MECHWARRIOR 4: MERCENARIES WALKTHROUGH
by Briareos Kerensky ([email protected], briareos_CWE), ver 2.X 24/08/2003
Table of Contents
1-Disclaimer
2-Update History
3-History Briefing
4-Mercenary Units Briefing
5-Weapons Briefing
6-'Mechs Briefing
7-Vehicles and Misc Enemies Briefing
8-Lancemates briefing
9-How to costumize a 'Mech
10-General Tactics
11-Multiplayer Tactics
12-Walkthrough
13-Roads
14-Glossary
15-Credits and misc
************
1-DISCLAIMER
************
All names and marks are property of their respective owners; this document is
copyright of Briareos Kerensky: unauthorized reproduction of this document as
it is or in part is forbidden; to ask authorization send a mail to me
([email protected]). Do not send mails asking CD keys or other personal codes
which changes with every CD package: every softhouse has its own way to use
these keys, and I won't deny myself the possibility to play online a game only
because someone has "lost the package" or "the package is corrupted".
If some sections have cheats which includes alteration of hex codes, renaming
files, creation of new ones, I will not answer of HD formatting, lost datas,
World Wars, nuclear explosions, invocation of demons of any kind or any other
damage derived from those operations.
I'm Italian, so do not pay attention to the many mistakes I'll do in spelling,
grammar construction and so on.
Last thing, if you are going to e-mail me, remember that my name's not Brian.
Really. Full nick will be pleased. Thank you.
Now have fun.
****************
2-UPDATE HISTORY
****************
15/02/2003-version 2.X. Everytime I write "this is going to be the final
release, I always get interesting submissions. So, version will be 2.X from now
on, indicating that only submissions and small corrections will be added when
there is the occasion.
06/02/2003-version 2.0. This is be the final edition of the document. I'll
continue to accept submissions, though. Finallyy added the Northwind
Highlanders' description, plus updates and corrections throughout the document.
20/01/2003-version 1.8. 'Mech section completed. Some corrections and updates
througout the document. Added a note at the beginning of that section about the
'Mech Packs: please read it before sending any mail concerning them. I hope
I'll soon get my hands on them.
03/01/2003-version 1.7. Revamping of the 'Mech section and update of the others
started. It's wonderful to see so much feedback for the lack of only one 'Mech
in that section...well, that 'Mech (the Adder, or Puma in the Inner Sphere) is
one of my favourites too, so it was only a matter of time to see it online.
However it has no stats, just begun with the 'Mechs, but still working on that.
27/12/2002-version 1.6. Walkthrough completed. Next time, revamp of 'Mech
section as well as revision and updates to all other sections. 200 kilos
reached and passed.
24/12/2002-version 1.4. Happy X'mas, though I do not really like these holidays
(not just this year...BTW, story too long to be told here). Walkthrough and
other sections updated. Added one section, Glossary. The Walkthrough has almost
every mission for both neutral and Steiner side. Davion-only and other neutral
missions will be added soon, as well as a total revamp of the 'Mech section.
16/12/2002-version 1.3. Continued updating of the sections, Solaris section
should be complete and walkthrough started, with Halloran V completed. And
document passed 100 kbs already. Whoo-hoo!
11/12/2002-version 1.2. Main addition is the whole Solaris VII walkthrough,
almost complete (98%).
Some updates in all other sections. As someone already noted (and sent e-mails
to me), weapons and 'Mechs stats are different. I'm revamping them already,
don't worry.
01/12/2002-version 1.0. First sections only, the document is still in first
phases but has few infos on the new things.
******************
3-HISTORY BRIEFING
******************
When Victor Ian Steiner-Davion returned after having defeated Clan Smoke
Jaguar, he found himself in a dangerous position: his sister Katherine, seceded
the Lyran part of the Federated Commonwealth, causing a massive civil war to
disrupt probably the most powerful of the Successor States. Now the two warring
factions are calling for whatever support they need, including Mercenaries.
You, a young MechWarrior who applied to the MRBC (Mercenary Reviews and Bonging
Commission), found offers from four of the most poweful mercenary units in the
Inner Sphere, the Kell Hounds, the Wolf Dragoon's, the Gray Death's Legion and
the Northwind Highlanders. They offer you a independent command with the
ability to chose which contracts, 'Mechs, personnel and even loyalities take.
Make your choice, now.
**************************
4-MERCENRAY UNITS BRIEFING
**************************
(note: all infos here have been taken from official BattleTech books, mostly
from the Field Manual: Mercenaries sourcebook)
---------------
--KELL HOUNDS--
---------------
Founded my Morgan and Patrick Kell in 3010, the Kell Hounds always had a great
financial wealth, as the Kell family has ties with the Steiner family.
The Kell Hounds, when the Clan invasion begun, had 3 full regiments of the most
advanced machines in the Inner Sphere, but this was not enough to avoid that
Phelan Kell, son of Morgan, was captured by Clan Wolf during an anti-pirate
operation in the Periphery.
The Kell Hounds, along with the Wolf's Dragoons, fought in every major
engagement of the Clan Invasion and in Operation Bulldog, where they displayed
incredible skills even when facing men and women bred to wage war.
Meanwhile, Phelan Kell became Khan of Clan Wolf, and later guided the Warden
faction of the Clan to Arc-Royal, homeplanet of the Kell Hounds and the Kell
family. The two armies lived together since then, and this gave both sections
some benefits: Clan Wolf-in-exile now has full prodcution facilities and a
homeplanet, and the Kell Hounds have limited access to Clan technologies.
The coming of Clan Wolf on Arc-Royal and the Civil War also made the Kell
Hounds secede almost every contact with the Steiner family, and declared
themselves neutral to the matter (though both Phelan and Morgan poses greater
faith in Victor Davion than Katrina); not enough, they formed the ARDC,
Arc-Royal Defense Cordon, a congregation of few planets that constantly wath
for Clan invasions in the Inner Sphere.
Playing with the Kell Hounds mean that most technology will be Inner Sphere
oriented, with few Clan items and chassised to buy; most Clan-tech will be
acquired through salvage; Inner Sphere 'Mech tend to be Steiner-based, so
expect some rude firepower from almost every single chassis bought in the free
market.
Hounds players start with 1 Flea, 1 Osiris and 2 Wolfhounds and 5.500.000
C-Bills. They have access to Clan technology earlier than the Legion or the
Highlanders, but do not have immediate access to it like the Dragoons.
-------------------
--WOLF'S DRAGOONS--
-------------------
The Wolf's Dragoons literally appeared in the Inner Sphere in April 3005 and
were hired by the Federated Suns. This unknown mercenary unit had warriors of
great skill and was armed with only Star League-era BattleMechs, machines and
technologies long lost by the Successor States. Then, the Dragoons fight for
and against every Great House of the Inner Sphere; in 3050, when the Clans
attacked for the first time, the Dragoons summoned all Successor Lords to their
planet, Outreach, gave to them by Hanse Davion for their exceptional braveness,
and uncovered a shocking secret: the Wolf's Dragoons were formed by the Clans
to probe the strenght and weakness of the Inner Sphere, in order to gather more
informations in case of an invasion. Even before then, in 3019, the Wolf's
Dragoon ceased all contacts with the Clans, with a final task gave by Khan
Kerlin Ward of Clan Wolf: to train the Inner Sphere against the Clans. When in
3051 the Clan invasion begun again, the Dragoons stood against the Clans
side-by-side by the now-united Great Houses and later with the new Star League.
The Wolf's Dragoons have also insituted the MRBC and offer several types of
alternate services (technical, training, etc etc) for every mercenary unit
subscribed to the MRBC.
As for now, the Wolf's Dragoons have took no position in the FedCom Civil War.
As the Wolf's Dragoons have full blueprints and manufacturing facilities to
produce Clan-level technology, it is garaunteed that they won't face any kind
of threat out-gunned or out-classed. Dragoon players will always found their
free-market screen with Clan chassis and weapons; this means a great advantage,
but also a more oculate use of the money gained: it is easy to find yourself
out of money "just" beacuse you bought a Daishi and 5 ER PPCs. Inner Sphere
'Mechs came from all over the Inner Sphere, and you'll be able to choose from
the entire stack of 'Mechs with relative freedom.
Dragoon players start with 2 Cougars, 4 Fleas and 2 Ullers and 4.500.000
C-Bills plus some Clan-tech weapons.
---------------------
--GRAY DEATH LEGION--
---------------------
The Gray Death Legion is very famous for one thing: the Star League memory core
they retrieved on Helm, which gave them access to blueprints for infantry
armors and Lost-Tech weapons, as well as civilian technologies that aided the
entire Inner Sphere.
However, aside this technological edge, the Gray Death Legion is renowed for
its resourcefulness and heoric stands.
Founded in 3024 by Grayson Death Carlyle, which led a former Lyran unit against
a Draconis Combine commando on Trell I; starting with a 'Mech and a motorized
infantry unit, the unit captured Combne supplies and 'Mechs, eventually driving
them off-planet.
The Legion is one of the few mercenary units that escaped the Clan's fury and
gave them a partial defeat, having retreated succesfully from Sudeten against
the Jade Falcons.
In 3056, Carlyle swore an oath of fealty to Victor Davion, which gave them the
world of Glengarry as landhold. However, Skie separatists attacked when the
Colonel was still on Tharkad; the Legion drove back the assault, but a very
high cost.
The Legion rebuilt, but the newly formed Lyran Alliance striked at them, as the
governement cited that the Legion was siding with Caledonian rebels. The Legion
hold again, and again, was on the verge of destruction.
Katrina Steiner recognized Glengarry as the Legion landhold, in exchange of a
pledge of loyality, but there's little reason that the Legion would keep it
until the end of the Civil War.
Thanks to their Star League memory core and alliance with the Lyran
Commonwealth, the Legion has access to some of the most advanced Inner Sphere
weapons, and can start with full access to X-Pulse Lasers; they also have
access to Lyran 'Mechs, which gave them a great firepower in exchange of
tactical flexibility and speed.
Legion players start with 1 Raven, 1 Owens, 1 Osiris, 1 Hellspawn and 1 Flea
and 8.000.000 C-Bills plus some Lost-tech weapons.
------------------------
--NORTHWIND HIGLANDERS--
------------------------
The Highlanders can be easily defined the oldest and most respected mercenary
unit in the Inner Sphere.
The unit's most recent origins date back to the Black Watch Regiment, the
finest regiment in the Star League Defense Force, which often acted as
bodyguard for the Star League current First Lord.
The Northwind Highlanders were however split apart by the decision to formally
join the Capellan Confederation's army. Part of the Highlanders didn't agreed,
and left the planet in a self-imposed exile. This part of the original unit,
split into regiments and served different Houses and different times,
effectively marking the birth of the Northwind Highlanders mercenary unit.
When the self-exiled part of the original Highlanders felt that was time to
reconciliate in 2841 (during the Second Succesion War), their homeworld,
Northwind, fell under the attack of the AFFS, which captured the world and
decimated the regiments on-planet.
The remaining forces began to wander in the Inner Sphere.
Shortly after the begininng of the Fourth Succession War, the Highlanders swore
loyality to the Federated Suns, entering the racks of the AFFS military (with
some privileges) and finally returning on their homeworld.
When the Clans begun their invasion, the Highlanders continued to garrison
Northwind (a key planet near Terra, which united the Lyran and Federated part
of the now-Federated Commonwealth). Only after the Truce of Tukayyid in 3052
the Highlanders where moved near the Clan border, but Hanse Davion's promises
of a short stay proved wrong, and when the Capellan Confederation launched an
attack to regain all planets lost in the Succession Wars, the Highlanders
returned on their homeworld and declared independence from all Houses.
When the Star League reborn with the task of stopping the Clans once for all,
part of the Highlanders joined Victor Davion's forces and helped in the
annihilation of the Smoke Jaguars.
Highlanders players start with 2 Chimeras, 2 Fleas, 2 Osirises and 2 Ravens and
6.500.000 C-Bills. Northwind Highlanders also have contract payments raised by
approx 20%, making the unit well suited for beginners or someone not good with
finances.
*********************
5-WEAPONS TECHNOLOGY
*********************
Before the description of every single weapon and equipment, here is a brief
description of the categories.
MW4 introduces the concept of weapon bays: a certain weapon bay can accept only
determinated types of weapons (energy bays=energy weapons only and so on),
though Omni bays can accept every kind of weapon. Note that these bays are also
limited by dimensions, so not all weapons will fit in a given type of
hardpoint. This makes the configuration of "official" 'Mechs somewhat different
from how are knew by BT player.
+ Energy weapons (red): energy weapons uses massive amounts of electricty
produced by the 'Mech's reactor, and they can be fired without ammunition
problems. This advantage is balanced by the large amounts of waste heat that
they produce: the only way to dissipate this heat is to mount extra heat sinks,
which compensates for their relatively light mass and compactness. Range and
firepower increases in proportion.
+ Ballistic weapons (yellow): these weapons must be fed by ammunition: this
limits the times the weapon can be fired, and ammunitions explode when struck
by weapon fire. They do not produce large amounts of heat, but are bulky and
weight a lot. Lighter models have a longer range but less firepower; heavier
models have more firepower than range, and carries less ammo.
+ Missile weapons (green): like ballistic weapons they use ammunitions, and
each launcher fire a specified number of missiles in a single salvo.
Missiles are explosive, and they produce moderate amounts of heat. Damage is
spread among the whole target, and not concentrated like other weapons.
+ Equipment: this category contains the larger variety of accessories a 'Mech
can mount. They include alternative type of armors, heat sinks and EW
(Electronic Warfare) suites.
Note: MW4: Mercs added new weapons (also counting the ones in Black Knight and
the 'Mech Packs): X-Pulse Lasers (3 versions), Streak MRMs (4 versions), Rotary
AutoCannons (2 versions), Heavy Gauss Rifles, full range of standard and Ultra
AutoCannons; Thunderbolt missiles have been renamed Arrow IV Thunderbolt.
Bombast Lasers and High Explosive and have also been removed.
Also, damage, range and heat stats may ahve changed: Pulse Lasers are a good
example of that.
------------------
--ENERGY WEAPONS--
------------------
STANDARD/ER LASER: Lasers fire a beam of coherent light, producing damage
through the extreme temperatures that the beam reaches; standard lasers have a
medium/short range but the ER version has longer ranges, especially in their
Clan versions; in fact, the Clan ER Medium Lasers have a range value roughly
equivalent to the Inner Sphere standard Large Laser; ER versions have a greater
heat value but maintain the same damage values; Medium and ER Medium are good
back up weapons for every kind of 'Mech.
Name: LARGE LASER
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 600 meters
Damage: 7,5
Heat: 6
Recycle rate: 6
Size: 2
Weight: 5 tons
Cost: 482'109 C-Bills
Name: MEDIUM LASER
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 300 meters
Damage: 2
Heat: 1,5
Recycle rate: 3
Size: 1
Weight: 1 tons
Cost: 127'111 C-Bills (if someone's wondering why I didn't wrote the Medium
Laser cost for so long, I say that it is *incredible* that you get only an
handful of them at the Free Market and salvage *tons* of them...that's why
after two or three missions the Free Market runs out of Medium Lasers)
Name: SMALL LASER
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 150 meters
Damage: 1,25
Heat: 0,85
Recycle rate: 2
Size: 1
Weight: 0,5 tons
Cost: 84'876 C-Bills
Name: ER LARGE LASER
Technology: Clan
Range: 800 meters
Damage: 7,50
Heat: 9
Recycle rate: 5
Size: 2
Weight: 4 tons
Cost: 541'406 C-Bills
Name: ER MEDIUM LASER
Technology: Clan
Range: 400 meters
Damage: 2,45
Heat: 2,5
Recycle rate: 3
Size: 1
Weight: 1 tons
Cost: 164'912 C-Bills
Name: ER SMALL LASER
Technology: Clan
Range: 200 meters
Damage: 1,60
Heat: 1,15
Recycle rate: 2
Size: 1
Weight: 0,5 tons
Cost: 111'232 C-Bills
PULSE LASER: Pulse Lasers fire a stream of four laser beams instead of the
single one of standard and ER lasers; they produce more heat than standard
lasers but the amount generated is equivalent to ER lasers (both versions); it
is possible to "walk" this prolonged beam, making hitting a single target
easier, and have a very low recharge time, making them efficient at close
range. Clan versions have a longer range, roughly the 50% more of Inner Sphere
versions.
X-Pulse Lasers are an Inner Sphere innovation that works as an "update" to
normal Pulse Lasers: by amplifying the emitters, the dmage value has been
greatly increased, in exchange of much more heat generated. Rage values are the
same of Inner Sphere Pulse Lasers.
Name: LARGE PULSE LASER
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 650 meters
Damage: 4
Heat: 5
Recycle rate: 0,75
Size: 2
Weight: 7 tons
Cost: 692'120 C-Bills
Name: MEDIUM PULSE LASER
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 300 meters
Damage: 1,10
Heat: 1,25
Recycle rate: 0,50
Size: 1
Weight: 2 tons
Cost: 205'276 C-Bills
Name: SMALL PULSE LASER
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 150 meters
Damage: 0,45
Heat: 0,40
Recycle rate: 0,25
Size: 1
Weight: 1 tons
Cost: 135'285 C-Bills
Name: LARGE X-PULSE LASER
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 700 meters
Damage: 5,75
Heat: 7
Recycle rate: 1,75
Size: 2
Weight: 5 tons
Cost: 599'684 C-Bills
Name: MEDIUM X-PULSE LASER
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 400 meters
Damage: 2,25
Heat: 2,60
Recycle rate: 0,75
Size: 1
Weight: 3 tons
Cost: 343'203 C-Bills
Name: SMALL X-PULSE LASER
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 150 meters
Damage: 0,80
Heat: 0,85
Recycle rate: 0,30
Size: 1
Weight: 1,5 tons
Cost: 220'754 C-Bills
Name: ER LARGE PULSE LASER
Technology: Clan
Range: 800 meters
Damage: 4,50
Heat: 5,60
Recycle rate: 0,75
Size: 2
Weight: 6 tons
Cost: 849'566 C-Bills
Name: ER MEDIUM PULSE LASER
Technology: Clan
Range: 400 meters
Damage: 1,20
Heat: 1,35
Recycle rate: 0,50
Size: 1
Weight: 2 tons
Cost: 241'266 C-Bills
Name: ER SMALL PULSE LASER
Technology: Clan
Range: 200 meters
Damage: 0,55
Heat: 0,60
Recycle rate: 0,25
Size: 1
Weight: 1,5 tons
Cost: 170'836 C-Bills
STANDARD/ER PPC: the PPC fires particles. Both versions produces high amounts
of heat, and and among the most powerful weapons (in fact, the Clan version is
the most powerful weapon in this game) in this game; the "projectiles" are
fast, but slower the laser ones; they pass AC shells and missiles and matches
Gauss' ones, however. They are extremely bulky though the Clan version is
lighter. The standard version (available only to Inner Sphere units) has a
shorter range but produces less heat. Recharge times are long, but it is highly
recomended. When hit by PPC fire, a 'Mech will suffer a limited short-circuit.
Name: PPC
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 850 meters
Damage: 12
Heat: 11
Recycle rate: 6
Size: 3
Weight: 7 tons
Cost: 392'411 C-Bills
Name: ER PPC
Technology: Clan
Range: 1,000 meters
Damage: 16
Heat: 16
Recycle rate: 8
Size: 3
Weight: 6 tons
Cost: 718'666 C-Bills
FLAMER: the flamer taps hot gases directly from the reactor, creating an hot
stream of flames; the flamer do not produce too much heat and when the stream
hits the target, its heat level will increase, plus creating light damage. If
hit, the target will catch fire for about 5 seconds, and it will be illuminated
for this period of time; a basically useless weapon, but good if you want to do
picnics.
Name: FLAMER
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 150 meters
Damage: 1
Heat: 4
Recycle rate: 4
Size: 2
Weight: 1 tons
Cost: 16'010 C-Bills
Name: FLAMER
Technology: Clan
Range: 150 meters
Damage: 1
Heat: 4
Recycle rate: 4
Size: 2
Weight: 0,5 tons
Cost: 32'019 C-Bills
---------------------
--BALLISTIC WEAPONS--
---------------------
MACHINE GUNS ARRAY (MG ARRAY): a series of machine guns packed together. The
Inner Sphere variant packs three guns while the Clan one four, with the same
weight of its Inner Sphere counterpart. They do not do much damage, but have a
fast rate of fire and I take a perverse pleasure in firing groups of them. Not
worth the weight, however.
Name: MACHINE GUN ARRAY
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 150 meters
Damage: 0,35
Heat: 0
Recycle rate: 0,30
Size: 1
Weight: 2 tons
Ammo per ton: 450
Cost: 65'084 C-Bills
Name: MACHINE GUN ARRAY
Technology: Clan
Range: 200 meters
Damage: 0,4
Heat: 0
Recycle rate: 0,30
Size: 1
Weight: 2 tons
Ammo per ton: 600
Cost: 85,008 C-Bills
STANDARD AUTOCANNON (AC): ACs fire a stream of high-velocity projectiles toward
a single target. In MW4 standard ACs come only in 2, 5 and 10 types: the 5
model has a good range sacrificing firepower, while the 10 model has twice the
punch of its smaller brother but keeps a decent range. The 5 model holds 120
rounds in a single ton and the 10 model only 36. The Clans use Ultra and LB-X
ACs, they do not have standard ACs.
Name: AC/2
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 900 meters
Damage: 2
Heat: 0,1
Recycle rate: 1
Size: 1
Weight: 8 tons
Ammo per ton: 240
Cost: C-Bills
Name: AC/5
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 750 meters
Damage: 5
Heat: 0,2
Recycle rate: 1
Size: 1
Weight: 8 tons
Ammo per ton: 120
Cost: 101'062 C-Bills
Name: AC/10
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 600 meters
Damage: 9
Heat: 0,60
Recycle rate: 3
Size: 2
Weight: 13 tons
Ammo per ton: 36
Cost: 319'845 C-Bills
Name: AC/20
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 400 meters
Damage: 18
Heat: 1,80
Recycle rate: 5
Size: 3
Weight: 16 tons
Ammo per ton: 20
Cost: 480'249 C-Bills
LB-X SCATTERSHOT: shotgun-like ACs: rather than directing a single stream of
projectile toward a single area of the target, an LB-X rounds will reproduce a
cluster effect on the whole enemy, maximizing the possibility to score head or
critical hits.
Name: LBX AC 10
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 450 meters
Damage: 14
Heat: 1
Recycle rate: 4
Size: 2
Weight: 12 tons
Ammo per ton: 36
Cost: 467'694 C-Bills
Name: LBX AC 20
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 350 meters
Damage: 28
Heat: 2
Recycle rate: 6
Size: 3
Weight: 15 tons
Ammo per ton: 20
Cost: 999'106 C-Bills
Name: LBX AC 10
Technology: Clan
Range: 450 meters
Damage: 14
Heat: 1
Recycle rate: 4
Size: 2
Weight: 10 tons
Ammo per ton: 36
Cost: 561'234 C-Bills
Name: LBX AC 20
Technology: Clan
Range: 350 meters
Damage: 28
Heat: 2
Recycle rate: 6
Size: 3
Weight: 12 tons
Ammo per ton: 20
Cost: 1'248'882 C-Bills
ULTRA AUTOCANNON: the Ultra ACs do not fire special rounds like the LB-X ACs,
but can fire a stream of projectiles roughly comparable to two standard ACs'
ones. This doubles the damage of the stream, but also eats ammunition in a
faster rate.
Name: Ultra AC/2
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 1000 meters
Damage: 2,5
Heat: 0,1
Recycle rate: 1
Size: 1
Weight: 8 tons
Ammo per ton: 240
Cost: 104'271 C-Bills
Name: Ultra AC/5
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 600 meters
Damage: 4
Heat: 0,15
Recycle rate: 1,5
Size: 1
Weight: 10 tons
Ammo per ton: 120
Cost: 156'444 C-Bills
Name: Ultra AC/10
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 500 meters
Damage: 18
Heat: 0,75
Recycle rate: 4
Size: 2
Weight: 16 tons
Ammo per ton: 36
Cost: 519'750 C-Bills
Name: Ultra AC/20
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 350 meters
Damage: 36
Heat: 1,5
Recycle rate: 6
Size: 3
Weight: 20 tons
Ammo per ton: 20
Cost: 1'026'432 C-Bills
Name: Ultra AC/2
Technology: Clan
Range: 1000 meters
Damage: 2,5
Heat: 0,11
Recycle rate: 1
Size: 1
Weight: 6 tons
Ammo per ton: 240
Cost: 139'027 C-Bills
Name: Ultra AC/5
Technology: Clan
Range: 600 meters
Damage: 4
Heat: 0,15
Recycle rate: 1,5
Size: 1
Weight: 8 tons
Ammo per ton: 120
Cost: 213'888 C-Bills
Name: Ultra AC/10
Technology: Clan
Range: 500 meters
Damage: 18
Heat: 0,75
Recycle rate: 4
Size: 2
Weight: 13 tons
Ammo per ton: 36
Cost: 639'691 C-Bills
Name: Ultra AC/20
Technology: Clan
Range: 350 meters
Damage: 36
Heat: 1,5
Recycle rate: 6
Size: 3
Weight: 18 tons
Ammo per ton: 20
Cost: 1,140,480 C-Bills
ROTARY AUTOCANNON: Rotary ACs are an upgrade to normal AutoCannons which
sacrifices firepower range and, above all, affidability for very high rates of
fire. RACs were designed for short, controlled bursts, not for continuos use in
combat: this can lead to jams, which make the weapon useless.
Name: Rotary AC2
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 900 meters
Damage: 1,85
Heat: 0,15
Recycle rate: 0,25
Size: 2
Weight: 8 tons
Ammo per ton: 120
Cost: 367'701 C-Bills
Name: Rotary AC5
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 550 meters
Damage: 2,35
Heat: 0,20
Recycle rate: 0,30
Size: 2
Weight: 10 tons
Ammo per ton: 60
Cost: 565'297 C-Bills
LIGHT/STANDARD/HEAVY GAUSS RIFLE: can be considered as a ballistic version of
the PPC; with this translation the Gauss got lower temperatures and limited
ammo supplies, but kept its high damage value. The Inner Sphere version of the
Rifle is heavier but has the same damage and range values of the Clan version.
Heavy Gauss Rifles have very high damge values but generates lots of heat point
(for Gauss Rifles), and their projectiles are more powerful as the target is
closer to the firing unit.
The projectile is fast and reliable, and has average reciclying capabilities. A
good choice as ballistic for Omni 'Mech's main weapon.
Name: GAUSS RIFLE
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 800 meters
Damage: 17
Heat: 1
Recycle rate: 8
Size: 3
Weight: 16 tons
Ammo per ton: 24
Cost: 482'438 C-Bills
Name: GAUSS RIFLE
Technology: Clan
Range: 800 meters
Damage: 17
Heat: 1
Recycle rate: 8
Size: 3
Weight: 13 tons
Ammo per ton: 24
Cost: 593'770 C-Bills
Name: LIGHT GAUSS RIFLE
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 1200 meters
Damage: 12
Heat: 0,80
Recycle rate: 6
Size: 2
Weight: 13 tons
Ammo per ton: 30
Cost: 416'984 C-Bills
Name: HEAVY GAUSS RIFLE
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 600 meters
Damage: 27
Heat: 2
Recycle rate: 8
Size: 4
Weight: 18 tons
Ammo per ton: 16
Cost: 724'102 C-Bills
LONG TOM: this Long Tom is not the famous artillery cannon, but a smaller
version, uselful at shorter ranges; I do not like this weapon as it weights too
much and its effects are what you expect from a (small) artillery weapon. The
projectile is relatively slow, and describes an arched trajectory and when hits
the ground, it explodes with a relatively large strike; the projectile's
slowness make difficult to target fast-moving enemies and if fired too close,
the shell explosion can damage the firing 'Mech too. Better use Gauss Rifles or
PPCs.
To answer Jams Kong, there will be no availability of Long Toms in the free
market. Howevr, you should be able to salvage one during the campaign, and it
will be the only Long Tom you'll get.
Name: LONG TOM
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 1000 meters
Damage: 35
Heat: 20
Recycle rate: 7
Size: 3
Weight: 20 tons
Ammo per ton: 18
Cost: 538'312 C-Bills
-------------------
--MISSILE WEAPONS--
-------------------
LONG RANGE MISSILE (LRM): Long Range Missiles are the only missile type
requiring a lock-on onto the target. Well, they do not stricktly require it,
but it is better to wait for the lock or the salvo will likely be wasted. When
combined to an active NARC beacon, the LRMs will follow the selected target,
eventually increasing their maneuverability. LRM racks come in 4 types: 5, 10,
15 or 20 missiles per salvo. All missiles (except Thunderbolts) tend to spread
damage along the whole target rather than inflicting a single, devastating
blow; also, missiles tend to hit in salvos, so most times not all missiles from
a salvo will hit the target. Each ton of ammunition holds 240 missiles.
Name: LRM 5
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 1000 meters
Damage: 4
Heat: 0,80
Recycle rate: 4
Size: 1
Weight: 3 tons
Ammo per ton: 240 (48 salvos)
Cost: 81'481 C-Bills
Name: LRM 10
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 1000 meters
Damage: 8
Heat: 1,60
Recycle rate: 4
Size: 1
Weight: 6 tons
Ammo per ton: 240 (24 salvos)
Cost: 162'962 C-Bills
Name: LRM 15
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 1000 meters
Damage: 12
Heat: 2
Recycle rate: 4
Size: 2
Weight: 8 tons
Ammo per ton: 240 (16 salvos)
Cost: 286'000 C-Bills (whoa, a normal price!)
Name: LRM 20
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 1000 meters
Damage: 16
Heat: 2,40
Recycle rate: 4
Size: 2
Weight: 11 tons
Ammo per ton: 240 (12 salvos)
Cost: 379'259 C-Bills
Name: LRM 5
Technology: Clan
Range: 1000 meters
Damage: 4
Heat: 1,2
Recycle rate: 6
Size: 1
Weight: 2 tons
Ammo per ton: 240 (48 salvos)
Cost: 114'074 C-Bills
Name: LRM 10
Technology: Clan
Range: 1000 meters
Damage: 8
Heat: 2,4
Recycle rate: 6
Size: 1
Weight: 3,5 tons
Ammo per ton: 240 (24 salvos)
Cost: 260'740 C-Bills
Name: LRM 15
Technology: Clan
Range: 1000 meters
Damage: 12
Heat: 3
Recycle rate: 6
Size: 2
Weight: 4,5 tons
Ammo per ton: 240 (16 salvos)
Cost: 469'333 C-Bills
Name: LRM 20
Technology: Clan
Range: 1000 meters
Damage: 16
Heat: 3,6
Recycle rate: 6
Size: 2
Weight: 6 tons
Ammo per ton: 240 (12 salvos)
Cost: C-Bills
SHORT RANGE MISSILE (SRM): these missiles are totally unguided and should be
used in WVR (Within Visual Range) combat; they are pretty useless against
fast-moving targets if you are not good in anticipating its movements. SRMs
come in 3 type: 2, 4 and 6 missiles per salvo. Each ton of ammunition holds 120
missiles. When compared to LRMs, SRMs have twice their firepower but half the
range. They are also lighter than LRM launchers.
Name: SRM 2
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 250 meters
Damage: 3
Heat: 0,4
Recycle rate: 2
Size: 1
Weight: 2 tons
Ammo per ton: 120 (60 salvos)
Cost: 58'987 C-Bills
Name: SRM 4
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 250 meters
Damage: 6
Heat: 0,6
Recycle rate: 2
Size: 1
Weight: 3 tons
Ammo per ton: 120 (30 salvos)
Cost: 171'600 C-Bills
Name: SRM 6
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 250 meters
Damage: 9
Heat: 0,8
Recycle rate: 2
Size: 2
Weight: 4 tons
Ammo per ton: 120 (20 salvos)
Cost: 301'640 C-Bills
STREAK SRM: Streak SRMs are used by Clans only. The Streak SRMs are guided,
like LRMs, but do not require a target: when fired the Streak SRMs will search
the nearest target and will follow it until they score an hit; note that if you
have a terget under your targeting reticule, the missiles will home on it, as
well as if you have a locked target; when used with active NARC beacons, the
Streak SRMs will go toward the nearest active beacon. As standard SRMs, this
advanced version comes in 2, 4 or 6 missiles pack. Each ton of ammunition holds
120 missiles.
