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[InnerSphereNews]

SEPTEMBER PATCH NOTES

Patch Date and Time - September 23rd, 2025 @ 10AM - 1PM PACIFIC

Version Number: v1.4.312.0

Size: TBD

Please note that due to compression differences Steam patch size may be larger than the standalone client patch size.

Patch Files (Direct Download) - TBD

Greetings MechWarriors!

This month’s update includes the release of the Shadow Hawk IIC pack, 'mech adjustments, quirk adjustments, and more!

As always, a 2 week in-game Patch Science Sale will go live shortly after the patch and include all applicable items for testing.

'Mechs in-game and new 'mechs releasing are subject to future balance changes and tuning, so get out there and do the science so we can hear your feedback!

Shadow Hawk IIC

It’s here! The Shadow Hawk IIC launches in the September patch. You can view the package purchase page HERE!

Players who purchased the Clan Galaxies skin pack will also receive the Galaxies skins on the Shadow Hawk IIC

SHD-IIC and SCH-IIC(S)

SHD-IIC-2

SHD-IIC-4

SHD-IIC-5

SHD-IIC-6

SHD-IIC-A

SHD-IIC-B

SHD-IIC-DT

*Known Issue - SHADOWHAWK IIC Cockpit Animations are not displaying properly this will be addressed in a future patch

Store Adjustments:

Legends to Heroes

• Sigma, Starshot, and Naomi legends released for MC

Weapon Changes:

• Reduced Railgun offensive crit chance to weapon baseline (originally it was given the increased offensive crit chance of Gauss. This was unintentional)
• Increased Railgun fire volume

Map Changes:

• Reduced tree count on Emerald Vale

Equipment Changes:

• Increased Clan Double Heatsink component health to 7(from 4)

Bug Fixes:

• The following special mechs now have their special equipment show tooltips explaining their function: BANE-L, BKL-M(TSP), CPLT-FB/FB(LGD), CHP-AP/AP(LGD), all Fire Moths, GAR-M and P omnipods, SMN-II-E omnipods, SMN-II-T, PXH-S/S(LGD), and WHK-K/K(LGD)
• LRMs, ATMs, and Thunderbolts when fired in direct fire mode will now benefit from spread quirks and skills

Mech Mobility Changes:

• Increased Red Reaper Torso Yaw Speed to 126 Deg/S (from 108)
• Increased Red Reaper Torso Pitch Speed to 90 Deg/S (from 78.25)

Quirk Changes:

Jenner

• JR7-F
• Removed -5% Laser Heat
• Added 15% Medium Laser Family Heat
• Increased Heat to -10% (from -5%)
• JR7-D
• Removed 10% Missile Velocity
• Increased Heat to -10% (from -5%)
• Increased Missile Cooldown to -15% (from -7.5%)

Assassin

• ASN-23
• Removed -10% Energy Cooldown
• Removed -10% Missile Cooldown
• Added -10% Cooldown
• Added -15% Spread
• Added 20% Missile Velocity

Blackjack

• BJ-1DC
• Added 50% UAC Ammo

Hunchback

• HBK-4J
• Removed -10% LRM Spread
• Added -20% Missile Spread
• Increased Missile Heat to -20% (from -5%)

Catapult

• CPLT-C2
• Removed -10% LBx Cooldown
• Removed -5% LBx Spread
• Removed 20% LBx Velocity
• Removed 10% Missile Velocity
• Removed -5% Missile Heat
• Added 20% Velocity
• Added -10% Cooldown
• Added -10% Spread
• Increased Range to 15% (from 10%)
• CPLT-C4
• Removed -20% Energy Cooldown
• Removed -20% Missile Cooldown
• Removed -10% Missile Heat
• Added -20% Cooldown
• Added -10% Heat
• Increased Range to 20% (from 10%)
• CPLT-BB
• Removed 10% MRM Velocity
• Increased Missile Velocity to 20% (from 10%)
• Summoner
• All variants
• Added -20% Crit Chance Receiving to Center Torso

