3
This guide is not a Tier list, or in any way concerned with the "Meta"
This is a guide to the mechs, their intended role on the battlefield, and roughly their 'current' role (the manner by which I mean that will become clear once you get down to mechs such as the Kintaro)
This guide is aimed more for those who are not-so familiar with Mechwarrior, and by extension, Battletech.
Also: currently still a work in progress, apologies for the empty spaces, they will be filled, if I have to use the wreckage of those who oppose me to do it.
That last bit was a joke, by the way.
So, and without further ado, and beginning with the lightest:
(Credits to sarna.net and what few books I own - Luxebo for the title, Mahws for info on the Dragon, working on adding resources from solaris7.com)
Light Mechs!
Spoiler
Locust (20 tons)
One of the most common mechs in existence, with production beginning in the year 2499, the Locust was built purely as a recon unit. Holding the record as the fastest mech in existence with a potential top speed of 302.4 kph (LCT-6M Variant not in Game)
In short: it is a low-cost recon mech.
Fun Fact: one of the "Unseen" ... Re-seen
Commando (25 tons)
Designed as a recon mech in 2475 by the Lyran Commonwealth, the Commando was lighter than any of it's predecessors. Carrying a relatively high amount of firepower for it's weight, the Commando was known for taking down mechs much heavier than itself, such as it's competition at the time, the 55 ton Gladiator (Not in Game) However, as mechs such as the Wasp and Stinger (Not in Game) were introduced, the Commando found itself outclassed in pure recon capabilities, and later variants were built to be more strikers than scouts.
In short: built as a scout, but found better functionality as a hit-and-run raider.
Spider (30 tons)
Beginning production in 2650, the Spider was designed to accompany commando (not the mech) forces - it was turned down by the Star League but was picked up by the Draconis Combine.
It quickly gained a reputation as one of (if not the) most maneuverable mechs in existence.
With a ground speed comparable to the Locust, and capable of out-jumping the Stinger or Wasp.
In short: a very capable raider, only hampered by low firepower.
Fun Fact: the Spider mech, with the exception of one variant: the -8R (Not in Game) has no ejection system.
Firestarter (35 tons)
Built as an incendiary mech in 2550, the Firestarter is one of those fun cases of something being excactly what it says on the tin. Not well suited for battling other mechs, the Firestarter has found the bulk of its use providing support at a company level, as opposed to a lance, or scouting wooded areas (Gee, I wonder why....)
In short: as said above: Exactly What It Says On The Tin
Fun Fact: when they converted the chassis over to Omni status, it gained 10 tons...
Jenner (35 tons)
Introduced in 2784, the fact that the Jenner was produced only by the Draconis Combine was a source of national pride. Designed as a guerrilla fighter, the Jenner became the standard workhorse for it's homeland.
In short: the epitome of a fast striker, the Jenner is the standard to which all others are held.
Fun Fact: Infamous for it's use in the Kentares Massacre, detailed here
Raven (35 tons)
The Raven is a light electronic warfare oriented mech.
Debuting in 3024 when the Capellan Confederation tried to replicate the technology of the long lost Star League. The Raven found functionality primarily in supporting it's larger fellows, usually in the form of spotting for one of the Capellan's other well used mechs, the Catapult. A combination of the Beagle Active Probe, Guardian ECM, with a TAG laser and NARC pod made it very successful at that role.
The Federated Suns managed to capture several during the 3rd Succession War, and began producing several of their own models, such as the 2X.
In short: the epitome of electronic warfare in a light mech.
Locust (20 tons)
One of the most common mechs in existence, with production beginning in the year 2499, the Locust was built purely as a recon unit. Holding the record as the fastest mech in existence with a potential top speed of 302.4 kph (LCT-6M Variant not in Game)
In short: it is a low-cost recon mech.
Fun Fact: one of the "Unseen" ... Re-seen
Commando (25 tons)
Designed as a recon mech in 2475 by the Lyran Commonwealth, the Commando was lighter than any of it's predecessors. Carrying a relatively high amount of firepower for it's weight, the Commando was known for taking down mechs much heavier than itself, such as it's competition at the time, the 55 ton Gladiator (Not in Game) However, as mechs such as the Wasp and Stinger (Not in Game) were introduced, the Commando found itself outclassed in pure recon capabilities, and later variants were built to be more strikers than scouts.
In short: built as a scout, but found better functionality as a hit-and-run raider.
Spider (30 tons)
Beginning production in 2650, the Spider was designed to accompany commando (not the mech) forces - it was turned down by the Star League but was picked up by the Draconis Combine.
It quickly gained a reputation as one of (if not the) most maneuverable mechs in existence.
With a ground speed comparable to the Locust, and capable of out-jumping the Stinger or Wasp.
In short: a very capable raider, only hampered by low firepower.
Fun Fact: the Spider mech, with the exception of one variant: the -8R (Not in Game) has no ejection system.
Firestarter (35 tons)
Built as an incendiary mech in 2550, the Firestarter is one of those fun cases of something being excactly what it says on the tin. Not well suited for battling other mechs, the Firestarter has found the bulk of its use providing support at a company level, as opposed to a lance, or scouting wooded areas (Gee, I wonder why....)
In short: as said above: Exactly What It Says On The Tin
Fun Fact: when they converted the chassis over to Omni status, it gained 10 tons...
Jenner (35 tons)
Introduced in 2784, the fact that the Jenner was produced only by the Draconis Combine was a source of national pride. Designed as a guerrilla fighter, the Jenner became the standard workhorse for it's homeland.
In short: the epitome of a fast striker, the Jenner is the standard to which all others are held.
Fun Fact: Infamous for it's use in the Kentares Massacre, detailed here
Raven (35 tons)
The Raven is a light electronic warfare oriented mech.