Name: STREAK SRM 2
Technology: Clan
Range: 250 meters
Damage: 3
Heat: 0,6
Recycle rate: 3
Size: 1
Weight: 2 tons
Ammo per ton: 120 (60 salvos)
Cost: 96'680 C-Bills
Name: STREAK SRM 4
Technology: Clan
Range: 250 meters
Damage: 6
Heat: 0,9
Recycle rate: 3
Size: 1
Weight: 3 tons
Ammo per ton: 120 (30 salvos)
Cost: 275'000 C-Bills
Name: STREAK SRM 6
Technology: Clan
Range: 250 meters
Damage: 9
Heat: 1,2
Recycle rate: 3
Size: 2
Weight: 4 tons
Ammo per ton: 120 (20 salvos)
Cost: 478'561 C-Bills
MEDIUM RANGE MISSILE (MRM): MRMs are fired like standard SRMs, but are a
retrofitted version of LRMs: by removing steering thrusters and guidance
systems engineers were able to increase the missile/salvo ratio and the
ammunition load for single launchers; when compared to LRMs, a MRM bin contains
twice as much the missiles. MRMs are fired in 10, 20, 30 or 40 missiles per
salvo: the sheer number of missiles is balanced by a relatively slowness of the
missiles and the relative difficulty in hitting a mobile target with such
weapons. MRMs are not NARC-compatible. Each ton of ammunition holds 240
missiles.
Name: MRM 10
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 400 meters
Damage: 9
Heat: 2,4
Recycle rate: 5
Size: 1
Weight: 5 tons
Ammo per ton: 240 (24 salvos)
Cost: 76'039 C-Bills
Name: MRM 20
Technology: Inner Sohere
Range: 400 meters
Damage: 18
Heat: 4,8
Recycle rate: 5
Size: 2
Weight: 8 tons
Ammo per ton: 240 (12 salvos)
Cost: 190'098 C-Bills
Name: MRM 30
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 400 meters
Damage: 27
Heat: 6
Recycle rate: 5
Size: 2
Weight: 11 tons
Ammo per ton: 240 (8 salvos)
Cost: 320'894 C-Bills
Name: MRM 40
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 400 meters
Damage: 36
Heat: 7,2
Recycle rate: 5
Size: 3
Weight: 13 tons
Ammo per ton: 240 (6 salvos)
Cost: 492'563 C-Bills
STREAK MRMs: A Clan invention, the Streak MRMs uses the searching warhead of
Streak SRMs but the missiles and racks are those of the MRMs. They work exactly
as Streak SRMs, with all drawbacks and benefis, but have a longer range in
exchange of firepower.
Name: STREAK MRM 10
Technology: Clan
Range: 400 meters
Damage: 7
Heat: 2,40
Recycle rate: 7
Size: 1
Weight: 5 tons
Ammo per ton: 240 (24 salvos)
Cost: 137'280 C-Bills
Name: STREAK MRM 20
Technology: Clan
Range: 400 meters
Damage: 14
Heat: 4,80
Recycle rate: 7
Size: 2
Weight: 8 tons
Ammo per ton: 240 (12 salvos)
Cost: 343'200 C-Bills
Name: STREAK MRM 30
Technology: Clan
Range: 400 meters
Damage: 21
Heat: 6
Recycle rate: 7
Size: 2
Weight: 11 tons
Ammo per ton: 240 (8 salvos)
Cost: 577'645 C-Bills
Name: STREAK MRM 40
Technology: Clan
Range: 400 meters
Damage: 28
Heat: 7,20
Recycle rate: 7
Size: 3
Weight: 13 tons
Ammo per ton: 240 (6 salvos)
Cost: 885'028 C-Bills
NARC MISSILE BEACON: The Narc fires an heavily modified missile that delivers
special emitters that helps friendly missiles in locking target for a short
period of time. Each time that the "Narced" enemy is damaged, the Narc can
expire before its time runs out. When locked, it will allows faster lock-on
capabilities and improved to-hit chances for LRMs and Streak SRMs. Note that
ALL friendly units with Narc-capable missiles will benefit from a "Narced"
enemy.
Name: NARC
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 450 meters
Damage: 0
Heat: 1
Recycle rate: 3
Size: 1
Weight: 4 tons
Ammo per ton: 6
Cost: 17'421 C-Bills
Name: NARC
Technology: Clan
Range: 600 meters
Damage: 0
Heat: 1
Recycle rate: 3
Size: 1
Weight: 2 tons
Ammo per ton: 6
Cost: 23'597 C-Bills
ARROW IV: scaled-down version of the massive Arrow IV artillery missile. This
version has less range and firepower than the original system, but can be
easily identified as the most powerful weapon on the battlefield, with higher
damage values of a Thunderbolt missile. The Arrow IV systems fire a single
missile and has a low ammo per ton ratio. Standard Arrow IV missiles
concentrate all their firepower in a single location, while Cluster munitions
have a larger payload, but spread them among submunitions to maximize splash
damage. Arrow IV missiles cannot be destroyed by LAMS.
Name: ARROW IV THUNDERBOLT
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 1'200 meters
Damage: 28
Heat: 7
Recycle rate: 6.5
Size: 3
Weight: 14 tons
Ammo per ton: 15
Cost: 1'111'687 C-Bills
Name: ARROW IV CLUSTER
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 1'200 meters
Damage: 32
Heat: 7
Recycle rate: 10
Size: 3
Weight: 18 tons
Ammo per ton: 15
Cost: 1'156'222 C-Bills
FLARE (FLARE): I don't know why the flare is under the missile section...as its
name suggests, the flare is used to enlight places with a small white light; if
you hit a moving target with a flare, the flare will continue burning even if
this enemy moves in water, but will expire in about 15 seconds; also, if you
try to launch a Flare when someone (even you) has the Light Amplification off,
a single Flare will produce so much light that the Amplification will white-out
due to the excessive light in the area; pretty useless, however.
Name: FLARE
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 800 meters
Damage: 0
Heat: 2
Recycle rate: 2
Size: 1
Weight: 1 tons
Ammo per ton: 300
Cost: 13,322 C-Bills
ARTILLERY BEACON (ARTLRY): Used to signal where the artillery pieces (far, far
away from where you are) have to fire. Useless.
Name: ARTILLERY BEACON
Technology: Inner Sphere
Range: 360 meters
Damage: 40
Heat: 5
Recycle rate: 6
Size: 1
Weight: 5 tons
Ammo per ton: 2
Cost: C-Bills
-------------
--EQUIPMENT--
-------------
FERRO FIBROUS ARMOR: Ferro Fibrous armor is the standard armor compound in MW4.
When compared to standard or other compounds, the Ferro Fibrous offer more
points per ton (30) and weight less. Ferro Fibrous armor absorbs all kind of
damages normally, without bonuses on any kind of weapon.
REFLECTIVE ARMOR: Reflective armor is designed to mitigate effects of energy
weapons, roughly halving the damage of lasers and PPCs. It provides 20 points
per ton; it sufferes a small malus when countering balistic and missile
weapons.
REACTIVE ARMOR: designed to halve damage of missile weapons, the Reactive armor
provides 20 points per tons; it counters balistic weapons in the same way as
Ferro-Fibrous and has a small malus against energy weapons.
STANDARD INTERNAL STRUCTURE: types of internal structure cannot be changed and
are automatically assigned with a specific 'Mech. The standard compound for
Internal Structures absorbs damage in the same way of Ferro-Fibrous armor,
without any malus but also without any bonus on weight or whatsoever.
ENDO STEEL INTERNAL STRUCTURE: Endo Steel compound weights half than a standard
compound, but is more prone to recieve damage.
ECM and GUARDIAN ECM SUITES: this electronic package is designed to reduce
ranges of enemies' sensors. A unit affected by enemy ECM suites (Guardian is
the Inner Sphere codename, while the Clans use no particular codenames) will be
able to detect units only within 500 meters. One of its side effects is to
decrease slightly missiles' lock time. 'Mechs with heat above the 50% will be
always detected, even if within friendly ECM radius.
Both Suites wieght 1 ton and do not occupy any critical.
Note: in MW4:Mercs, there is no longer Guardian ECM Suite. All systems are now
listed as ECM Suite, with no appreciable differencies between technology bases.
ACTIVE and BEAGLE ACTIVE PROBES: the Active Probe (Beagle for the Inner Sphere
and without codenames for the Clans) is designed to enhace the standard 'Mech
sensors. It is capable to greatly decrease missiles' lock time, and capable of
partially breaking ECM "bubble". If ECMs and Active Probes are combined
togheter, the missiles' lock is about 4 seconds. It also increases radar's
maximum range by 200 meters (for a total of 1200 meters).
BAPs are capable of detecting shutdown 'Mechs within 100 meters (or at least
Matthew Shane says this; he also wrote that he tried with one of his
lancemates; I'll have some tests ASAP).
Both Probes weight 1 ton and do not occupy any critical.
Note: in MW4:Mercs, there is no longer Active Probe. All systems are now listed
as Beagle Active Probes (BAP), with no appreciable differencies between
technology bases.
LIGHT AMPLIFICATION: as you might know, night greatly limits visibility. 'Mechs
carry external lights to illuminate the sorrounding environment, but the light
also makes them visible and illuminates only a small area in front of the
'Mech. If a 'Mech mounts Light Amplification equipment it can use it to see
night-shrouded environments without turning on external lights. Useless in any
other kind of condition.
There's no difference between Clan and Inner Sphere Amplification equipment.
Light Amplification is now part of a 'Mech standard equipment.
AMS and LASER AMS: AMS stands for Anti Missile System; this sytem will try to
shoot down any incoming missile (Thunderbolt excluded). Standard AMS is in use
in Inner Sphere units and carries a limited supply of rounds, limiting its
effectivness in prolonged battles. Clans developed Laser AMS, a modified Small
Pulse Laser with the tracking equipment of the AMS. Though it doesn't expend
ammo, it generates large amounts of heat; this system is slightly superior to
its Inner Sphere counterpart in shooting down missiles.
Note that the AMSes will shoot down only missiles that have a solid lock on
you, ignoring all other missiles.
Both Systems weight 1.5 tons.
Note: in MW4:Mercs, there is no longer AMS. All systems have been upgraded to
Laser AMS (LAMS), with no appreciable differencies between technology bases.
JUMP JETS: though 'Mechs have a relatively humanoid shape and are capable of
entering terrains otherwise impossible for standard vehicles, environments like
cities or mountains can limit their agility. Jump Jets were created to provide
this extra mobility the 'Mechs needed: jump jets can be used to pass buildings,
climb over high, otherwise impossible to reach, surface and to make a more
difficult target during battle. Nearly any light and medium 'Mech has the
possibility to mount jump jets, though only the Mad Cat MkII can mount them in
the assault class.
Jump Jets weight varies from chassis to chassis.
ADVANCED GYRO: in MW4:Mercs it is relatively easier to knock down 'Mechs: the
Advanced Gyro solves the problem, making the 'Mech more stable in every aspect,
also in limiting the recoil of weapons and rock-back of enemy weapons smashing
on the equipped 'Mech.
Advanced Gyro weight varies from chassis to chassis. Inner Sphere 'Mechs only.
IFF JAMMER: this particular piece of equipment can wreak havoc in multiplayer
games: all hostile units have their IFF (Identify Friend or Foe, as device
dedicated to assign the neutrality, hostility or alliance with other vehicles)
jammed, making hostile units look like neutral on all HUD informations.
When an enemy is 200 meters or closer, however, will recognize the Jammer 'Mech
as an enemy.
No appreciable effects have been observed in single-player mode.
IFF Jammer weights 1 ton and do not occupy critical slots.
ENHACED OPTICS: a Clan-tech only, the Enhaced Optics allows a 'Mech to have a
wider field of vision when using the zoom window, roughly 80% of the whole
screen. Though it might appear a bit useless, this equipment is great for
long-range sniping.
Enhaced Optics weight 1 ton and do not occupy critical slots.
*****************
6-'MECHS BRIEFING
*****************
Note: Mercenaries includes all 'Mechs that appeared in MW4 and its expansions
(Vengeance, Black Knight, Clan and Inner Sphere 'Mech packs). However, only
'Mechs coming from Vengeance, Black Knight and this Mercenaries are playable.
'Mechs like the Zeus or the Masakari, which come from the Inner Sphere and Clan
'Mech packs, respectively, can only be purchased if the expasion packs are
installed; however, if the pack is not installed, the 'Mechs from these
expansion will appear as enemies. You can destroy them, but not salvage.
Unfortunately I have yet to find time and money to buy both packs, so the
'Mechs are listed here without many important informations. For those having
money for the packs, they are language-free: they work on any language version
of the game with no restictions.
Note: two or three players with the Packs reported that 'Mechs are unavailable
for salvage or at the free market even if both Packs are installed. I can't
help with this, still have to find these Packs, a single person told me that if
the Packs are installed over VENGEANCE (the original MW4 game) and the
Mercenaries is installed, it will autodetect them. Please check if your 'Mech
Packs have been installed over Vengeance before installing
Mercenaries...and...remember, I can't help you out (yet).
Here's the install sequence for the Packs to work on all MW4 games, from
Stefan Henriksen Utne ([email protected]):
-------------------------------------------------------------------
First installed MechW. 4 Vengeance, then installed Black Knight expansion
and made sure that the auto-update at the end of the install installed
properly. Then I installed the Black Knight Point Update v1 which updates
both Vengeance and Black Knight and proceded to install both the Clan- and
the Inner Sphere addons. The I installed Mercenaries and the Point v1
update. After that it works like a charm -)
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Now I just have to find an US store willing to ship the Packs to me :)
For armor descriptions, CT stands for Center Torso, T for Right and Left
Torsos, RT for Rear Torso, H for Head, A for Arms and L for Legs.
Weapons and bays locations are somewhat different: CT stands for Center Torso,
H for Head, RT for Right Torso, LT for Left Torso, RA fo Right Arm and LA for
Left Arm.
Maximum armor indications are for the standard armor type for the 'Mech.
Engine rating is to be intended as the maximum speed available for that engine
tonnage; as the lowest speed comes "free", there's no tonnage (usually
indicated in the brackets) and the weight indicated (in the brackets) is
intended as the tonnage needed for upgrading the engine from the previous
rating.
A big "thank you" to Roy Dane ([email protected]) that provided some infos
that shortened my work.
-----------------------
--INNER SPHERE 'MECHS--
-----------------------
FLEA
Mass: 20 tons
Internal Structure Type: standard
Torso Twist: 140 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Ferro Fibrous
Location Points: H 0.20; A 0.40; T 0.60; CT 0.80; RT 0.30; L 0.60
Standard Maximum Speed: 131.98 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 2 Small Lasers (RT, LT), 3 Machine Gun Arrays (RA,
LA, CT)
Standard Equipment Loadout: none
Beam Bays and location: RT (1 slot), LT (1 slot)
Ballistic Bays and location: LA (1 slot), RA (1 slot), CT (1 slot)
Missile Bays and location: none
Omni Bays and location: none
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.30; A 0.40; T 0.60; CT 0.90; RT 0.30; L
1.00
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 108, 115.99 (0.25), 123.98 (0.5), 131.98 (0.75),
139.97 (1), 147.96 (1.25)
Additional Equipment: ECM Suite, LAMS
Standard Cost: 1'663'006
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 23'599
The lightest 'Mech in the game. Poorly armed and capable of accepting only the
smallest ballistic and beam weapons, which greatly limits also the maximum
range of Flea's weapons, the main asset of this 'Mech is undoubtely speed.
Fleas should be used as harasser 'Mechs and not in straight-forward battles
even with the maximum amount of armor; against an Osiris or an Uller skilled
pilots piloting a Flea could generelly hold some time, but as all 'Mechs have a
fairly high speed and the enemies a larger payload, Fleas will inevitably end
in scraps.
The ideal use of the 'Mech is a scout, the ECM Suite can make the 'Mech a good
choice for cover operations when light resistance is expected.
The simplest (and almost only) way to costumize a Flea is to strip it and
replace all weapons with Medium Lasers, maximizing armor, mounting all
equipment and, if possible, increasing speed.
OSIRIS
Mass: 30 tons
Internal Structure Type: Endo Steel
Torso Twist: 90 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Ferro Fibrous
Location Points: H 0.30; A 0.40; T 0.50; CT 0.90; RT 0.40; L 0.80
Standard Maximum Speed: 130.03 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 1 SRM 6 (LA), 5 Medium Lasers (2x RA, 2x Beam Rack,
Gun Rack), 1 Machine Gun Array (Gun Rack)
Standard Equipment Loadout: Jump Jets
Beam Bays and location: Gun Rack (CT, 1 slot), Beam Rack (CT, 2 slots), RA (2
slots)
Ballistic Bays and location: Gun Rack (CT, 1 slot)
Missile Bays and location: LA (2 slots)
Omni Bays and location: none
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.30; A 0.40; T 0.60; CT 1.00; RT 0.40; L
1.00
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 110.02, 115.02 (0.25), 120.02 (0.5), 125.03 (0.75),
130.03 (1), 135.04 (1.25)
Additional Equipment: Jump Jets (2 tons), LAMS
Standard Cost: 3'378'283
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 43'199
Osirises packs quite a punch for 30-ton 'Mechs. With their SRM 6, Machine Gun
Array and 5 Medium Lasers, they are a good match for anything under 40 tons at
medium and close ranges, though they are totally defenseless against long-range
attacks; due to this drawback, engineers though that almost maximizing armor
and mounting Jump Jets, alongside a decently rated engine (for a Light 'Mech)
could have increased the 'Mech survaiability.
The Osiris supports only LAMS as additional equipment, but can mount fairly
large beam and missile weapons, which can give the 'Mech a good long-range
punch, though it will inevitably decrease the close-range firepower that
characterizes this 'Mech.
OWENS
Mass: 35 tons
Internal Structure Type: standard
Torso Twist: 90 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Ferro Fibrous
Location Points: H 0.30; A 0.50; T 0.70; CT 1.00; RT 0.40; L 1.20
Standard Maximum Speed: 102.02 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 2 LRM 15s (RA, LA), 2 Medium X-Pulse Laser (CT)
Standard Equipment Loadout: none
Beam Bays and location: CT (2 slots)
Ballistic Bays and location: none
Missile Bays and location: RA (3 slots), LA (3 slots)
Omni Bays and location: none
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.30; A 0.60; T 0.80; CT 1.10; RT 0.50; L
1.20
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 102.02, 108.04 (0.75), 114.05 (1), 120.06 (1.25),
126.07 (1.5)
Additional Equipment: Active Probe, LAMS, IFF Jammer, Advanced Gyro (1 ton)
Standard Cost: 3'906'223
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 55'999
One of the first Inner Sphere OmniMechs ever produced, the Owens lost its Omni
capability in MW4: Mercs to reborn as a fast moving light-weight missile boat,
with only minimal support for other weapons, as its third and last bay is a
medium-sized beam port in the Center Torso. The 'Mech, however, supports a good
number of additional equipment, including an Active Probe to maximizing its
usefulness in the fire-support role. Armor protection is good for a 'Mech of
its size, and the standard internal structure allows it to withstand a good
amount of damage before going down.
As with all 'Mech depending on large missile bays, the Owens mount light
medium-ranged Lasers for self defense, but aren't enough to grant survival once
all LRM ammunition have been expended.
Downgrading the LRM racks to LRM 10s for exchanging the two X-Pulse Lasers with
a single standard, ER or Pulse Lasers will also allow to mount an Active Probe,
as well as granting a more powerful and longer punch without LRMs and
decreasing ammo dependency by increasing the salvos carried per ton.
RAVEN
Mass: 35 tons
Internal Structure Type: standard
Torso Twist: 360
Standard Armor Type: Ferro Fibrous
Location Points: H 0.30; A 0.60; T 0.70; CT 1.00; RT 0.40; L 1.10
Standard Maximum Speed: 100 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 1 NARC Beacon (LA), 1 LRM 15 (RT), 1 Small Laser (RA),
2 Small Pulse Lasers (RT, LT)
Standard Equipment Loadout: Active Probe, ECM Suite
Beam Bays and location: RA (2 slots), RT (1 slot), LT (1 slot)
Ballistic Bays and location: none
Missile Bays and location: RT (2 slots), LT (1 slot)
Omni Bays and location: none
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.30; A 0.60; T 0.80; CT 1.10; RT 0.50; L
1.20
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 90, 95 (0.25), 100.01 (0.5), 105.01 (0.75), 110.02
(1), 115.02 (1.25), 120.02 (1.5)
Additional Equipment: Active Probe, ECM Suite, LAMS, IFF Jammer, Advanced Gyro
(1 ton)
Standard Cost: 3'026'619
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 43'049
The Raven was built by the Capellan Confederation as an advanced scout light
'Mech with extended EW capabilities. Normally, Ravens use Active Probes and ECM
Suites to protect themselves and their companions, but recent upgrades saw the
introdcution of the advanced IFF Jammer in its list of supported electronics.
As a scout, the Raven relies more on speed and EW meausers to survive on the
battlefield. The most powerful weapon system, an LRM 15 rack, is also the only
long-range weapon on the 'Mech, the rest are close-range standard and pulse
lasers which provide only minimal protection during close-range combat; not
enough, the LRM 15 rack is little effective against 'Mech mounting LAMS. The
last weapon system mounted on the Raven is a NARC Beacon, used to give friendly
units a faster and more solid lock on on a single target. The NARC hasn't the
range of LRMs, so the Raven must close to the enemy to use this special
missile, which can prove quite a problem if the enemy outclass the poorly
defended 'Mech.
Presence of only two large bays, one dedicated to missiles and one tho beam
weapons, somewhat limits the Raven customization possibilities. However, it is
possible to drop the small lasers to upgrade them to medium Lasers by reducing
the LRM rack size. Speed, armor protection and, above all, EW Suites must be
kept the same to grant some lifespan and usefulness of the Raven.
WOLFHOUND
Mass: 35 tons
Internal Structure Type: standard
Torso Twist: 120 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Reflective
Location Points: H 0.40; A 0.90; T 1.10; CT 1.90; RT 0.70; L 1.50
Standard Maximum Speed: 100.01 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 1 Large X-Pulse Laser (RA), 2 Medium Pulse Lasers (RT,
LT)
Standard Equipment Loadout: none
Beam Bays and location: RT (2 slots), LT (2 slots), RA (3 slots), CT (1 slot),
LA (1 slot)
Ballistic Bays and location: none
Missile Bays and location: none
Omni Bays and location: none
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.40; A 0.90; T 1.20; CT 2.40; RT 0.70; L
1.80
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 90, 95 (0.25), 100.01 (0.5), 105.01 (0.75), 110.02
(1), 115.02 (1.25), 120.02 (1.5)
Additional Equipment: ECM Suite, LAMS, IFF Jammer
Standard Cost: 3'223'987
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 40'249
When introduced, the Wolfhound was almost a concept 'Mech: built for combat
rather than scouting and armed only with energy weapons, the Wolfhound was an
impressively aggressive light 'Mech that could have outgunned almost every
other 'Mech in its class.
Wolfhounds mount only energy weapons in their standard configuration, and can
accept only these kinds of weapons; considering that this makes the Wolfhound
operative as long its pilot is alive or it has enough armor to withstand enemy
fire and that energy weapons have the best firepower/weight/space ratio for
light 'Mechs, this is not considered a problem, and the Wolfhound is capable of
carrying any kind of laser or PPC. It is also reasonabily fast and has a good
protection, plus the ability to mount relatively advanecd secondary equipment
such as ECM Suites and IFF Jammers. Its low maintenance costs make it also well
suited for starting mercenary units.
The standard Wolfhound is armed for close-range combat, with twin Medium Pulse
Lasers and a single Large X-Pulse Laser that can reach medium ranges with a
decent punch.
Wolfhound customizations often include removal of Reflective armor for standard
Ferro Fibrous compunds, addition of an LAMS and replacement of the X-Pulse
Laser with an ER Large Laser or a PPC. Those weapons, backed up with two or
three Medium Lasers, lack the sam cycle rate of the original weaponry, but give
an extra punch at medium ranges, giving the Wolfhound the ability to strike at
long ranges.
CHIMERA
Mass: 40 tons
Internal Structure Type: Endo Steel
Torso Twist: 120 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Reflective
Location Points: H 0.40; A 0.80; T 1.00; CT 1.20; RT 0.60; L 1.60
Standard Maximum Speed: 102.02 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 1 Large Laser (LA), 1 Medium Laser (LA), 1 MRM 20
(RT), 1 Machine Gun Array (RA)
Standard Equipment Loadout: Jump Jets
Beam Bays and location: LA (3 slots)
Ballistic Bays and location: RA (3 slots)
Missile Bays and location: RT (3 slots)
Omni Bays and location: none
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.40; A 0.90; T 1.50; CT 1.90; RT 0.60; L
2.10
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 82.01, 87.01 (0.25), 92.02 (0.5), 97.02 (0.75),
102.02 (1), 107.03 (1.25), 112.03 (1.5)
Additional Equipment: LAMS, Advanced Gyro (2 tons), Jump Jets (3 tons)
Standard Cost: 4'120'404
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 59'199
Built as a multi-role 'Mech, the Chimera doesn't excel in anything, but can be
configured to serve in almost every role required by the modern battlefield.
The 'Mech mounts three large bays, each for one weapon type that can favor the
pilot's own style of combat or mission requirements. Chimeras can become
incredibly fast and agile and a very stable fire-support platform thanks to the
Advanced Gyro, but is generally a poor choice as a recon 'Mech for its lack of
Active Probe and ECM Suite.
The construction of the 'Mech emphasizes different weapons loadout, as it is
not possible to mount only one kind of large weapons; this can make ammunition
shortages a problem, as two thirds of the Chimera's firepower could come from
missile and ballistic bays.
HELLSPAWN
Mass: 45 tons
Internal Structure Type: Endo Steel
Torso Twist: 120 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Ferro Fibrous
Location Points: H 0.30; A 0.80; T 0.90; CT 1.20; RT 0.50; L 1.30
Standard Maximum Speed: 106.06 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 3 Medium Pulse Lasers (RA, LA, RT), 2 SRM 6s (Missile
Rack, LT)
Standard Equipment Loadout: Jump Jets, ECM Suite
Beam Bays and location: RA (1 slot), LA (1 slot), RT (1 slot)
Ballistic Bays and location: RA (1 slot), LA (1 slot), RT (1 slot)
Missile Bays and location: LT (3 slots), Missile Rack (RT, 2 slots)
Omni Bays and location: none
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.30; A 0.80; T 1.00; CT 1.40; RT 0.60; L
1.60
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 82.01, 88.02 (0.5), 94.03 (1), 100.04 (2), 106.06
(3), 112.07 (4)
Additional Equipment: ECM Suite, LAMS, IFF Jammer, Jump Jets (3 tons)
Standard Cost: 5'525'611
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 78'299
A fast recon 'Mech with some serious short-range firepower. Not built for
stand-up fights, the Hellspawn is very proficent in hit-and-run tactics; its
exceptional speed, plus its Jump Jets allows it to escape from whatever it
cannot outgun and the ECM Suite not only masks it from long range sensors but
also increases time for weapon lock-on.
Though the 'Mech has a good number of all standard weapon bays, only the
missile ones are able to support large weapons and unfortunately Hellspawns do
not support Active Probes.
UZIEL
Mass: 50 tons
Internal Structure Type: Endo Steel
Torso Twist: 120 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Ferro Fibrous
Location Points: H 0.30; A 0.90; T 1.00; CT 1.50; RT 0.60; L 0.90
Standard Maximum Speed: 95 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 2 PPCs (LA, RA), 1 SRM 6 (Missile Rack), 2 Machine Gun
Arrays (LT, RT)
Standard Equipment Loadout: Jump Jets
Beam Bays and location: LA (3 slots), RA (3 slots)
Ballistic Bays and location: LT (2 slots), RT (2 slots)
Missile Bays and location: Missile Rack (CT, 2 slots)
Omni Bays and location: none
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.30; A 1.00; T 1.20; CT 1.50; RT 0.70; L
1.60
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 83.02, 89.03 (0.5), 95.04 (1), 101.05 (1.5), 107.06
(2)
Additional Equipment: Jump Jets (3 tons), Active Probe, LAMS
Standard Cost: 6'331'634
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 92'999
An aggressive Medium-sized 'Mech. The Uziel has twin PPCs as main weapons which
provide a good punch at all ranges and a single SRM 6 rack for close-range
works. As the 'Mech tends to have heat problems, two Machine Gun Arrays were
installed in the lateral torsos, allowing the 'Mech to lay down at least
suppressive fire while cooling down.
The Uziel also boast a good armor protection and exceptional agility thanks to
its relatively highly-rated engine and Jump jets.
The main bays of the Uziel are configured to accept beam weapons, and
uninstalling the PPCs to smaller beam weapons or to fully exploit the Active
Probe it can mount with a large LRM rack is not suggested, as the 'Mech will
loose its partial independecy to ammunition. Dropping the Machine Gun Arrays or
the SRM 6 for more heat sinks and armor protection can be a good customization,
though the 'Mech will lose some backup firepower.
BUSHWACKER
Mass: 55 tons
Internal Structure Type: standard
Torso Twist: 120 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Ferro Fibrous
Location Points: H 0.30; A 0.80; T 1.20; CT 1.70; RT 0.50; L 1.00
Standard Maximum Speed: 84.96 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 2 Medium Pulse Lasers (CT), 1 LRM 5(LA), 1 LRM 10
(Missile Rack, LT), 1 AC 10 (RA)
Standard Equipment Loadout: none
Beam Bays and location: CT (2 slots)
Ballistic Bays and location: RA (3 slots), CT (2 slots)
Missile Bays and location: LA (3 slots) Missile Rack (LT, 2 slots)
Omni Bays and location: none
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.30; A 1.00; T 1.40; CT 1.70; RT 0.70; L
1.80
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 64.01, 70.99 (0.5), 77.98 (1), 84.96 (1.5), 91.94
(2), 98.93 (2.5), 105.91 (3)
Additional Equipment: Active Probe, LAMS, IFF Jammer, Advanced Gyro (2 tons)
Standard Cost: 5'996'343
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 91'299
Built as medium-weight fire-support 'Mech for all but the heaviest or fastest
Lances, the Bushwacker centers its task with two LRM systems, backed up by a
standard AutoCannon 10 and twin Medium Pulse Lasers for medium and close range
engagements. However, though this weapon loadout, the Bushwacker is seldom
considered to serve in its intended role, as almost every Clan 'Mech can outgun
in both range and firepower the Bushwacker and heavier Inner Sphere 'Mechs pack
more long-range punch that this 'Mech does.
However, the Bushwacker is a good all-around 'Mech that can fulfill a good
variety of roles, from sniping (thanks to its large bays of all types) to
recon, as it can accept an Active Probe.
ARGUS
Mass: 60 tons
Internal Structure Type: Endo Steel
Torso Twist: 120 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Reflective
Location Points: H 0.90; A 1.20; T 1.50; CT 2.00; RT 0.90; L 1.40
Standard Maximum Speed: 81 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 1 LRM 10 (LA), 1 Machine Gun Array (RA), 2 Ultra AC/5s
(RA), 2 Medium Lasers (RT, LT)
Standard Equipment Loadout: none
Beam Bays and location: RT (2 slots), LT (2 slots)
Ballistic Bays and location: RA (5 slots)
Missile Bays and location: LA (3 slots)
Omni Bays and location: none
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.90; A 1.30; T 1.60; CT 2.00; RT 0.90; L
1.50
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 73.01, 77 (0.5), 81 (1), 85 (1,5), 88.99 (2), 92.99
(2.5)
Additional Equipment: none
Standard Cost: 6'174'159
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 97'799
The most distinctive feature of the Argus is the total lack of additional
equipment, including LAMS. This partially justifies its low maintenance cost,
but total lack of dedicated equipment makes the 'Mech totally unsuited for
recon or stealth duties.
In fact, this is only a minor problem, as the Argus was designed as a support
for larger 'Mechs during assaults.
Standard configuration is indeed a good combination of speed, armor and
firepower that favors long-range fights: twin Ultra AC/5s provide a good punch
over all vehicles and their high rate of fire can be destructive even against
more armored machines, and the LRM 10 launcher can give an accurate punch at
all ranges. 2 Medium lasers and a single Machine Gun Array protects the Argus
in close fights. With such a weaponry the Argus can engage at any ranges, but
it is ammunition limited and somehow lacks the punch that an Heavy 'Mech needs.
Argus customizations can vary a lot, as it features all bay types, and all
large enough to accomodate all but the largest weapon. Twin Large standard or
Pulse Laser backed up by LRMs or close-range ACs can give the Argus the punch
that its standard version lacks.
CATAPULT
Mass: 65 tons
Internal Structure Type: standard
Torso Twist: 100 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Reactive
Location Points: H 0.90; A 1.50; T 1.40; CT 2.20; RT 0.60; L 1.50
Standard Maximum Speed: 75.96 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 1 Small Pulse Laser (CT), 1 Large Laser (RT), 2 LRM
20s (RA, LA)
Standard Equipment Loadout: Active Probe, Jump Jets
Beam Bays and location: LT (2 slots), CT (2 slots), RT (2 slots)
Ballistic Bays and location: none
Missile Bays and location: LA (4 slots), RA (4 slots)
Omni Bays and location: none
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.90; A 1.80; T 2.40; CT 3.00; RT 1.20; L
3.00
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 61.99, 68.98 (0.5), 75.96 (1), 82.94 (1.5), 89.93
(2), 96.91 (2.5), 103.90 (3.5)
Additional Equipment: Active Probe, LAMS, Advanced Gyro (3 tons), Jump Jets (4
tons)
Standard Cost: 8'096'913
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 122'199
The Catapult is often referred has the Archer's or the Longbow's little
brother, as all 'Mechs are built for accurate long-range fire-support. However
the Catapult is lighter, support less armor and weapons than the other 'Mechs,
but it is more agile thanks to its Jump Jets and wider options for engine
ratings. Also, the presence of an Active Probe in the standard configuration
makes the Catapult's LRM lock-on faster.
