Battletech. But, how much, really? The Galaxy, the Milky Way, is about Eight TRILLION cubic Light Years in volume. Even given a 1500 LY radius from Terra, and a 'depth' of about 500 LY, that 'only' amounts to around 1/10,000th of the Galactic volume of space. Or, roughly, 1 one hundredth of ONE percent of the Galaxy. Mind you, this is 'ballpark figures'. The actual numbers are even worse. Just thought I'd remind everyone just how HUGE our galaxy is, compared to the maps available for the Battletech game.
We don't actually know, which is why I left it rather nebulous. It would depend on your definition of "good chunk" :D
@@MechanicalFrog : What we do know is that the entire B-Tech universe is no larger than around 1500 LY across and roughly 500 LY deep. 1500 x 500 = 750,000 cubic LY. The Galaxy is 8 TRILLION cubic LY. 8 trillion divided by, 750000 is: 10,666,667. So, the galaxy as a whole is over 10 million times the size of the entire b-tech mapped areas, including the extended maps. This works out to be less than 1 thousandth of one percent of the galaxy as a whole. Math is math, my friend. Numbers don't lie.
@@franksmedley7372 humans have explored a good chunk of space within the area you kindly described.
@@bruced648 : Bruce. I am not sure that less than one ten thousandth of one percent of the galaxy rates as 'a good chunk'.
@Frank Smedley after a mere 1000 years of space exploration, I think humanity is doing pretty good!
Is the game just a simple tabletop strategy or is like the older style with rpg elements to it?
There can be a TRPG component added, with all the various rules and supplements. The sourcebook Mechwarrior: Destiny has the TRPG info in it.
store.catalystgamelabs.com/collections/battletech/products/mechwarrior-destiny
I would honestly steer away from the beginner box UNLESS: you want to just try the game, are playing with a young child, are trying to get a "normie" friend/family member into the game, or just want the mechs in it. If you are already into boardgames or tabletop games and you think Battletech looks dope, spend the extra 15 doll hairs or w/e it is for aGoAC. IMO, the rules in the starter box are too simple for someone who is already 'in the mindset' so to speak.
Fair.
The warhammer shade crazy
Damn my walmart wants 120$ for the alpha strike box
Double the price you stated hehe
That is strange.
@@MechanicalFrog I got it on Amazon for 53$. Dunno what Walmart is doing lmao
Showing 666 views as I start into this.
Sounds like pirate tech
nefarious.
Bull shit, still snowing here.
Aww...
Yeah, we are so over winter here. I would commit a war crime that would make the WOB and Capellans look like saints. To get rid of it.