*EDIT* List of confirmed 'mechs!
-Light-
Flea
Jenner
Raven
Commando
Spider
-Medium-
Centurion
Hunchback
Cicada
Trebuchet
]-Heavy-
Catapult
Dragon
Jagermech
Cataphract
-Assault-
Atlas
Awesome
Stalker
Highlander* (Seen in leaks from PC Gamer but still isn't *confirmed*)
-Theory and predictions-
From Ask the Dev 18 Answers
Q: Any plans on adding a 55ton mech? [Hodo]
A: Yes. [Garth]
Next medium 'mech has to come from this list...
http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Shadow_Hawk
http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Kintaro
http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Dervish
http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Griffin
http://www.sarna.net...28BattleMech%29
http://www.sarna.net...28BattleMech%29
http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Hoplite
http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Cronus
Take out the reseen, and the most likely candidates are Dervish, Kintaro, and the Gladiator. Hoplite can go sit in the cold
-Light-
Wolfhound - http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Wolfhound
This really shouldn't come as a surprise, as this little 'mech is a strong and dependable light 'mech on the battlefield. It might be a tad on the slower side, but it makes up for that in teeth, with great armor (for it's weight class) and an all laser armament just makes this little machine a great slugger and all around strong choice for a light 'mech that can really shine. The heat it generates can be a big drawback, so can it's speed when compared to other lights, but it's a solid anchor if you need a good punch instead of recon or information.
Spector - http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Spector
Ok, so this one is a bit of a long shot (if not directly disqualified). It really didn't return to production until after 3049, but it's an old SLDF design that had been used by two different units (altough they denied it at the time.) For many of the same reasons that I like the Wolfhound, this is a strong little light 'mech. Jump Jets and an ECM could really make good use of it's design to take out other light 'mechs quickly, good for countering enemy intel gathering missions or at least harrassing them until yours can do it's work. It's got great mobility, making it a good quick hitter.
Valkyrie - http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Valkyrie
The Valkyrie is probably my favorite light 'mech, with it often swapping places with the Wolfhound at times. I love this 'mech, have since I got my hands on the 3025 tech readout. I know it's one of the Unseen, and I don't really care. I'd want Alex to just remake it, go with it, and create something new. It's got a decent speed, with jump jets and good range with it's LRM-10. Not a bad all around light 'mech that's good at fire support for a light lance, allow it to harrass and help take down targets at range.
Ostscout - http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Ostscout
Because the Raven is overrated! (Don't hurt me, Ravens fans, it's a great 'mech too! ) The scout 'mech of scout 'mechs, this thing is blindly fast for an IS machine, that can jump a pretty big distance. Want to fight? May want to choose something else, but this thing seriously kicks butt in the recon position. Information is ammuntion, right? The Osctscout is going to get you that info at blinding speed. Was a fan of this before the Raven hit the scene, and wouldn't mind using one to give my team a strong recon unit. Takes a ballsy pilot, as this things armor isn't really going to stand up to much.
Commando (*CONFIRMED*) - http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Commando
It's not a Mechwarrior game without the Commando. This section almost writes itself. Who DOESN'T like the Commando? Decent speed with a good close range loadout make this a fun little brawler, just have to be careful of getting caught by bigger enemies.
Mongoose - http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Mongoose
Fast little recon 'mech, with a beagle active probe (assuming we have them in this era? can't remember,) to help hunt down enemy units. It's faster then the Locust, and can take more punishment (though, not much more.) Would like to see a redesign of this, and wouldn't mind piloting one should I need to fill a scout role for my unit.
-Medium-
Clint - http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Clint
First entry into the medium category is probably my favorite of the weight class (with the Centurion being a close second, effectively being it's bigger brother), and not just because I'm a Davion supported and this 'mech carries an autocannon It's got a good speed to it, decent armament, and jump jets letting it be a great workhorse medium 'mech that can fill a number of roles, allowing the pilot to really do a lot with this machine. Great all around pick, just love the mix of speed and firepower.
Centurion - http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Centurion
Well, as this 'mech was already selected for placement in game, I'm a happy camper. It's easy to like this 'mech, even if it's on the slow side. Has a good mix of weapon ranges and is a solid 'mech, and has already been shown that it's dangerous in the hands of a skilled pilot.