This 'Mech totally lacks ballistic bays, but has beam bays larg enough to
support 3 Large Lasers and small missile launchers, if ammunition shortages can
be a problem during mission. However, to fully exploit the Catapult, is almost
obliged to mount the largest missile racks available with the Active Prove.
Jump Jets can be sacrificed, but can come in handy in any situation.
BLACK KNIGHT
Mass: 75 tons
Internal Structure Type: standard
Torso Twist: 120 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Ferro Fibrous
Location Points: H 0.60; A 1.30; T 1.70; CT 1.90; RT 0.90; L 1.80
Standard Maximum Speed: 75.02 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 2 Large Lasers, 2 PPCs, 1 Medium Laser
Standard Equipment Loadout: none
Beam Bays and location: H (1 slot), RT (3 slots), LT (3 slots)
Ballistic Bays and location: LA (2 slots)
Missile Bays and location: none
Omni Bays and location: RA (3 slots), LA (3 slots)
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.60; A 1.40; T 1.80; CT 2.10; RT 0.90; L
2.2
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 63, 69.01 (1), 75.02 (2), 81.04 (3), 87.05 (4),
93.06 (5), 99.07 (6)
Additional Equipment: ECM Suite, Active Probe, LAMS, Jump Jets (4 tons)
Standard Cost: 12'807'404
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 198'749
The Black Knight is a venerable Star League design intended to operated as long
as it can away from supply lines: that's why it mounts only energy weapons and
it is incredibly sturdy for a 'Mech of its class.
The modern-day Black Knights have also been updated with Omni bays and other
equipment, that makes it one of the favourite Heavy 'Mechs in small mercenary
units, as it can fulfill a large variety of roles.
Black Knights, due to the nature of their weaponry, tend to have problems with
heat management if the Lasers and the PPCs are constantly fired together. They
also have a very large frontal Center Torso which can be exploited to make fast
kills.
Black Knights lack Missile Bays, but as Omni Bays can accept all kind of
weapons, this is little problem.
Note: the original Black Knight was not an OmniMech. as an other 'Mech in this
game, the Hellhound (Conjurer), I'm not really sure that designers took care of
reproducing the designs and invented brand-new ones.
THANATOS
Mass: 75 tons
Internal Structure Type: Endo Steel
Torso Twist: 360 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Ferro Fibrous
Location Points: H 0.60; A 1.30; T 1.70; CT 1.90; RT 0.90; L 1.80
Standard Maximum Speed: 75.02 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 1 LB-X 20, 1 MRM 20, 3 Medium Pulse Lasers
Standard Equipment Loadout: ECM Suite, Jump Jets
Beam Bays and location: RT (2 slots), LA (2 slots)
Ballistic Bays and location: RT (2 slots), LA (4 slots)
Missile Bays and location: RA (3 slots)
Omni Bays and location: none
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.60; A 1.40; T 1.80; CT 2.10; RT 0.90; L
2.20
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 63, 69.01 (1), 75.02 (2), 81.04 (3), 87.05 (4),
93.06 (5), 99.07 (6)
Additional Equipment: ECM Suite, LAMS, IFF Jammer, Jump Jets (4 tons)
Standard Cost: 9'972'535
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 148'499
The Thanatos was built for being an OmniMech, but when StarCorp had ready the
first prototypes, nor the LAAF nor the AFFC, were interested in an other heavy
OmniMech; StarCorp reenginered the Thanatos blueprints and downgraded it to a
standard BattleMech, so that the Thanatos could find its place among both
armies, replacing aging Quickdraws.
StarCorp engineers use the Clan Thor as a basis for this 'Mech, and both 'Mech
have the same use and features: the Thanatos can mount a vast range of
electronics, plus Jump Jets and LAMS. Its weapons main weapons are for
close-range combat and for brute firepower, as the huge LB-X 20 AC testifies.
The MRM-20, though inaccurate, packs quite a punch, which can augmented if the
three Medium Pulse Lasers are fired together. The presence of an ECM Suite in
its standard configuration makes the Thanatos a nasty opponent at these close
ranges, as it can pass unnoticed until the target is within fire range.
The 'Mech has large ballistic bays, plus some missile and beam bays able to
accept medium-sized weapons; Thanatoses cannot use Active Probes, so they are
slightly ineffective as missile boats. The relatively small beam bays, also,
forces to mix up other kinds of weapons it they are going to be occupied by two
standard or Pulse Large Lasers. Due to its wide torso twist, Thanatoses can be
configured to be good brawlers.
AWESOME
Mass: 80 tons
Internal Structure Type: standard
Torso Twist: 80 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Ferro Fibrous
Location Points: H 0.90; A 1.40; T 1.90; CT 2.20; RT 0.90; L 2.2
Standard Maximum Speed: 70.02 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 3 PPCs (RT, LT, RA), 1 SRM 4 (CT), 2 Medium Lasers
(LA)
Standard Equipment Loadout: none
Beam Bays and location: LA (3 slots), LT (3 slots), RT (3 slots), RA (2 slots)
Ballistic Bays and location: none
Missile Bays and location: CT (2 slots)
Omni Bays and location: none
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.90; A 1.40; T 2.00; CT 2.20; RT 1.60; L
2.4
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 65.02, 70.02 (1), 80.03 (3), 85.03 (4), 90.04 (5)
Additional Equipment: LAMS, Advanced Gyro (4 tons)
Standard Cost: 8'159'059
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 119'119
As the original Awesome's profile says, "the only way to counter an Awesome is
with an other Awesome". 3 PPCs and 15 tons of Ferro-Fibrous armor make this
'Mech a very powerful enemy in any environment: deadly at long range thanks to
its PPCs and decent at close ranges due to the Medium Lasers and SRM rack. Its
top speed, 70 kph, is also an above average top speed for an Assault 'Mech.
The Awesome true weakness is that it has to be configured as an
energy-dependant 'Mech to fully exploit its payload, has the single missile bay
is too small to accept large racks and has no Ballistic bays. Dependency on
energy weapons leads to non existent ammunition problems, but also demands a
large number of heat sinks or a careful heat managment from the pilot, which is
often forgiven in the midst of a battle.
VICTOR
Mass: 80 tons
Internal Structure Type: standard
Torso Twist: 100 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Ferro Fibrous
Location Points: H 0.80; A 1.50; T 2.00; CT 2.30; RT 0.80; L 2.30
Standard Maximum Speed: 72 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 2 Medium Pulse Lasers (RT, LT), 1 SRM 4 (LT), 1 Gauss
Rifle (LA), 1 Heavy Gauss Rifle (RA)
Standard Equipment Loadout: LAMS
Beam Bays and location: RT (2 slots), LT (2 slots), LA (3 slots)
Ballistic Bays and location: LA (3 slots), RA (4 slots)
Missile Bays and location: RT (2 slots), LT (2 slots)
Omni Bays and location: none
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.90; A 1.60; T 2.00; CT 2.30; RT 0.90; L
2.40
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 61.99, 67 (1), 72 (2), 77 (3), 82.01 (4), 87.01
(5), 92.02 (6)
Additional Equipment: ECM Suite, LAMS, Advanced Gyro (4 tons) Jump Jets (4
tons)
Standard Cost: 11'424'694
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 175'199
An old workhorse in the Davion militaries, the Victor was one of the few
Assault 'Mechs to mount Jump Jets. It was priarly built for close-range combat,
but after 3050 it was refitted with Gauss Rifles. Now that the Lyran Alliance
developed Heavy Gauss technology, Davion engineer combined the long-range
firepower of the standard Gauss with the heavy firepower of the new Gauss
Rifle. Adding firepower to this combination there are two Medium Pulse Lasers
and a single SRM 4 rack that makes the Victor a nasty opponent at close range.
This configuration does not mount the typical Jump jets, however, but maximizes
protection with extra armor and a LAMS.
Victors have a good number of various type of weapon bays, allowing them to
carry almost any weapon designed up-to-date, with the preference of ballistic
weapons. This feature can give birth at a good number of modified Victors. A
close-range variant can feature an ECM Suite and Jump Jets in addiction to the
standard LAMS, with a single Ultra AC/20 and Medium Pulse Lasers; spare tonnage
can be devoted to additional ammo for the AC/20.
LONGBOW
Mass: 85 tons
Internal Structure Type: standard
Torso Twist: 80 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Ferro Fibrous
Location Points: H 0.80; A 1.70; T 2.00; CT 2.40; RT 0.80; L 2.30
Standard Maximum Speed: 69.01 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 3 Medium Lasers (RT, 2x LT), 1 LRM 10 (LT), 1 LRM 15
(RT), 2 LRM 20s (RA, LA)
Standard Equipment Loadout: Active Probe, LAMS
Beam Bays and location: RT (2 slots), LT (2 slots)
Ballistic Bays and location: none
Missile Bays and location: RA (4 slots), LA (4 slots), RT (2 slots), LT (2
slots)
Omni Bays and location: none
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.90; A 1.80; T 2.00; CT 2.40; RT 0.80; L
2.60
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 56.99, 63 (1), 69.01 (2), 75.02 (3), 81.04 (4),
87.05 (5), 93.06 (6)
Additional Equipment: Active Probe, LAMS
Standard Cost: 11'453'066
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 179'349
Mainly produced in the Free Worlds League, the Longbow reached other House
armies thanks to a technological exchange plan set after the Clan invasion.
This fire-support 'Mech found its way into the Lyran army thanks to its heavy
weight and rude but accurate firepower, thanks to its four LRM racks; as
expected by a missile-oriented 'Mech, it mounts an Active Probe to reduce
lock-on time and Medium Lasers to protect itself at medium and close ranges.
Its armor is heavy, and protection is augmented by LAMS, used even in its
standard configuration. However, it lacks ECM support, which could have turned
this 'Mech into an effective sniper.
With such a weaponry, it is natural that Longbows have large missile bays and
medium-sized beam weapons, and no Omni and ballistic bays at all. To fully use
these bays, it is possible to downgrade the two LRM 20 racks to LRM 15s. This
will decrease firepower a bit, but will allow to upgrade the LRM 10 to an other
LRM 15 rack and will also make ammunition last a bit longer. Free tonnage can
also be used to increase the number of Medium Lasers or uninstall them for a
single Large Laser.
TEMPLAR
Mass: 85 tons
Internal Structure Type: standard
Torso Twist: 100 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Ferro Fibrous
Location Points: H 0.80; A 1.40; T 1.50; CT 2.30; RT 0.70; L 1.70
Standard Maximum Speed: 68.90 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 2 Large X-Pulse Lasers (RA, LA), 2 Light Gauss Rifles
(RA, LA)
Standard Equipment Loadout: LAMS
Beam Bays and location: RA (2 slots), LA (2 slots)
Ballistic Bays and location: LT (2 slots), RT (2 slots)
Missile Bays and location: RT (2 slots)
Omni Bays and location: RA (3 slots), LA (3 slots)
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.90; A 1.80; T 2.00; CT 2.30; RT 0.90; L
2.50
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 64.01, 69.01 (1), 74.02 (2), 79.02 (3), 84.02 (4),
89.03 (5), 94.03 (6)
Additional Equipment: LAMS, Advanced Gyro (4 tons) Jump Jets 5 tons)
Standard Cost: 13'393'589
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 206'549
Kallon Industries' first attempt in Omni technology. And from how the Templar
performs on the battlefield, looks like they always built Assault OmniMechs.
Though the main configuration of the Templar might look a bit undergunned for
its tonnage, the twin Light Gauss Rifles provides good firepower at even
extreme ranges and the two Large X Pulse Lasers can be them up within an
acceptable range envelop. Also, the Templar packs a respectable amount of armor
and LAMS; combined with a good top speed, the Templar is one of the most
versatile Assault 'Mechs in the battlefield.
Costumizing a Templar is only a matter of tastes; the two large Omni bays can
accept nearly any kind of weapon and the Templar has plenty of specialized bays
to mount different weapon systems that won't limit the usefulness of the 'Mech;
other equipment include Jump Jets and an Advanged Gyro.
If you can freely access Clan technology, twin ER PPCs, four ER Medium Lasers
and a single LB-X 10 AC backed up by a Streak SRM system and maximum armor can
turn the 'Mech into an heavy brawler at any range.
MAULER
Mass: 90 tons
Internal Structure Type: standard
Torso Twist: 80 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Reactive
Location Points: H 1.10; A 1.20; T 1.60; CT 2.70; RT 0.80; L 1.40
Standard Maximum Speed: 65.02 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout:4 Medium Lasers (2x RA, 2x LA), 4 Ultra AC/2s (2x RT,
2x LT), 2 LRM 10s (RT, LT)
Standard Equipment Loadout: none
Beam Bays and location: RA (2 slots), LA (2 slots)
Ballistic Bays and location: RT (3 slots), LT (3 slots)
Missile Bays and location: RT (3 slots), LT (3 slots)
Omni Bays and location: none
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 1.30; A 2.70; T 3.30; CT 3.60; RT 1.50; L
3.90
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 55.01, 60.01 (1), 65.02 (2), 70.02 (3), 75.02 (4),
80.03 (5), 85.03 (6)
Additional Equipment: Active Probe, LAMS, Advanced Gyro (4 tons)
Standard Cost: 10'755'457
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 172'799
An other Assault 'Mech built by the Draconis Combine and then exchanged with
other Houses after the Clan invasion. The Mauler, though its versatility is not
so widespread as it could be, probably because it is somewhat undergunned for a
90-ton 'Mech: the two LRM 10s provide accurate long-range firepower and are
among the most ammo-efficient LRM racks currently in use, but lacks
concentrated punch; the four Ultra AC/2s provide a long-range, fast-cycle
backup to the LRM racks, but, again, they aren't enough against other Assault
'Mechs. However, armor protection is good, especially if considered that the
armor is Reactive type.
Maulers have large ballistic and missile bays, with medium-sized beam weapons.
Removal of the Ultra AutoCannons for long-range beam weapons and upgrade of LRM
racks is recomended, as well as mounting an Active Probe.
SUNDER
Mass: 90 tons
Internal Structure Type: Endo Steel
Torso Twist: 120 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Ferro Fibrous
Location Points: H 0.90; A 1.60; T 2.00; CT 2.40; RT 1.00; L 2.50
Standard Maximum Speed: 68.90 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 4 Large Lasers (2x RA, RT, LT), 2 Medium Lasers (RT,
LT), 1 LB-X 20 (LA)
Standard Equipment Loadout: none
Beam Bays and location: RT (3 slots), LT (3 slots), RA (4 slots)
Ballistic Bays and location: none
Missile Bays and location: CT (3 slots)
Omni Bays and location: LA (4 slots)
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.90; A 1.80; T 2.20; CT 2.40; RT 1.00; L
2.60
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 55.01, 61.96 (1), 68.90 (2), 75.85 (3), 82.80 (4),
89.75 (5)
Additional Equipment: ECM Suite, LAMS
Standard Cost: 16'915'266
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 249'699
The first Assault OmniMech ever produced, the Sunder was first fielded by the
Draconis Combine; technological exchanges with the then-Federated Commonwealth
made this powerful 90-ton machine somewhat widespread in the AFFC militaries,
but it sill remains a 'Mech prevalently used by the DCMS.
Its roomy chassis supports large bays, but only one of them is an Omni type,
the rest are devoted to missile and beam weapons. This one of the peculiarities
of this chassis, which has also a wide torso twist, which gives it an edge in
close-range fights; the standard engine, strangely large for an Assault 'Mech,
gives it unparalled top speed, that is unparalleled in the Assault class.
Weapons on the Sunder are mostly medium-ranged weapons, with 4 Large Lasers and
twin Medium Lasers and one single LB-X 20 AC for close-range works.
There's not much to do for costumizing a Sunder. Replacing Inner Sphere weapons
with Clan weapons of the same type will give the 'Mech an extra punch and
ability to reach long-range with a powerful salvo. Spare tonnage can be devoted
to LAMS or ECM Suite. Increasing the already highly-rated armor is not
suggested, but moving points around, from legs to lateral torsos or arms, is
recomended.
HAUPTMANN
Mass: 95 tons
Internal Structure Type: standard
Torso Twist: 80 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Ferro Fibrous
Location Points: H 0.90; A 1.90; T 2.20; CT 2.50; RT 0.90; L 2.80 (Left Leg has
2.70)
Standard Maximum Speed: 58.03 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 2 Large Lasers (RA, LA), 1 Small Laser (CT), 2 Medium
Pulse Lasers (RA, LA), 1 LRM 15 (RT), 1 LB-X 20 (Gun Rack, RT)
Standard Equipment Loadout: LAMS
Beam Bays and location: CT (2 slots), LT (3 slots)
Ballistic Bays and location: H (1 slot), Gun Rack (RT, 4 slots)
Missile Bays and location: RT (3 slots)
Omni Bays and location: LA (3 slots), RA (3 slots)
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.90; A 2.00; T 2.20; CT 2.50; RT 0.90; L
3.00
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 46.01, 52.02 (1), 58.03 (2), 64.04 (3), 70.06 (4),
76.07 (5)
Additional Equipment: LAMS, Advanced Gyro (4 tons)
Standard Cost: 16'225'254
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 245'099
The Hauptmann was the first attempt by Steiner military to built and OmniMech.
This 'Mech is dedicated to all hauptmanns, which are the most numerous
officials in the Steiner military.
This Assault 'Mech has numerous and large bays able to accomodate various types
of weapon systems, with no real prevalence of a weapon type. In its standard
configuration, the Hauptmann is a deadly in-fighter, with a single LB-X 20 AC,
twin Pulse Lasers and Large Lasers; a single LRM 15 rack allows the 'Mech to
engage at long-ranges, but it is clearly not suited for stand-up fights at long
range, thought its heavy armor and resistant internal structure allows it to
withstand heavy damage.
The Hauptmann large and various weapon bays, including its two large Omni bays
in the arms, allows a great number of modifications, all depending on your
imagination.
ATLAS
Mass: 100 tons
Internal Structure Type: standard
Torso Twist: 80 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Ferro Fibrous
Location Points: H 0.90; A 1.80; T 2.40 (Right Torso has 2.30); CT 2.60; RT
1.00; L 2.6
Standard Maximum Speed: 51.01 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 3 Small Lasers (RA, LA, H), 2 PPCs (LA, RA) , LRM 15
(RT), Gauss Rifle (Gun Rack, RT)
Standard Equipment Loadout: ECM Suite, IFF Jammer, LAMS
Beam Bays and location: H (1 slot), RA (4 slots), LA (4 slots)
Ballistic Bays and location: LA (2 slots), Gun Rack (RT, 4 slots)
Missile Bays and location: RT (2 slots), LT (2 slots)
Omni Bays and location: none
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.90; A 2.20; T 1.90; CT 2.20; RT 0.90; L
3.0
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 45, 51.01 (1), 57.02 (2), 63.04 (3), 69.05 (4),
75.06 (5)
Additional Equipment: ECM Suite, IFF Jammer, LAMS, Active Probe, Advanced Gyro
(4 tons)
Standard Cost: 15'337'890
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 245'999
The Atlas, or "death-head", as the skull painted over its cockpit shows. It is
basically a good all around 'Mech, capable of accepting nearly any kind of
weapon. In its standard config the Atlas is slow but features a number of
offensive long-range weapons, close-range weapons and LAMS and IFF Jammer that
makes it a decent EW fighter. It possible to mount two PPCs and one (Light)
Gauss Rifle or Ultra ACs combined with missiles plus a ECM Suite for maximizing
its role as sniper.
FAFNIR
Mass: 100 tons
Internal Structure Type: standard
Torso Twist: 80 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Ferro Fibrous
Location Points: H 0.90; A 1.80; T 2.40; CT 2.50; RT 1.00; L 2.60
Standard Maximum Speed: 52.99 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 2 Large Lasers (LA, RA), 3 Medium Lasers (RT, LT, CT),
2 Heavy Gauss Rifles (LT, RT)
Standard Equipment Loadout: none
Beam Bays and location: RA (3 slots), LA (3 slots), CT (2 slots)
Ballistic Bays and location: RT (4 slots), LT (4 slots)
Missile Bays and location: none
Omni Bays and location: none
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.90; A 2.20; T 2.40; CT 2.60; RT 1.00; L
3.00
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 42.88, 47.99 (1), 52.99 (2), 58 (3), 63 (4), 68
(5), 73.01 (6)
Additional Equipment: ECM Suite, LAMS
Standard Cost: 16'433'758
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 247'999
The Fafnir is Defiance Industries' showcase 'Mech.
After the previous intended showcase 'Mech, the Defiance, proved to be full of
flaws, engineers went back to the drawing board and built a pure Assault 'Mech,
lacking any grace or style in both lines and design that is well suited for
Steiner's tendency of brutal assaults.
Capable of mounting only Beam or Ballistic weapons, the Fafnir is usually
configured with twin Heavy Gauss Rifles, twin Large Lasers and 3 Medium Lasers,
making it a deadly opposition at medium and close ranges. Armor values are
surprisingly high even in the standard config, but the realtively slowness of
the 'Mech and large profile makes it an easy target.
Customizing Fafnirs is relatively easy: large caliber ballistic guns backed up
by beam long-range weapons; twin Clan Ultra AC/20s plus ER Medium Lasers fired
together can destroy even a Longbow in a single shot if you aim the Center
Torso; 2 ER Large Lasers are a good weaponry for long-range fightings.
---------------
--CLAN 'MECHS--
---------------
ULLER (KIT FOX)
Mass: 30 tons
Internal Structure Type: Endo Steel
Torso Twist: 140 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Ferro Fibrous
Location Points: H 0.30; A 0.40; T 0.50; CT 1.10; RT 0.30; L 0.50
Standard Maximum Speed: 126.40 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 2 Clan LRM 10 (RT, LT), 1 Clan ER Large Laser (RA), 1
Clan ER Medium Laser (RA)
Standard Equipment Loadout: ECM Suite
Beam Bays and location: RA (2 slots)
Ballistic Bays and location: none
Missile Bays and location: RT (1 slot), LT (1 slot)
Omni Bays and location: RA (1 slot), LA (1 slot)
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.30; A 0.40; T 0.60; CT 1.40; RT 0.40; L
1.00
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 111.38, 116.39 (0.25), 121.39 (0.5), 126.40 (0.75)
Additional Equipment: ECM Suite, LAMS
Standard Cost: 3'785'300
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 46'499
The lightest Clan 'Mech available in the game; the Uller is built more for
speed than firepower, though it packs quite a long-range punch thanks to its
twin LRM 10s and ER Large Laser. Armor protection is low, and its light frame
makes the 'Mech very vulnerable to any kind of damage. The Uller can defend
itself from vehicles and other 'Mechs, though the enemies must be at long-range
and do not outweight (and consequentily outgun) it.
Costumization is also limited, the Uller has two small Omni bays to accomodate
weapons, and the other bays are too small to carry large specialized weapons;
dropping LRM 10s for smaller racks to increase armor and mount LAMS is
recomended.
COUGAR
Mass: 35 tons
Internal Structure Type: Endo Steel
Torso Twist: 140 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Ferro Fibrous
Location Points: H 0.30; A 0.50; T 0.50; CT 0.70; RT 0.30; L 0.60
Standard Maximum Speed: 96.95 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 2 Can LRM 10s (RT, LT), 1 Clan ER Small Laser (LA), 1
Clan ER Medium Laser (LA), 1 Clan ER Large Laser (RA)
Standard Equipment Loadout: Active Probe, Jump Jets
Beam Bays and location: RA (2 slots), LA (2 slots)
Ballistic Bays and location: none
Missile Bays and location: RT (2 slots), LT (2 slots)
Omni Bays and location: RA (1 slot), LA (1 slot)
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.30; A 0.60; T 0.80; CT 1.20; RT 0.70; L
1.20
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 76, 82.98 (0.25), 89.96 (0.5), 96.95 (0.75), 103.93
(1), 110.92 (1.25), 117.90 (1.50), 124.88 (1.75), 131.87 (2)
Additional Equipment: Active Probe, LAMS, Enhaced Optics, Jump Jets (2 tons)
Standard Cost: 5'035'032
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 67'199
Built by Clan Jade Falcon starting from the Puma chassis, the Cougar is mainly
a fast-moving missile boat. The original version of the Cougar (in the
boardgame)had twin LRM 10s and Large Pulse Lasers, a configuration impossible
to recreate without decreasing the engine rating or the armor.
The most notable characteristic is the total absence of Ballistic bays. There
are two ways to costumize a Cougar: by enhacing its Beam or Missile
capabilities (obviously). To maximize the Missile capabilities mount the Active
Probe and remove the 2 Large Lasers, upgrade the Medium Laser to a Pulse
version, add an other, remove the Small Laser and install twin LRM 20s with
lots of ammunitions. The Laser boat can be created with two or three ER Large
Lasers (the latter option will force you to remove any secondary weapon system)
and installing enough heat sinks to manage the heat generated by these weapons.
PUMA (ADDER)
Mass: 35 tons
Internal Structure Type: Ferro Fibrous
Torso Twist: 90 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Endo Steel
Location Points: H 0.30; A 0.60; T 0.80; CT 1.10; RT 0.40; L 1.20
Standard Maximum Speed: 83.05 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 2 Clan ER PPCs (LA, RA)
Standard Equipment Loadout: none
Beam Bays and location: RT (1 slot), LT (1 slot)
Ballistic Bays and location: CT (1 slot)
Missile Bays and location: none
Omni Bays and location: RA (3 slots), LA (3 slots)
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.30; A 0.60; T 0.80; CT 1.20; RT 0.40; L
1.20
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 65.02, 71.03 (0.25), 77.04 (0.5), 83.05 (0.75),
89.06 (1), 95.08 (1.25)
Additional Equipment: LAMS
Standard Cost: 5'171'832
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 67'899
Both Clan and Inner Sphere designations suggest an incredible ferocity from
this 'Mech. And that's true. The Puma is small and light, reasonably fast and
packs a tremendous punch thanks to its twin Clan ER PPCs.
When first appeared in the Inner Sphere, the Puma packed a punch that greatly
outgunned all know Light and many Medium 'Mechs, rivaling even with the
lightest of the Heavies. It is no wonder that Inner Sphere pilots began to fear
such a 'Mech.
However, the small 'Mech leaves little space to modifications: the 0Mech's main
bays are omni and other bays are small and for almost only energy weapons and
its light frame doesn't allow to too much freedom in mounting large ballistic
and missile weapons, as they will be dangerously low in maximum ammunition
load. It is highly reccomended to keep the twin ER PPCs has weapons, as
exchanging them for Pulse or ER Lasers will decrease range and punch too much,
though it will mitigate heat problems;
howeverm if you downgrade the engine a bit and increase only few points of
armor, you should be able to mount extra heat sinks.
The Puma is clearly the best light 'Mech in the game.
SHADOW CAT
Mass: 45 tons
Internal Structure Type: Endo Steel
Torso Twist: 120 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Ferro Fibrous
Location Points: H 0.30; A 0.80; T 1.00; CT 1.40; RT 0.50; L 1.60
Standard Maximum Speed: 102.02 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 1 Clan ER Large Laser (LA), 3 Clan ER Medium Lasers
(2x RA, RT), Clan Machine Gun Arrays (RT), 1 Clan Streak SRM 6 (LT)
Standard Equipment Loadout: Jump Jets, LAMS
Beam Bays and location: RA (2 slots), RT (2 slots)
Ballistic Bays and location: RT (2 slots)
Missile Bays and location: LT (3 slos)
Omni Bays and location: LA (3 slots)
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.30; A 0.80; T 1.00; CT 1.40; RT 0.60; L
1.60
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 77, 82.01 (0.25), 87.01 (0.5), 92.02 (0.75), 97.02
(1), 102.02 (1.25), 107.03 (1.5), 107.03 (1.75), 112.03 (2)
Additional Equipment: Enhaced Optics, Active Probe, LAMS, Jump Jets (2 tons)
Standard Cost: 7'044'716
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 98'999
The Shadow Cat, first fielded by Clan Smoke Jaguar, has become as (in)famous as
the Mad Cat. Agile, armored and with and with a decent firepower at all ranges,
Shadow Cats are highly regarded by all armies, as it can perform an impressive
variety of roles, from spinging to scouting, passing by raiding duties. Its
maintanance cost is high, though.
The version proposed by MW4: Mercs of the Shadow Cat is a reworking of the A
version of the original boardgame, though it has less firepower (one ER Large
Laser in place of two). The bays offered by these 'Mechs, however, allows a
good number of customizations: it is possible to recreate the boardgame Primary
variant by removing some weapons and installing a Gauss Rifle, though this
forces to reduce engine rating. A configuration that allows to keep speed
unaltered mounts a single ER PPC and four ER Medium Lasers.
HELLHOUND (CONJURER)
Mass: 50 tons
Internal Structure Type: standard
Torso Twist: 120 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Ferro-Fibrous
Location Points: H 0.30; A 0.80; T 1.20; CT 1.70; RT 0.50; L 1.00
Standard Maximum Speed: 98.03 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 1 Clan LB-X 10 AC (RA), 2 Clan ER Large Lasers (RT,
LA), 1 Clan Streak SRM 6 (LT)
Standard Equipment Loadout: none
Beam Bays and location: RT (2 slots)
Ballistic Bays and location: RT (2 slots), RA (2 slots)
Missile Bays and location: LT (2 slots)
Omni Bays and location: LA (2 slots)
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.30; A 1.00; T 1.20; CT 1.70; RT 0.50; L
1.80
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 79.99, 86.99 (0.5), 92.02 (1), 98.03 (1.5), 104.04
(2), 110.05 (2.5), 116.06 (3)
Additional Equipment: ECM Suite, LAMS
Standard Cost: 7'347'613
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 94'999
Conjurers are fast-moving, hard-hitting medium 'Mechs that clearly show the
Clan superior martial skills. Able to striking at any ranges, Conjurers are
often used as raiders as their speed and firepower allows them to outgun or
outrun all 'Mechs on a modern battlefield.
Twin ER Large Lasers give the Hellhound its long-range punch. An LB-X 10 AC can
deal some serious damages at medium ranges and the Streak SRMs are deadly
accurate at close ranges. The Hellhound also clearly reflects the Clans' way of
fighting: the ammunition carried by the Hellhound are good enough only for
relavitely short, but fast and deadly battles. Though the two ER Large Lasers
can still deal some damage alone, the lack of fast-recycling weapons in
close-range duels might pose the Hellhound in a disadvantage. In most cases,
this forces the pilot to use the 'Mech superior speed to retreat and engage
from afar.
Configuring Hellhounds is almost useless, the primary config is very flexible;
possible modifications, however, could result in reduction of engine tonnage
for more armor, a LAMS and more ammo, or all three things.
Note: this 'Mech is quite strange. There is an Hellhound/Conjurer in a
BattleTech manual, Technical Readout 3055. It's a fast 50-ton Medium standard
'Mech with really no resemblance to this Hellhound...and it isn't an OmniMech.
RYOKEN (STORMCROW)
Mass: 55 tons
Internal Structure Type: Endo Steel
Torso Twist: 140 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Ferro Fibrous
Location Points: H 0.30; A 0.80; T 1.20; CT 1.70; RT 0.50; L 1.00
Standard Maximum Speed: 84.96 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 2 Clan ER Large Lasers (RA, LA), 2 Clan ER Medium
Lasers (RA, LA), 2 Clan LRM 15 (RT, LT)
Standard Equipment Loadout: Active Probe
Beam Bays and location: RA (2 slots), LA (2 slots)
Ballistic Bays and location: none
Missile Bays and location: RT (2 slots), LT (2 slots)
Omni Bays and location: RA (2 slots), LA (2 slots)
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.30; A 1.00; T 1.40; CT 1.70; RT 0.70; L
1.80
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 64.01, 70.99 (0.5), 77.98 (1), 84.96 (1.5), 91.94
(2), 98.93 (2.5), 105.91 (3)
Additional Equipment: Active Probe, LAMS, Enhaced Optics, Jump Jets (3 tons)
Standard Cost: 9'248'305
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 125'399
When first deployed by Clan Smoke Jaguar against the Draconis Combine in the
first wave in 3050, the Ryoken was a shocking surprise. The Inner Sphere was
not (a probably is still not) able to field or reply to a fast moving medium
'Mech with enough armor and firepower that could cripple even Assault machines.