Black Knight

• BL-6-KNT
• Removed -5% Laser Heat
• Removed 10% Medium Laser Range
• Removed 5% Pulse Laser Range
• Added 10% Range
• Added -15% Medium Laser Family Heat
• Added -15% Laser Duration
• BL-6B-KNT
• Added 15% Pulse Laser Range
• BL-7-KNT
• Removed -5% Energy Cooldown
• Removed +2 LPPC HSL
• Removed 10% PPC velocity
• Added 30% Velocity
• Added 10% Range
• BL-7-KNT-L
• Removed -5% Laser Duration
• Removed -10% STD Laser Duration
• Added 25% Medium Laser Family Range
• Added IS STD LL HSL +2
• BL-P-KNT
• Removed -10% STD Laser Heat
• Removed -10% Missile Heat
• Added 30% STD Autocannon Range
• Added -10% Heat
• Increased Missile Cooldown to -40% (from -30%)
• BL-X-KNT-2
• Removed all Armor Quirks
• Added +12 Full Body Armor
• Added +138 Armor to RA
• Added +15 Armor to CT
• Added 20% Missile velocity
• Added -15% Missile heat

Thanatos

• TNS-4P
• Added -60% Missile Spread
• Added 100% Missile Velocity

Longbow

• LGB-10K
• Added 15% UAC20 Range

Bullshark

• BSK-WG
• Added -10% Heat

Clan Bullshark

• BSK-VK
• Removed -10% Dissipation
• Reduced CT Armor to +10 (from +15)
• Reduced LT and RT Armor to +15 (from +20)
• Reduced LA and RA Armor to +10 (from +15)

Dire Wolf

• DWF-S
• Increased Turn Rate to 45% in So8 (from 10%)
• Increased Torso Yaw Speed to 45% in So8 (from 10%)
• Added 45% Torso Pitch Speed in So8

Patch Files (Direct Download)

To make the patching process easier for players with limited download caps, we'll be providing direct download links for the patch file(s) that comprise this patch. This will allow you to download the patch file(s) elsewhere, for manual injection into the MWO patcher through a Patch Cache folder.

Aside from allowing you to download the patch file(s) elsewhere, on another connection, there are no additional benefits to performing the patch this way; the patching process itself will be the same.

This direct patch download process will only work for players running the standalone client. It does not apply to players running MWO through Steam.

Patch File(s): -TBD

Download the above file(s)

For sake of ease, we recommend creating a dedicated folder for the patch file(s), such as 'MWO Patch Cache'

You do not need to unzip or unpack the patch file(s)

Launch the MWO Portal

Select the three horizontal lines in the top left of the Portal Window

Choose the 'Specify Patch File Cache' option

In the field that appears, paste or enter the location in which you saved the patch file(s) and hit OK

For example, C:\Users\<username>\Documents\MWO Patch Cache

Click the blue Patch button

The launcher will now check the Patch Cache folder you defined. If it locates the required patch files, it will unpack and use those files to apply the patch

Once the patch is complete, launch the game

[ShogunKid]

First!! (my first and probably last post to do that. lol)

[Ttly]

Really? More CTpod quirk (-20% crit) to Summoner (all)?
It's welcome on some of the So8s/variants sure, but it already powercreeps a lot of mediums, and even a lot of heavies.
Really should've been relegated to So8/only on some variants (Prime, B, C, F, M, Pride, P) rather than just CTpod quirk on all variants. Maybe even an RTpod (which some variants have zero hardpoints on) quirk instead.
The D (already has eHSL+1 CTpod, pretty strong quirk because 3HLL/PPC), G (fat Scaleshot So8, also +25% pLaser range CTpod), and the mixpod Summoners (especially the Summoner-Crael build) definitely doesn't need it.
The Summoner already has nearly as much hitpoints as 80-85t thanks to skill nodes on top too while being as agile as a medium.

As for the Red Reaper, I would've asked for general/energy heat quirks instead with how hot it is, but I guess someone thought being allowed to shoot more with them instead of using the shield defeats the point of its gimmick. The FB armor is nice too, though if you want people to "learn how to use the shield correctly" I'd suggest giving it 360retention+t.decay quirk, and maybe tell more people to pay attention to the compass when torso twisting.
Also goodbye 5LPPC Black Knight I guess.

Oh and I still think the SHD-IIC to be glass+worse Grasshoppers/Griffin (which are in turn mostly worse Summoner too now) because cXL tax.
I mean wow, just look at those (lack of) quirks for a medium.
At least it goes faster.

JR7-D loses its missile velocity (something particularly relevant to this weapon type) because those 2 slots of 2 missile hardpoints that could only go to either 2lrm5, 2srm4, or 1mrm10 totally needs a nerf.

Not really a fan of the IS Railshark buff as well, since losing an ST with LE (which also would move slower than XL) on it in the first place would've softkilled its effectiveness anyway with the railgun+laser (any remaining) heat, which makes putting on an IS XL isn't really that big of a downside on it you ask me. Oh and it didn't really shake up its job of being a "Duelist but better".