Trebuchet (*CONFIRMED*) - http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Trebuchet
The Trench Bucket. While not the most fearsome 'mech on the battlefield, it can do it's job of fire support pretty well for it's size and speed. I don't often like being victim of ammo dependency, but as part of a lance this 'mech is a good stand in for heavier 'mechs if you need a good long range punch (and don't have a Catapult ready.) Mixed with it's decent speed to get into position and other 'mechs to support it, this can be a nasty surprise if enemies aren't expecting it.
Phoenix Hawk - http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Phoenix_Hawk
A pretty strong entry in the medium category, with high speed/mobility and a good armament allowing it to function in multiple roles if needed, I'd love to see a redsign of this 'mech make it into MWO. Send it with a light recon lance to scare the hell out of an enemy Raven or other light 'mech, or just as back up in case your own scout gets into trouble. Even works as a front-line unit due to it's mobility, able to get around opponents or act as bait.
Griffin - http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Griffin
I like the Griffin, even if it really only shines at long range. Love that it has jump jets, even if it's slower then the Phoenix Hawk, and love the PPC/LRM combo making it a pretty good 'mech for getting shots in and getting away. Once the LRM runs out of ammo, the PPC helps keep it in it's role longer, assuming you can avoid getting crowded and taken down in close range.
Dervish - http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Dervish
I kind of like this for the reasons I like the Trebuchet, with the added addtion of jump jets (and a slightly different weapons payload.) Either 'mech would be nice, good medium weight fire support. The Dervish has a bit better of a weapon loadout if you're looking at something that can handle close range fights a bit better, and the jump jets let it get into better positions even if it has smaller LRM racks.
Wolverine - http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Wolverine
This 'mech is so aptly named it hurts. Stock variant is a bit weak on weapons, but considering that it's fast AND mounts jump jets with solid armor makes it a formidable foe. If we get any of the reseen, I want this 'mech in the medium range. There's a few other variants that really allow this 'mech to shine depending on what you're going for. It really shines as a tough to beat medium that takes hits and keeps on going.
-Heavy-
Axman - http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Axman
Alright, so melee combat isn't going to be in at launch (or ever, we don't know,) but here's a nice first pick for the pretty large heavy 'mech weight category. It's slow, but that AC/20 is going to hurt someone who doesn't take it seriously, with that nasty hatchet finishing the job. Add jump jets and this thing can be an utter nightmare in a city environment. Really enjoy this design, but I'd probably skip it in favor of something else if I weren't able to take advantage of the strategic use of it's jump jets, cause the damn thing is pretty slow. Still a decent 'mech, and it'd be fun to pilot one in MWO.
Catapult (*CONFIRMED*) - http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Catapult
The Catapult is already going to be in game, and it's a pretty easy 'mech to figure out. Lots of missles, all the time. Great fire support 'mech that can really ruin someone's day, with jump jets and a decent speed. Needs good support to keep 'mechs from closing in on it and focusing on it. Want to kill someone from a distance, this 'mech is it. Love the concept art for this 'mech, makes me really hopeful for others like the Timber Wolf (when the Clans hit later on,) and others with back canted legs.
Thunderbolt - http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Thunderbolt
There's so many good Heavy 'mechs out there, it's one of my favorite weight classes.The Thunderbolt is one of my favorite 'mechs in this category, even if it'd need a complete visual redisign to get into game. It's got a good mix of weapons for any range, and has a lot of armor to help compensate for the lack of speed/jump jets. Solid all around heavy 'mech that can stand up to a good bit of punishment while able to give a lot of damage back at any range.
Archer - http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Archer
Catapult's bigger brother. Incredibly similar 'mech, minus the jump jets and more missles. Great fire support 'mech, though it'd need a redesign like the T-bolt would. Probably better for the Catapult to be used as I enjoy them a bit more then this, but if you're not worried about mobility, those two LRM 20s hurt.
Warhammer - http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Warhammer
Probably the most iconic 'mech in battletech history (besides the Timber Wolf for Clans, and maybe the Atlas,) this 'mech is just deadly. Doesn't have the best armor, but it can put a serious hurt on anything it's weight or lower quickly. It's an overall great design, and not a lot has to be said about it. If it's good enough for the Black Widow, it's good enough for me! I'd really like to see Flying Debris's take on this, and I'd not hate him if it turned out in a way I didn't like (which..I doubt....FD is amazing.) Really hope to get this 'mech into game, even if it's an unseen, as there aren't many other 'mechs that just scream "Battletech."