Times changes, though, and the Ryoken is not as dangerous as it was before:
Inner Sphere weapons can roughly match Clans' own tech and, though heavier and
bulkier, advanced equipment found their way into all armies.
However, the Ryoken is still a formidable opponent: twin LRM 15s and ER Large
Lasers can waste enemies at long ranges, and the two ER Medium Lasers are
enough to protect the 'Mech from close-range threats. It exceptional speed and
armor protection do the rest.
As with other medium 'Mechs, costumizing Ryokens is only a matter of taste.
Removal of LRM racks and the Active Probe for Streak SRM racks, a LAMS and more
armor can be a good trade-off, though the 'Mech can be turned into a sniper
thanks to enhaced optics and enough bays large enough to accomodate additional
ER Large Lasers or LRM racks.
VULTURE (MAD DOG)
Mass: 60 tons
Internal Structure Type: Endo Steel
Torso Twist: 360 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Reactive
Location Points: H 0.90; A 0.90; T 1.80; CT 2.40; RT 0.50; L 1.40
Standard Maximum Speed: 80.03 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 4 Clan ER Medium Pulse Lasers (2x Omni Rack, RA, LA),
2 Clan LRM 20 (RT, LT)s
Standard Equipment Loadout: none
Beam Bays and location: RA (3 slots), LA (3 slots)
Ballistic Bays and location: none
Missile Bays and location: RT (4 slots), LT (4 slots)
Omni Bays and location: Omni Rack (CT, 2 slots)
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.90; A 1.80; T 2.40; CT 2.80; RT 1.00; L
2.70
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 65.02, 70.02 (0.5), 75.02 (1), 80.03 (1.5), 85.03
(2), 90.04 (2.5), 95.04 (3), 100.04 (3.5)
Additional Equipment: ECM Suite, Enhaced Optics, LAMS
Standard Cost: 8'971'798
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 122'399
The Mad Dog was one of the few 'Mechs that acquired the same codename from two
Inner Sphere states: Hagetaka in the Draconis Combine and Vulture in the Free
Rasalhague Republic (hagetaka, in japanese means vulture), for its protunding
torso and bird-like legs.
It is one of the few specialized 'Mechs the Clans field: it sports two large
missile bays in the lateral sections of the torso, with medium-sized energy
bays in the arms and a single, small Omni bay in a turret positioned underneath
the Cente Torso. The most particular thing of this 'Mech is that it lacks
support for Active Probes, which can greatly enhaces the missile capabilities,
and the presence of Enhaced Optics, which are useful for long-range energy or
ballistic snipers.
The LRM racks on the Vulture can be devastating, but they carry limited ammo
supplies; four Medium Pulse Lasers back them up.
Reconfiguring Vultures can be done in the same way of a Cougar: maximizing
armor, adding an ECM Suite and Enhaced Optics and replacing all weapons with
twin PPCs or Large Lasers somewaht makes the 'Mech undergunned for an Heavy
'Mech, but increases its battlefield lifespan and flexibility for covert ops.
LOKI (HELLBRINGER)
Mass: 65 tons
Internal Structure Type: standard
Torso Twist: 140 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Ferro Fibrous
Location Points: H 0.60; A 0.80; T 1.00; CT 1.70; RT 0.80; L 1.40
Standard Maximum Speed: 82.98 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 2 Clan LB-X 10s (RA, LA), 1 Clan Streak SRM 6 (Missile
Rack, RT), 4 Clan ER Medium Lasers (2x RA, 2x LA)
Standard Equipment Loadout: ECM Suite, LAMS
Beam Bays and location: LT (2 slots)
Ballistic Bays and location: RA (2 slots), LA (2 slots)
Missile Bays and location: Missile Rack (RT, 2 slots)
Omni Bays and location: RA (3 slots), LA (3 slots)
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.60; A 1.20; T 1.60; CT 2.00; RT 0.80; L
2.00
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 69.01, 76 (1), 82.98 (2), 89.96 (3), 96.95 (4),
103.93 (5), 110.92 (6), 117.90 (7)
Additional Equipment: ECM Suite, LAMS, Ative Probe
Standard Cost: 10'876'432
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 156'649
The Loki was named so beacuse it had an "utterly mad weapon configuration". In
fact, twin LB-X ACs, four Lasers and a single SRM pack, plus LAMS and an ECM
Suite, were very strange for the first Inner Sphere MechWarriors that engage it
in the Inner Sphere.
The Loki is primarly used by Clan Jade Falcon in conjuction of Thors as a
fast-assault force. Thors provide most of the firepower, Lokis ECM coverage and
additional striking power.
As with the Thor, the Loki is ammo dependent, though LB-Xs consume ammo slower
than Ultra ACs and Streak SRMs should minimized wasted shots; anyway, four ER
Medium Lasers are barely adeguate for an Heavy 'Mech as self-defense.
An other feature that Lokis share with Thors are the various and large bays
that can turn make both 'Mechs adeguate for all fighting styles.
NOVA CAT
Mass: 70 tons
Internal Structure Type: Endo Steel
Torso Twist: 100 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Reflective
Location Points: H 0.90; A 1.70; T 1.60; CT 1.90; RT 1.00; L 1.80
Standard Maximum Speed: 68 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 3 Clan ER Large Lasers (LA), 2 Clan ER PPCs (RA)
Standard Equipment Loadout: none
Beam Bays and location: LT (2 slots), LA (3 slots), RA (6 slots)
Ballistic Bays and location: none
Missile Bays and location: none
Omni Bays and location: LA (4 slots)
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.90; A 2.10; T 2.70; CT 3.10; RT 1.30; L
3.00
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 68, 72 (0.5), 76 (1), 79.99 (1.5), 83.99 (2), 87.99
(2.5), 91.98 (3), 95.98 (3.5)
Additional Equipment: Active Probe, LAMS
Standard Cost: 11'493'053
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 153'299
Built by the Nova Cats, this OmniMech clearly makes of energy weapons its main
weaponry.
The Nova Cat has an incredible long-range firepower which has only one
drawback: heat. Firing all weapons together taxes in an incredible way the
'Mech's heat sinks, making shutdown only a matter of seconds. Also, all weapons
tend to have a relatively high recycle rate, which makes all-out attacks
dangerous, especially when facing large number of opponents.
Costumizing a Nova Cat is almost straight forward, three of four ER Large
Lasers or PPCs mitigates heat problems without reducing firepower too much,
though the presence of a large Omni bay can be exploited in several ways,
starting from mounting missile racks, as the 'Mech can mount an Active Probe.
THOR (SUMMONER)
Mass: 70 tons
Internal Structure Type: standard
Torso Twist: 360 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Ferro Fibrous
Location Points: H 0.60; A 1.10; T 1.20; CT 1.90; RT 0.60; L 1.40
Standard Maximum Speed: 85.03 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 2 Clan Ultra AC/5s (RA, LA), 4 Clan ER Medium Lasers
(RA, LA, 2x RT), 1 Clan LRM 15 (Missile Rack, LT)
Standard Equipment Loadout: Jump Jets
Beam Bays and location: RT (2 slots)
Ballistic Bays and location: RT (2 slots)
Missile Bays and location: Missile Rack (LT, 2 slots)
Omni Bays and location: RA (3 slots), LA (3 slots)
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.60; A 1.40; T 1.80; CT 2.10; RT 0.90; L
2.00
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 60.98, 67 (0.5), 73.01 (1), 79.02 (1.5), 85.03 (2),
91.04 (2.5), 97.06 (3), 103.07 (3.5)
Additional Equipment: ECM Suite, Enhaced Optics, LAMS, Jump Jets (4 tons)
Standard Cost: 9'487'759
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 144'199
The Thor is an all-around 'Mech. It mounts jump jets, can use the most advanced
Clan equipment and has enough large bays to accomodate almost any kind of
weapon. In its standard configuration the Thor is long/medium range fighter,
though some MechWarriors might complain the lack of hard-hitting punch of
missiles and small-caliber Ultra ACs. In fact, the 'Mech's secondary weapons,
four ER Medium Lasers are barely adeguate for self-defense if ammunition of
both Ultra AC and LRM systems run out; a very likely occasion, though.
Thors are one of the few 'Mechs capable of completely twist their torsoes,
which can make them an ideal 'Mech for urban, or more generally, close-range
fights; the presence of two large Omni bays in its arms, can turn the Thor into
a good AC boat, though presence of at least the standard ER Medium Lasers is
always recomended.
MAD CAT (TIMBERWOLF)
Mass: 75 tons
Internal Structure Type: Endo Steel
Torso Twist: 100 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Ferro Fibrous
Location Points: H 0.60; A 1.10; T 1.40; CT 2.00; RT 0.90; L 1.50
Standard Maximum Speed: 80.03 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 2 Clan ER Large Lasers (RA, LA), 2 Clan ER Medium
Pulse Lasers (RT, LT), 2 Clan LRM 10s (Missile Rack RT, Missile Rack LT), 2
Clan Machine Gun Arrays (RT, LT)
Standard Equipment Loadout: none
Beam Bays and location: RA (4 slots), LA (4 slots)
Ballistic Bays and location: none
Missile Bays and location: Missile Rack (RT, 3 slots), Missile Rack (LT, 3
slots)
Omni Bays and location: RT (2 slots), LT (2 slots)
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.60; A 1.40; T 1.80; CT 2.10; RT 0.90; L
2.20
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 65.02, 70.02 (1), 75.02 (2), 80.03 (3), 85.03 (4),
90.04 (5), 95.04 (6)
Additional Equipment: Active Probe, LAMS, Enhaced Optics
Standard Cost: 13'817'595
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 196'499
The Timber Wolf, or Mad Cat, as the Inner Sphere codenamed it, quickly became
the symbol of Clans' superior technology. It is fast, armore and armed to
engage anything on the battlefield with relative ease. The Mad Cat was named so
by Comstar as it sports twin Missile Racks as the Catapult (production code
"cat") does and has the same torso of the Marauder (production code "mad); it
also packs the same punch of both 'Mechs, if not superior: twin LRM 20s and ER
Large Lasers gave the Mad Cat an awesome long-range firepower that rivals some
Assault 'Mechs, and can freely engage at medium and close ranges thanks to twin
Machine Gun Arrays and Medium Pulse Lasers; though the Mad Cat mounts
ammunition weapons, it won't be outgunned when they all supply are fired,
granting it a respectable battlefield life, enhaced by armor protection and an
exceptional speed for a 'Mech of its class.
The presence of all kind of bays on the Mad Cat makes it relatively easy to
modify, and the presence of Enhaced Optics and Active Probe in its equipment
list can turn the 'Mech in an exceptional sniper.
GLADIATOR (EXECUTIONER)
Mass: 90 tons
Internal Structure Type: standard
Torso Twist: 90 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Ferro Fibrous
Location Points: H 0.90; A 1.90; T 2.20; CT 2.50; RT 0.90; L 2.80 (Left Leg has
2.70)
Standard Maximum Speed: 57.02 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout:1 Clan ER Large Laser (RT), 2 Clan ER Medium Lasers
(LT), 1 Clan ER PPC (RA), 1 Clan Ultra AC/20 (LA)
Standard Equipment Loadout: ECM Suite, Jump jets
Beam Bays and location: RA (3 slots), RT (3 slots), LT (2 slots)
Ballistic Bays and location: RT (3 slots)
Missile Bays and location: none
Omni Bays and location: LA (4 slots), RA (3 slots)
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.90; A 2.00; T 2.20; CT 2.50; RT 0.90; L
3.00
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 45, 51.01 (1), 57.02 (2), 63.04 (3), 69.05 (4),
75.06 (5), 81.07 (6)
Additional Equipment: ECM, LAMS, Jump Jets (6 tons)
Standard Cost: 17'621'628
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 270'749
One of the most pleased addition to the game 'Mechs completement is the
Executioner, or Gladiator as the Inner Sphere armies call it. As both names
suggest, the 'Mech is capable of taking on every 'Mech lumbering on the
battlefield. Its weapons tend to be configured for ranged combat, as every Clan
'Mech, but the huge Ultra AC can be a nasty surprise for any 'Mech trying to
close too much with the Gladiator. Also, the 'Mech is incredibly agile, with
Jump Jets and high top speed. The 'Mech can also be equipped with advanced
electronic equipment, which augments the tactical flexibility of the 'Mech. An
obliged acquisition for any unit.
Having so large Omni bays, backed up with fairly large standard bays, makes
customizing the Gladiator only a matter of tastes, though the presence of so
many beam slots might turn the 'Mech into an ER Medium Laser boat, deadly at
medium and close range, without ammunition dependecy but heat must be managed
carefully.
Sly_Adventure" ([email protected]) submits this (he says that he doesn't
use this 'Mech, and the configuration isn't exactly my combat style and to me
looks very strange that this pup cannot destroy a Daishi with a single
volley...still has to test it, I'll do as soon as I have the 'Mech Expansion
Packs):
-------------------------------------------------------------------
I was playing mercenaries online and a couple of players were arguing about a
bug exploitation. Basically, it allows a mech to control his shutdown and
allowed the Gladiator mech to fire his PPCs continiously.
I got curious so i went offline and tried a few things until i figured out the
bug they were talking about.
The gladiator is the cheapest mech in the game afterall!!!
Here's how i did it. Comments are welcome.
Try not to do this though. Playing a game in a way that was not intended by the
developers is technically cheating. Bugs included.
******************
How to make a cheap mech
******************
Get a Gladiator.
Take out *ALL* the heat sinks.
Loadup on 4 ERPPC's and a Clan Gauss Rifle.
Fill up the rest with Large and Medium ER Lasers.
Link them *ALL* together.
You now have the single most powerful ranged mech in the game
I can take out an elite Daishi in two shots with this monster. The first
shot will make his torso blink red, and a fellow light mech can finish him off
while you powerdown.
******************
Now here's the bug
******************
Change your Shutdown Override button to "O" so you can shut down with just
one key.
When you fire, the heat bar will go past red and force you to shutdown.
Hit "O" repeatedly to keep from shutting down and press "S" to manually
shutdown before you explode. Keep hitting "O".
As soon as you shut down press "S" again to immediately powerup. You can
then stop pressing "O". You'll have a total shutdown (Powerdown/up) time of 3
seconds tops!
As soon as your PPC's recharge, fire again! Then hit "O" repeatedly and do
it all over again.
******************
Explanation
******************
I think it's a bug in the heat meter. When heat goes *past* 100%, you
automatically shut down. When you fire everything in this mech, your heat goes
past 200%. If this was MechWarrior3 you'd instantly go nuclear (Anyone who
tried loading up on lasers in MW3 would know this ^_^ ). Now when you do the
above maneuver, the heat meter gets shaved down to 100% even *without*
heatsinks. Since you're not *over* 100%, you won't shut down.
******************
Drawbacks
******************
The main drawbacks is that you need constant timing. Press "S" too late and
you'll blow.
The other drawback is since that you'll always be in the red, your max
speed goes down.
Solution
Use jumpjets.
Since you can kill pretty much any mech in two shots, the three second
powerdowns won't really matter much since you can fire again before they can
get anywhere close enough to fire back. ERPPC's have really long range.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
MAD CAT MarkII
Mass: 90 tons
Internal Structure Type: Endo Steel
Torso Twist: 80 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Ferro Fibrous
Location Points: H 0.90; A 1.30; T 1.60; CT 2.30; RT 0.90; L 1.80
Standard Maximum Speed: 68 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 2 Clan Gauss Rifles (LA, RA), 2 Clan LRM 10s (Missile
Rack LT, Missile Rack RT), 4 Clan ER Medium Lasers (2x RT, 2x LT)
Standard Equipment Loadout: Jump Jets
Beam Bays and location: RT (2 slots)
Ballistic Bays and location: RA (3 slots), LA (3 slots), LT (2 slots)
Missile Bays and location: Missile Rack (RT, 3 slots), Missile Rack (LT, 3
slots)
Omni Bays and location: RT (2 slots), LT (2 slots)
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.90; A 1.80; T 2.20; CT 2.40; RT 1.00; L
2.60
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 47.99, 52.99 (1), 58 (2), 63 (3), 68 (4), 73.01
(5), 78.01 (6), 83.02 (7), 88.02 (8)
Additional Equipment: Active Probe, LAMS, Jump Jets (6 tons)
Standard Cost: 15'981'170
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 247'499
Built by Clan Diamond Shark with this very name in the first place, the Mad Cat
Mk.II is an Assault 'Mech with incredible long-range firepower and mobility. By
adding 15 tons to the original Timber Wolf chassis Diamond Shark engineers were
able to mount more armor and larger weapons in expense of maximum top speed,
though the presence of Jump jets partially mitigates this drawback.
The Mad Cat Mk.II (it is unknown why the Sharks chosed this designation, based
on the Inner Sphere codename of the Timber Wolf) founds itself confortable in
ranged combat, where its twin Gauss Rifles and LRM racks can lay a devastating
barrage. At close ranges the 'Mech has four ER Medium Lasers, enough for
self-defense, but clearly insufficient when both Rifles and LRMs run out of
ammunition; and, considering that the Gauss Rifles have at their disposal one
one ton of ammunition each, this is a very likely case in extended missions.
Having the largest bays configured to accept only ballistic weapons poses a
great limit to the Mad Cat Mk.II configuration possibilities. It has two fairly
large omni bays and a third beam bay for energy weapons, which can reduce the
dependency on munitions, but this makes the Mad Cat Mk.II a bit undergunned by
other Assault 'Mechs. It possible to mount AC 20s of various kinds thanks to
the large ballistic bays in the arms, though mounting two of them might require
the removal of Jump Jets (the real advantage of this 'Mech) or reduction of
engine rating, or even both.
DAISHI (DIRE WOLF)
Mass: 100 tons
Internal Structure Type: standard
Torso Twist: 80 degrees
Standard Armor Type: Ferro Fibrous
Location Points: H 0.90; A 1.40; T 1.90; CT 2.40; RT 0.80; L 1.90
Standard Maximum Speed: 51 kph
Standard Weapon Loadout: 4 Clan ER Large Lasers (2x LA, 2x RA), 2 Clan Ultra
AC/5s (RT, LT), 1 Clan LRM 20 (Missile Rack/LT)
Standard Equipment Loadout: LAMS
Beam Bays and location: LA (2 slots), RA (2 slots)
Ballistic Bays and location: LT (3 slots), RT (3 slots)
Missile Bays and location: Missile Rack/RT (2 slots)
Omni Bays and location: LA (2 slots), CT (4 slots), RA (2 slots)
Maximum Armor Points per Location: H 0.90; A 2.20; T 2.40; CT 2.50; RT 1.10; L
3.00
Engine Ratings and Tonnage: 41, 46.01 (1), 51.01 (2), 56.02 (2), 61.02 (3),
66.02 (4), 71.03 (5)
Additional Equipment: LAMS
Standard Cost: 17'860'770
Per-Cycle Maintenance Cost: 265'999
Daishi. In Japanese this term could be translated as "Great Death". The Dire
Wolf is fast (mhmm...slow) as an Atlas, but Clan technology almost double to
space where to mount weapons. The 4 ER Large Lasers can alone destroy any enemy
a Dire Wolf encounters, but this impressive firepower is supplemented by 4
Medium Pulse Lasers and 2 Clan Ultra AC/5. The LRM 10 provides also some
indirect-fire capability and the MG Arrays can be used when heat reaches
unbearable levels.
The simplest way to costumize a Dire Wolf is to remove all except the Large
Lasers, add extra heat sinks and increasing the engine rating, at least to 60
kph. The Dire Wolf is primary a laser-dependent 'Mech, though the Omni bays can
be used for large caliber ballistic weapons. Or, you can mount 6 Clan ER Large
Lasers, maximizing armor and installing LAMS to have a very powerful sniper.
The Dire Wolf can mount only Laser AMS as extra.
************************************
7-VEHICLES and MISC ENEMIES BRIEFING
************************************
Unlike all other MW games (mhmm...MechCommander and MechCommander 2 excluded,
IMO) MW4 has a large variety of vehicles, including ground, water and air
threats; there are also DropShips there...
For Ground vehicles: tracked and wheeled vehicles cannot cross water and their
speed is reduced when climbing hills, but they gain a bonus when travelling on
concrete. Hovercrafts, on the other hand, can cross any kind of water and do
not lose speed when climbing, but they do not gain any bonus when on concrete.
Of course, air targets ignore the underlying terrain. VTOLs and spheroid
Dropships can hover.
Vessels cannot travel on land.
-------------------
--GROUND VEHICLES--
-------------------
BULLDOG
Type: tracked
Turret constitution value: 10
Body constitution value: 10
Maximum Speed: 18 kph
Weapons: 1 SRM 4, 1 Large Laser
The most common vehicle. Fast and decently armored, Bulldogs will often act in
groups to swarm a single target. They prefer to use their Large Lasers instead
of the SRMs.
CONDOR
Type: hover
Turret constitution value: 4
Body constitution value: 4
Maximum Speed: 24 kph
Weapons: 1 Medium Laser, 1 AC/5
Not as fast as an Harasser, but clearly superior. It features a good armor
protection with a good complement of a single long range weapon and a
medium-range laser.
HARASSER
Type: hover
Turret constitution value: 1
Body constitution value: 1
Maximum Speed: 27 kph
Weapons: SRM 6
Faster than the heavier Condor, but less armored and armed, though its
firepower is superior to the Condor's in close quarters.
SCUD LAUNCHER
Type: tracked
Turret constitution value: 10
Body constitution value: 10
Maximum Speed: 15 kph
Weapons: SKUD missile
A large caterpillar vehicle carrying a big artillery missile. It needs to stop
in order to fire and expect at least one Artillery Loader along with it.
Totally defenseless, the Scud Launcher (and the Artillery Loader, which has the
same stats of the Scud Launcher) is often guarded by other units.
ARTILLERY TANK
Type: tracked
Turret constitution value: 10
Body constitution value: 10
Maximum Speed: 15 kph
Weapons: 1 Logn Tom cannon
A large caterpillar vehicle with a full-sized Long Tom cannon for artillery
use. Totally undefended at close ranges.
ARTILLERY LOADER
Type: tracked
Turret constitution value: 10
Body constitution value: 10
Maximum Speed: 15 kph
Weapons: none
A large tracked vehicle carrying ammunition for the SKUD launcher. Totally
defenseless and slow-moving.
LRM CARRIER
Type: tracked
Turret constitution value: 1
Body constitution value: 1
Maximum Speed: 15 kph
Weapons: 2 LRM 20s
The LRM Carrier and its short-range cousin, the SRM Carrier are tanks
especially designed to fire barrages of missiles. Probably the LRM Carrier is
the deadlier of the two because it usually sits on ridges or behind obstacles
and start hammering you and your allies with accurate LRM fire. The best way to
deal with them is to close or take out from long range before the rain starts.
SRM CARRIER
Type: tracked
Turret constitution value: 1
Body constitution value: 1
Maximum Speed: 15 kph
Weapons: 3 SRM 6s
Basically it's a LRM Carrier with SRM Racks instead of the LRM ones. Usually
deployed in cities or on broken terrains to support 'Mechs with additional
short-range punch.
VEDETTE
Type: tracked
Turret constitution value: 4
Body constitution value: 4
Maximum Speed: 23 kph
Weapons: 1 AC/5, 1 Machine Gun
A blocky and sturdy tank with a long-range, small-caliber gun. In groups can
pose a threat. More a nuissance than a threat if alone or in couple, though the
tick armor might be irritating.
MAGI
Type: tracked
Turret constitution value: 2 (approx)
Body constitution value: 2 (approx)
Maximum Speed: 27 kph (approx)
Weapons: 2 Large Lasers, 2 Machine Gun Arrays.
A very rare vehicle. It can be considered a threat at close ranges, if you want
(Magis generally...do nothing, they just go around firing at trees or at
animals).
QUAD PANZER
Type: tracked
Turret constitution value: 27 kph (approx)
Body constitution value: 27 kph (approx)
Maximum Speed: 27 kph (approx)
Weapons: 4 Large Pulse Lasers
Relatively rare, the Quad Panzer is a fast, lightly armored vehicle with some
medium-range firepower thanks to its pulse lasers. Not really a threat, but
they tend to swarm a single target.
MYRMIDONS
Type: tracked
Turret constitution value: 4 (approx)
Body constitution value: 4 (approx)
Maximum Speed: 27 kph (approx)
Weapons: 1 PPC
A medium tank, well armored and built for medium range fire-support. Its PPC
can deal some damage even to evey 'Mech, and Myrmidons usually attacks in
groups of four.
DEMOLISHER II
Type: tracked
Turret constitution value: 8 (approx)
Body constitution value: 8 (approx)
Maximum Speed: 15 kph (approx)
Weapons: 1 LB-X 20 AC, 1 AC/20, 1 Machine Gun Array
The Demoslisher is slow and have a tremendous firepower at close range, plus a
good armor protection that makes them the most dangerous vehicle on the
battlefield. However, they totally lack long-range weapons, and they are no
match for even medium-sized 'Mechs with one long-range weapon. Demolishers tend
to attack in couples.
SWIFTWIND
Type: wheeled
Turret constitution value: none
Body constitution value: 1
Maximum Speed: about 50 kph
Weapons: none
A fast wheeled vehicle with a radar transciever on its back used for
reconaissance. Totally unarmed and very easy to take down.
HUMVEE
Type: wheeled
Turret Constitution value: none
Body constitution value: 1
Maximum Speed: about 30 kph
Weapons: none
The littler brother of the Swiftwind.
APC
Type: wheeled
Turret constitution value: none
Body constitution value: 4
Maximum Speed: about 30 kph
Weapons: 2 Medium Lasers or 2 Machine Gun Arrays
Though it is an APC, you won't see men coming out from it, though its double
Machine Gun Arrays or Medium Lasers might pose a threat to light 'Mechs if
there are more than 5 APCs in the area.
MOBILE TURRET CONTROL
Type: tracked
Turret constitution value: none
Body constitution value: 2
Maximum Speed: about 30 kph
Weapons: none
Mobile Turret Controls are used to control Mobile Turrets (see below). Totalyy
unarmed and poorly armored. Once destroyed, all Mobile Turrets under its
control will immediately shut down.
FUEL TRUCK
Type: wheeled
Turret Constitution value: none
Body constitution value: 1
Maximum Speed: about 30 kph
Weapons: none
When struck by fire, this truck will explode, so pay attention.
----------------
--AIR VEHICLES--
----------------
SHILONE
Type: airplane
Turret constitution value: none
Body constitution value: 1
Maximum Speed: 55 kph
Weapons: bombs
I know, the manual says Chippewa, but the game says Shilone, so for me is a
Shilone (though Shilones are usually employed by house Kurita and Chippewas by
house Steiner)...in fact, nothing more than a sitting duck. Any average pilot
should be able to destroy it with a single shot. Shilones tend to ignore you
while they concentrate their bombs on targets you have to defend. All flying
crafts when destroyed will crash to the ground. Even if one of them hits you on
your head, it won't damage you, nor the small explosion will.
NIGHTSHADE
Type: VTOL airplane
Turret constitution value: none
Body constitution value: 1
Maximum Speed: 54 kph (exitameted)
Weapons: LRM-10
In MW4:Mercs Nightshades are far more dangerous than in the original game.
First, they are faster and have LRMs, and they use them as hit and run weapons:
they come fast, they fire, they retreat and repeat this until shooted down.
They are weak, but should not be underestimated, they can be nasty when
backedup by other vehicles.
STILETTO
Type: airplane
Turret constitution value: none
Body constitution value: 1
Maximum Speed: 54 kph (exitameted)
Weapons: Ultra AC/2
A very light and agile fighter with a single, small caliber weapon. Not a real
threat, it is relatively hard to hit because of its small frontal section. It
can also come equipped with bombs.
TRANSPORT COPTER
Type: helicopter
Turret constitution value: none
Body constitution value: 1
Maximum Speed: 35 kph
Weapons: none
A simple twin rotor transport copter; it has no weapons.
PEREGRINE
Type: helicopter
Turret constitution value: none
Body constitution value: 1
Maximum Speed: 35 kph
Weapons: 1 SRM 4
A medium/light copter. Not a real threat.
NIGHTWIND
Type: helicopter
Turret constitution value: none
Body constitution value: 1
Maximum Speed: 35 kph
Weapons: 2 LRM 5s, Medium Pulse Laser
An heavy copter with some long-range punch. It usually attacks in groups, and
this makes its missiles relatively dangerous. They do not use their Lasers too
much.
HROTHGAR class DROPSHIP
Type: Spheroid DropShip
Turret constitution value: unknown
Body constitution value: unknown
Maximum Speed: unknown
Weapons: 4 PPCs, 4 Large Lasers, 4 Gauss Rifles
A Spheroid dropship with lot of firepower. Hrothgar Dropships, aside of their
unspellable names, tend to target you with Gauss Rifles and Lasers, keeping the
PPCs for protection during lift-offs. The easiest way to destroy a Hrothgar is
to target it from long range, on an elevated position, so that the DropShip
won't be able to fire its guns, positioned in the middle of its chassis, or
behind the gantry of the landing pad (if any).
OVERLORD class DROPSHIP
Type: Spheroid DropShip
Turret constitution value: unknown
Body constitution value: unknown
Maximum Speed: unknown
Weapons: 4 Light Gauss Rifles, 4 Gauss Rifles, various lasers
A massive Dropship able to move 12 'Mechs within a star system. It has an
impressive array of weapons, starting from various classes of Gauss Rifles for
long-range firepower and various lasers (but no PPCs) for close-in works. It is
more armored than a Hrothgar DropShip, and should be picked out with long-range
weapons to avoid to have to deal with the lasers.
TALON class DROPSHIP
Type: Aerodyne DropShip
Turret constitution value: unknown
Body constitution value: unknown
Maximum Speed: unknown
Weapons: 4 Large Lasers, 4 ER Large Lasers, 3 LRM 10s
Your Dropship. You won't have to engage one in combat.
------------------
--WATER VEHICLES--
------------------
PATROL SHIP
Type: small ship
Turret constitution value: none
Body constitution value: 2
Maximum Speed: about 40 kph
Weapons: 1 Ultra AC/5 or Large Laser
A small, fast boat armed with an Ultra AC/5 or a Large Laser. It won't pose a
big problem, even if they engage in groups.
DESTROYER
Type: battleship
Turret constitution value: none
Body constitution value: 10
Maximum Speed: about 15 kph
Weapons: 2 LRM 20s, 4 Long Toms
Big, slow-moving, heavily armed and armored. If your 'Mech has an AMS/LAMS they
won't be a big problem, especially if you keep circling around them. Though
they have Long Toms, they prefer to fire LRMs; also, their shots with Long Toms
are highly inaccurate, and often tend to target fixed targets with them.
-----------
--TURRETS--
-----------
STRONG POINT DEFENSE
Type: high-profile defense bunker
Body constitution value: 15 (approx)
Weapons: 2 LRM 10s, 1 Gauss Rifle, 2 Ultra AC 5s
This bunker has been built to defend high-profile installations, and does it
very well. All weapons in the bunker have a limited range of fire (approx 90
degress), but usually the back of this installation is protected by terrain,
which makes them a very dangerous defensive position;the high armor rating
makes them almost suicidal to approach stright-forward. The best way to engage
is to use Long-range weapons like PPCs or Gauss Rifles.
CALLIOPE TURRET
Type: fixed heavy turret
Body constitution value: 5
Weapons: 2 LRM 15s, 2 Clan ER Medium Pulse Laser
The Calliope Turret is especially designed to take out threats at long range.
It is heavily armored and pretty accurate when firing the LRMs. It is slightly
less efficent with the Pulse Lasers, but it is still dangerous. Try to take out
with massed long-range fire or quickly close distances, it tends to engage
targets within a 800 meters radius or even less, due to LRM's locking time. All
fixed turrets are controlled by buildings, a Turret Control and a Power
Generator, though probably you'll notice this after the turrets are destroyed.
Once one of those buildings is down, all turrets linked to them won't work
anymore.
LASER TURRET
Type: fixed heavy turret
Body constitution value: 10
Weapons: 2 Large Lasers or 2 Clan ER Large Lasers
A very good armored heavy turret with twin Large Lasers. Should be took out
from afar with PPCs or other long-range weapons.
FIXED TURRET
Type: fixed heavy turret
Body constitution value: 3
Weapons: 2 Medium Lasers
A small turret with a single or twin Medium Lasers. Dangerous at close range if
there are many of them. As with Calliope Turrets, Laser Turrets are controlled
by a Turret Control and a Power Generator.
MISSILE TURRET
Type: fixed heavy turret
Body constitution value: 3
Weapons: 1 LRM 5
Just like the fixed turret, but has LRMs in place of Lasers.
MOBILE TURRET
Type: mobile field turret
Body constitution value: 2
Weapons: 1 Ultra AC/5 or AC/5 or Gauss Rifle
Independent movable turrets with small-caliber ACs or, a lot rarer and
dangerous, a Gauss Rifle. They do not rely on Power Generators, but are always
slaved to a Mobile Turret Control which works in the same way as the fixed
Turret Control building.