Debuting in 3024 when the Capellan Confederation tried to replicate the technology of the long lost Star League. The Raven found functionality primarily in supporting it's larger fellows, usually in the form of spotting for one of the Capellan's other well used mechs, the Catapult. A combination of the Beagle Active Probe, Guardian ECM, with a TAG laser and NARC pod made it very successful at that role.
The Federated Suns managed to capture several during the 3rd Succession War, and began producing several of their own models, such as the 2X.
In short: the epitome of electronic warfare in a light mech.
Medium Mechs!
Spoiler
Cicada (40 tons)
The Cicada was first built in 2740 by the Star League Defense Force to compete directly against the Locust, it was produced in relatively limited numbers.
In short: a more expensive, heavier Locust - which if modified compares more frequently to the Jenner, both generally poorly (Sarna was unhelpful on the history of this one)
Blackjack (45 tons)
Built to be fire support and to fill counter-insurgent roles, the Blackjack had a poor reputation among pilots, who blamed poor construction for it's weaknesses.
In short: fire support at the lighter end of the medium spectrum.
Fun Fact: In the lore most battles are fought at the lighter end of the weight list.
Hunchback (50 tons)
Built for urban fighting in 2572 the Hunchback carries heavy weapons, and heavy armor. It's greatest weaknesses are a fairly low ground speed, lack of jumpjets, and range. In spite of that the Hunchback has remained in production for so long because while it has flaws, it fills the role it does very well.
In short: even the mighty Atlas worries about turning a corner and finding an AC/20 pointed at it.
(which sadly loses a lot in the current game)
Centurion (50 tons)
Built in 2801 to support the Trebuchet, the Centurion carries a variety of weapons.
In short: an escort - well armored for it's size, a jack of all trades, master of none.
Notable Pilots: Justin_Allard and his son Kai_Allard-Liao both were known for piloting Yen-Lo-Wang
Trebuchet (50 tons)
Built to work as part of a group (something surprisingly rare) the Trebuchet was built to provide cover fire in a relatively mobile package.
In short: the Yin to the Centurion's Yang, or quite possibly the other way around.
Fun Fact: nicknamed the Trenchbucket
Kintaro (55 tons)
Introduced in 2587 for the Star League army, the Kintaro was built to do one thing: NARC an enemy.
However finding it to be far to slow and... well... large for such a role, it was re-purposed into a midsized missile boat.
In short: a failure from day one, it managed to find it's niche in life.
Shadow Hawk (55 tons)
A recon (for heavy and assault lances) and strike mech from the 2550s, the Shadow Hawk has been in service for 500 years.
In short: a relatively fast striker carrying a variety of weaponry.
Fun Fact: One of the "Unseen" ... Re-Seen
Griffin (55 tons)
Originally built in 2492 the Griffin was built originally as an assault, but as newer designs were produced it was re-purposed as a heavy, then finally as a medium mech.
In short: (though not really covered in the above) a mobile sniper and harasser.
Fun Fact: One of the "Unseen" ... Re-Seen
Fun Fact 2.0: A pair of Griffin stand guard over the Archon of the Lyran Alliance's throne.
Wolverine (55 tons)
Built as a fast striker mech in 2575, the Wolverine fit that role very well.
Pilots of the Wolverine have had only one complaint: a comparatively cramped cockpit due to the medium laser mounted at their feet.
In short: somewhere between the Centurion's Jack-of-all-trades status, and the Shadow Hawk's fast striker.
Fun Fact: One of the "Unseen" ... Re-Seen
Cicada (40 tons)
The Cicada was first built in 2740 by the Star League Defense Force to compete directly against the Locust, it was produced in relatively limited numbers.
In short: a more expensive, heavier Locust - which if modified compares more frequently to the Jenner, both generally poorly (Sarna was unhelpful on the history of this one)
Blackjack (45 tons)
Built to be fire support and to fill counter-insurgent roles, the Blackjack had a poor reputation among pilots, who blamed poor construction for it's weaknesses.
In short: fire support at the lighter end of the medium spectrum.
Fun Fact: In the lore most battles are fought at the lighter end of the weight list.
Hunchback (50 tons)
Built for urban fighting in 2572 the Hunchback carries heavy weapons, and heavy armor. It's greatest weaknesses are a fairly low ground speed, lack of jumpjets, and range. In spite of that the Hunchback has remained in production for so long because while it has flaws, it fills the role it does very well.
In short: even the mighty Atlas worries about turning a corner and finding an AC/20 pointed at it.
(which sadly loses a lot in the current game)
Centurion (50 tons)
Built in 2801 to support the Trebuchet, the Centurion carries a variety of weapons.
In short: an escort - well armored for it's size, a jack of all trades, master of none.
Notable Pilots: Justin_Allard and his son Kai_Allard-Liao both were known for piloting Yen-Lo-Wang
Trebuchet (50 tons)
Built to work as part of a group (something surprisingly rare) the Trebuchet was built to provide cover fire in a relatively mobile package.
In short: the Yin to the Centurion's Yang, or quite possibly the other way around.
Fun Fact: nicknamed the Trenchbucket
Kintaro (55 tons)
Introduced in 2587 for the Star League army, the Kintaro was built to do one thing: NARC an enemy.
However finding it to be far to slow and... well... large for such a role, it was re-purposed into a midsized missile boat.
In short: a failure from day one, it managed to find it's niche in life.
Shadow Hawk (55 tons)
A recon (for heavy and assault lances) and strike mech from the 2550s, the Shadow Hawk has been in service for 500 years.
In short: a relatively fast striker carrying a variety of weaponry.
Fun Fact: One of the "Unseen" ... Re-Seen
Griffin (55 tons)
Originally built in 2492 the Griffin was built originally as an assault, but as newer designs were produced it was re-purposed as a heavy, then finally as a medium mech.