Edited by Ttly, 19 September 2025 - 01:31 AM.

[Amsro]

ShadowHawk hunting this weekend.

[crazytimes]

I am glad to see the Black Knight finally got it's rescale!

[Ekson Valdez]

Amsro, on 18 September 2025 - 11:45 AM, said:

ShadowHawk hunting this weekend.

Good luck. Patch goes live next tuesday.

[Mistah Boom]

-BL-7-KNT

-Removed +2 LPPC HSL

The only thing that made it unique.


-BL-7-KNT-L

-Added IS STD LL HSL +2

I guess this is the unique one now.

How disappointing.

[w0qj]

That's a big Shadow Hawk IIC mech pack, with eight variants!

[Green Astronaut]

Could someone explain the +2LPPC removal on the BLK-7-KNT? It got extra velocity (and range) quirks, but you're taking away the LPPC's? Only thing that really confuses me. Sure, you could get goofy with it*, but I don't know about that. You definitely don't see them overplayed or abused. (Maybe lower tiers?)

*A2582:H1|Vg|i^|i^pl0|H@|H@ql0|G@|G@|i^|i^r`0|G@|i^s`0|i^|i^t01u01vB0w404040

Edited by Green Astronaut, 18 September 2025 - 02:16 PM.

[The_Incredible_Hulk]

appreciate the unintentional purple pants on one of the variants! all i gotta do is paint the rest green

[kalashnikity]

"Increased Railgun fire volume"

What does this mean???

[Ttly]

Green Astronaut, on 18 September 2025 - 02:15 PM, said:

Could someone explain the +2LPPC removal on the BLK-7-KNT? It got extra velocity (and range) quirks, but you're taking away the LPPC's? Only thing that really confuses me. Sure, you could get goofy with it*, but I don't know about that. You definitely don't see them overplayed or abused. (Maybe lower tiers?) *A2582:H1|Vg|i^|i^pl0|H@|H@ql0|G@|G@|i^|i^r`0|G@|i^s`0|i^|i^t01u01vB0w404040

bl-7-knt(shs) bl-7-knt(dhs)
You could still do similar damage (but less PPC DPS and for more weight cost because PPCs have longer cd and heavier than 2LPPC each) with 2PPC+1LPPC, and the changes did make having medium lasers as secondaries to work better with the +range while the +velocity all around makes the PPCs easier to aim.

All around it's still a buff since it freed up hardpoints (thus higher alpha) for more (six) medium lasers instead of something like this with 5LPPC.

Edited by Ttly, 19 September 2025 - 01:19 AM.

[Voice of Kerensky]

It's sad that once again there is no attempt to give this game a teambalance.

[Amsro]

Ekson Valdez, on 18 September 2025 - 12:01 PM, said:

Good luck. Patch goes live next tuesday.

I'm from the future!!

[TercieI]

kalashnikity, on 18 September 2025 - 09:01 PM, said:

"Increased Railgun fire volume"

What does this mean???

It's louder.

[Saved By The Bell]

kalashnikity, on 18 September 2025 - 09:01 PM, said:

"Increased Railgun fire volume"

What does this mean???

MORE!

[Void Angel]

]

TercieI, on 19 September 2025 - 07:46 AM, said:

It's louder.

Edited by Void Angel, 19 September 2025 - 09:51 AM.

[Rhaelcan]

Ttly, on 18 September 2025 - 09:48 AM, said:

Really? More CTpod quirk (-20% crit) to Summoner (all)?
It's welcome on some of the So8s/variants sure, but it already powercreeps a lot of mediums, and even a lot of heavies.
Really should've been relegated to So8/only on some variants (Prime, B, C, F, M, Pride, P) rather than just CTpod quirk on all variants. Maybe even an RTpod (which some variants have zero hardpoints on) quirk instead.
The D (already has eHSL+1 CTpod, pretty strong quirk because 3HLL/PPC), G (fat Scaleshot So8, also +25% pLaser range CTpod), and the mixpod Summoners (especially the Summoner-Crael build) definitely doesn't need it.
The Summoner already has nearly as much hitpoints as 80-85t thanks to skill nodes on top too while being as agile as a medium.