GUARD TOWER
Type: fixed outpost
Body Constitution value: 5
Weapons: 1 Clan ER Medium Pulse Laser or 1 Clan ER Medium Laser
Small outposts with a single laser turret. They aren't very dangerous, but have
an armor roughly equal to a Calliope Turret's one.
*********************
8-LANCEMATES BRIEFING
*********************
Pilots are classified in a different way than MW4: as recrutable pilots are
more, they are characterized only by their stats and week salary. Of course,
better is the pilot, higher you'll have to pay him/her. Note that pilots never
changes salary, so, for example, you can make out from Rufus an excellent pilot
without paying him too well. Also, you can fire and re-hire pilots as many
times you want, unless they are killed in action (KIA). Some pilots have the
Lance Commander attribute. This means that they can handle other three pilots
when you order them something; a Lance lead by a non-Commander pilot is less
effective.
The stats representing the piltos are gunnery, piloting (self-expliantory),
blind fighting (when sensors are off-line or jammed, to engage the right 'Mechs
and vehicles) and sensor (the ability to fully use additional equipment).
Callsign: RUFUS
Initial Gunnery Skill: 50
Initial Piloting Skill: 40
Initial Sensor Skill: 50
Initial Blind Fight Skill: 30
Weekly salary: 14'600
Hire cost: 321'200 (starter)
Callsign: SHREDDER
Initial Gunnery Skill: 68
Initial Piloting Skill: 50
Initial Sensor Skill: 60
Initial Blind Fight Skill: 37
Weekly salary: 20'240
Hire cost: none (starter)
Callsign: HANNIBAL (Lance Commander)
Initial Gunnery Skill: 80
Initial Piloting Skill: 62
Initial Sensor Skill: 70
Initial Blind Fight Skill: 45
Weekly salary: 27'100
Hire cost: none (starter)
Callsign: MUSTANG (Lance Commander)
Initial Gunnery Skill: 98
Initial Piloting Skill: 84
Initial Sensor Skill: 80
Initial Blind Fight Skill: 50
Weekly salary: 31'500
Hire cost: 693'000
Callsign: ANGEL
Initial Gunnery Skill: 48
Initial Piloting Skill: 35
Initial Sensor Skill: 50
Initial Blind Fight Skill: 30
Weekly salary: 13'105
Hire cost: 289'300
Callsign: RUBIUS (Lance Commander)
Initial Gunnery Skill: 72
Initial Piloting Skill: 51
Initial Sensor Skill: 50
Initial Blind Fight Skill: 35
Weekly salary: 20'950
Hire cost: 460'900
Callsign: MAGS
Initial Gunnery Skill: 78
Initial Piloting Skill: 40
Initial Sensor Skill: 50
Initial Blind Fight Skill: 35
Weekly salary: 19'900
Hire cost: 437'800
Callsign: BULLDOG (Lance Commander)
Initial Gunnery Skill: 62
Initial Piloting Skill: 55
Initial Sensor Skill: 50
Initial Blind Fight Skill: 35
Weekly salary: 20'150
Hire cost: 443'300
Callsign: CLAYMORE
Initial Gunnery Skill: 84
Initial Piloting Skill: 60
Initial Sensor Skill: 60
Initial Blind Fight Skill: 40
Weekly salary: 22'200
Hire cost: 488'400
Callsign: SPIRIT
Initial Gunnery Skill: 51
Initial Piloting Skill: 35
Initial Sensor Skill: 80
Initial Blind Fight Skill: 30
Weekly salary: 12'850
Hire cost: 282'700
Callsign: GOOF
Initial Gunnery Skill: 55
Initial Piloting Skill: 30
Initial Sensor Skill: 50
Initial Blind Fight Skill: 30
Weekly salary: 10'800
Hire cost: 237'600
Callsign: BULLSEYE
Initial Gunnery Skill: 95
Initial Piloting Skill: 70
Initial Sensor Skill: 80
Initial Blind Fight Skill: 50
Weekly salary: 26'500
Hire cost: 583'000
Callsign: GATOR
Initial Gunnery Skill: 85
Initial Piloting Skill: 82
Initial Sensor Skill: 70
Initial Blind Fight Skill: 45
Weekly salary: 25'100
Hire cost: 552'200
Callsign: BEOWULF (Lance Commander)
Initial Gunnery Skill: 85
Initial Piloting Skill: 82
Initial Sensor Skill: 70
Initial Blind Fight Skill: 45
Weekly salary: 25'100
Hire cost: 629'200
Callsign: GOAT (Lance Commander)
Initial Gunnery Skill: 75
Initial Piloting Skill: 62
Initial Sensor Skill: 60
Initial Blind Fight Skill: 40
Weekly salary: 21'100
Hire cost: 464'200
Callsign: GOBLIN
Initial Gunnery Skill: 62
Initial Piloting Skill: 32
Initial Sensor Skill: 50
Initial Blind Fight Skill: 25
Weekly salary: 10'100
Hire cost: 222'200
Callsign: BLACK JACK (Lance Commander)
Initial Gunnery Skill: 65
Initial Piloting Skill: 45
Initial Sensor Skill: 50
Initial Blind Fight Skill: 30
Weekly salary: 18'450
Hire cost: 405'900
Callsign: SCOOTER
Initial Gunnery Skill: 58
Initial Piloting Skill: 42
Initial Sensor Skill: 50
Initial Blind Fight Skill: 30
Weekly salary: 10'300
Hire cost: 226'600
Callsign: SCRAPPER
Initial Gunnery Skill: 95
Initial Piloting Skill: 65
Initial Sensor Skill: 60
Initial Blind Fight Skill: 37
Weekly salary: 22'290
Hire cost: 490'325
Callsign: BLAZE (Lance Commander)
Initial Gunnery Skill: 90
Initial Piloting Skill: 82
Initial Sensor Skill: 60
Initial Blind Fight Skill: 37
Weekly salary: 24'340
Hire cost: 535'425
Callsign: BUZZ
Initial Gunnery Skill: 85
Initial Piloting Skill: 52
Initial Sensor Skill: 50
Initial Blind Fight Skill: 35
Weekly salary: 19'800
Hire cost: 435'600
Callsign: FALCON (Lance Commander)
Initial Gunnery Skill: 100
Initial Piloting Skill: 90
Initial Sensor Skill: 70
Initial Blind Fight Skill: 45
Weekly salary: 0 (yes, zero).
Hire cost: none (took as bondswoman after Trial of Possesion mission on New
Exford).
**************************
9-HOW TO COSTUMIZE A 'MECH
**************************
MW4 is very different from the previous MechWarrior products in costumizing
'Mechs; thanks, or better, due to the brand-new (and immediately ignored in
MC2) bay system, not all 'Mechs can support all weapons, even if they have
enough tonnage to devote to them; this applies also to ECM Suites, Active
Probes and Jump Jets; Light Amplification can be installed on all 'Mechs as AMS
can be (though the Argus does not support any kind of AMS system), though the
base technlogy of the chassis (Inner Sphere or Clan) will determine the type of
System installed: Inner Spherian have standard projectile AMSes, while Clans
have Laser AMS. They both have the same weight and roughly the same
performances, the only thing changegd is the name.
Returning to equipment, remember that ECM reduce by half the ranges of any
enemy within the radar's range and Active Probes will increase the radar range
by 200 meters. Also, these two equipment will reduce missile-lock on times.
Missile boats should always have at least the Active Probe. Light Amplification
is pretty useless (as the spotlight all 'Mechs mount but that's an other
story...) and Jump Jets can improve sniping abilities of a 'Mech, though they
are pratically useless in urban terrain (but not in field bases, where they
allow you jump over small buildings); jump distance is equal for all 'Mechs
(roughly 150 meters) and always mounted in the rear torso.
All these equipment, like engine, gyro, arm or leg actuators, cockpit and any
other part of the 'Mech (aside weapons) cannot be destroyed by weapon fire.
Talking about armor, I always carry maximum Ferro-Fibrous armor, with less
points on Legs and Arms to free a full ton of space. Other armors will weight
more as they provide less point per ton, but are specialized in repel some
attacks: Reflective armor dissipates damage by energy weapons and Reactive
Armor missile weapons; these armors have a small malus when dealing with damage
caused by other kinds of weapons.
About weapons: first decide what kind of weapons you are going to use (this
will also spell what kind of engagement you are planning: PPCs at close range
might be fine, but what about LBX ACs?), then the base chassis. For example,
there's only an handful of 'Mechs capable of mounting three PPCs (or only
one...BTW, the Nova Cat surely can), but most have enough space for an ER or
Pulse Large Laser. Also, Gauss Rifles can be carried by most 'Mechs, though
they are heavier than PPCs and are ammo dependent. Also remember to carefully
balance the weapons load: weapons with slow recharge rates are good for
snipers, but close-ranged fighters will find more confortable Pulse Lasers, ACs
or SRMs.
When you are going to use energy weapons (especially in hot environments)
remember to install enough heat sinks to at least the heat efficency bar at
50%: this will grant you some "autonomy" before holding fire to have the 'Mech
cool down, though a full bar is always reccomended, even with ballistic weapons
(rember that large caliber cannons generate large amounts of heat).
For ammunition-based weapons be sure to mount at least one extra ton of ammo,
especially if you will fight with them as main weapons and with Gauss Rifles
and large-caliber ACs, they tend to heat ammos at allarming rates.
Remember that Omni bays can accept all weapons wind but only few 'Mechs have
bays large enough to accomodate all weapons (for example the Dire Wolf and the
Shadow Cat). Most tend to be 2 or 2 slots -large, enough to accomodate only
Large Lasers or medium caliber ACs.
*****************
10-GENERAL TACTICS
*****************
Let's begin with the gameplay differences ('Mech lab differencies has been
covered in the previous section) between MW4 and MW3. In MW3 cutting off a leg
from a 'Mech would have resulted in the 'Mech without the leg beign immediately
destroyed; this was quite frustating and before the release of the patches it
was quite simple to detroy a 'Mech with a Small Laser boat. Also, hard-hitting
weapons (especially missiles and LB-X Acs) tended to knock down 'Mechs very
easily. In MW4 a 'Mech can be knocked down; however to knock down a
light/medium 'Mech you'll need a very power shot: Cougars and alike can be
downed with a twin LB-20X strike at their Center Torso or with more powerful
attacks on their entire torso; Shadow Cats and alike can be knocked down only
with devastating shots to their torsos (triple PPCs/Gauss/LB 20-X assaults).
I've never seen top-heavy medium, heavy or assault 'Mech knocked down. Knocked
down 'Mechs can fire as long targets are within weapons range and arc.
Legs are undestroyable. Well, it is possible to disable a leg by destroying its
armor and internal structure, but the limb will remain with the 'Mech, strongly
reducing its speed (about 10 kp/h, for all 'Mechs); I've seen only one leg
totally blown off, during a single player Master Trial (in the Instant Action
menu); I was on a Shadow Cat and a 'Mech took away my right leg; the 'Mech
stopped completely: it was impossible to move, but possible to turn around. I
do not know if it was a bug or something, but that's the first and only time I
saw a leg blown off. Arms and Missile racks can be destroyed (or blown off) by
destroying their armor and internal structure.
Also, heat management has changed; a 'Mech with, for example a Clan ER PPC and
4 Clan ER Large Lasers and a green heat capacity bar WILL NOT overheat in any
way (except for external factors, like high temperatures or Flamers). This
means that you can fire whatever weapon you want if you have a green bar; also,
'Mechs with red or yellow bars (I strongly reccomend not to deploy 'Mechs with
heat bars below the half) will overheat only after a certain number of attacks:
for example, a Mad Cat with twin Clan ER PPCs and 4 Clan ER Medium Lasers will
overheat only if it fires its PPCs and Lasers twice or three times
consicutively.
Like MW3, extreme heat will affect your movement capabilities (you'll slow down
a bit) and will make your cockpit inaccurate, just like a PPC hit.
When engaging 'Mechs, always go for their heads; scoring an head hit is very
difficult, as it is to destroy a 'Mech's head with a single salvo (even 4 Clan
ER Large Lasers won't destroy a Daishi's head), however, in all 'Mechs (Thor
excluded, anyway), the head is always on the center torso; destroying the
center torso (armor and internal structure) is the only way to destroy a 'Mech.
All enemies will surely go for your center torso, so try to keep mobile to
avoid destruction. Legs will affect mobility, arms and missile racks weapon
load and lateral torsos weapons. When the armor is gone, damage will pass top
the internal structure; each shot at the internal structure of a 'Mech will
have a chance to destroy the weapons in it (there are no other critical hits in
MW4, just like MW3...MW2 is still unsurpassed on this point); when a location's
internal structure is gone, the location and all weapons in it will be
destroyed. When a location has its internal structure damaged, it will begin to
smoke. Smoke from center torso and other torso sections will generally TOTALLY
obscure line of sight when moving backward.
Vehicles are an other matter; VTOLs and aircrafts need only a direct hit to
their hull to make them crash, while other vehicles will take more punishment
before being destroyed. When targeting a vehicle, always go for the turret,
which is roughly the equivalent of a 'Mech's head. When a ground vehicle has
been hit pretty bad blue lights will begin to come out from it, meaning that
it's going to explode. It will take some time, but it will always explode.
DropShips and Destroyers do not have this drawback. Any kind of vehicle (even
DropShips or Destroyers) do not have a critical table, so or they are
destroyed, or they will continue firing.
Sensors are useful, but must be used carefully; when you are alone and the zone
is filled by enemies, or your target is a sitting duck, but heavily defended,
passive radars and ECM Suites will help you to pass undetected; Active Probes
will also increase your scanning range by 200 meters, while keeping your sensor
profile the same.
When a 'Mech, a fuel depot, a DropShip and any other thing that can explode
will be destroyed, they will generate a small explosion. Fuel depots are
generally the most destructive, and they will also add high amount of heat to
your 'Mech, usually forcing you to use the coolant or to shutdown your 'Mech.
'Mech explosions are similar to fuel explosions though they will allocate less
damage and heat. DropShip explosions will only allocate damage. Also, extra
heat will be added if you fire LRMs too near to your target, so do not close if
you are piloting a LRM boat.
After having spoke about damages, let's speak about repairs; at the end of each
mission your 'Mech will be automatically repaired; this includes both weapons
and armor, no weapon in your inventory will be removed to replace a damaged one
as it will be repaired for free. During missions, however, you'll might a
chance (or necessity) to repair: this can be done in 'Mech Repair Facilities in
the mission area. Not all missions have a Repair Facility, and sometime they
are concealed between buildings or by limited visibility. However, Repair
Facilities are usually located in large explanades and/or near small outposts
and/or where 'Mechs unexpectedly powered up. All bases containing 'Mechs will
have at least one of these Facilities.
There isn't only one kind of Repair Facility: the most common is a red building
with two armored doors that allow a 'Mech to enter from one side and exit from
the other one. This is also the hardest to use: you'll have to enter the base
at moderate speeds (I usually hit the "2" speed trigger, this will make the
'Mech automatically shutdown when in position), then hit the shutdown button
("S", as per standard keyboard layout) while you are in the base; this is
difficult because the 'Mech won't stop automatically, it will proceed straight,
ignoring all your commands (shutdown excluded) until you are 50 meters away
from the structure. This is quite irritating as you will be an easy prey for
enemies.
Other Repair strucuters are more easily usable: they are both composed of three
walls and one single entrance and do not require too much job for obtaining a
repair. Just walk inside the walls and hit the shutdown key. Then you'll have
to manually walk away from the structure at any speed you want.
Repair Facilities always repair your while armor but will not replace destroyed
weapons and limbs.
Here's some differencies I noticed between MW4 and Mercs.
First, weapons now have different stats. Be sure to check them out: Pulse
Lasers now are much more powerful and heat-requiring than before and PPCs have
a longer range and harder punch.
It is easier to knock down a 'Mech. Twin Ultra AC/20s hitting on a Center Torso
can make an Heavy topple, and 6 ER Large Lasers can make a Medium 'Mech fall if
it in the legs or in the Torso. This is the same for you, so be careful when
engaging Fafnirs or other 'Mechs that packs quite a punch; also, powerful hits
from single weapons, explosions and other factors can make your torso or arms
spin around quite easily; Advanced Gyro partially counteracts this new tendency
that can make battles both a nightmare and a free-fall for you enemies if hit
hard in the right places.
'Mech can now also be annihilated. Usually, a destroyed 'Mech ends as a black
scrap after its Center Torso has been destroyed; now it is possible to make a
'Mech explode, making it leaving no other than few black pieces on the
battleground. This implies that the pilot inside the 'Mech will surely die (and
that can happen to your pilots too) and the 'Mech won't be salvageable.
Annihilation should happens when a single shot or salvo hits the center torso,
destroys remaining armor of the side where the shot came from, the internal
structure and all armor on the other side. Not really sure about it, but looks
like a good possibility.
About salvage, as far as I understood, a 'Mech can be salvaged if the last
damage value it recieved on its Center Torso doesn't pass it armor+internal
structure value; if the damage passes it, it strikes the reactor and the 'Mech
is not salvageable. My guess, however.
What I'm sure about, though, is that destroying the head will let you salvage
the 'Mech.
Note that a downed 'Mech always explodes, allocating damage and heat to
anything within about 5 meters. Be sure to stay away from one 'Mech which is
going to fall.
Managing your unit is a pretty new addition to Mercenaries. Black Knight
offered this possibility too, but not knowing if it had the same features, I
can't tell the differencies.
However, here's a few guidelines.
First, keep at least one or two 'Mechs for each weight class, this might help
fo Solaris and for unexpected mission requiring a bit of speed.
Second: buy all Clan equipment and 'Mechs you can, they are clearly the best
'Mechs and weapons out there, and do not expect the enemy to field outmoded
'Mechs just because you do so: the best units will be armed with only Clan
weaponry and 'Mechs, and almost every unit will have a Ryoken or a Hellhound in
them (that's a bit silly, IMO. This makes the Clan 'Mechs too widespread and
makes thinking why someone might want to use Inner Sphere equipment...the
differency between costs is not really prohibitive, and after some missions,
the Free Market in all four different campaigns will be filled with Clan tech).
Allan Mills ([email protected]) sent this:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
I read your FAQ on Mechwarrior 4 Mercenaries and I had a few comments.
Firstly a cheat on how to make winning a lot easier in the Solaris Tournaments.
When the match begins, immediately shutdown your mech. Because you aren't
powered up you won't draw much attention from the enemy. This isn't permanent
of course, eventually someone will start firing at you but it's generally not
until most of the opposition is dead. I used this to beat the grand
championship on the second highest difficulty level. There were only three
enemies left when I powered up. Of course you need to choose your time
correctly, if you wait too long you are a sitting duck. It was a bit sad to
have to resort to this trick but I couldn't get better than third place by
fighting fair - for some attempts I was near death within 30 seconds just
because several other mechs decided to fire at me.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The other comments were about Repair Bases and on the Puma 'Mech...interesting
tactic, but basically I'm for the brainless assault of everything moving in a
Solaris arena, though it might be useful...as far as I know, however, if you
shutdown when someone started to fire on you, he/she will continue to engage
you...maybe it works only at the very beginning.
Now, let's talk a bit about Daishis. I do love them, even if they haven't the
space for three PPCs like the Sunder or the Hauputmann. Somewhere I stated that
you'll be able to get only four of these. That's wrong. In my last game with
the Wolf Dragoons I was able to get seven (yes 7, s-e-v-e-n) of them. I've got
the last two (yes, 2, t-w-o) in the Overlord mission on Tharkad, four where
usually bought in the Free Market and the last one was again bought in the Free
Market. To salvage two Daishis in one mission I think you just need to be lucky
(very lucky), but I think if you "fool around" (Solaris missions are great for
this) a bit, the Free Market will make available a Daishi every...let's say
twenty cicles or so, modified by the unit access to Clan weapons (my personal
guess)...of course the Dragoons are the unit with most Clan tech available, so
this helped a lot, but that's it, you will get more than four Daishis in the
Free Market.
*********************
11-MULTIPLAYER TACTICS
*********************
Actually I'm waiting technicians that will install a DSL line, and then
probably I'll start to play online...here in Italy lag is already crippling and
no one will let me play with a 56k.
**************
12-WALKTHROUGH
**************
The game has been played with a Regular difficulty setting.
In more challenging modes, the enemies and objectives will remain the same,
though the enemy gunnery skill will be greatly increased.
Your callsign will be "Spectre", no matter what if you link or you don't (and I
don't).
For starting equipment and money, read the Merc Units Briefing.
As for now, I've ended the game with the Wolf's Dragoons and the Northwind
Highlanders, and seen some different missions between the two companies.
However, they ended in the same way. To complete this walktrhough, I've started
with the Gray Death Legion. Let's see how it ends (I know there are three
possible endings for this game).
The endinds and availability of contracts depends on three factors: which side
are you on (Davion, Steiner or neutral), Nobility and Infamy rating.
Chosing your side is very simple: ignore all contracts from one house (Davion
or Steiner) while taking all others; remaining neutral is pretty hard, but note
one thing: if a contract is offeredf by House Liao, for example, it is counted
as a neutral one as your employer isn't tied or is Davion or Steiner
affiliated.
Nobility is given by exceptional performace on the battlefield and good reports
from other units or important personalities; Infamy is the opposite: accepting
assasination or "destroy all civilian buildings" contracts will make it rise,
and you won't be seen in a good ligt by your employers.
Salvage is not fixed, it varies from how you act in missions, except few cases.
------------
--OUTREACH--
------------
The planet where you'll undergo basic training to obtain the MRBC degree as a
MechWarrior.
No contracts will be available on this planet.
--------------
--HALLORAN V--
--------------
Mission: CHECKPOINT
Pay: 2'115'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Destroy Tents and Hostiles at Nav Point Alpha
* Destroy Hostiles at Nav Point Beta
* Destroy Hostiles at Nav Point Gamma
Heat Sink Efficiency: 110%
Employer: Corvatti Corporation
Side: Steiner
Lancemates: 3
Allied Units: none
Profile changes: Steiner +1, Infamy +1
Map Description: the road is blocked by turrets and barriers at each Nav Point;
the turrets are controlled by Mobile Turret Controls, few vehicles and 4 Light
'Mechs in total. To reach the Nav Points, you can simply follow the road or cut
through the mountains.
Notes: A good starting mission. You'll always salvage an Hellspawn.
Very easy. Follow the Nav sequence and destroy all hostiles encountered. Nav
Alpha is protected by 2 SRM Carriers, 3 Bulldogs and one Owens. The Mobile
Turret Control is on the ridge in front of you, take it down to avoid contact
with the three turrets. Now destroy the tents and do not touch the powered down
Hellspawn, it will be a good piece of salvage. Nav Point Beta is protectd by an
Owens, a single Bulldog and 2 Turrets, as usually linked to a Mobile Turret
Control. Destroy the Mobile HQ to have Beta cleared. Nav Gamma is more heavily
protected, by a Puma (try to salvage it, though it will be difficult), an
Owens, 2 LRM Carriers and one Bulldog, plus a Mobile HQ.
Mission: ESCORT
Pay: 2'220'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Escort Convoy at Nav Point Alpha
* Escort Convoy at Nav Point Beta
* Escort Convoy at Nav Point Gamma
* Escort Convoy at Nav Point Delta
* Defend base from attackers
Heat Sink Efficiency:
Employer: Corvatti Corporation
Side: Steiner
Lancemates: 3
Allied Units: Artillery tanks (3), Hrothgar Dropship, various turrets
Profile changes: Steiner +7, Davion -2, Nobility +2
Map Description: Four Nav Points along a road; terrain is mostly rolling hills.
Notes: Convoy is composed by 3 Artillery tanks. If even one is destroyed, the
mission will fail. Base at Nav Delta has a Repair Base and you'll recieve
support from an Hrothgar Dropship and few turrets while there. Fast medium
'Mechs or high-end Lights are suggested. Available after beating "Checkpoint".
More difficult than the previous, but only because you have to guard fragile
Artillery tanks. Move your units to Alpha and engage the Owens that will power
up. Contrary to your orders, the convoy will stop there until the 'Mech has
been eliminated. As soon the Owens is down, kick into high gear and reach Nav
Point Beta, where 4 Vedettes will try to attack the convoy; rather than trying
picking them apart from long-range, enter the Vedette formation: this will
disrupt it and will force them to engage you rather than the convoy; if you
want, move two or your lancemates at Nav Gamma, where the convoy will be under
attack by a Chimera, an Hellhound and an other Owens. Engage them before they
can do any damage to the convoy. This time the convoy will proceed to Nav
Delta, but be careful not to destroy the enemy 'Mechs near the tank, or they
will blow up with the 'Mech.
At Nav Delta there is a Repair base: you can freely access it (note that this
is the only field base I ever seen in the game), so repair and/or order so if
you need it (note: this will NOT repair the internal structure of a 'Mech, will
be always considered crippled or damaged after mission) and prepare for the
last wave of attackers, an Hellhound, a Chimera and an Owens. The Dropship
here, commanded by Captain Doska (I hope it's correctly spelled), will provide
fire support, though you will have to give the enemies the coup-de-grace.
Once the last wave is out, the Dropship will leave and mission will be
completed.
Max Ed says:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
In Escort mission on Halloran V, when at Beta and difficulty is Veteran or
Elite, not only Vedettes but also a Hellhound appears.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Mission: INDUSTRY RAID
Pay: 2'455'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Destroy Generators at Nav Point Beta
* Destroy Large Factory at Nav Point Gamma
* Destroy Factory at Nav Point Gamma
* Find and Destroy Fuel Supply
* Destroy all Black Cobras' 'Mechs (Discretionary)
Heat Sink Efficiency: 110%
Employer: Corvatti Corporation
Side: Steiner
Lancemates: 3
Allied Units: none
Profile changes: Steiner +3, Infamy +2
Map Description: Mountainous terrain; the base is protected by several turrets
and vehicles, plus a Lance of Black Cobras 'Mechs. The Fuel Depot is near Nav
Point Gamma, but not at it, you'll have to exit the base perimeter to find it.
Notes: Medium 'Mechs suggested. Available after beating "Escort" or "Offshore"
A and B. Take a long-range 'Mech. Try to deploy Medium 'Mechs.
Begin by eading toward Nav Alpha, which is a weak point in the turret grid
which will allow you to destroy the Generator without being noticed (oh yeah, a
50 ton machine firing missiles, laser bolts at an energy generator, 500 meters
away from a base is invisible to everyhing...). Once the Generator is down,
order your Lancemates to engage the various vehicles (prevalenty Bulldogs and
Myrmidons) in the base; once they are gone, a Lance of Black Cobra 'Mechs will
show up. You can decide to destroy the objectives and then leave or stay,
finish the Cobras (two Bushwackers and two Chimeras) and then destroy
everything else. The Fuel Depot is NOT at Nav Gamma but near it. It should be
just outside the base, procedding after Nav Gamma and coming from Nav Point
Beta.
Mission: OFFSHORE
Pay: 1'750'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Defend Oil Rigs at Nav Point Alpha
* Defend Oil Rigs at Nav Point Alpha
* Defend Fuel Industry Buildings and Vehicles (Secondary: 500'000 C-Bills
bonus)
Heat Sink Efficiency: 110%
Employer: Transpax Corporation
Side: neutral
Lancemates: 3
Allied Units: none
Profile changes: Steiner +3, Nobility +3
Map Description: Set on the shores of an ocean, this map has four nav Points,
Alpha through Delta; the first two are set in coincidence of two pairs of oil
rigs, Gamma near a fuel depot and Delta near your starting point. Weather is
snowy and you'll fight with your 'Mechs in the ocean, limiting heat build-up
Notes: the "Offshore" missions are a good start, they provide a good pay with
minimum resistence. Light and medium 'Mechs are suggested.
Pretty simple mission. Move your lancemates at Nav Point Beta while you take
care of the Patrol Boats and the Barge at Nav Point Alpha. Beta will be under
attack by 3 Harrassers and 3 Condors, that will be easily dispatched by your
lancemates, while you remain at Alpha awaiting the first destroyer, the
Reynolds, to come. Once it appears, recall you lancemates. The carrier
Indignition will also launch 4 Nightshades to cover the destroyer. Concentrate
on the destroyer while your lancemates take out the Nightshades; the best way
to engage the destroyer is to close up with it and continously circle around
while firing.
Mission: OFFSHORE A
Pay: 2'000'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Defend Oil Rigs at Nav Point Alpha
* Defend Oil Rigs at Nav Point Alpha
* Defend Fuel Industry Buildings and Vehicles (Secondary: 500'000 C-Bills
bonus)
Heat Sink Efficiency: 110%
Employer: Transpax Corporation
Side: neutral
Lancemates: 5
Allied Units: Calliope turrets (2), Stilettos (4)
Profile changes: Steiner +4, Nobility +4
Map Description: Set on the shores of an ocean, this map has four nav Points,
Alpha through Delta; the first two are set in coincidence of two pairs of oil
rigs, Gamma near a fuel depot and Delta near your starting point. Weather is
snowy and you'll fight with your 'Mechs in the ocean, limiting heat build-up
Notes: the "Offshore" missions are a good start, they provide a good pay with
minimum resistence. Light and medium 'Mechs are suggested. Available after
beating "Offshore"
An other easy mission. The attack pattern and unit count is similar to the
precious mission, though this time there will be two destroyers, the Arbold and
the Harrington, coming in two separate waves from Nav Point Alpha. The
Calliopes and your lancemates are enough to take care of the hovercrafts (3
Harassers and 3 Condors) attacking the rigs at Beta, and when the first
destroyer appears (the Arbold), four Stilletos will enter the area and will
help you in destroying it. Meanwhile, recall your lancemates and engage the
Harrington what will appear very shortly after the Arbold has been sunk; the
Stilettos will retreat for rearming and refuel, but you and your lancemates
will be enough to destroy it with minimum sweat.
Mission: OFFSHORE B
Pay: 2'750'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Defend Oil Rigs at Nav Point Alpha
* Defend Oil Rigs at Nav Point Alpha
* Defend Fuel Industry Buildings and Vehicles (Secondary: 500'000 C-Bills
bonus)
Heat Sink Efficiency: 110%
Employer: Transpax Corporation
Side: neutral
Lancemates: 5
Allied Units: Calliope turrets (2)
Profile changes: Steiner +3, Nobility +4
Map Description: Set on the shores of an ocean, this map has four nav Points,
Alpha through Delta; the first two are set in coincidence of two pairs of oil
rigs, Gamma near a fuel depot and Delta near your starting point. Weather is
snowy and you'll fight with your 'Mechs in the ocean, limiting heat build-up
Notes: Medium'Mechs are suggested.
Available after beating "Offshore A" and "Industry Raid".
The first wave, the usual Patrol Boats, will enter the area near Alpha; as
usual, move your lancemates at Beta to take care of an other wave of Harassers
and Condors. Once those threaths have been eliminated, four 'Mechs from the
remaining Black Cobras will enter the area from the south; not enough, there
will be 4 Nightwinds and 8 Nightshades to support them; the vehicles should be
left to the turrets while you take care of the Cobras: they brought in an
Argus, a Bushwacker and 2 Uziels (thought I saw one Uziel replaced by one
Wolfhound). Concentrate fire on the Argus first, then let your lancemates take
care of a single target, while you engage an other 'Mechs or the vehicles. Once
all enemies have been destroyed, the mission will be over.
----------
--EATON--
----------
Mission: MERC ALLEY
Pay: 1'250'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Eliminate all Lyran Military Forces
* Capture Lyran Convoy by destorying its Escorts
Heat Sink Efficiency: 85%
Employer: Skye Separatists
Side: neutral
Lancemates: 3
Allied Units: none
Profile changes: Steiner -1, Davion +2, Infamy +3
Map Description: desertic terrain with rolling hills and few other obstacles.
Notes: Very easy. No 'Mech enemies, only vehicles. Fast-cycling weapons and
fast Light/Medium 'Mechs suggested.
Go straight toward Nav Alpha and you'll encounter a Vedette, a Harasser and a
LRM Carrier serving as vanguard to the convoy; take them out quickly, then
destroy the remaining escort (an other LRM Carrier and 2 Bulldogs), leaving the
convoy (indicated as green squares on your radar) intact. 5 Myrmidons and 6
Nightwinds will join the battle: have your lancemates destroy the Myrmidons
while you take care of the helicopters.
Mission: MERC ALLEY A
Pay: 1'350'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Eliminate all Lyran Military Forces
* Capture Lyran Convoy by destorying its Escorts
Heat Sink Efficiency: 85%
Employer: Skye Separatists
Side: neutral
Lancemates: 5
Allied Units: 4 Nightwinds
Profile changes: Steiner -1, Davion +1, Infamy +5
Map Description: desertic terrain with rolling hills and few other obstacles.
Notes: Easy, lots of vehicles, only two 'Mechs. Clan weapons will be captured
if mission is successful.