In short: (though not really covered in the above) a mobile sniper and harasser.
Fun Fact: One of the "Unseen" ... Re-Seen
Fun Fact 2.0: A pair of Griffin stand guard over the Archon of the Lyran Alliance's throne.
Wolverine (55 tons)
Built as a fast striker mech in 2575, the Wolverine fit that role very well.
Pilots of the Wolverine have had only one complaint: a comparatively cramped cockpit due to the medium laser mounted at their feet.
In short: somewhere between the Centurion's Jack-of-all-trades status, and the Shadow Hawk's fast striker.
Fun Fact: One of the "Unseen" ... Re-Seen
Heavy Mechs!
Spoiler
Dragon (60 tons)
The Dragon is a heavy mech first built in 2754 in an attempt to replace the Shadow Hawk, it was marked as a failure as such, but quickly picked up by the Draconis Combine to be the basis of their army.
The Dragon was designed as a close combat fighter (why do all of ours come with LRM stock then? to soften them up as it approaches - credit to Mahws) with above average speed for it's weight.
The Dragon is best known as the "poster boy" mech for the Draconis Combine.
In short: a mobile striker comparable to the Shadow Hawk. (debatably better at long range over short in this game)
Quickdraw (60 tons)
Built in 2779 as a competitor to the Rifleman (Not in Game), like the Kintaro it was a failure.
However, like the Kintaro, it quickly found it's niche as a close combat in-fighter, due to it's above average mobility and plenitude of short range weaponry.
In short: mobile short range combatant
Catapult (65 tons)
An offensive (as in built to attack) second line mech first built in 2561.
The Catapult was designed with jump jets to let it cross rough terrain easier, thus allowing it to place itself favorably in order to deliver a devastating rain of missiles. Most existing Catapults left with Kerensky during his exodus, leaving it a rare design before the Capellan Confederation managed to (temporarily) restart one of the factories.
In short: Missile oriented fire support - though some models forgo the missiles in favor of other weapons.
Fun Fact: the Catapult's ejection system launches the pilot sideways.
Jagermech (65 tons)
Designed as an anti-aircraft and fire-support platform in 2774, the Jagermech is the successor to the Rifleman (Not in Game) in more ways than one.
In short: Ballistics oriented fire support.
Fun Fact: One of the Federated Suns favorite designs, due to their preference for ballistics
Thunderbolt (65 tons)
The Thunderbolt started production in 2491 as an assault mech - but fell in the weights as other mechs were introduced. A solid design, carrying a variety of weapons.
In short: a well balanced design.
Fun Fact: the Thunderbolt is said to have an especially roomy cockpit
Fun Fact v2.0: One of the "Unseen" ... Re-Seen
Cataphract (70 tons)
The Cataphract is a heavy mech, and one of the first original designs since the start of the Succession Wars. Built by the Capellan Confederation, the Cataphract was not designed by inspiration, but rather desperation. During the Succession Wars (my books and Sarna disagree on when) the Confederation lost several important factories, denying them the ability to produce many of their mechs (how many, and what parts are also part of the clash) including the Marauder (Not in Game)
Scraping together what parts they could (or what parts the factories they still had were producing) the cobbled together the first "Frankenmech" from the assorted bits.
In short: a surprisingly functional heavy mech.
Fun Fact: after capturing and redesigning several Cataphracts the FedSuns built the Caesar which has more in common with the CapCon's Cataphract's than the Davion redesigns.....
Orion (75 tons)
Built in 2456 as the "Ultimate Battlemech" the Orion is known as a dependable workhorse capable of filling almost any combat role.
In short: a well balanced design, lasting even after being surpassed at it's intended role.
Fun Fact: known as the "Poor man's Atlas"
Notable Pilots: Aleksandr_Kerensky himself and Theodore_Kurita who managed to obtain Kerensky's own mech - the Protector hero mech
Dragon (60 tons)
The Dragon is a heavy mech first built in 2754 in an attempt to replace the Shadow Hawk, it was marked as a failure as such, but quickly picked up by the Draconis Combine to be the basis of their army.
The Dragon was designed as a close combat fighter (why do all of ours come with LRM stock then? to soften them up as it approaches - credit to Mahws) with above average speed for it's weight.
The Dragon is best known as the "poster boy" mech for the Draconis Combine.
In short: a mobile striker comparable to the Shadow Hawk. (debatably better at long range over short in this game)
Quickdraw (60 tons)
Built in 2779 as a competitor to the Rifleman (Not in Game), like the Kintaro it was a failure.
However, like the Kintaro, it quickly found it's niche as a close combat in-fighter, due to it's above average mobility and plenitude of short range weaponry.
In short: mobile short range combatant
Catapult (65 tons)
An offensive (as in built to attack) second line mech first built in 2561.
The Catapult was designed with jump jets to let it cross rough terrain easier, thus allowing it to place itself favorably in order to deliver a devastating rain of missiles. Most existing Catapults left with Kerensky during his exodus, leaving it a rare design before the Capellan Confederation managed to (temporarily) restart one of the factories.
In short: Missile oriented fire support - though some models forgo the missiles in favor of other weapons.
Fun Fact: the Catapult's ejection system launches the pilot sideways.
Jagermech (65 tons)
Designed as an anti-aircraft and fire-support platform in 2774, the Jagermech is the successor to the Rifleman (Not in Game) in more ways than one.
In short: Ballistics oriented fire support.
Fun Fact: One of the Federated Suns favorite designs, due to their preference for ballistics
Thunderbolt (65 tons)
The Thunderbolt started production in 2491 as an assault mech - but fell in the weights as other mechs were introduced. A solid design, carrying a variety of weapons.
In short: a well balanced design.
