12 replies to this topic

[Polignac]

To begin, I should say I've never played Battletech TT, but me and a few friends have enjoyed MWO. I've read a lot of the novels, and I have also acquired a few Battletech Handbook/Guidebooks along the way. Is there a cheap/easy way to try Battletech without paying for a full starter kit?

For what it's worth, I have the Mechwarrior: The Battletech Role Playing Game (2nd edition) handbook. What else would I need besides a few minis? How do I get started?

[Blood Rose]

I would advise downloading megamek, which is a free game and is essentially Battletech on your computer Linky: http://megamek.info/ There is also the free Battletech starter set that can be printed off: http://d15yciz5bluc8...ules.pdf?28cf69

[CoffiNail]

Both are great. I play MegaMek myself occasionally, but the printed quick start rules got me started in TT in high school... not that it went anywhere as my group were more D&D than Sci-fi

[Mechteric]

Definitely try MegaMek. Also if you like Roguelike games I made this game based on the BattleTech board game:

http://minimek.sourc...ge.net/RogueMek

Edited by CapperDeluxe, 28 April 2014 - 05:14 AM.

[The Lost Boy]

You can find old boxed sets with the cardboard pieces and the basic rules at used bookstores or the electronicsbay, or glamazon pretty cheap.

[wolf74]

Cheapest way would be MegaMek, a Java Version of the board game.

http://megmek.info

[Spokes]

If you're looking for a cheap and fast way to try BattleTech, don't worry about the minis. Cardboard cutouts or even handmade tokens work just fine.

[mongrel]

Go to the drivethru rpg web site there are free down loads of the beginners box set rules as well as mech sheets. The starter is a fantastic deal the 26 mini's are worth it alone. It breaks down to less than $ 3 a mini.

[DarkDevilDancer]

Older versions really are not that different so the old sets with card bard pieces are a great idea.

[Dakkaface]

Megamek is pretty much the cheapest, easiest way to start. It handles the complicated things that slow down tabletop beginners like 'what chart am I checking now?' 'What's the modifier on that?' etc.

That said, picking up the starter box gets you the absolute best value for minis, as well as a pair of really gorgeous minis.

[Jae Hyun Nakamura]

So you have a rulebook, hopefully some dice D6 for rolls D10 for movementmarkers and D20 for Heat. Get some Gummibears, Chess figurines or the printed cardboard figueres.

What you really Need is a map (no CBT without a map)

If you have all te stuff go there ----> http://www.solarisskunkwerks.com/

download Programm (read instructions first !!!Important!!!) and you will have all <--- yes, all ever constructed mechs to print on beautiful mechsheets on A4 paper. You can see all the Battlevalue, Loadout and such, plan whole Lances, set the Piloting and Gunnery skillz. You can also put your Faction Logo or whatever directly on the sheet.

Have Fun

Ha

[Ninthshadow]

I recently decided to take a peek myself, so all this information was really useful.

I had a brush with Warhammer and D&D so I'm not completely out of my depth but it certainly is different. Although I've only toyed with it, I think it's safe to recommend Megamek as a very interesting start.

[Polignac]

Thanks for the tips, guys! I wound up getting the introductory box set (just a good, all-around-value) and have been painting my new minis! Pumped to give it a whirl!