Just as the previous mission, though escort will be heavier this time: the
Chimera and the Argus, the only 'Mechs escorting the convoy, must be destroyed
far from your mission objective. There also are 2 Demolisher II tanks in the
group, pick them apart from long range. 4 Nightwinds will also lift off to
intercept you, but a friendly squadron of Nightwinds will be dispatched to take
care of them; when the helicopters will be history, they'll help you with the
convoy escort.
Mission: MERC ALLEY B
Pay: 1'475'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Eliminate all Lyran Military Forces
* Capture Lyran Convoy by destorying its Escorts
* Disengage Lyran 'Mechs and Escape at Nav Point Beta
-OR-
* Destory all Lyran 'Mechs
Heat Sink Efficiency: 85%
Employer: Skye Separatists
Side: neutral
Lancemates: 5
Allied Units: none
Profile changes: Steiner -3, Davion +2, Infamy +7 (if all enemy 'Mechs have
been destroyed)
Map Description: desertic terrain with rolling hills and few other obstacles.
Notes: Things are beginning to get hard. Medium and Heavy 'Mechs suggested,
with medium and close range, hard-hitting weapons. You can ignore the 'Mechs
and retreat when the possibility opens. Destroying all 'Mechs will grant you a
Catapult and an Argus.
This mission will start as an other convoy capture, however, when you'll lose
radio contact with Castle and a Heavy Lance of 'Mechs will appear, you will
understand that it is a trap.
The first Lance is composed by a Catapult, an Argus, an Hellspawn and an Uziel.
Concentrate fire on a single 'Mech to quickly pick them apart and take care of
the four Demolishers coming your way; try to do this before the second Lance of
'Mechs (a Mauler, an Argus and two Catapults) join the fray. When this happens,
you can choose to withdraw to Nav Beta or staying and destroying all 'Mechs. In
either cases, the mission will be over.
Mission: BANDIT HIDEAWAY
Pay: 3'750'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Level Base at Nav Point Alpha
* Destroy all enemies at Nav Point Alpha
* Destroy all fleeing Transport Vehicles (150'000 C-Bill bonus)
Heat Sink Efficiency: 105%
Employer: Skye Separatists
Side: Davion
Lancemates: 7
Allied Units: Myrmidons, Quad Panzers, Demolisher IIs
Profile changes: Steiner -2, Davion +4, Infamy +7
Map Description: pretty flat terrain that can exploited for sniping, with a
base in the north sector of the map. Mountains circle the area.
Notes: Only available after beating "Merc Alley B"; you'll always salvage a
Catapult. Fast Heavies and Medium 'Mechs are optimal for this mission.
There will be a good complement of Davion vehicles helping you in this mission;
they will take care of all hostile vehicles and buildings; you are here to take
out 'Mechs;.
Immediately order your Lancemates to move out to Nav Alpha and order them to
engage at will; the base itself isn't heavily protected (two Osirises, one
Argus, some vehicles including Quad Panzers, Demoslisher IIs and Bulldogs) plus
a perimter guarded by Laser Turrets. Nightwinds will take off from a nearby
airfield, but they won't last long, if you used all available lancemate slots,
both 'Mechs and vehicles will be history soon. Fleeing vehicles are marked as
green squares on your radar; it's your choice to let them leave or destroy them
for a C-Bill bnous. After all threats have been eliminated, the Davion vehicles
will enter the base and will begin to level all objective buildings; help them,
and when no buildings are standing, mission will be over.
Mission: GOVERNOR'S MANSION
Pay: 3'125'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Defend the Governor's Mansion at Nav Point Alpha
* Destroy all Steiner Militia Forces
* Protect all Mansions along the river (Secondary: 150'000 C-Bill bonus)
Heat Sink Efficiency: 100%
Employer: Skye Separatists
Side: neutral
Lancemates: 7
Allied Units: none
Profile changes: Steiner -2, Davion +5, Nobility +7
Map Description: There's river running throughout the map; most of the action
will be in its area, so you can drop a few heat sinks for what you need most.
Some hills that allows sniping. There are four mansions, the Governor's one is
at Nav Apha, other mansions are designated as Nav Points.
Notes: Only available after beating "Bandit Hideaway". There will be always a
bonus of 2'500'000 C-Bills for this mission. 2'000'000 if one or more mansions
have been destroyed. Long-range weapons on Heavies or Assaults will be fine. A
minimum of 6 'Mechs is recomended.
There will be four waves of enemies, of increasing difficulty that will go
after each mansion along the river.
Before everything else, order your fastest 'Mechs to stand-by at Nav Alpha,
then order the others to form up and slowly begin to move toward Nav Gamma: the
first wave should be after the mansion at that Nav Point, but it's nothing too
dangerous, only 6 hovercrafts (3 Harassers and 3 Condors), which can be easily
destroyed at long range.
The second wave will attack the mansion at Nav Delta: this time is a Lance of
light 'Mechs, a Raven, a Wolfhound, a Flea and an Osiris. Order your lancemates
to attack them and quickly destroy them, the third wave, an other Light Lance
will go to Nav Beta; the Lance is composed by two Fleas, one Osiris and one
Raven. Destroy them, the regroup with the rest of your forces to fend off the
attack of a Medium Lance (Uziel, Cougar and two Osiris), coming from Nav Beta.
By employing all 'Mechs you have they will be destroyed soon, and mission will
be over.
Mission: REVOLUTION
Pay: 3'450'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Destroy all Enemy 'Mechs
* Protect the Field Base at Nav Point Alpha (Secondary: 250'000 C-Bills bonus)
Heat Sink Efficiency: 90%
Employer: Skye Separatists
Side: Davion
Lancemates: 7
Allied Units: Wolfhounds (4), Arguses (2), Bushwacker (1)
Profile changes: Steiner -2, Davion +5, Nobility +3
Map Description: desertic terrain with rolling hills and few other obstacles.
The main battle is set on a mountain pass that somewhat limits your mobility
Notes: Only available after beating "Bandit Hideaway". Close range weapons
works fine in this mission. Try to ignore slow 'Mechs.
Order your Lancemates to reach nav Point Alpha. 5 Nightwinds will appear soon
and will begin to fire missiles at you and at the allied 'Mechs with you (2
Wolfhounds and one Bushwacker which will travel whatever happens to Nav Alpha);
they are an easy prey, but do not let them slow you down, the real battle is at
Nav Point Alpha, where the Black Sx Lance (2 Wolfhounds and two Arguses) is
holding the line against some 'Mechs; soon these forces will be reinforced by
an Heavy Lance, so be quick to take the first batch of enemies down. The entire
enemy force is composed by one Bushwacker, one Argus, two Wolfhounds (the first
part of the enemy assault team) plus a Black Knight, a Loki, an Argus and a
Wolfhound (the assault lance). Once all enemies are over, mission will end.
--------
--STYK--
--------
Mission: REINFORCMENT
Pay: 4'860'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Defeat Enemies at Nav Point Alpha
* Rescue Hammer Lance at Nav Point Alpha (Secondary: +3 Nobility bonus)
Heat Sink Efficiency: 100%
Employer: Styk Commonality
Side: neutral
Lancemates: 3
Allied Units: Nightwinds (4), Raven, Uziels (2),Bushwackers (2), turrets
Profile changes: Nobility +5
Map Description: A flat terrain with lots of trees; few small hills; the base
at Nav Beta is set on the shores of a lake.
Notes: Fast Medium and Heavy 'Mechs suggested
As soon mission begins, WatchDog (a lonely Raven) will be under heavy attack by
some Vedettes and Myrmidons, halfway from your starting position and Nav Point
Alpha. Order your lancemates to reach Nav Alpha and help Hammer Lance (usually
four Uziels) destroying the attacking 'Mechs (2 Thanatoses and two Bushwackers)
while you take out the tanks; do it quickly, and if your lancemates have
already engaged the enemies at Alpha, leave the Nightwinds destroy the rest.
Saving Hammer Lance doesn't give any kind of C-Bill bonus, but raises nobility
and will give you an help in "Peace Talks".
It is now time to go to Nav Beta, where the base you have to protect is under
attack by a group Patrol Boats, Harassers and Condors plus an other
Medium/Heavy Lance, 2 Bushwackers and two Thanatoses. Destroy the vehicles
first, then concentrate on the 'Mechs. Hammer Lance will stay at Alpha and the
Nightwinds were you encountered the tanks, but there will be an handful of
turrets trying to help you.
Mission: PEACE TALKS
Pay: 2'350'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Minimize civilian casualities
* Protect Convoy at Nav Alpha until Liftoff
* Escort Convoy to Nav Point Beta
* Escort Convoy to Nav Point Gamma
* Secure Extraction Point at Nav Point Delta
* Destroy the Pursuing 'Mechs (Secondary)
Heat Sink Efficiency: 95%
Employer: Styk Commonality
Side: neutral
Lancemates: 0
Allied Units: Uziels (2), Bushwackers (2), Limo (1)
Profile changes: Nobility +13
Map Description: city map. Go for maximum armor possible of the heaviest 'Mech
you have and arm it with close-range, fast cycling, hard hitting weapons. Two
or more long-range weapons are recomened for this mission. There will be allied
'Mechs only if you rescued Hammer Lance in "Reinforcment".
Notes: Only available after "Reinforcment", excludes "Assasination" from
available missions
You'll begin this mission with the outside camera activated, able to move only
your torso and weapons disabled; that's because you are here to guard the peace
talks.
However, the Liao will use the incoming limos as bombs, and will start
attacking the city with 'Mechs and vehicles; your camera and controls will be
fully restored.
Begin to take out the nearby Bulldog (which was escorting the bomb limos), then
go after the Osiris coming toward you- This shouldn't take long, use your zoom
window to strike the Osiris' torso and get moving, an Argus and a Bushwacker
will enter the area and will begin firing; at you, of course. Destroy them, and
the delegates will ask you to secure a route the area. A friendly convoy will
also start and will begin to travel toward Nav Point Delta.
The city will then swarm with Liao units; 3 SRM Carriers, one Bulldog, 2
Vedettes will be near Nav Point Beta, Nav Gamma is protected by an Osiris and a
Raven.
Once the convoy is more or less halfway from Nav Delta, two Arguses and one
Thanatos will enter the city and will start pursuing the convoy. It is a
secondary objective, but destroying these 'Mechs often grants a good salvage.
Also, if you rescued Hammer Lance in "Reinforcment", they will enter the area
from Nav Delta and will engage the enemy; if you didn't, you'll be on your own.
Retreating at Nav Point Delta or destroying all opposing forces will end the
mission.
Mission: ASSASINATION
Pay: 5'325'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Move to all Nav Points (Alpha, Beta and Gamma)
* Intercept and Destroy Chopper Prime at Nav Point Alpha
* Intercept and Destroy Limo Prime at Nav Point Beta
* Intercept and Destroy 'Mech Prime at Nav Point Gamma
* Evacuate Area at Nav Point Delta
Heat Sink Efficiency: 100%
Employer: House Liao
Side: neutral
Lancemates: 0
Allied Units: none
Profile changes: Infamy +15
Map Description: city map. Go for maximum armor possible of the heaviest 'Mech
you have and arm it with close-range, fast cycling, hard hitting weapons. A
single long-range weapon like an ER Large Laser can be useful.
Notes: Executed in place of "Peace Talks", excludes "Evacuation" from possible
missions. High infamy rating required. Target escorts, aside 'Mechs, are
considered friendly until fired upon.
Begin heading toward Nav Point Alpha. The first target is a Transport
Helicopter, guarded by 4 Nightwinds. If you have a long-range weapon, you can
try to snipe the Transport even before reaching Nav Point Alpha; if not, or not
willing to risk, proceed to Nav Alpha, then open fire. Note that if you miss,
the Transport Helicopter will move at its fastest possible speed toward the
edge of the map; if it exits mission area, you'll fail. The Nightwinds aren't a
real threat, though the limited maneuvering space of urban streets will make
them fly over your head; try to pick them out with guided weapons or by
long-range weapons.
The target at Nav Beta is a limousine, guarded by three Demolishers, two
Bulldogs and one Uziel. Go for the Uziel first, then for the Bulldogs and
finally for the Demolisher, but be sure to have destroyed the limo first, or it
will leave mission area.
Nav Gamma is deisgnated as a rendez-vous point for a medium Lance of 'Mechs, a
Dragoon (Mech Prime, your target) and three Uziels. You can destroy only the
Dragoon and exit mission area or stay and destroy everything; double pay will
be awarded even if you do not destroy all targets.
In the area there is also a Commonality Police unit that will be always signed
as hostile in your radar. It's no big deal, two Chimeras and four Bulldogs, but
you might want to avoid them in case you're running a 'Mech weighting less than
70 tons.
Mission: EVACUATION
Pay: 0 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Convoy Limo Occupants must survive
* Escort Convoy to Nav Point Alpha
* Escort Convoy to Nav Point Beta
* Escort Convoy to Spaceport at Nav Point Gamma
Heat Sink Efficiency: 95%
Employer: Peace Delegates
Side: neutral
Lancemates: 3
Allied Units: Limo (1), Bulldogs (2 plus 5), Calliope Turrets (2)
Profile changes: Nobility +15, Infamy -3
Map Description: city map. Go for maximum armor possible of the heaviest 'Mech
you have and arm it with close-range, fast cycling, hard hitting weapons.
Notes: Only available after beating "Evacuation". Not confirmed, but seems that
it opens the Wernke campaign; a free mission, but might be useful to raise your
Nobility. Also, this mission remains available throughout the campaign, so, if
you want, you can return later when you have more money to do it. Fast heavies
recomended.
So, this is going to be a free mission, but your 'Mechs will risk to be damaged
(even if opposition is not that strong) and you'll have to pay drop fees.
Begin immediately to move toward Nav Alpha and order your Lancemates to engage
the nearest threat and go to the Nav Point.
The limo convoy is protected by two Bulldogs, and won't last long even against
the enemies at Alpha, two Bulldogs, one Demolisher and one Argus. Take down the
Argus first, then finish off all vehicles. The next two Nav Points aren't
protected, but you'll find enemies between them.
Near Nav Beta you'll find an other Argus and 2 mobile turrets (witht the usual
Mobile Turret Control, pretty easy to take out). Try to precede the convoy as
much as possible, then go to Nav Gamma. On the road you'll find yet another
Argus, one Demolisher, an SRM Carrier and a Bulldog.
Castle will inform you that enemies are attacking the Dropships, still in
pre-flight power-up, but elements of the Militia will engage them and hold as
much they can. The Dropships are under attack by two Catapults and one
Thanatos, take them out, then wait for the limos to reach the Nav Point.
---------------
--SOLARIS VII--
---------------
Solaris is renowed throughout the Inner Sphere for its gladiator games. The
planet sports three major arenas: the Factory, the Jungle and the Coliseum.
Each arena has four categories, Light, Medium, Heavy and Assault, indicating
which tonnage of 'Mech can partecipate, plus Championship and
Grand-Championship matches open to all kind of 'Mechs.
As you first go to Solaris, all three are arenas will be available, but you'll
have only access to the Light category; to gain access to the other categories,
you have to qualificate in the previous category: Light leads to Medium, Medium
leads to Heavy, Heavy leads to Assault, Assault leads to Championship and
winning all Championships leads to Grand Championship. Qualificating for the
next category is simple: destroy at least one 'Mech in the match, Championship
and Grand Championship excluded, where you have to take down all 'Mechs.
However, heavier is the category, harder it will be, so I suggest to change
category only when you were able to destroy all 'Mechs (well, to survive until
all 'Mechs are destroyed) in the current highest category, in all three arenas.
There are three arenas, Jungle, Factory and Coliseum. Each arena has normal
atmosphere conditions, and has 8 'Mechs (including you), each other against
everyone; it is possible, however, that someone (a "nameless MechWarrior") will
ask you if you want to cooperate until he/she dies; in that case, it will be
noted as neutral on your HUD and won't fire on you unless he/she is the last
MechWarrior standing or you fire on him/her.
In Championship and Grand Championship battles, there will bee 16 chassis of
all weight classes, with no restrictions (though in Grand Championship there
are prevalently only heavies and assaults, I spotted a Shadow Cat only once).
In the various classes, you'll find two categories of MechWarriors: "nameless"
and "named". "Nameless" warriors are showed with the name of their 'Mech and
seldom pilot customized chassises. They tend to be regular warriors, but some
of them are green. Expect their number decrease as you advance in weight
classes.
"Named" warriors are ace or expert pilots, with customized top-notch 'Mechs.
Here's a list, with their names, class, 'Mech (and weapons) and my thoughts on
their skills.
Name: FEN CHEN
Class: Heavy, Championship, Grand Championship
Chassis: Vulture (2 Arrow IVs; Royal Harrier camo)
Skills: Fen Chen and her(his?) heavily modified Vulture are a real pain. Found
in every difficult contest, she (he?) will continue to engage you whenever she
(he?) can. The twin Arrow IV missile system can deal a great quantity of
damage, so be careful when engaging her (him?) straightforward. Remember that
it cannot lock if engaged from rear areas and Arrow IVs have a long recycle
period.
Name: SAMANTHA COLEMAN
Class: Assault
Chassis: Sunder (Heavy Gauss, Clan LRM 20, Clan ER PPC, 2 Clan ER Medium
Lasers)
Skills: A photocopy of Robert Tearly when playing in the Assault circuit. She
has his same weapon config, so be careful.
Name: PETER DEXTER
Class: Light, Medium, Heavy, Assault, Championship
Chassis: Cougar (Light; configuration unknown; Ops brown camo)Ryoken (Medium; 4
Clan LRM 20s; Dragoon camo), Nova Cat (Heavy, Championship; 2 Clan ER PPCs; Ops
brown camo), Atlas (Assault, Championship; Clan ER PPC, Clan Streak SRM 6, 2
Clan LB-X 10s; Dragoons camo)
Skills: Dexter is an old Solaris warrior that re-entered the arenas just when
you started. He's good, but not that much. In the Medium class he pilots a fast
Ryoken configured to be a missile boat, and multiple shots from its LRM 20s can
be quite damaging in this class, especially if you don't use LAMS. In
Championship (I've never met him in other classes for now) he pilots a modified
Atlas, and probably it will be the first target that you'll took down. Not very
dangerous, but do not underestimate the twin PPCs, which he tends to favor over
all other weapons.
Name: ALEX HAIGHT
Class: Light, Medium, Heavy, Assault, Championship
Chassis: Cougar (Light; Clan LRM 15, Clan LRM 20; Ops brown camo), Shadow Cat
(Medium; 1 Clan ER Large Laser, 1 Clan Ultra AC/20;Ops brown camo), Loki
(Heavy; 6 Clan LRM 10s, 3 Medium Pulse Lasers; Ops brown camo), Mauler
(Assault, Championship; 5 Ultra AC 5s; Ops brown camo)
Skills: Probably the most skilled MechWarrior in the Light and Medium class,
Haight is a pain both in his Cougar and Shadowcat. A good way to stop the first
is to use LAMS and ECM coped with long-range weapons; for the Shadow Cat, go
for long-range weapons, approaching it is not a good idea with an Ultra AC/20
in its arm.
Now I discovered him in the high circuits. He's not a very dangerous pilot,
especially in his ammo-dependent Mauler.
Name: TERRANCE MUNSON
Class: Light, Medium, Heavy
Chassis: Wolfhound (Light; Clan ERR PPC, 2 Small Lasers; Ops Charcoal camo),
Uziel (Medium; 1 Clan LRM 20, 2 Clan LB-X 10 ACs; AMS; Kell Hound camo), Black
Knight (Heavy; 2 PPCs, Medium laser, 2 Large Lasers; Ops Charcoal camo)
Skills: Munson fights in the Light and Heavy classes, but I think he should
stay in the Light one, where he's quite good with his Wolfhound, a modified
chassis that is clearly superior to anything else in the arena; in the light
class, he will be one of the last MechWarrior you'll face. In the heavy class,
with his standard Black Knight, he will be one of the first. He tends to move
slowly, trying to secure better hits, but with little success: it will be easy
to placed few well-placed salvos on the Black Knight's broad Center Torso and
destroy him.
Name: ELLIE NEILS
Class: Heavy
Chassis: Black Knight (3 PPCs; Ops Purple camo)
Skills: Ellie Neils, along with Miria Stewart, is an average (IMO)Steiner
pilot, but pilots a modified Black Knight: it has less firepower, but runs a
lot cooler, making it very dangerous. Neils will be one of the last pilots
you'll face, and probably she'll be already battle-worn.
Name: ALICE NEWKIRK
Class: Heavy, Assault, Championship, Grand Championship
Chassis: Nova Cat (Heavy; 2 Clan ER PPCs; Firestorm camo), Daishi (Assault,
Championship, Grand Championship; 6 Clan Ultra AC/5s; Firestorm camo)
Skills: Alice is a competent MechWarrior, but makes poor 'Mech choices. I don't
know why but its Nova Cat has only 3 PPCs and doesn't look faster or runs
cooler than other models: you'll see her 'Mech shutdown after a few fights. Her
Daishi is ammunition limited, and though the AC/5s carry lots of munitions,
their Ultra nature, their high rate of fire and low potential damage make here
run of of ammo very soon. Try to avoid her until the end of the match.
Name: SRIN ODESSA
Class: Championship, Grand Championship
Chassis: Daishi (Heavy Gauss, 6 Clan Ultra AC 5s; Blue camo)
Skills: Odessa is currently the best warrior on Solaris, having scored high in
the previous season and being accepted only in the Championships. She is very
skilled, maybe a bit less aggressive than Vecci, but nonetheless as skilled as
him. Expect her to be the last or one of the last warriors standing in the
arena, and expect to always have an hard fight.
Name: GUS POLLIARD
Class: Light, Medium
Chassis: Uller (Light; Clan ER Large Laser, 2 Clan ER Medium Pulse Lasers;
camo), Ryoken (Medium; 4 Clan LRM 20s; camo)
Skills: An average Light/Medium pilot. Due to the nature of the LRMs (guided
missiles), his Ryoken tends to be more effective than its Uller.
Name: MICHAEL ROSE
Class: Championship
Chassis: Templar (2 Clan Gauss Rifles, 2 Clan ER Large Lasers; Ops red camo)
Skills: an other average pilot. Not too strong, not too weak.
Name: MIRIA STEWART
Class: Heavy
Chassis: Black Knight (3 PPCs; Cracked Up camo)
Skills: A Neils photocopy. Nothing more, nothing less. Really.
Name: LI SONG
Class: Light, Medium
Chassis: Wolfhound (1 PPC - never seen her into this class, based on the info I
recieved, the configuration should be 1 Clan ER PPC and 2 Small Pulse Lasers;
unknow camo type - info submitted by James Kong); Uziel (1 Clan LRM 20, 2 Clan
LB-X 10 ACs; AMS; Kell Hound camo)
Skills: good pilot, her 'Mech packs more punch than a standard Uziel and can
engage at long range but it is ammonution limited. As she fights in the medium
class, the ammo the 'Mech carries are enough to allow her decently long fights.
Li Song and her 'Mech have been spotted in the Light Class by
Name: ROBERT TEARLY
Class: Heavy, Assault, Championship
Chassis: Catapult (Heavy; Clan ER Large Laser, Large X-Pulse Laser), Sunder
(Assault, Championship; Heavy Gauss Rifle, Clan LRM 20, Clan ER PPC, 2 Clan ER
Medium Lasers)
Skills: An average pilot; it is dangerous when facing him in the Assault class
as it has the tendecy to place his Heavy Gauss slugs in your center torso. If
you can, destroy it from long range and keep moving.
Name: KAYLA TIRREL
Class: Assault, Championship
Chassis: Templar (2 Clan Gauss Rifles, Clan ER Large Laser, 2 Clan ER Medium
Lasers; camo)
Skills: Kayla is a good pilot, and the twin Gauss Rifles of her Templar are a
real pain, as she tends to fire both of them in your most vulnerable parts,
depending on the damage you took. Go for the Templar's head, is relatively
large and easy to strike.
Name: NAKO TOYUMA
Class: Assault, Championship, Grand Championship
Chassis: Fafnir (2 Heavy Gauss Rifles, 2 Clan ER Large Lasers, ECM; Kell Hound
camo)
Skills: The only Fafnir in the tournament (well, aside yours if you have one
and willing to use it), Nako is a dangerous pilot, not very aggressive but can
place its Heavy Gauss Rifles where he wants if he has a chance. It is an other
pilot who tend to be targeted, but the exceptional resistance of his Fafnir
usually allows him to destroy two or three opponents before going down.
Name: RICCARDO VECCI
Class: Assault, Championship, Grand Championship
Chassis: Daishi (2 Clan LRM 20s, 2 Clan LB-X 20 ACs, 2 Clan Streak SRM 6s; Ops
Cyan camo)
Skills: A very competent and aggressive pilot, Vecci and its modified Daishi
will be a thorn in your side since you encounter him in the Assault Class. His
weaponry is ammo-oriented and tend to be targeted by everyone of the field, but
expect him to destroy two or more opponents before going down or exhaust ammos.
Name: MARCUS WILDER
Class: Medium, Heavy, Assault, Championship
Chassis: Shadow Cat (Medium; Clan ER Large Laser, Clan Ultra AC/20; Lowlight
Urban camo), Thor (Heavy, Championship; 2 Clan LB-X 20 ACs, 1 Clan LB-X 10 AC;
Lowlight Urban camo), Mad Cat Mk.II (Assault; 2 Light Gauss Rifles, 6 Clan
Machine Gun Arrays; lowlight urban camo)
Skills: Marcus is a pain. Do not close with its Thor when the match starts or
your 'Mech will be a scrap within seconds. Twin LB-X 20 ACs do a lot of damage,
but can engage only at close range and carry a limited ammo supply. Combined
with an other LB-X 10 AC, this 'Mech is devastating at close range, but, as
other 'Mechs on Solaris, it tends to run out of ammo very quickly.
Now, before a summary description of the matches (enemies are randomly chosen),
few guidelines for Solaris.
As it is a free-for all, no real tactics are needed, just go for the nearest
'Mech or the one firing at you. Always keep mobile, a stationary 'Mech in a
Solaris arena is as good as dead.
Financially sepaking, Solaris is a wonderland. In the lowest classes, if you
have a bit of experience, you should be able to win all matches without needing
to repair the 'Mech, and the pay is quite high even for low-weight challenges,
but do not expect to maintain your regiment with only Light or Medium class
incomings. Real money starts in the Heavy class, which is quite affordable for
all pilots. Of course, Assault and Championships pay very well, but, if you
survive, your 'Mech will need repairs. Also, Championships and the
Grand-Championship can be played only once through a single campaign. Other
matches remains available.
I reccomend to keep at least one 'Mech per class to jump from category to other
to minimize waiting times between repairs, or, if you want to sell all light
and medium 'Mechs, just be sure to pass the respective classes on Solaris, or
you'll be forced to buy a chassis to continue (never mentioned it, but I think
you understood that in a Light match you cannot use an Assault-class 'Mech,
right?).
I really conseil to at least access the Championships in Solaris, it is a good
(and fast) way to stock money and to please you favourite faction (this
selection can be made in the briefing screen).
Note that until you completed Werkne, class heavier than the Medium Circuit
won't be playable, even if you completed them all. After those missions, all
classes will be available (note: I'm still not sure if this depends on the
number of succesfull missions or this particular campaign).
Each Light match won gives +1 loyality to the chosen side; Medium matches 2,
Heavies 3, Assault 4, Championships 5 and Grand Championship 6.
Note also that you'll recieve a 100'000 C-Bill bonus for every kill you score.
Allan Mills ([email protected]) sent this:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
I read your FAQ on Mechwarrior 4 Mercenaries and I had a few comments.
Firstly a cheat on how to make winning a lot easier in the Solaris Tournaments.
When the match begins, immediately shutdown your mech. Because you aren't
powered up you won't draw much attention from the enemy. This isn't permanent
of course, eventually someone will start firing at you but it's generally not
until most of the opposition is dead. I used this to beat the grand
championship on the second highest difficulty level. There were only three
enemies left when I powered up. Of course you need to choose your time
correctly, if you wait too long you are a sitting duck. It was a bit sad to
have to resort to this trick but I couldn't get better than third place by
fighting fair - for some attempts I was near death within 30 seconds just
because several other mechs decided to fire at me.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The other comments were about Repair Bases and on the Puma 'Mech...interesting
tactic, but basically I'm for the brainless assault of everything moving in a
Solaris arena, though it might be useful...as far as I know, however, if you
shutdown when it started to fire at you, it will continue to engage you...maybe
it works only at the very beginning.
Lai-Man Sung ([email protected]) sent me some mails, in the first he told
he was disqualified in Solaris, so I asked how it happened:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
In Solaris I was in the Jungle and ran for space, avoiding anyone shooting at
me. I got that comment from the guy about hiding being "okay in the field but
that's not the Solaris Way" - let him go fight Aisa Thatus!! After a short wait
when I closed on the last two opponents but didn't fire a shot, I was
disqualified!!
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Other words from Lai-Man Sung:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
I got Solaris heavy to open up after Exford, and Championship before
Wernke/Hesperus (depending on which you do first).
I noted your comments on falling over, and I have realised that I have never
been knocked over (and I so want to use the get-up button) but that I have seen
Thanatoses and other heavies fall over. I am a fan of BIG GUNS - the Ultra 20.
And two of my lance hit one with one each and a Clan Gauss. It went down.
PS. I'm currently trying to do Championship (after completing Assault) on
Solaris with a Victor max FF armour minus a bit on the legs, approx 70kph, no
jumping, 4x Clan ER medium lasers, 2x Clan Ultra 20s with extra ammo each. I
find I am agile and fast enough to throw the aim of the others off, can turn
inside the Daishis and Atlases, and the twin 20's dish out heavy hurt quickly.
With the slightly better speed of a lighter Assault mech I can avoid the others
and let them soften each other first. Though I was disqualified for not joining
the fighting once! This style of armament and fighting works even better on a
Highlander from the mech packs.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
----------------
--JUNGLE ARENA--
----------------
The Jungle, as its name suggests, is full of hills, trees and walls that
maximize close-range combats and use of ECM suites and agile 'Mechs. Type 1
arena is an hilly island with lots of trees and a great body of water that can
help with heat management. Type 2 arenas have a large lake, some high hills
and walls spread throughout the map.
The Jungle is dedicated to the Liao family and their Capellan Confederation.
LIGHT CLASS
Prize: 1,500,000 C-Bills
Entry Fee: 150,000 C-Bills
Arena Type: 2
MEDIUM CLASS
Prize: 2,000,000 C-Bills
Entry Fee: 200,000 C-Bills
Arena Type: 1
HEAVY CLASS
Prize: 2,500,000 C-Bills
Entry Fee: 250,000 C-Bills
Arena Type: 2
ASSAULT CLASS
Prize: 3,000,000 C-Bills
Entry Fee: 300,000 C-Bills
Arena Type: 1
CHAMPIONSHIP
Prize: 3'500'000 C-Bills
Entry Fee: 350'000 C-Bills
Arena Type: 2
-----------------
--FACTORY ARENA--
-----------------
The factory is full of undestructible debris, walls and building. As the
Jungle, use of ECMs and close range weapons is suggested, but there are more
chances to snipe the enemy than the previous arena. Type 1 has some bodies of
water and a large area with walls and debris, and it is relatively flat. Type 2
is circled by a stream of underground lava (it does allocate heat: you'll ear a
strange sound when your 'Mech is walking on heat-rising terrain) has a more
rolling terrain and less obstacles than the other type.
LIGHT CLASS
Prize: 1,500,000 C-Bills
Entry Fee: 150,000 C-Bills
Arena Type: 1
MEDIUM CLASS
Prize: 2,000,000 C-Bills
Entry Fee: 200,000 C-Bills
Arena Type: 2
HEAVY CLASS
Prize: 2,500,000 C-Bills
Entry Fee: 250,000 C-Bills
Arena Type: 1
ASSAULT CLASS
Prize: 3,000,000 C-Bills
Entry Fee: 300,000 C-Bills
Arena Type: 2
CHAMPIONSHIP
Prize: 3'500'000 C-Bills
Entry Fee: 350'000 C-Bills
Arena Type: 1
------------------
--COLISEUM ARENA--
------------------
The Steiner arena on Solaris, the Coliseum is a large, relatively flat arena
with few understructible obstacles that lets all kind of 'Mechs to favor which
combat style they prefer. The arches are only transitable by Light or Medium
'Mechs, don't waste time trying to pass with heavies. Type 1 arena has a body
of water running along the perimeter and an almost flat center "island" while
type 2 only small ponds and a more rolling terrain, with more buildings.