Fun Fact: the Thunderbolt is said to have an especially roomy cockpit
Fun Fact v2.0: One of the "Unseen" ... Re-Seen
Cataphract (70 tons)
The Cataphract is a heavy mech, and one of the first original designs since the start of the Succession Wars. Built by the Capellan Confederation, the Cataphract was not designed by inspiration, but rather desperation. During the Succession Wars (my books and Sarna disagree on when) the Confederation lost several important factories, denying them the ability to produce many of their mechs (how many, and what parts are also part of the clash) including the Marauder (Not in Game)
Scraping together what parts they could (or what parts the factories they still had were producing) the cobbled together the first "Frankenmech" from the assorted bits.
In short: a surprisingly functional heavy mech.
Fun Fact: after capturing and redesigning several Cataphracts the FedSuns built the Caesar which has more in common with the CapCon's Cataphract's than the Davion redesigns.....
Orion (75 tons)
Built in 2456 as the "Ultimate Battlemech" the Orion is known as a dependable workhorse capable of filling almost any combat role.
In short: a well balanced design, lasting even after being surpassed at it's intended role.
Fun Fact: known as the "Poor man's Atlas"
Notable Pilots: Aleksandr_Kerensky himself and Theodore_Kurita who managed to obtain Kerensky's own mech - the Protector hero mech
Assault Mechs!
Spoiler
Awesome (80 tons)
Built in 2665 to replace the Striker (Not in Game) the original role of the Awesome (like the back-story of the Cataphract) is in some debate.
Some claiming it was built to be a vanguard siege-breaker, others as a mid-long range fire support mech.
(for the record, looking at what variants are/were available, my moneys on the later - you don't put LRM on a battering ram)
In short: depends on who you ask.
Victor (80 tons)
Built as a support mech in 2508.
With a relatively low ground speed, the Victor maintains it's mobility through the use of jump jets.
In short: a relatively mobile assault mech. In other words it is big and it hurts things badly.
Fun fact: The factory for it was originally in the hands of the Federated Suns, and the loved the design, but lost the factory to their long time nemesis, the Draconis Combine.
Battlemaster (85 tons)
Versatile and powerful, the Battlemaster has been one of the best known mechs since it was first developed in 2633. Like the Orion, the Battlemaster was first built to be the biggest mech on the field.
Again like the Orion, the quality of the Battlemaster's design is such that it has survived being eclipsed.
In short: read the above and tell me again you need this bit.
Fun Fact: One of the "Unseen" ... Re-Seen
Stalker (85 tons)
First produced in 2594 the Stalker was designed as a heavy assault platform (as in designed for assaults rather than marking the weight class) It was built to be a slow moving platform capable of handling combat at any range, with overlapping weapon ranges allowing it to increase the damage it deals as the enemy attempts to close.
In short: an assault mech in every sense of the word
Fun Fact: the Stalker's legs originally bent both ways (Stalker1.jpg)
Highlander (90 tons)
First entering service to the Star League in 2592 the Highlander was one of their best known designs.
Designed as a mech built to defend cities and military installations, it carries a variety of weapons, and was the heaviest mech to carry jump jets at the time of it's work with the Star League.
In short: like the Victor a relatively mobile assault mech.
Fun Fact: Death from Above attacks, or jump jetting on top of another to crush their cockpit (functionality not in game) is commonly referred to as a "Highlander Burial"
Notable Pilots: Rhonda_Snord with the Heavy Metal hero
Banshee (95 tons)
One of the few 95 ton mechs in the series, the Banshee was first built in 2445, also making it one of the oldest mechs in the series, timeline wise. Built for close combat, the Banshee carries little in the way of weaponry, for it's weight, instead relying on melee combat and it's 17+ tons of armor, and unusually high speed for it's weight to get it by. However, unusually high speed for an assault mech, is still very slow by battlefield standards, leaving the Banshee in second line regiments, or sent to hunt poorly armed bandits in the periphery.
In Short: Steiner Scout Lance
Fun Fact: All to most of the Banshee's weaponry is torso-mounted, letting it use both arms for melee combat.
Notable Pilots: Victor Vandergriff (there is no Sarna article for the guy the Hero is based on)
Atlas (100 tons)
Designed under orders of Kerensky himself in 2755, with the orders being "A mech as powerful as possible, as impenetrable as possible, and as ugly and foreboding as conceivable. So that fear itself will be our ally"
The Atlas is the biggest mech on the field (Orca and Omega notwithstanding, and neither are in game)
Carrying a massive variety of weapons and possessing the unique "Death's Head"- the Atlas is an unpleasant surprise to find waiting around the corner.
In short: The Big Guy - other may carry more firepower, or be faster, but no one is bigger.
Awesome (80 tons)
Built in 2665 to replace the Striker (Not in Game) the original role of the Awesome (like the back-story of the Cataphract) is in some debate.
Some claiming it was built to be a vanguard siege-breaker, others as a mid-long range fire support mech.
(for the record, looking at what variants are/were available, my moneys on the later - you don't put LRM on a battering ram)
In short: depends on who you ask.
Victor (80 tons)
Built as a support mech in 2508.
With a relatively low ground speed, the Victor maintains it's mobility through the use of jump jets.
In short: a relatively mobile assault mech. In other words it is big and it hurts things badly.
Fun fact: The factory for it was originally in the hands of the Federated Suns, and the loved the design, but lost the factory to their long time nemesis, the Draconis Combine.
Battlemaster (85 tons)
Versatile and powerful, the Battlemaster has been one of the best known mechs since it was first developed in 2633. Like the Orion, the Battlemaster was first built to be the biggest mech on the field.
Again like the Orion, the quality of the Battlemaster's design is such that it has survived being eclipsed.
In short: read the above and tell me again you need this bit.