Black Knight - http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Black_Knight
I'm a fan of all energy loadouts, as they don't really have to run the risk of running out of ammo even if this thing generates a beastly amount of heat if you don't watch it. Great weapon combination make this a strong combat unit, even if the heat curve has to be watched closely as the fight drags on. Pretty dangerous opponent if it gets close (with decent ranged capabilities,) that can really finish off damaged enemies effectively.
Orion - http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Orion
Have to have General Kerensky's favored 'mech. Good mix of weapon ranges help it stay strong regardless of engagment type, I like the Orion for it's overall effectiveness in it's weight range. Again, another 'mech I'd like to see get the Flying Debris treatment, I really enjoy this 'mech, the AC/10 and LRM combo can be pretty dangerous, with the SRM being a good short range combo. Might carry a lot of dangerous ammo, but the Orion is a good 'mech to me, and I've enjoyed using it in the table top, and might make a really good Commander 'mech if you don't want to play an Assault class. In the end, this 'mech is summed up by... DO WANT.
-Assault-
Awesome (*CONFIRMED*) - http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Awesome
And now for the heavy hitters, the war machines that make even the most hardened pilot go liquid in the gut when he's at the other end of the barrel. The Awesome lives up to it's name, even if it can run hotter then Sol itself. Three PPC's means something is goign to hurt, and woe betide a light or medium 'mech that can't out maneuver the weaponry on this beast. The Awesome is a great assault 'mech, offensive or defensive.
Hatamoto-Chi - http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Hatamoto-Chi
I'll admit, I'm a fan of this 'mechs look for personal reasons. I might be a Davion supporter, but this 'mech is pretty cool. Two PPCs and two SRM launchers make this a dangerous mid to close range 'mech that has a lot of armor and good use of it's CASE to make it a hard 'mech to take down. Wouldn't mind seeing this 'mech in MWO, specially to see how FD would draw the more samurai elements of it's armor.
Victor - http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Victor
Can't be a Davion pilot without loving the Victor. Big *** Gun ™ and jump jets make this a pretty dangerous assault 'mech up close, even if it doesn't carry as much armor as some other assaults. Love that this 'mech can jump and has a good mix of close range weapons, another good city fighter and a strong front line unit rolled into one.
Zeus - http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Zeus
Really enjoy how this 'mech looks, and would really like to see a redesign. I like the range this 'mech can bring, and it's a good combination with the Victor for taking out enemy units. Great 'mech to harras at range and able to stay in the fighting a long time if you use it well, strong front line unit with a good mix of weapons.
Cyclops - http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Cyclops
I'd like to use this as a good commander/fire support 'mech, as that's what it's designed for. Faster then most (not all) assault 'mechs, it doesn't have a bad outfit of weapons to protect itself or help out when needed in a skirmish. That, and I love the AC/20.
Highlander - http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Highlander
This 'mech needs to be in the game. Badly. I absolutely love this assault 'mech, and always have. Gauss Rilfe and jump jets, and it looks awesome? Count me in! Awesome long range assault 'mech that's still dangerous close range, with great mobility for something of it's size. Highlander Burial here I come!
Atlas (*CONFIRMED*) - http://www.sarna.net...28BattleMech%29
It's the Atlas. It's 100 tons of pure death, and it's already in game. When you absolutely need to kill another 'mech, accept no subsititute. (Even you, you little urbie ********! <.<) I can't wait to pilot one of these in a commander role, assuming it's well suited to that. I've always loved this 'mech, because it's always a dangerous foe on the battlefield, and it's just always been amazing looking. Definitely one of my most favorite 'mechs of all time.
Devastator - http://www.sarna.net/wiki/Devastator
What a really strong assault 'mech.Two PPCs and Two Gauss rifles would have me scared to death if I had to toe to toe this thing. Add four medium lasers up close, and something is going to die very very quickly. This neat looking 'mech makes it on my list, even though I don't often look this one up. Even if it's slow, that much firepower in an IS 'mech is hard to overlook, especially at the ranges it can deliver them at.
Closing note, this is for fun and to show the dev's what we'd want to see in the game in terms of 'mechs. Also, I'm well aware that many unseen have been redone to allow their use, but I'd honestly like to just see Flying Debris do completely new designs for them to see what he can come up with.
Edited by Jack Gallows, 26 September 2012 - 01:05 PM.