As for the Red Reaper, I would've asked for general/energy heat quirks instead with how hot it is, but I guess someone thought being allowed to shoot more with them instead of using the shield defeats the point of its gimmick. The FB armor is nice too, though if you want people to "learn how to use the shield correctly" I'd suggest giving it 360retention+t.decay quirk, and maybe tell more people to pay attention to the compass when torso twisting.
Also goodbye 5LPPC Black Knight I guess.

Oh and I still think the SHD-IIC to be glass+worse Grasshoppers/Griffin (which are in turn mostly worse Summoner too now) because cXL tax.
I mean wow, just look at those (lack of) quirks for a medium.
At least it goes faster.

JR7-D loses its missile velocity (something particularly relevant to this weapon type) because those 2 slots of 2 missile hardpoints that could only go to either 2lrm5, 2srm4, or 1mrm10 totally needs a nerf.

Not really a fan of the IS Railshark buff as well, since losing an ST with LE (which also would move slower than XL) on it in the first place would've softkilled its effectiveness anyway with the railgun+laser (any remaining) heat, which makes putting on an IS XL isn't really that big of a downside on it you ask me. Oh and it didn't really shake up its job of being a "Duelist but better".

To be honest, it mostly lines up to the hatchetman in what it could do. But, it is a lot smaller. It isn't meant to try and compete with some of the faster 45 tonners, but moreso mount more firepower.

[Rhaelcan]

As for the jenner, 10% extra velocity isn't that big. It got much more cooldown, meaning you can fire more. Overall a buff. Also, Duelist and war ghoul do two different things.

[Ttly]

Rhaelcan, on 19 September 2025 - 01:44 PM, said:

To be honest, it mostly lines up to the hatchetman in what it could do. But, it is a lot smaller. It isn't meant to try and compete with some of the faster 45 tonners, but moreso mount more firepower.

The slower moving SHD-IIC builds are right next to the likes of U/AC HBK-IICs, which has even better hardpoint placement+hitpoints. Or the pretend-heavies (and even some of the slow lights) like the Nova, it's just not really fit for said spot as it is with its lack of quirks. I guess it's comparable to the Huntsman if nothing else then, but even it gets more weapon quirks than it.

While the faster ones instead has to contend with lights, or some of the mediums like Vulcan, Viper, Phoenix Hawk, even some of the faster heavies, and also looks mediocre as well in comparison on that spot.

If it were balanced to be more "middle of the pack" at very least, I wouldn't complain about it. Stuff like heat quirks here, cooldown there, maybe even some missile velocity. Which I would also say is due as well on some of its contemporaries.

Still, if you want a more radical approach, I'd personally would rather have cXL blow you up when you lose an ST just so we could stop having "cXL tax" as an excuse all around. And I suppose with HLL+ERMLs still being a thing, I doubt it'd be that much of a downside even then.

Rhaelcan, on 19 September 2025 - 02:32 PM, said:

As for the jenner, 10% extra velocity isn't that big. It got much more cooldown, meaning you can fire more. Overall a buff. Also, Duelist and war ghoul do two different things.

For LRMs 10% velocity shaves off 0.3 seconds (3.125s to 2.85s) of flight time against a 500m target in indirect fire.
It doesn't sound like a lot but with how prevalent R.dep is, even max T.decay skill nodes struggles on getting locks longer than 3s in most cases.
And with LRMs you also need to keep that lock-on the entire time if you want the tracking to work, not to mention getting the initial lock in the first place, it's just a random nerf thrown in for no good reason, and cooldown (on a light and with small launchers as well) isn't really a good substitute for velocity in this case, as being able to hit at all in the first place (which missile weapon struggles at) is a pretty important thing.


Yeah sure, the Duelist's "different thing" is just being worse (slower, less armor, less firepower) than the War Ghoul for sure, save for its faster cooldown (and torso twist speed) on its 2HGRs that makes it better (easier to use) against lights if you can't hit that first shot on the Railshark, but the WG also has lasers (something the Duelist couldn't afford to have in the first place) for, on top of its RG, so it doesn't really do badly against them either.
And against anything bigger you can just bind the railgun on the same weapon group as the lasers to fire mid-burn for that 80alpha since its screen shake doesn't throw off your laser burns anyway, while the Duelist instead just hides back in cover (using its better agility) until it goes off-cooldown since it doesn't have the hitpoints to take getting shot back. While praying that no one pushes into it while it can't shoot back.
Just because the railgun has 800m range, doesn't mean the Railsharks are solely for sniping, something the Duelist is also worse at because 500m HGR range has to deal with falloff when used at 800m.

Edited by Ttly, 20 September 2025 - 04:17 AM.