Fun Fact: One of the "Unseen" ... Re-Seen
Stalker (85 tons)
First produced in 2594 the Stalker was designed as a heavy assault platform (as in designed for assaults rather than marking the weight class) It was built to be a slow moving platform capable of handling combat at any range, with overlapping weapon ranges allowing it to increase the damage it deals as the enemy attempts to close.
In short: an assault mech in every sense of the word
Fun Fact: the Stalker's legs originally bent both ways
(Stalker1.jpg)Highlander (90 tons)
First entering service to the Star League in 2592 the Highlander was one of their best known designs.
Designed as a mech built to defend cities and military installations, it carries a variety of weapons, and was the heaviest mech to carry jump jets at the time of it's work with the Star League.
In short: like the Victor a relatively mobile assault mech.
Fun Fact: Death from Above attacks, or jump jetting on top of another to crush their cockpit (functionality not in game) is commonly referred to as a "Highlander Burial"
Notable Pilots: Rhonda_Snord with the Heavy Metal hero
Banshee (95 tons)
One of the few 95 ton mechs in the series, the Banshee was first built in 2445, also making it one of the oldest mechs in the series, timeline wise. Built for close combat, the Banshee carries little in the way of weaponry, for it's weight, instead relying on melee combat and it's 17+ tons of armor, and unusually high speed for it's weight to get it by. However, unusually high speed for an assault mech, is still very slow by battlefield standards, leaving the Banshee in second line regiments, or sent to hunt poorly armed bandits in the periphery.
In Short: Steiner Scout Lance
Fun Fact: All to most of the Banshee's weaponry is torso-mounted, letting it use both arms for melee combat.
Notable Pilots: Victor Vandergriff (there is no Sarna article for the guy the Hero is based on)
Atlas (100 tons)
Designed under orders of Kerensky himself in 2755, with the orders being "A mech as powerful as possible, as impenetrable as possible, and as ugly and foreboding as conceivable. So that fear itself will be our ally"
The Atlas is the biggest mech on the field (Orca and Omega notwithstanding, and neither are in game)
Carrying a massive variety of weapons and possessing the unique "Death's Head"- the Atlas is an unpleasant surprise to find waiting around the corner.
In short: The Big Guy - other may carry more firepower, or be faster, but no one is bigger.
Clan Omni-Mechs!
Spoiler
Note! Clan mechs have two names - as they originated from another area of space unknown to the Inner Sphere factions.
The name their creators gave them / the name the Inner Sphere gave them as they did not know the original names.
Clan omnimech function differently when it comes to Inner Sphere designs, as they were built to have their weaponry modified, something that does not happen easily to most mechs. - this functionality does not come up in gameplay for most games.
Kit Fox / Uller (30 tons)
The Kit Fox is a light omni-mech with a focus on long range combat, earning it the nickname Uller after the Norse god of archery. First produced by Clan Cloud Cobra in 2890, it is only produced by one other Clan, the Jade Falcons, who won the right to do so with a very narrow victory.
Forgoing the high speeds it's size could give it, the Kit Fox focuses more on firepower.
In short: like the Commando, it focuses more on firepower than mobility
Fun Fact: the original design lacked any torso twist.
Adder / Puma (35 tons)
Codenamed Puma by the Inner Sphere forces, the Adder was built to provide lightweight direct or indirect fire support.
The Adder began production in 3010 by Clan Star Adder, it was built to emulate the average firepower levels of the Inner Sphere medium class mechs, giving it a surprisingly large punch for it's size.
All the Clans produce this omni-mech.
In short: Big Guns, Little Mech.
Nova / Black Hawk (50 tons)
Designed as an early omni-mech by Clan Hell's Horses in 2870, the Nova was built for infantry support, and was the first mech to have the mounts necessary to carry the Elemental battle armors into battle.
Despite it's status as a workhorse design, the Nova has been diminishing in numbers, after the Ghost Bear's took the planet upon which their factory was located (details anyone?)
In short: a short, mobile mech, cabably of filling a lot of different roles.
Fun fact: like the Kit Fox, the Nova originally had no torso twist, with the legs mounted on the sides of the torso. (Blckhawk.jpg)
Storm Crow / Ryoken (55 tons)
A widespread, second generation omni-mech, built by Clan Hell's Horses in 2930.
Clan Smoke Jaguar was especially fond of the design, leading to it's Inner Sphere name coming from the Draconis Combines encounters with it.
In short: the very model of a modern major... 55 ton omni-mech?
Fun Fact: apparently Ryoken is a type of medieval Japanese inn (I do not speak the language, but that has come up a few times in the clan portion of the forums) or the upper cut from Street Fighter.
Fun Fact v2.0: I have to wonder how often the hands on this thing actually get used lorewise....
Summoner / Thor (70 tons)
The Summoner is a chassis favored and built by Clan Jade Falcon, after winning the functions of omni-tech from Clan Coyote in 2872.
In short: a flexible and highly mobile 70 ton omni mech
Notable Pilots: Aidan_Pryde piloted one for most of his career
Timber Wolf / Mad Cat (75 tons)
Since it's debut in 2945 the Timber Wolf has been used by all the Clans consistently.
Best known for it's "origin" story during the Invasion - the Timber Wolf was dubbed the Mad Cat as it appeared as a cross between the Catapult and Marauder designs, or MAD and CAT.
It was built by Clan Wolf to replace the Woodsman mech (Not in Game)
In short: a surprisingly fast heavy omni-mech boasting massive amounts of firepower.
Fun Fact: in older mechwarrior games, the Timber Wolf had a relatively massive "head" area somewhat comparable to the Catapult in MWO.....
Notable Pilots: Aidan_Pryde died in one.