LIGHT CLASS
Prize: 2,000,000 C-Bills
Entry Fee: 200,000 C-Bills
Arena Type: 1
MEDIUM CLASS
Prize: 2,500,000 C-Bills
Entry Fee: 250,000 C-Bills
Arena Type: 2
HEAVY CLASS
Prize: 3,000,000 C-Bills
Entry Fee: 300,000 C-Bills
Arena Type: 1
ASSAULT CLASS
Prize: 3,500,000 C-Bills
Entry Fee: 350,000 C-Bills
Arena Type: 2
CHAMPIONSHIP
Prize: 4'000'000 C-Bills
Entry Fee: 400'000 C-Bills
Arena Type: 1
GRAND-CHAMPIONSHIP
Prize: 10'000'000 C-Bills
Entry Fee: 1'000'000 C-Bills
Arena Type: 2
Last note: after the Champhionships and the Grand Championship have been
completed, you'll be only able to partecipate in the normal weight classes.
Matches will be very easy (most of the key players won't partecipate) but
you'll continue to get full pay for those matches. So, if you need money
(strangely enough I've found myself badly needing funds in the last game with
the Dragoons), it's a good way to earn them...the heavy match in the Coliseum,
without Fen Chen and her Vulture goes smooth as oil.
--------------
--NEW EXFORD--
--------------
Mission: JUNGLE PATROL
Pay: 6'586'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Search all Nav Points for the Clan Dropship
* Destroy all Clan 'Mechs
Heat Sink Efficiency: 95%
Employer: Kell Hounds
Side: neutral
Lancemates: 7
Allied Units: none
Profile changes: Nobility +4
Map Description: an hilly map, with a large river running along a canyon; the
area is a jungle, so it is filled by trees.
Notes: Medium and Heavy 'Mechs reccomended. Medium and close-range weapons
works fine. Piloting a 'Mech with a Beagle Probe can help, it can spot 'Mechs
running passive.
Just after your drop, a Shadow Cat, a Cougar and an Uller will show up; not
much threat if you are commanding an Heavy or even an Assault Lance, but be
careful, Clanners are savage warriors and use their 'Mechs in the best way
possible.
Go to Nav Alpha, you'll find a Vulture, 2 Lokis and a Shadow Cat patrolling the
area, with passive sensors only, so they'll show up on your radar only at close
range; trees and terrain feature make visual contact difficult at long ranges,
too.
As the 'Mechs a re gone, order your Lancemates to sweep all Nav Points; at Nav
Delta there will be a Thor and 3 Ryokens protecting few boats and some
supplies, but no sign of Falcon Dropships. Destroy the 'Mechs at the Nav Point
and mission will end.
Mission: STORM PATROL
Pay: 4'250'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Destroy all Clan Opposition
* Search all Nav Points for the Clan DropShip
* Destroy the Jade Falcon's Dropship
Heat Sink Efficiency: 100%
Employer: Kell Hounds
Side: neutral
Lancemates: 7
Allied Units: none
Profile changes: Nobility +4
Map Description: hilly map, full of trees and valley where to hide. Vicinities
of Nav Gamma are mined.
Notes: Heavy and Assault 'Mechs with a good variety of all weapon ranges.
Piloting a 'Mech with a Beagle Probe can help, it can spot 'Mechs running
passive as well as mines. When fired upon, mines will explode, allocating
damage to the sorroundings, so take them out from a safae distance (200 meters
are enough). You'll always get a bonus of 2'000'000 C-Bills for this mission.
Begin to move toward Nav Alpha. A Thor will show up. Concentrate fire and
destroy it quickly to Nav Alpha. From now on, it is always better to have your
Lancemates go first so that not all enemies will fire on you while your
Lancemates (looks like they have some problems in finding the right way to
navigate through the map) are still at the previous Nav Point.
Nav Point Beta is guarded by an Uller, a Cougar, a Ryoken and two Shadow Cats;
should be relatively easy to take them down, and you shouldn't get too much
damage from those 'Mechs if you keep mobile.
To reach Nav Gamma youll have to pass in one valley, which is mined: move
slowly and fire at all trees and plants, mines (noted as "object" on your HUD)
are hidden within them. They do an hefty amount of damage, not only to your
legs, but also to your torso, so destroy them or make your best to avoid them.
Nav Gamma is protected by three Shadow Cats and two Ryokens.
4 Harassers are also in the area, destroy them now to avoid having them at the
DropShip assault.
The Jade Falcon Dropship is at Nav Delta; it is active, and it is protected by
a Daishi, a Thor, an Uller and two Cougars; order your Lancemates to engage the
'Mechs while you take out the DropShip (remember to fire at the engine nozzles
to produce more damage).
Mission is completed when all Jade Falcon units are down.
Mission: BACKSTAB
Pay: 2'500'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Destroy all Jade Falcon Forces at Nav Point Alpha
* Destroy all Jade Falcon 'Mechs at Nav Point Beta
* Destroy the Jade Falcon Dropship near Nav Point Beta
* Destroy Brracks before Jade Falcon pilots escape (Optional)
Heat Sink Efficiency: 100%
Employer: Kell Hounds
Side: neutral
Lancemates: 7
Allied Units: none
Profile changes: Nobility -5, Infamy +12
Map Description: Nav Beta is set on an hilly island; the rest of the map is
ocean, with few landstrips with the Clan base. The Clan Dropship is atop of an
hill.
Notes: Negates "Beach Fight". Only available after beating "Storm Patrol". If
you succeded in destroying the barrack before being attacked, you'll get three
Thors, plus standard salvage. Heavy and Assault 'Mechs with lng range weapon to
counter the Clan's own extreme ranges.
Before beginning moving toward Nav Alpha, go to passive sensors you can avoid
to activate some Clan Heavies.
Nav Alpha has only two 'Mechs patrolling the area, two Ryokens: three Thors are
awaiting to be activated near the Clan Barracks that are visible from where you
come: to avoid making the pilots reaching the 'Mechs and making them active
(those are the three Heavies I was talking about), destroy the Barracks; this
will make the Ryokens discover your position, but there's little you can do
about it; from now on, you can also reactive your radar, your cover is blown.
Destroy the Ryokens, but leave the Thors intact, they will be a good salvage.
There are also 6 Harassers patrolling the area, destroy them before engaging
anything else.
Order your Lancemates to reach Nav Beta and follow them. Star Colonel Aisa
Thastus will lead in combat a Mad Cat Mk.II, two Vultures, a Thor and a Nova
Cat once you have visual on the Dropship. Destroy the Clan 'Mechs, then go for
the Dropship: it is active, but will fire only once in a while if you don't get
too close.
As the DropShip explodes, mission will be over.
Mission: BEACH FIGHT
Pay: 5'000'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Destroy all Clan Opposition
Heat Sink Efficiency: 95%
Employer: Kell Hounds
Side: neutral
Lancemates: 7
Allied Units: none
Profile changes: Nobility +8
Map Description: relatively flat map, near the ocean, so try to take full
advantage of that to cool down.
Notes: Negates "Backstab". After this mission, Star Colonel Aisa will join your
forces. Pretty salvage for this mission. Deploy your best Heavies and Assaults
with long-range weapons. It is possible to do the mission even with less than 7
Lancemates (the last time I did with 5 Lancemates, all in Assault and Heavy
'Mechs), but only if you and our Lancemates are experienced. Only available
after beating "Storm Patrol".
Star Colonel Aisa Thastus will issue a Trial of Possession for this peninsula.
She brings two full Stars of Heavy and one Assault Clan 'Mechs, a Thor, two
Lokis, a Nova Cat, a Mad Cat, four Vultures and her own Mad Cat Mk.II. The
first 'Mech to show up will be a Vulture; concentrate fire on it to quickly
take it out, the Nova Cat, an other Vulture and the Mad Cat will arrive shortly
after, followed few seconds later by the rest of the Clan forces; Aisa Thastus
will be the last to engage combat. After the first Vulture is down, issue free
engagement and let your Lancemates take care of their nearest 'Mech.
As the last Clan 'Mech goes down, mission will be over.
----------
--WERNKE--
----------
Mission: BLACKOUT
Pay: 8'050'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Destroy the HPG Trasmitter at Nav Poitn Beta
* Desotry all Davion 'Mechs
* Destroy all Davion Vehicles and all Inhabited Buildings (Secondary: 800'000
C-Bills bonus)
Heat Sink Efficiency: 180%
Employer: Steiner Military
Side: Steiner
Lancemates: 7
Allied Units: none
Profile changes: Steiner +9, Infamy +21
Map Description: a canyon runs throughout the map and leads to the bse you have
to take out. This can be a bad thing for slow 'Mechs as it limits field of
vision as well as mobility.
Notes: Note the high heat sink efficiency, almost doubled. You can drop Heat
Sinks for more weapons, equipment or speed, it's your choice. Heavy and Assault
'Mechs works fine for the assault. Note that you won't be able to lock on your
HUD any target, nor your radar will work as Steiner forces are jamming all kind
of long-range communications. The base at Beta is protected by Calliope
Turrets.
Begin moving toward Nav Alpha: you'll be intercepted by six Quad Panzers: order
your lancemates to take them out then to attack their nearest threat. Finally,
move them to Nav Beta; follow them, and engage all 'Mechs coming out from the
base; you'll might want to deal with the Calliope Turrets (there should be four
of them) at long-range before engaging the 'Mechs, or they will continue to
fire a barrage of LRMs.
The base is defended by an Heavy Lance, composed by an Awesome, a Black Knight,
a Catapult and a Hellspawn. Take them all out, then, if you want, destroy all
vehicles fleeing from the base (three: one unarmed Vedette, a Cargo Truck and a
Humvee) and all hostile buildings (marked in red on your HUD). Mission is over
when you destroy the HPG station.
Mission: NIGHT OP
Pay: 5'250'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Get Close and Scan the Buildings at Nav Alpha
* Get Close and Scan the Buildings at Nav Beta
* Get Close and Scan the Buildings at Nav Gamma
* Destroy Power Plant at Nav Point Delta
* Escape to Nav Point Epsilon
* Use Stealth and Remain Undetected (Optional)
Heat Sink Efficiency: 180%
Employer: Steiner Military
Side: Steiner
Lancemates: none
Allied Units: none
Profile changes: Steiner +11, Infamy +8
Map Description: a rocky terrain with few high hills and some craters where to
hide. Nav Alpha is directly in front of you and it is not protetcted by any
turret; Nav Beta and Gamma are in the same complex and are protected by
Calliope Turrets. Heavy Lances lurks in the area.
Notes: a fast Medium 'Mech with ECM and maximum armor or your best Assault with
maximum armor and firepower...better if equipped with an ECM; remember that you
can mount additional weapons due to the high heat sink efficiency. Long-range
weapons works great. Only available after beating "Blackout"
There are two ways to play this mission: both are hard and requires a lot of
skill; if you are able to complete the Grand-Chapionship on Solaris VII, you
can play the mission as a pure assault, and, in fact, it is technically the
easiest way to play it: ignore passive sensors and as soon as the first enemy
'Mech comes into range, let a full salvo of your long-range weapons loose at
it. However, it won't be easy: there are other 'Mechs in the area, ranging from
Light to Heavy, and are piloted by veteran and elite pilots, plus three
Calliope Turrets. It won't be easy, but if you can do it, Solaris will look
like a trip in the park.
The other way is to use stealth. Indeed it is difficult, and requires a great
control of your 'Mech, plus speed, an ECM Suite, passive sensors and a bit of
luck.
Even before your first pace on the battlefield, you have to chose: go in passve
mode and trael as fast as you can to one crater to your right; Nav Alpha is
guarded by a Catapult and a Draon; it is also possible that your 'Mech will be
automatically stopped if have never been spotted when you first have visual
contact on the Catapult. Also, if you are going to be spotted (a very likely
occasion during the scan at Alpha), a message will blip on the screen; the only
way to remain undetected is to keep passive sensors online and to go away as
fast as you can; shutting down won't work at all. If you are spotted, the two
'Mechs will call for support: 2 full Lances, composed by a Catapult, a Loki, 2
Cougars, an Hellspawn, 2 Uziels and a Chimera. It would be easy to destroy them
if you had at least one lancemate, but you don't, and all will go after you,
that's why only Assault class 'Mechs can hope to survive such attack. The nice
thing is that without this force, the only remaining things that can fire on
you will be an handful of Calliope Turrets at Nav Beta and Gamma; as they are
not placed on ridges, they'll be able to fire at you only at pointblank range,
which is a good thing.
It is not sure, but looks like the 2 support Lances lurks at Nav Beta and
Gamma; if you are playing the mission trying to keep a low radar profile, do
your best to remaing undetected until you scanned Nav Alpha, then kick into hi
gear and scan Beta and Gamma has fast as possible.
Destroy the Power Plant isn't as hard as it could seem, the firefight could
probably took it down even before the objective is assigned, though to complete
the objective continue to circle around it firing whatever you can; after the
Plant is down, head to Nav Epsilon for retreat.
If you destroyed all enemy forces (you have all my respect), just go and scan
those buildings; scanning is simple: just approach the designed buildings
(indicated as targets in your HUD) and stay within 100 meters until scan is
complete (20 seconds). If you interrupt the scan by moving away, you'll have to
restart all over.
There's Lai-Man Sung ([email protected]) own tactic for this mission:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Get a fast Assault mech (Victor, Awesome, Sunder & Gladiator I think are the
fastest). Max the speed and armour. Put a couple of weapons on it that will
blow the fuel tanks with one shot (PPC or a big gun). ECM, AMS and IFF if
possible too.
Assuming you start to the south of the plant, while the first two mechs (Dragon
and Catapult) pass in their clockwise racetrack patrol pattern I scoot over to
the east, directly south of where they turn. Their pattern extends well to the
west, so after the Catapult goes to the west, run to Alpha. I normally stay on
the far side of the building hidden by one of the wings (though the warning
still appears - dunno if this is a bug as I am hidden by the building and they
don't start shooting). Once Alpha is done leg it over the hill and you see a
lance of mech lights passing through the buildings. Stay behind the big factory
until they go (just wait) then run to the other two buildings for the scans.
The problem I found is that the Calliopes are beside the last building and have
a habit of blowing it up when you are beside it. I normally try to take at
least one of them out while waiting for the scan to finish. All hell will have
broken out by now so run at the tanks, blow them u p and run for pickup - j
inking left and right while looking back helps avoid the missiles.
Still hate the mission!! Gonna try it in a mech killer. This is definitely the
hardest mission in the three games, though trying to stop Peter Steiner killing
himself in 'Overlord', the 'Hacker Run' and the last light mission in Black
Knight are also bad.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Ah yes, he pointed out that I didn't warned enough that this mission is very
difficult. People, this mission is pure evil! No wait, that's a bit too
much...ok, it is VERY difficult, second only to the last missions in
MechWarrior 2: Ghost Bear's Legacy (and that's true).
Mission: 'MECH WORKS ASSAULT
Pay: 10'285'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Destroy Listening Post at Nav Point Alpha
* Destroy Factory at Nav Point Gamma
* Destroy Factory at Nav Point Delta
* Destroy all Enemies in the Area
* Destroy all Templar prototypes (Secondary: 1'000'000 C-Bills bonus)
Heat Sink Efficiency: 180%
Employer: Steiner Military
Side: steiner
Lancemates: 7
Allied Units: none
Profile changes: Steiner +15, Davion -15
Map Description: a rocky terrain with few high hills and some craters where to
hide. Nav Delta and Gamma are protected by Calliope Turrets.
Notes: Only available after beating "Night Op". Davions will blacklist your
unit for this all-open attack. Deploy Assault and Heavy 'Mechs with a mix of
long and close range weapons.
Begin moving toward Nav Alpha and engage the reinforced Light Lance placed
between your Droppoint and the Nav the, 3 Cougars and 2 Hellhounds; you should
be able to destroy the 'Mechs from long-range before being into the turret's
firing range.
The Listening Post is protected by a Thanatos plus 3 Calliope Turrets; except
also four Quad Panzers and 6 Stilettos to come in aid of the defenders; the
vehicles won't pose a great threat, especially the Stilettos, they all come
from the same direction and too delayed to pose a real threat; long-range
'Mechs should be able to take them out before they can drop bombs, thouhg the
extreme range of their ACs let them score one or two hits before going down.
Once the defenders are gone, destroy the strucutre at Nav Alpha and proceed to
Nav Beta, protected by two Victors and 2 Catapults; these 'Mechs pack quite a
long-range punch, so destroy them as fast as you can before they place too many
Gauss slugs or missiles on your 'Mech.
The base at Nav Delta is heavily defended by two Assault lances, though they
are placed in separate sectors and they won't do mass attacks; three Calliope
turrets defend a Factory, but they do not pose a real threat. The first ance
you should encounter is composed only by Templars, the second by two Templars
and two Vultures. They don't really pose a threat if you used all Lancemate
slots, but do not understimate them, Templars pack quite a punch and the
Vultures are very accurate with LRM fire. There's also a Templar prototype in
the area. It is armed and operation, though seems it is not prone to engage in
combat.
Destroy the factories at the various Nav Points and mission will be over.
Mission: MOONLIGHT
Pay: 6'586'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Investigate the Davion Supply Depot at Nav Point Alpha
* Destroy the mercenary Dropship
* Destroy all Enemy Vehicles at Nav Point Alpha
* Destrot the Black Cobra's 'Mechs
Heat Sink Efficiency: 180%
Employer: Kallon Industries
Side: Davion
Lancemates: 7
Allied Units: none
Profile changes: Davion + Infamy +
Map Description: hilly map, with canyons and a relatively large flat area at
the center of the map. An other flat area, higher than the first houses a
spaceport.
Notes: Negates "Blackout". Heavies and Assault 'Mechs will give yu an edge in
this battle. Mix long- and close- range weapons or configure 'Mechs for
specific roles.
Begin to slowly advance toward Nav Point Alpha. An Uller (remember that it is
cover by an ECM Suite) will power up on the ridge to your left. Destroy it,
then resume advance and engage the vehicles and 'Mechs in the area (2 Uziels
and a large group of Bulldogs, Condors, Harassers, 2 LRM Carriers and 2
Demolisher IIs).
You should also be able to spot a powering-up DropShip, which ahs to be
destroyed. Take it don while your Lancemates will take care of the vehicles.
After the Dropship and the vehicles are gone, the remaining units of the Black
Cobras will show up, including Colonel Burr himself, in a Thor. The other Cobra
'Mechs are three Ryoken, 2 Chimeras, 1 Argus and 1 Uziel. Order to each
Lancemate to engage one target; you should have the most performing 'Mech, so
go after Burr's Thor, then help your Lancemates in dealing with the other
'Mechs (Ryokens and the Uziel should go down first, they are the most dangerous
'Mechs that the enemy has). When the last of Burr's Black Cobras is down,
mission will be over.
Lai-Man Sung ([email protected])'s advice:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
PS. Moonlight' - The dropship can be destroyed without any danger by going left
around the mountain instead of right (where the tanks all come from) and
hitting it at 900+ metres. Or, if going right, there is a ledge and a small
hillock to shield you that will let you shoot the very top of the dropship
while it cannot hit you. The advantage I find is that both your lances can be
on top of Burr as he appears and massed fire can burn down both his lances.
However, he will not appear until you walk a little onto the plateau, away from
the narrow gully approach - I leave my lance there until he appears and then
shoot him.
PPS. Colonel Burr fights on the side of Davion in the books and helps out with
the defence of the St Ives Compact against Sun-Tzu - bit of a change in
allegiance from him!!
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Archit Baweja ([email protected]) writes:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
In the mission on Wernke, Mission MOONLIGHT, after destroying the forward
'scout' uller, you can tell your teammates to engage the ground forces and the
handlfull of mechs. However to take out the drop ship there is a special trick
I learnt. If I go alone, the drop ships have like 3 'refueling' takers/trucks
(atleast they looked like that). If you destroy those, you can bring down the
dropship health by a good 70-80% (if my estimates are correct). And these
trucks are easy to destroy, despite the drop in health for the dropship they
provide. Then its just 2-3 PPC shots at the dropship, and your done.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
I swear it is written somewhere in the General Tactic section! I do! In fact,
not everytime the Mobile APUs are present, and from MW4: Vengenace the
resulting explosion is far less dangerous (for the DropShip)...but it's an help
in bringing down those monsters, right?
Mission: COUNTRY LIFE
Pay: 9'678'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Defend the Davion Communications Center at Nav Point Alpha
* Destroy enough Enemy 'Mechs to Force Retreat
* Protect all other Buildings (Secondary: 950'000 C-Bills bonus)
Heat Sink Efficiency: 100%
Employer: Davion Military
Side: Davion
Lancemates: 7
Allied Units: Laser Turrets (4)
Profile changes: Steiner -10, Davion +10, Nobility +10
Map Description: hilly map, but relatively flat, with plenty of space for
maneuvering and sniping. There's a river running near the base you have to
protect but you won't have any good chance to use it to cool down.
Notes: Only available after beating "Moonlight". Heavy and Assault 'Mechs only,
with both long- anc close- range weapons.
Immediately order your Lancemates to go at Nav Alpha; follow them and take out
the Nightwinds and the Peregrines attacking the base turrets; these turrets
won't be able to effectively reply to the helicopters, so you'll have to take
them down.
Now order to your team to reach Nav Point Beta; a Light recon Lance is
approaching the base to probe its defenses; take down as many 'Mechs you can
(there are two Hellspawns and two Ravens) before they retreat; shortly after
the 'Mechs retreat (or complete destruction), two Assault Lances (2 Catapult, 2
Awesomes, 2 Atlases, 1 Argus and 1 Thanatos) will begin moving toward the base;
move out and engage them. If you spared any 'Mech of the recon Lance, they will
join the attack.
There's no need in destroying them all, when losses are over the 65-70% they
will retreat, though it is possible to destroy them all to have a good salvage.
Once all 'Mechs are history or have fled, mission will be over.
Kin-Man Sung ([email protected]) notes this:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Additionally, while playing the "Country Life" mission on Wernke as a
Wolfs Dragoons-sponsored mercenary, I encountered 3 enemy Atlases. I'd
been quite fortunate with my salvage up to that point and was fielding
some fairly strong heavy lances + an Awesome, possibly supporting your
speculation that the game balances out the opposing forces to what you
are taking to on the mission.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
It's something I noticed myself when I probably fielded one of the heaviest
formations during my whole time...first off I had five Daishis (read more in
the General Tactics section about this), then the remaining positions where
filled with Atlases, Gladiators and Mad Cat Mk.IIs. There were three Atlases.
The same happened when playing as the Highlanders and fielding only Assault
'Mechs.
Mission: 'MECH WORKS DEFENSE
Pay: 11'716'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Defend the Listening Post at Nav Point Alpha
* Defend the Factory at Nav Point Beta
* Defend the Factory at Nav Point Gamma
* Defend the Templar Prototypes (Secondary: 1'000'000 C-Bills bonus)
Heat Sink Efficiency: 180%
Employer: Kallon Industries
Side: Davion
Lancemates: 7
Allied Units: Templars (4), Calliope Turrets (4), Quad Panzers (6)
Profile changes: Steiner -10, Davion +15, Nobility +7
Map Description: Generally flat map.
Notes: Only available after beating "Country Life". You'll get two Templars
after this mission. Deploy your best Assault and Heavy 'Mechs with long-range
weapons.
Order one Lance to stay at the base while you and the rest of your force go to
help the Calliope Turrets at Nav Alpha to protect the Listening Post, which is
under attack by 3 Hellhounds and one Ryoken. Once 50% of these 'Mechs are gone,
the rest will flee, there's no need in engaging them all, they won't return;
instead, go back immediately to the base, a Steiner Assault Lance is
approaching. Order your Lance portecting the base to engage the nearest threat
while you reach them, then issue to the rest of your Lancemate to engage; the
first Assault Lance is composed by 2 Hauptmanns and 2 Highlanders; also, the
Templar Lance will go weapons-hot and will help you in protecting the base.
A second wave of Steiner forces will enter the area: 4 Gladiators and 4
Demolisher IIs will now try to break the base defenses; concentrate fire to
quickly destroy all of them, a third Assault Lance (2 Hauptmanns and 2
Highlanders) is on its way, followed by 6 Nightshades; base turrets should be
able to destroy the airplanes, so concentrate on 'Mechs, then go for the
Nightshades. As the last Steiner unit goes down, mission will be over.
---------------
--HESPERUS II--
---------------
Mission: ESCORT
Pay: 6'135'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Escort Convoy to Nav Point Alpha
* Escort Convoy to Nav Point Zeta
* Escort Convoy across the bridge at Nav Point Beta
* Escort Convoy at Chackpoint at Nav Point Gamma
Heat Sink Efficiency: 100%
Employer: Defiance Industries
Side: Steiner
Lancemates: 3
Allied Units: Cargo Trucks (5), Argus (1), Bulldogs (2), Mobile Turrets (2)
Profile changes: Steiner +9, Nobility +4
Map Description: A series of canyons describes a road throughout the map. At
Nav Beta there's a bridge; Nav Gama is protected by an Argu, two Bulldogs and
two Mobile Turrets.
Notes: negates "Raid". Fast Heavies (around 70 kmh) with long-range weapons.
Top-weight Mediums can work fine too.
Begin moving toward Nav Alpha; you'll be welcomed by a Shadow Cat (it tends to
jump to clear out the ridges, making of it an easy target). Once that 'Mech is
down, two Thanatoses will try to intercept the convoy from behind; break
formation with the convoy and intercept them before they get too close;
meanwhile the convoy will stop in the proximity of Nav Beta.
Once the raider are gone, reach the convoy and tell your Lancemates to wait
with the convoy while you go and check the bridge; do not go on the bridge, use
the small lake beside; once you are near Nav Beta, the bridge will explode and
two Demolisher IIs will power-up: ignore them for now and tell your Lancemates
to engage the incoming Cougar; they should do a fast work of it, but be
careful, the convoy will resume travel to reach Nav Zeta, an alternative route
plotted by Castle when the bridge was destroyed. Quickly reach the convoy once
the Cougar is down and intercept the forces at Zeta, a Shadow Cat and four
Bulldogs; you should make short work of them. Now follow the road and proceed
to Nav Gamma; make your best to outrun the convoy: near the Nav Point, 6
hovercrafts (3 Condors and 3 Harassers) will show up, escorted by two
Bushwackers: quickly destroy the hovercrafts and engage the Bushwackers before
they target the convoy.
As enemies are destroyed, reach Nav Gamma and await here the convoy to end
mission.
Mission: ASSAULT
Pay: 7'540'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Destroy Communications Equipment at Nav Point Alpha
* Destroy Barracks at Nav Point Beta
* Destroy Hrothgar Dropship at Nav Point Gamma
* Destroy all Hostile Forces
Heat Sink Efficiency: 100%
Employer: Steiner Military
Side: Steiner
Lancemates: 7
Allied Units: none
Profile changes: Steiner +11, Davion -9, Infamy +7
Map Description: An hilly map, with some ridges with Calliope Turrets on them,
a river and some relatively large flat areas where the Davion installations
are.
Notes: available only after having beated "Escort". Assault and Heavy 'Mechs
with long-range weapons are best suited.
Begin by moving your lancemates to Nav Alpha, which is protected by a Mauler
and some Peregrines. Before engaging this force, or while your lancemates do,
you might want to take out all Calliope Turrets on the ridge to have more
tranquillity in taking out everything that needs to be destroyed. Be sure to
have all of them offline before engaging the Dropship at Gamma, however.
Beta is guarded by 2 Victors and few Peregrines, and will probably come to help
their allies when under attack. These 'Mechs aren't really a threat, but do not
understimate the Victor's twin Gauss Rifles.
In the area there will be an other Mauler escorted by two Hellspawn, take them
out before engaging the Dropship at Gamma, whic will powerup shortly your drop,
so use to usual tactic of long-range attacks directed to the engines and keep
moving to minimizing damages. Once all objectives have been completed, mission
will be over.
Mission: 'MECH WORKS DEFENSE
Pay: 10'150'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Defend Weapons Integration Lab at Nav Point Alpha
* Defend Armor Integration Lab at Nav Point Beta
* Destroy Dropships at Nav Point Gamma
Heat Sink Efficiency: 100%
Employer: Defiance Industries
Side: Steiner
Lancemates: 7
Allied Units: Calliope Turrets (6), Zeuses (2) Fafnir (1)
Profile changes: Steiner +1, Davion -10, Nobility +9
Map Description: the Steiner base is in a valley sorrounded by hills and filled
with trees. Nav Gamma is on a highland with few places to hide.
Notes: If you accept to do this mission, you'll never get any from contract
House Davion; available only after having beated "Assault". You'll get a Fafnir
after this mission, for free. Deploy your best Assault 'Mechs, configured for
massed long-range firepower.
Davion forces are mounting an assault to capture everything possible on the
Fafnir, the latest addition to the Steiner military. The base is heavily
defended by Calliope Turrets and Steiner Assault 'Mechs, including a working
Fafnir. Davion units will attack in waves of Lances from all sides. Remember
that is a 'Mech explodes near a building, it will collapse, a pretty annoying
fact if it's one of the buildings you have to protect.
The first unit to show up will be three Templars, you should be able to heavily
damage them from long range even before they enter the base perimeter.
Once they are down, a Lance of 3 Cougars and one Uziel will attack; probably,
the Steiner 'Mechs will engage them and heavily maul them before you'll be able
to place a shot on them, but it's always better to move out and intercept them.
The last Lance, for now, will enter the are near Nav Beta: two Black Knights
and two Longbows will be dangerously near the Armor Integration Lab, be sure to
take them out while the are away from that building, or if they explode, you'll
have to replay the mission.
After this third wave Castle will inform you that Davions are dropping on
planet with two Hrothgar DropShip with the Heavy Guards aboard, something that
you cannot stop even at full force, so it is imperative that the Dropships are
destroyed before they can deploy any 'Mech; the landing point is marked as Nav
Gamma.
There are two other Black Knights and two other Thors between the Steiner base
and Nav Gamma, take them out as quicky as possible and head toward the
Dropships, which are descending: to quickly destroy them target the engines
from long-range: if you and your lancemates fire at one Dropship per time, you
should be able to down them both before they touch land. However, the Dropships
will release three other Thors to secure the landing zone: order one of your
Lances to take them out while you and the rest concentrate on any remaining
Dropship. Once both of them are destroyed, the mission will be over.
Max Ed says:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
In Mech Works Defence on Hesperus II it's not nececerly to destroy dropship in
the air as it's easy to notice. So it's highly recommended to destroy
"screening forces" first and then snipe landed dropships form range.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Mission: RAID
Pay: 6'243'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Destroy all Factories and Warehouses at Nav Point Alpha
* Destroy all Factories and Warehouses at Nav Point Gamma
* Eliminate all Base Defenders
Heat Sink Efficiency: 100%
Employer: Skye Separatists
Side: Davion
Lancemates: 3
Allied Units: none
Profile changes: Steiner -4, Davion +11, Infamy +7
Map Description: Hilly map, with a road and depots located into a canyon and
connected by a river which can be used both as an alternate route and to cool
down 'Mechs during combat.
Notes: negates "Escort". Deploy Assault or Heavy 'Mechs with long-range
weapons.
Begin moving to Nav Point Alpha; the otupost before this Nav Point is protected
by a Mad Cat Mk.II and few aser and missile turrets, easy enough to take down.
To silence the turrets once for all, you can destroy the Turret Control Tower
that tops the outpost.
The first Steiner depot at Alpha is protected by 2 laser turrets (which can be
took out of commission by destroying the Control Tower) and two Mad Cats; split
your Lancemates evenly among the two 'Mechs and destroy them. Now you can
easily destroy the objective buildings.
Nav Beta is patrolled by a Shadow Cat; you can leave it be, if you want, it
doesn't count as part for the last objective (looks like that 'Mech is stranded
on a mountain or it just doesn't want to engage combat with you).
Just before Nav Gamma, 2 Vultures and one Black Knight will enter the area
trying to stop you. Take them out at long-range with massed fire, then return
to your course.
Nav Gamma, the last depot, is protected by laser turrets (again, take them out
by destroying the Control Tower), a Mad Cat Mk.II and two Mad Cats; split
Lancemates among them and take them out, then go and destroy all buildings.
Mission: STEALTH
Pay: 4'500'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Hide at Nav Point Alpha until Allies Draw Off Enemy forces
* Investigate Armor Integration Lab at Nav Point Beta
* Investigate Armor Integration Lab at Nav Point Gamma
* Get to the Extraction Point at Nav Point Delta
Heat Sink Efficiency: 100%
Employer: Davion Military
Side: Davion
Lancemates: none
Allied Units: none
Profile changes: Davion +15, Infamy +3
Map Description: the base is in a valley sorrounded by high hills. Other
smaller valleis are spread throughout the map, but all are large enough to
fully use long-range weapons.
Notes: Only available after having beaten "Raid". Use of a fast Heavy 'Mech
with ECM is reccomended, plus two or three hard-hitting, long-range weapons.
Vultures and Thanatoses work wonders in this mission.
Davion forces will draw off all enemy 'Mechs from the Steiner base; you'll have
to go in, scan the two Integration Labs, locate the Fafnir prototypes and get
off before the Steiner units return back.
It is highly recomended that before approaching Nav Point Alpha you'll go in
passive sensors to minimize detection.