Warhawk / Masakari (85 tons)
Introduced by Clan Smoke Jaguar in 2999 in preparation for the return to the Inner Sphere, when the Warden Clans managed to stall for time, the Jaguars unleashed their new design upon their Warden opposition with deadly effect. While other Clans may feild the design in some numbers, the Jaguars zelously protect their ownership of the factories.
In short: y'know it is actually hard to come up with this line for the omni-mechs.....
Fun Fact: Masakari is the name of a type of battleaxe
Dire Wolf / Daishi (100 tons)
Brain child of the Clan Wolf's scientist caste, the Dire Wolf was actually first built by Clan Smoke Jaguar in 3010. Rumor has it the Smoke Jaguars won through underhanded means.... though Clan Wolf later won the right to produce their own Dire Wolf omni-mechs, leaving those two Clans the sole producers of the chassis.
In short: first rival the Atlas has had in a long long time.
Fun Fact: the name Daishi was granted the omni-mech by the criminal elements of the Draconis Combine, the word meaning "Great Death"
Notable Pilots: Natasha Kerensky's Widowmaker
Note! Clan mechs have two names - as they originated from another area of space unknown to the Inner Sphere factions.
The name their creators gave them / the name the Inner Sphere gave them as they did not know the original names.
Clan omnimech function differently when it comes to Inner Sphere designs, as they were built to have their weaponry modified, something that does not happen easily to most mechs. - this functionality does not come up in gameplay for most games.
Kit Fox / Uller (30 tons)
The Kit Fox is a light omni-mech with a focus on long range combat, earning it the nickname Uller after the Norse god of archery. First produced by Clan Cloud Cobra in 2890, it is only produced by one other Clan, the Jade Falcons, who won the right to do so with a very narrow victory.
Forgoing the high speeds it's size could give it, the Kit Fox focuses more on firepower.
In short: like the Commando, it focuses more on firepower than mobility
Fun Fact: the original design lacked any torso twist.
Adder / Puma (35 tons)
Codenamed Puma by the Inner Sphere forces, the Adder was built to provide lightweight direct or indirect fire support.
The Adder began production in 3010 by Clan Star Adder, it was built to emulate the average firepower levels of the Inner Sphere medium class mechs, giving it a surprisingly large punch for it's size.
All the Clans produce this omni-mech.
In short: Big Guns, Little Mech.
Nova / Black Hawk (50 tons)
Designed as an early omni-mech by Clan Hell's Horses in 2870, the Nova was built for infantry support, and was the first mech to have the mounts necessary to carry the Elemental battle armors into battle.
Despite it's status as a workhorse design, the Nova has been diminishing in numbers, after the Ghost Bear's took the planet upon which their factory was located (details anyone?)
In short: a short, mobile mech, cabably of filling a lot of different roles.
Fun fact: like the Kit Fox, the Nova originally had no torso twist, with the legs mounted on the sides of the torso. (Blckhawk.jpg)
Storm Crow / Ryoken (55 tons)
A widespread, second generation omni-mech, built by Clan Hell's Horses in 2930.
Clan Smoke Jaguar was especially fond of the design, leading to it's Inner Sphere name coming from the Draconis Combines encounters with it.
In short: the very model of a modern major... 55 ton omni-mech?
Fun Fact: apparently Ryoken is a type of medieval Japanese inn (I do not speak the language, but that has come up a few times in the clan portion of the forums) or the upper cut from Street Fighter.
Fun Fact v2.0: I have to wonder how often the hands on this thing actually get used lorewise....
Summoner / Thor (70 tons)
The Summoner is a chassis favored and built by Clan Jade Falcon, after winning the functions of omni-tech from Clan Coyote in 2872.
In short: a flexible and highly mobile 70 ton omni mech
Notable Pilots: Aidan_Pryde piloted one for most of his career
Timber Wolf / Mad Cat (75 tons)
Since it's debut in 2945 the Timber Wolf has been used by all the Clans consistently.
Best known for it's "origin" story during the Invasion - the Timber Wolf was dubbed the Mad Cat as it appeared as a cross between the Catapult and Marauder designs, or MAD and CAT.
It was built by Clan Wolf to replace the Woodsman mech (Not in Game)
In short: a surprisingly fast heavy omni-mech boasting massive amounts of firepower.
Fun Fact: in older mechwarrior games, the Timber Wolf had a relatively massive "head" area somewhat comparable to the Catapult in MWO.....
Notable Pilots: Aidan_Pryde died in one.
Warhawk / Masakari (85 tons)
Introduced by Clan Smoke Jaguar in 2999 in preparation for the return to the Inner Sphere, when the Warden Clans managed to stall for time, the Jaguars unleashed their new design upon their Warden opposition with deadly effect. While other Clans may feild the design in some numbers, the Jaguars zelously protect their ownership of the factories.
In short: y'know it is actually hard to come up with this line for the omni-mechs.....
Fun Fact: Masakari is the name of a type of battleaxe
Dire Wolf / Daishi (100 tons)
Brain child of the Clan Wolf's scientist caste, the Dire Wolf was actually first built by Clan Smoke Jaguar in 3010. Rumor has it the Smoke Jaguars won through underhanded means.... though Clan Wolf later won the right to produce their own Dire Wolf omni-mechs, leaving those two Clans the sole producers of the chassis.
In short: first rival the Atlas has had in a long long time.
Fun Fact: the name Daishi was granted the omni-mech by the criminal elements of the Draconis Combine, the word meaning "Great Death"
Notable Pilots: Natasha Kerensky's Widowmaker
Mister Not-Appearing-In-This-Show Mechs!
Or to give it another name:
Mechs you are likely to hear about, but are not in the game.
Spoiler
Other Mechs you may see around the forums......
Flea (20 tons)
First built in the Free Worlds League in 2475, the chassis was so flawed that it took almost 25 years to fix the issues. Originally known as the TPR-1 Trooper, it was renamed the Flea after correcting said mistakes. Even after, it was not until Wolf's Dragoons appeared (bringing with them a fair number) that the chassis gained popularity as a cheap reconnaissance and anti-personel mech among militia forces.
Fun Fact: Announced... but not here yet
Urbanmech (35 tons)
First built in 2675 the Urbanmech was built to defend.... you might guess this one... urban areas.
Rugged and cheap, it has survived despite a crippling low speed due to it's mobility from jump jets, small profile, and choice of battlefields.
Not overly fit for most battlefields the Urbanmech has survived the destruction of it's factories due to several factors, including a lack of offensive deployment, and the basicness of the design making repairs quite easy.
In short: a mech to be feared in it's element, especially as that is about the only place you will find it.
Fun Fact: Using one of the balancing rules of the original table top game (battlevalue, or BV) an equivalent value of urban mechs was more than a match for it's value in Clan-tech...provided the poor Urbie managed to stay in the short ranges provided by it's home terrain.
Panther (35 tons)
Another iconic mech for the Draconis Combine, the Panther was brought into production in 2739.
Built to provide long range fire support for mobile light mech lances, the Panther's first design failed as it relied on a single large laser, which was not efficient at the ranges it was trying to operate at.
However, it survived due to the hardiness of the design, and was quickly picked up by the Draconis Combine after the fall of the Star League.
In short: We aren't going to see this one without some drastic changes to how mechs function, as we would need to both gain access to <100 grade engines in order to use it's stock engines (an issue shared by the Urbanmech) AND prevent the other 35 tonners from mounting PPCs to prevent it being redundant the moment it shows up.
Fun Fact: it was nicknamed the "Alley Cat" by the Lyran forces due to it performing "Mech Muggings"
Wolfhound (35 tons)
The Wolfhound was first produced in 3028 as a counterpoint to the Panther. Carrying only energy weapons by design, and carrying a standard engine, the Wolfhound can go for long periods without rearm or refit. The mech's quality can be deducted by the fact that the Combine attempted to build a mech specifically to counter the Wolfhound, and that the design largely failed in it's job - that mech being the 45 ton Wolf Trap (Not In Game).
In Short: a mech so well built, that when Clan Wolf captured one, the Khan had it rebuilt with clan tech for when the captured pilot attained the rank of Warrior within the Clan - note: Wolfhound IIC
Fun Fact: The Wolfhound's ejection system encompasses the whole head - a trait shared with the Hatchetman (Not In Game)
Notable Pilots: Daniel Allard and Phelan Kell
Crab (50 tons)
Designed during the last days of the Star League, the Crab would have likely become the standard use medium mech if not for said fall of the Star League. First built in 2719, fewer than 1,000 were built before the Succession Wars caused the loss of the knowledge to build the machines (as well as destroying the factories) The recovery of the Helm Memory Core however, allowed for production to resume in 3050.
In Short: A squat, fast, energy based medium mech.
Fun Fact: If no explosions are imminent, the Crab's ejection system rotates the pilot 90o and launches them out the rear of the mech.
Grasshopper (75 tons)
Coming Soontm
Charger (80 tons)
Originally designed as an ultra-heavy scout in 2665, but between the weight of the engine and armor, there was no room left for weaponry. However, as war raged on it gained a reputation as a mech easy to maintain, ensuring it's survival throughout the years.
Fun Fact: For all that it lacked what most would consider weaponry, it proved itself quite capable in melee combat.
Fun Fact V2.0: The Combine loved the Charger enough that when they started building their own designs, they used the Charger as the base for the iconic Hatamoto-chi
Mauler (90 tons)
King Crab (100 tons)
Built, like the Atlas, at the request of Alexander Kerensky, though 12 years earlier in 2743. The King Crab was designed to do 2 things, bring as much firepower to bear on the enemy as possible, and deny them an area (a two-fold purpose that overlaps rather well)
In Short: A mech built to carry twin AC/20
Fun Fact: the King Crab is extremely short for it's height, but very long, a trait shared with the Crab.
Mackie (100 tons)
The Mackie was the first true Battlemech in the timeline, and began production in 2439.
In Short: not sure what more to say about it
Fun Fact: The Mackie prototype was tested against 4 remote controlled heavy tanks.
Other Mechs you may see around the forums......
Flea (20 tons)
First built in the Free Worlds League in 2475, the chassis was so flawed that it took almost 25 years to fix the issues. Originally known as the TPR-1 Trooper, it was renamed the Flea after correcting said mistakes. Even after, it was not until Wolf's Dragoons appeared (bringing with them a fair number) that the chassis gained popularity as a cheap reconnaissance and anti-personel mech among militia forces.
Fun Fact: Announced... but not here yet
Urbanmech (35 tons)
First built in 2675 the Urbanmech was built to defend.... you might guess this one... urban areas.
Rugged and cheap, it has survived despite a crippling low speed due to it's mobility from jump jets, small profile, and choice of battlefields.
Not overly fit for most battlefields the Urbanmech has survived the destruction of it's factories due to several factors, including a lack of offensive deployment, and the basicness of the design making repairs quite easy.
In short: a mech to be feared in it's element, especially as that is about the only place you will find it.
Fun Fact: Using one of the balancing rules of the original table top game (battlevalue, or BV) an equivalent value of urban mechs was more than a match for it's value in Clan-tech...provided the poor Urbie managed to stay in the short ranges provided by it's home terrain.
Panther (35 tons)
Another iconic mech for the Draconis Combine, the Panther was brought into production in 2739.
Built to provide long range fire support for mobile light mech lances, the Panther's first design failed as it relied on a single large laser, which was not efficient at the ranges it was trying to operate at.
However, it survived due to the hardiness of the design, and was quickly picked up by the Draconis Combine after the fall of the Star League.
In short: We aren't going to see this one without some drastic changes to how mechs function, as we would need to both gain access to <100 grade engines in order to use it's stock engines (an issue shared by the Urbanmech) AND prevent the other 35 tonners from mounting PPCs to prevent it being redundant the moment it shows up.
Fun Fact: it was nicknamed the "Alley Cat" by the Lyran forces due to it performing "Mech Muggings"
Wolfhound (35 tons)
The Wolfhound was first produced in 3028 as a counterpoint to the Panther. Carrying only energy weapons by design, and carrying a standard engine, the Wolfhound can go for long periods without rearm or refit. The mech's quality can be deducted by the fact that the Combine attempted to build a mech specifically to counter the Wolfhound, and that the design largely failed in it's job - that mech being the 45 ton Wolf Trap (Not In Game).
In Short: a mech so well built, that when Clan Wolf captured one, the Khan had it rebuilt with clan tech for when the captured pilot attained the rank of Warrior within the Clan - note: Wolfhound IIC
Fun Fact: The Wolfhound's ejection system encompasses the whole head - a trait shared with the Hatchetman (Not In Game)
Notable Pilots: Daniel Allard and Phelan Kell
Crab (50 tons)
Designed during the last days of the Star League, the Crab would have likely become the standard use medium mech if not for said fall of the Star League. First built in 2719, fewer than 1,000 were built before the Succession Wars caused the loss of the knowledge to build the machines (as well as destroying the factories) The recovery of the Helm Memory Core however, allowed for production to resume in 3050.
In Short: A squat, fast, energy based medium mech.
Fun Fact: If no explosions are imminent, the Crab's ejection system rotates the pilot 90o and launches them out the rear of the mech.
Grasshopper (75 tons)
Coming Soontm
Charger (80 tons)
Originally designed as an ultra-heavy scout in 2665, but between the weight of the engine and armor, there was no room left for weaponry. However, as war raged on it gained a reputation as a mech easy to maintain, ensuring it's survival throughout the years.
Fun Fact: For all that it lacked what most would consider weaponry, it proved itself quite capable in melee combat.
Fun Fact V2.0: The Combine loved the Charger enough that when they started building their own designs, they used the Charger as the base for the iconic Hatamoto-chi
Mauler (90 tons)
King Crab (100 tons)
Built, like the Atlas, at the request of Alexander Kerensky, though 12 years earlier in 2743. The King Crab was designed to do 2 things, bring as much firepower to bear on the enemy as possible, and deny them an area (a two-fold purpose that overlaps rather well)
In Short: A mech built to carry twin AC/20
Fun Fact: the King Crab is extremely short for it's height, but very long, a trait shared with the Crab.
Mackie (100 tons)
The Mackie was the first true Battlemech in the timeline, and began production in 2439.
In Short: not sure what more to say about it
Fun Fact: The Mackie prototype was tested against 4 remote controlled heavy tanks.
Other Clan Mechs! (Omni and otherwise)
Spoiler
Fire Moth / Dasher
Coming Soontm
Mist Lynx / Koshi (25 tons)
Coming Soontm
Viper / Dragonfly (40 tons)
Coming Soontm
Ice Ferret / Fenris (45 tons)
Coming Soontm
Hunchback IIc (50 tons)
Coming Soontm
Vulture (60 tons)
Coming Soontm
Hellbringer / Loki (65 tons)
Coming Soontm
Gargoyle / Man-o-War (80 tons)
Coming Soontm
Executioner / Gladiator (95 tons)
Coming Soontm
Fire Moth / Dasher
Coming Soontm
Mist Lynx / Koshi (25 tons)
Coming Soontm
Viper / Dragonfly (40 tons)
Coming Soontm
Ice Ferret / Fenris (45 tons)
Coming Soontm
Hunchback IIc (50 tons)
Coming Soontm
Vulture (60 tons)
Coming Soontm
Hellbringer / Loki (65 tons)
Coming Soontm
Gargoyle / Man-o-War (80 tons)
Coming Soontm
Executioner / Gladiator (95 tons)
Coming Soontm
The (other) Unseen!
Spoiler
Coming Soontm
.........maybe.
Note: to be sorted and filled out Soontm
Ostoll
Stinger
Wasp
Super Wasp
Valkyrie
Phoenix Hawk
Crusader
Falcon
Firebee
Hornet
Ostroc
Ostsol
Ostscout
Behemoth
Archer
Warhammer (2c variant)
Rifleman (2c variant)
Longbow
Marauder (2c variant)
Scorpion
Goliath
Conjurer (Hellhound)
Glass Spider (Galahad)
Howler (Baboon)
Bane (Kraken)
Vapor Eagle (Goshawk)
Black Python (Viper)
Stone Rhino (Behemoth)
Incubus (Vixen)
Raijin
Grand Crusader
Nexus
Coming Soontm
.........maybe.
Note: to be sorted and filled out Soontm
Ostoll
Stinger
Wasp
Super Wasp
Valkyrie
Phoenix Hawk
Crusader
Falcon
Firebee
Hornet
Ostroc
Ostsol
Ostscout
Behemoth
Archer
Warhammer (2c variant)
Rifleman (2c variant)
Longbow
Marauder (2c variant)
Scorpion
Goliath
Conjurer (Hellhound)
Glass Spider (Galahad)
Howler (Baboon)
Bane (Kraken)
Vapor Eagle (Goshawk)
Black Python (Viper)
Stone Rhino (Behemoth)
Incubus (Vixen)
Raijin
Grand Crusader
Nexus
If there are any other mechs you see around but are not overly familiar with - let me know and I can work on adding them to the list.
Edited by Shar Wolf, 05 March 2014 - 12:53 PM.
fixing that now.