Once you are at Nav Alpha, wait until Castle told you that all enemy 'Mechs are
gone; note that the base will still have a perimeter of active Calliope Turrets
plus few vehicles (2 Bulldogs and 2 Nightwinds) patrolling the area. There are
also 3 shut-down Thanatoses, but if you approach when Castle tells you so and
with passive sensors, they won't power-up until both Labs are scanned. You can
destroy the Calliope Turrets and the vehicles without worrying of making the
Steiner forces coming back earlier or to active the Thanatoses (note that if
you are running with passive sensors, turrets, vehicles and 'Mechs will attack
you only within 250 meters, 200 meters if you have an ECM suite).
The job is pretty simple: get near a Lab (100 meters), wait 30 seconds then
pass to the other, then head back to Nav Point Delta. While you wait, you can
destroy vehicles and turrets to minimize damage. It is possible that during or
shortly after the scanning of the second lab, the Thanatoses will begin to
power-up, but since you ahve done your job, kick in maximum speed to Delta.
Even if you are using a 'Mech slower than them, they won't follow.
Note: you can easily disable all turret by firing on the Turret Control Tower
placed to the left of the Communication Building, few degrees to your left from
Nav Alpha. This might alert all vehicles in the base, but no the 'Mechs.
James Kong submitted this:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Hesperus II, Stealth mission
u say that the thanatossses are not active, but i
noticed that when i play the mission, they are active
but will not engage me until i finished scanning.
i took out the turrets from afar before moving into
the base which makes my life easier
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Mission: 'MECH WORKS ATTACK
Pay: 9'475'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Eliminate all 'Mechs and Vehicles at Nav Point Alpha
* Destroy all Base Defenders at Nav Point Beta
* Protect Technicians as they stel the Fafnir Blueprints
* Destroy the Weapons Integration Lab at Nav Point Beta
Heat Sink Efficiency: 100%
Employer: Davion Military
Side: Davion
Lancemates: 7
Allied Units: Transport Helicopter (1)
Profile changes: Steiner -15, Davion +15
Map Description: the base is in a valley sorrounded by high hills. Other
smaller valleis are spread throughout the map, but all are large enough to
fully use long-range weapons.
Notes: Only available after having beaten "Stealth". After this mission, you
won't be able to take any other Steiner contract. You'll always salvage a
Fafnir, an Argus and a Catapult in this mission. Deploy Assault and Heavy 'Mech
with long-range weapons.
Head toward Nav Alpha, a small outpost with two Zeuses, two Thantoses, two
Magis and 3 Mobile Turrets, which can be took down easily by destroying the
Mobile Turret Control. The other enemies shouldn't be a real problem, even
without issuing order, your Lancemates will engage them and will overrun take
with ease. 3 Nightwinds will come in help, but they won't last long, too.
The Steiner base is at Nav Beta and its sorroundings: it is protected by a
perimeter of Calliopes (I know, you probably destroyed them during the previous
mission, but I can't do nothing about that), plus few Bulldogs and Myrmidons;
however, the two Fafnirs you found in the previous missions are operative, and
they can be a real pain, due to their Heavy Gauss Rifles. Overwhelm them with
superior number and quickly destroy them before they do some serious damage.
Now take care of all remaing Calliope Turrets so that the Davion commando team
can land at Nav Beta and recover the blueprints. Castle will report that two
Heavy Lances are on their way to intercept you. The first will come out at Nav
Gamma, 2 Zeuses and two Longbows. Take them out with concetrated fire and head
South-West (in front of the Armor Integration Lab at Beta) and repel the second
Lance, equal to the first. This shouldn't take long, though these 'Mechs have
the tendency to go a bit too near the Integration Lab, which has to remain
intact until the commando has lifted off, so wait to destroy them if they are
too close.
Once the commando Helicopter has cleared the area, destroy the Lab.
Note: you can easily disable all turret by firing on the Turret Control Tower
placed to the left of the Communication Building, of course placed where it was
in the previous mission. You'll might have to destroy few turrets before being
into ER PPC/ER Large Laser range.
James Kong submitted this:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
i took out the calliope turret control tower from
afar. it is located somewhere in the base and u can
take it out from a far without engaging the turrets
(although u have to destroy at least two) before u can
take out the tower
-------------------------------------------------------------------
--------------
--NEW AVALON--
--------------
Mission: SPACEPORT
Pay: 17'560'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Destroy all Fuel Tanks at Nav Point Alpha
* Destroy all Communications Equipment at Nav Point Alpha
* Rendez-vous with Rabid Fox at Nav Point Gamma
* Secure Extraction Point at Nav Point Delta
* Rabid Fox must survive
Heat Sink Efficiency: 100%
Employer: Steiner Intelligence
Side: Steiner
Lancemates: 3
Allied Units: Swiftwind (1)
Profile changes: Infamy +8
Map Description: city map, but with straight, long and wide roads and open
spaces that can make a good sniping place. The unbuilt areas are filled with
trees and have some low hills; roadblocks are near Nav Delta. Yu'll start into
a small Spaceport sorrounded by turrets and high walls.
Notes: Available only if your are on the Steiner side (having beated "Works
Defense" on Hesperus II). Though Castle suggests fast 'Mechs equipped with
ECMs, your best Assault 'Mechs will work fine.
You'll begin in a Spaceport, just outside of a Talon class Dropship, sorrounded
by Calliope and Laser Turrets, plus 2 Osirises and some Nightwinds that will
take off from the Spaceport itself. Order your Lancemates to engage their
nearest threat and begin to destroy turrets and Nightwinds first, especially
target the inactive ones, so that you won't have to destroy them after.
When all hostiles in the area are gone, destroy thr Fuel Depot at Alpha and all
buildings shown as red on your HUD, which all are radio towers or radar
antennaes. As the objective is completed,
order your Lancemates to move to Nav Beta, and follow them.
Just few hundres meters past Beta, a Lance composed by a Mad Cat and 3 Ryokens
will powerup. If you haven't destroyed all Nightwinds at the Spaceport, the
remaining ones will lift off trying to intercept you. You should have been able
to destroy the 'Mech lance before engaging the helicopters, which poses only a
minimal threat to your 'Mechs, but surely are deadly against Rabid Fox, who
will show up when your reach Nav Gamma. He's driving a Swiftwind, and if it's
destroyed, the mission will be over; for the time being, you'll have to fend
off Light and Medium 'Mechs attacks in few waves. Rabid Fox will continue
toward Nav Delta, positioned just outside New Avalon City, near a farm (just
for your information: the two Combines harvesting can be ignored, they won't
dare suicidal attacks or something).
The first wave will come from Fox's behind: two Ravens and four Peregrines will
try to intercept it; due to the nature of your enemies, you shouldn't take too
much time to destroy them.
The second wave is composed by 2 Fleas, 2 Owenses, an Uziel and a Bushwacker.
Order your Lancemates to engage the Medium 'Mechs while you take over the Light
ones; when your lancemates ar done with the Mediums, direct them to destroy the
remaining light 'Mechs.
The third and last wave, 2 Fleas, 1 Owens, 1 Uziel, 1 Puma and 1 Bushwacker
have to be engage like the previous one, it won't pose a big problem, though
the Uziel and the Puma poses the greatests threat to Rabid Fox' Swiftwind and
your 'Mechs, as they mount double PPCs.
As you reach Nav Delta, mission will be over.
James Lee ([email protected]) sent me this, a faster way to ged rid of
the turrets at the Spaceport:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
for me, actually the 1st thing I did was to turn left and take out the turret
control near the guard tower. this one controls the calliope turrets. then turn
around to take out the other turret control in front of the fuel tanks. this
controls the laser turrets. viola! no more turrets. you can order your
lancemates to take out the nearest enemy during the process. next destroy the
air control towers followed by the inactive nightwinds. next take out the fuel
tanks and the red comms buildings. after you take out all the comms buildings,
you should be able to destroy the powered down mechs near the mech hangar w/o
triggering their power up.
if you do this, you'll notice that the these mechs will no longer appear later
in the mission when u're protecting Rabid Fox.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Kin-Man Sung ([email protected]) contributes with this:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The 3 lances of medium and light mechs in the spaceport seem to power
up if one of them is destroyed. What I've been doing is to blow off
the arms and/or missile pods of the Bushwackers, Uziels, Owens and
Puma, and give each mech a double ERPPC volley to the torso. Then, and
only then, do I destroy one of the mechs. The rest of them will
activate; the Puma and Uziels no longer have their PPCs, the Owens have
no missile racks, the Bushwackers have no arms or that shoulder-mounted
missile pod, and the Fleas are as pathetic as always. It's an easy
task to wipe them all out, and presto! The mission is much, much
easier.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Mission: HACKER RUN
Pay: 19'500'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Destroy all Base Defenders at Nav Point Alpha and Beta
* Extract the information on Katrina's Steiner Location from Computer Core at
Nav Point Beta
* Proceed to Extraction Zone at Nav Point Gamma
Heat Sink Efficiency: 120%
Employer: Steiner Intelligence
Side: Steiner
Lancemates: 3
Allied Units: Transport Helicopter (1)
Profile changes: Steiner +19, Infamy +12
Map Description: hilly map, with plenty of zones where to hide. The Davion base
is atop of the main hill, well defended by walls, Calliope Turrets, Strong
Point Defenses, vehicles and 'Mechs.
Notes: Available only after "Spaceport". Use your best Assault 'Mechs with both
long- and close- range weapons. Negates the New Exford campaign.
This mission is to retrieve Katrina's location. Extraction of the commando team
(Den Home) is secondary. Probably your extraction as well is, but only to the
Steiner High Command.
Begin heading toward Nav Alpha and engage the five Dragons that will show up
individually; concentrate long-range fire on them to quickly destroy them, then
engage the large group of Nightwinds coming from the base. Once they are gone,
resume your travel and order your lancemates to engage the turrets (especially
the Strong Point Defenses) before anything else, the Commando Team will
approach into a Transport Helicopter few minutes after you started the mission,
and if the turrets aren't down and the enemies are already engaging you, they
will target the commando Helicopter, and it won't last long.
The turrets aren't slaved to any Turret Control building, so you'll have to
take them down individually; the base 'Mechs are top Assaults with Light 'Mechs
and vehicles support, including other Nightwinds and Demolisher IIs; the 'Mechs
are two Ravens, 2 Osirises, one Mauler and two Atlas. To engage them, it's
better to assign to each Lancemate one target to keep them busy and avoid they
target the Transport Helicopter. Once those 'Mechs are down, destroy any
remaining turret and stationary Nightwind (there should be two of them, still
inactive, near the computer core building).
Den Home will touch down and will storm the computer core. You have to give
support to them for less than one minute as they access the core.
Other Nightwinds, as well as othr 'Mechs, will enter the area from the East. DO
NOT, repeat, DO NOT engage them, they will begin as Light and Medium 'Mechs,
like Ryokens, Uziels, Wolfhounds and Cougars, but will end with Atlases,
Daishis and Maulers. Instead, when Den Home transmits the planet's name,
immediately retreat to Gamma. Order your Lancemates to engage the turrets near
that Nav Point so that they won't get struck in the firefight with the new
Davion 'Mechs.
Den Home's helicopter will soon be destroyed, but they will find some APCs to
steal, but they won't last long against such a force.
Once you reach Nav Gamma, mission will be over.
-----------
--THARKAD--
-----------
Mission: OVERLORD
Pay: 15'745'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Destroy enough Steiner 'Mechs to overrun Nav Point Alpha
* Destroy enough Steiner Overlord DroShip near Nav Point Beta
* Destroy Enemy Forces at Nav Beta with Peter Steiner-Davion
* Protect Peter Seiner-Davion
Heat Sink Efficiency: 100%
Employer: Peter Steiner-Davion
Side: Davion
Lancemates: 7
Allied Units: Fafnir (1, piloted by Peter Steiner-Davion), Awesomes (2),
Sunders (2), Daishis (2), Atlases (2), Peregrines (4), Nightwinds (4)
Profile changes: Davion +19, Nobility +5
Map Description: hilly map, but with enough space to host large battles and
allows some sniping. Nav Alpha is on the other side of the valley from where
you start, Nav Beta and the DropShip on a highland after that valley.
Notes: Peter Steiner-Davion is on a Fafnir, if he goes boom, you'll have to
restart the mission. He will engage combat when you overrun Nav Alpha. Your
Lancemates won't engage the Overlord DropShip until all 'Mechs at Beta are
gone. Only available if you haven't played the Steiner missions on Wernke and
Hesperus II. Deploy Assault 'Mechs with long-range weapons.
You'll begin in the middle of the second largest engagement of the game: Davion
forces and Steiner forces will clash in the underlying valley for Nav Alpha.
Immediately order your Lancemates to engage their nearest threat and begin to
snipe out 'Mech coming from the other side of the valley. Davion pilots are
quite good and their 'Mechs aren't inferior to the Steiner's so they'll give an
help in overruning Alpha. Enemy helicopter won't pose a problem, Davion VTOLs
will engage them; concentrate on 'Mechs, sistematically destroying the heaviest
of them and slowly advancing toward Nav Alpha. A rough list of the Steiner
'Mechs here comprises 4 Mad Cats, 2 Awesomes, 2 Atlases, 5 Dragons, 2 Daishis,
2 Longbows and few LRM Carriers, plus the already VTOLs (Nightwinds and
Peregrines)
When Castle informs you that the Steiner are breaking up, climb on the other
side of the valley, destroy all reaming 'Mechs and turrets and join Peter
Steiner-Davion in the assault at Nav Beta, protected by 2 Daishis, a Longbow, 2
Atlases and some vehicles (Demolisher IIs and Myrmidons).
At Nav Beta there's also the Overlord you have to destroy. Do not close with
it, there are also two Strong Defense Points, take it out from long-range; your
Lancemates will accept engagement orders for the DropShip only when all Steiner
'Mechs are down. Engine nozzles are less vulnerable than the ones of the
Htrothgar-class, but still visible and are the weakest point of the DropShip;
when its lifebar in below 50%, it will blow up.
Mission: RESUPPLY
Pay: 16'890'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Supply Convoy must remain intact
* Secure DropZone at Nav Point Alpha
* Secure DropZone at Nav Point Beta
* Defend DropShip at Nav Point Delta
Heat Sink Efficiency: 110%
Employer: Peter Steiner-Davion
Side: Davion
Lancemates: 3
Allied Units: Cargo Trucks (4), Htrothgar DropShips (3), Overlord DropShip (1),
Awesome (1)
Profile changes: Davion +14, Nobility +5
Map Description: Some hills, but not high enough to block line of sight for
long-range battles. The road where the convoy travels favor those kind of
fights, too.
Notes: Only available after having defeated "Overlord". Deploy Assault 'Mechs
with at least 50 kph and long-range weapons, though Assault 'Mechs with at
least 60-65 kph are reccomended. You'll always get a 1'000'000 C-Bill bonus for
this mission. The convoy is formed by 4 Cargo Trucks and all have to remain
intact throughout the mission.
Begin heading to Nav Alpha: DropShip 2-5, commanded by Captain Doska, your old
friend from Halloran V, which will lay suppressive fire against a Lance of 2
Bushwackers and 2 Uziels. Help the DropShip in clearing the area, then wait a
little to intercept three Sunders coming from behind. They show up singularly,
so you can easily kill them with concentrated fire on one 'Mech per time.
As the last goes down, head toward Nav Beta; an Htrothgar DropShip, 2-4, with
an Awesome as its guard, is under attack by four Victors;
DropShip 2-2 will also signals heavy engine hits, but there's nothing you can
do about it (or I just wasn't too quick to save it).
You should be able to take one or two of the Victors attacking 2-4 down from
long-range, then the others will disengage from the DropShip and will intercept
you. Take them out, and repel the attack of two Vultures and two Thanatoses
coming from South-East. After this Lance, some NightShades will enter the area,
but shouldn't be a problem if you are near 2-4, the DropShip will be able to
shoot down few of them; these NightShades also tend to pass over Nav Point
Gamma, protected by Dropship 2-3, so you'll have little to worry about them.
Proceed to Nav Delta, where DropShip 2-1, an Overlord, is under attack by 2
Maulers and 3 Nova Cats. The Overlord boasts an impressive array of weapons
(you should know it by now), and at least two 'Mechs will go down; also the
Nova Cats tend to overheat a bit too much and they will be frequently shutted
down, offering stationary targets which await only to be destroyed.
Mission: CHECKMATE
Pay: 18'500'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Destroy Rear Guards at Nav Point Alpha
* Destroy All Hangars at Nav Point Beta
* Destroy the Air Control Tower at Nav Point Beta
* Peter Steiner-Davion must survive
* Assault the Main Gate at Nav Point Gamma
* Defeat Nondi Steiner and her Royal Guard
Heat Sink Efficiency: 110%
Employer: Peter Steiner-Davion
Side: Davion
Lancemates: 3
Allied Units: Victors (3), Fafnir (1, piloted by Peter Steiner-Davion)
Profile changes: none
Map Description: the Steiner Palace is at the center of the map. about 60% of
the map is urban, but you'll have little interest in going into the city. The
Palace is large enough for long-range firefights and is protected by long-range
turrets. There are a few obstacles but nothing to heavy.
Notes: Leads to the Davion ending. Deploy your best Assault 'Mechs with
long-range weapons. Only available after having defeated "Resupply". Peter
Steiner-Davion is on a Fafnir, if he goes boom, you'll have to restart the
mission. He will engage in combat after the Nav Alpha is secure.
Move toward Nav Alpha, which is protected by an handful of Bulldogs, two Pumas
and two Awesomes. There's an allied Victor assaulting the point, help him in
destroing all opposition found so that it will first give support at the
secondary gate near Nav Point Beta (be careful, there are two Laser Turrets
guarding it), then in the battle at Nav Point Gamma.
When you'll be near the secondary gates, two Awesomes and two Longbows will
show up. Try to lure them out of the palace gates so that the units at Beta
won't scramble. Destroying the four 'Mechs is quite easy, they tend to attack
in couples: issue different targeting orders to your Lancemates and let them
have it.
Proceed to Nav Beta: the units there (4 Nightwinds and 6 Stiletto) will
scramble and will lay suppressive fire to slow you down.
Destroy everything you have within range, then close with the remaining units
to destroy them. To access Nav Beta, follow the lowest road until you find a
natural ramp about 700 meters from Beta, then go up and destroy the two hangars
and the Air Control Tower.
Now proceed to Gamma, where Peter Steiner-Davion is engaging a Lance of two
Awesome and two Longbows. The easiest way to reach it is to proceed straight
toward the two Laser Turrets you hould have on your radar (being at Beta,
destroy them from long range), then turn left and proceed stright to Nav Delta.
You should get good opportunities to snipe out almost every enemy 'Mech before
going into the explade with Peter.
As these 'Mechs are down, Nondi Steiner, piloting a Hauptmann, and four Daishis
will power up just near the main palace complex.
Destroy the Daishis first (concentrate fire to destroy them faster), then go
for Nondi; she is quite a competent pilot, but her Hauptmann lacks really
strong punches; few well-placed salvos will took her down with relative ease.
The FedCom civil war is over. The Steiner faction has been defeated and looks
like the Steiner-Davion family, both Victor and Peter, will rule over the
entire Federated Commonwealth. You have signed up for a long-term defense
contract on Tharkad, but little you know that Terra would have been the center
of great events that would have stormed all know universe...
---------
--CARSE--
---------
Mission: WOLF TRIAL
Pay: 0 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Defeat all Clan Wolf 'Mechs and win the Trial of Position
Heat Sink Efficiency: 95%
Employer: none
Side: Steiner
Lancemates: 0
Allied Units: none
Profile changes: none
Map Description: the map is large, but you'll fight in a crater sorrounded by
Clan 'Mechs . The craters offers some protection, but is mainly flat.
Notes: Leads to Steiner ending. Use your best Assault 'Mech. If you won the
Grand-Championship or did "Night Op" on Wernke in the fight way, this mission
will be a breeze. For the low Heast Sink Efficiency and fast-paced combat you
might want to drop a Laser if you are running an energy-dependant 'Mech. Firing
on or near a standing 'Mech will make it active; getting close to any standing
'Mech will disqualify you. Only available if defeated "Hacker Run" on New
Avalon. Excludes "Griffon Base" on New Canton.
In Rabid Fox's plan, you have to become fight a Trial of Position to become a
Clan warrior, so that Khan Vladimir Ward of the Crusader part of Clan Wolf will
petition Victor Ian Steiner-Davion to let Katrina free.
Each Clan 'Mech will engage you after the previous has been destroyed unless
you fire upon on an inactive 'Mech. In that case, the attacked 'Mech will enter
the fight; these Clan warriors doesn't look too strong, but they are piloting
Heavy and Assault 'Mechs and you don't have any Lancemate that can draw fire.
The first warrior to engage you will be Jules Senders, on a unmodified Vulture;
rather easy, he offers good shots for its center torso; it should be gone in
two or three salvos without you taking damage (or taking only minor hits).
The second warrior will be Rhanda Stiles, on a Thor. As Sender, it doens't pose
a great threat.
The third warrior is Zel Vickers, piloting a standard Mad Cat. This time, the
pilot is quite aggressive and will continue to storm you with his pulse lasers
and LRMs. He also keeps mobile, but not that much to really make your aim
inaccurate. You should be able to place at least one salvo when he starts to
move.
Hans Noruff, on a Masakari. His PPCs can be a great pain, and Noruff is a good
pilot, too; his Masakari also offers a relatively small spot for its center
torso, try to close to make him ignore at least the LRMs; destroying the arms
might give you a better chance to win, as the Masakari has is PPCs and ACs in
there.
The last warrior is Manda Ruby, on a DireWolf. She's probably the easiest pilot
of all, she is not really aggressive, and you should be able to place one salvo
of you weapons when she activates.
Once all 'Mechs are down, mission will be over.
So you did it. You now are a warrior of Clan Wolf, eager to restart the march
toward Terra. However, little you know that Terra would have been the center of
great events that would have stormed all know universe...
--------------
--NEW CANTON--
--------------
Mission: GRIFFON BASE
Pay: 21'300'000 C-Bills
Objectives:
* Repel the Capellan Invaders from Griffon Base
* Destroy all Enemy 'Mechs (Optional)
Heat Sink Efficiency: 80%
Employer: New Canton Governor
Side: neutral
Lancemates: 7
Allied Units: Demolishers II (4), Bulldogs (12), Calliope Turrets (8)(this list
is far from be complete, too much mess on the radar screen)
Profile changes: none
Map Description: Griffon base is protected by high wall and has several
buildings inside; the base is also on a low hill. The rest of the map is a
succession of low/medium hills and valleys.
Notes: Leads to neutral ending. Deploy your best Assault and Heavy 'Mechs; note
the low Heast Sink efficiency value, if you are running an energy-dependant
'Mech, you might want to drop one or two Lasers for more heat sinks. Only
available if defeated "Hacker Run" on New Avalon. Excludes "Wolf Trial" on
Carse.
You'll drop just right over a battle between Stalwart Support, manning the
vehicles and the base turrets, and Capellan Forces led by general Wu Kan (hope
it's spelled correctly). There are lots of units already in the area, ranging
from helicopters to 'Mechs; here's a rough list:
3 Arguses, 5 Myrmidons, 2 Chimeras, 2 Thanatoses, 2 Black Knight, 4 Demolishers
IIs, some Condors, 2 Catapults, few LRM Carriers, 2 Vultures, a Loki and some
Nightwinds (this list is far from be complete, too much mess on the radar
screen). Order your Lancemates to engage at will and begin pounding away the
nearest enemy you have. Concentrate on 'Mechs, Stalwart Support will take care
of the vehicles.
Soon, Castle will designate Nav Beta and will tell you that an assault Lance is
attacking the rear perimeter to level the base. Tell three of your Lancemates
to disengage and reach the Nav Point, and engage the Lance (a Masakari, a
Sunder, a Mauler and a Mad Cat Mk.II). Not enough, other Capellan forces will
drop onto the newly-designated Nav Gamma; if you finished witht the Lance at
Beta, move all your Lancemates at Gamma, if not (more likely, you could be
still engaing the first Capellan team when the Assault Lance strikes Na Beta),
move the remaining Lancemates to nav Gamma and engage anything.
When the Lance at Beta is down, general Wu Kan will show up into an Atlas,
intimating you to surrender; ignore him and destroy it as soon as possible;
colonel Cho will then issue a full-retreat order; firing at one of the
retreating 'Mechs will make Cho reconsider its order and will try to re-engage
in combat. The Wu Kan/Cho force is composed by an Atlas (Wu Kan's 'Mech), a
Cauldron Born (Cho's 'Mech), an Hunchback, a Mad Cat Mk.II, a Thanatos, a
Masakari and a Mauler (still, a probably incomplete list). However, you should
easily gain the upper hand and defeat them easily.
Lars Wegerich ([email protected]) asked this:
-------------------------------------------------------------------
I saw General Wu riding a Gladiator. Maybe because I was
piloting a Gladiator myself?
-------------------------------------------------------------------
As far as I know, the game partially adapts enemy forces to the player's 'Mech
or entire force...as with other missions, it is probable that some 'Mechs were
"scaled down" to make the mission more balanced, but that's only a theory
Griffon Base is now secure, and it is yours. This place is a perfect center to
gain from the wars in the Chaos March, and soon your unit will equal an RCT in
firepower. However, little you know that Terra would have been the center of
great events that would have stormed all know universe...
********
13-ROADS
********
This section contains a short (very short) summary of what planets and missions
you have to take to see the three different endings that the game proposes; all
planets left over do not influence the campaign.
DAVION ENDING: Wernke (Davion missions), Hesperus II (Davion missions - negates
all Steiner contracts), Tharkad
-OR-
play all contracts you want, but do not take the Steiner missions of Wernke.
Hesperus II won't be available but Tharkad will.
Notes: pretty much a standard ending, the Davions will be grateful and will
reward you with a good long-term contract.
STEINER ENDING: Wernke (Steiner missions), Hesperus II (Steiner missions -
negates all Davion contracts), New Avalon, Carse
Notes: called Steiner ending beacause you have followed all Rabid Fox's orders
to ensure the safety and liberty of Katrina Steiner. A pretty good surprising
ending.
NEUTRAL ENDING: Wernke (Steiner missions), Hesperus II (Steiner missions -
negates all Davion contracts), New Avalon, New Canton
Notes: also referred as Rogue ending, that's because at last you run away from
the Lyran forces and secured a landhold for yourself.
Don't know why but it always make me feel sad...
***********
14-GLOSSARY
***********
Or, the section I was not even thinking to write. After some mails asking not
for the meaning of some words, I decided to put this section online.
This section doesn't want to be a BattleTech encyclopedia; on the net there are
lots of sites having better and more complete explanations of these terms,
though the best way to fully know what I'm talking about is to buy BattleTech
sourcebooks; I reccomend:
* Shattered Sphere
* The Clans: Warriors of Kerensky
* all Field Manuals, but if you want to focus on this particular part of the BT
timeline, Crusader Clans, Warden Clans, Federated Commonwealth and Lyran
Alliance.
For more in-depth info, Classic BattleTech (http://www.classicbattletech.com),
is a very good starting point.
RCT: Regimental Combat Team, a tactically flexible regiment specialized in
hard-hitting raids as well as in long engagements.
VTOL: Vertical Take Off and Landing. A plane (like the recent Harriers and
OV-22 Ospreys) capable of taking off and landing without needing an airstrip,
just like an helicopter. In the standard BattleTech rulebook VTOL planes are
low-altitude, low-speed airplanes or helicopters. Not to be confused with STOL
(Short Take Off and Landing) or V/STOL (Vertical/Short Take off and Landing).
ELEMENTAL: among the Clans, there are two thigns called Elemental: the first,
chronologically speaking, was the standard battle armor developed by Clan Wolf
in 2868; it was named in this way because it was able to operate in all
conditions. Secondly, Elementals are the operators of these battle armors,
which are genetically bred to be massive (a typical Elemental pilot is taller
than 2 meters), strong and agile.
OMNI TECHNOLOGY: developed by Clan Coyote in 2854, Omni technology allowed
'Mechs, vehicles and Aerospace Fighters to freely swap electronic equipment and
weapons in matter of hours, allowing a tactical flexibility never seen before.
The Inner Sphere fielded the first OmniMechs in the second half of the 3050s,
reverse-engineering captured Clan 'Mechs.
In the MW4 series Omni technology allows a 'Mech to use any kind of weapon in a
certain slot.
AEROSPACE FIGHTER: highly-sophisticated fighters capable of both space and
atmospheric flights, and also capable of entering atmosphere with no additional
protections. They use a fusion engine like 'Mechs, as well as their same
weapons.
BATCHALL: for the Clans, the ritual in which the attacker and the defender
declare their intentions and their strenght. This allows both sides to avoid
wastes of men and materials, making them choose the minimum necessary to win a
war. When the Clans first invaded the Inner Sphere, Batchall was ordinary, but
after some Inner Sphere commanders decieved the Clans declaring under-strenght
forces, Clans decided to put away this tradition in fights againt Spherian
forces.
POINT: for the Clans, a Point is one 'Mech, or 5 Elementals, or 2 Aerospace
Fighters.
STAR: for the Clans, a formation of 5 Points.
BINARY: for the Clans, two Stars. Combined arms Binary, very often one
Elemental Star and one 'Mech Star, are called Novas. Clans do not use Command
formations aside of Keshik formations, which are however considered fully
operational and independent units, often at Binary or Trinary level.
TRINARY: for the Clans, three Stars. Combined arms Trinaries (2 'Mechs and one
Elemental or fractions thereof, though some Clans have experimented with 'Mechs
and Aerospace Trinaries) are called SuperNovas.
LANCE: in the Inner Sphere, a formation of four 'Mechs, or four vehicles or
four to six Aerospace Fighters.
COMPANY: in the Inner Sphere, three Lances form a Company. Some Companies have
a fourth Lance, designated Command Lance composed by the Company Commander and
his bodyguards or other high ranking officers (Command Lances are more often
found at Battalion, 3 Companies, and Regiment, 3 Battalions, level).
BONDSMEN/BONDSWOMAN: prisoners of war are called Bondsmen (or Bondswomen) in
the Clans; the capturer takes full responsability of his/her bondsmen actions,
and if the captive proves himself worthy, he can be accepted even in the
Warrior Caste of the Clans. Only an handful of captured Inner Sphere
MechWarriors had such an honor: the most notable case is Phelan Kell, which
later became Khan of Clan Wolf.
It is worthy to point out that beign a Bondsmen is not only like being a slave,
but more a process that the Clans use to see if a captured warrior is good
enough to be useful to his new Clan, and between Clan bondsmen do not consider
it a punition.
CASTE SYSTEM: the Clans are organized in five Castes: Warriors, Scientists,
Merchants, Technician and Laboorer, plus a Dark Caste, composed of people
refusing the Clans' way of life. Each individual is put into a Caste after
several trials proving where he is more resourceful and skilled. However, only
Trueborn are usually allowed in the Warrior Caste. If a Trueborn doesn't prove
worthy of its warrior status, he's downgraded into the Caste where he's most
skilled. Freeborns are allowed into the Warrior Caste only if they show great
skill in combat. For example, Jamie Wolf and all original warriors of the
Wolf's Dragoons, except Natasha Kerensky, were freeborn.
TRUEBORN: "products" of the Clans genetic breeding program, which tries to
combine genes from the most skilled warriors of the Clans to generate the
ultimate warrior, are called Trueborns. Each Clan has its own breeding program
and its own gene pool. Often strong bloodlines are object of wars within Clans.
The Clans' genetic program produces MechWarriors ("normal" men and women),
Elementals (bred to man the Elemental battle armors) and Aerospace Pilots
(small, with enlarged head to favor quick-thinking and improved reactions).
FREEBORN: a human born outside the Clans' genetic breeding program. They are
looked as inferior beings by most Trueborns.
WARDEN/CRUSADER: two line of thought in the Clans: Wardens think they must not
interfere with the Inner Sphere affairs and protect it from outside threaths,
while Crusaders think that the Inner Sphere needs guidance from the Clans. In
3050, the Crusaders won a long battle and started the invasion, which has the
goal to conquer Terra, former seat of the Star League and then all the Inner
Sphere.
FREEBIRTH: an ephiteh used by Clan warriors to scorn their opposition. It might
have no effect on Inner Sphere warriors, but among the Clans is one of the
strongest insults someone can made.
LOST TECH: everything that the Great Houses lost the possibility to manufacture
because of the Kerensky exodus and the Succession Wars is referred as lost
tech. This includes civilian technologies as well as military ones. Once the
Clans invaded, ComStar openened its archives and the Wolf's Dragoons offered
blueprints for a variety of these things, there's little meaning in calling
them Lost Tech.
Before these events, Great Houses were able to gather these advanced
technologies by finding Star League depots.
FEDERATED COMMONWEALTH: union of the Federated Suns and the Lyran Commonwealth,
the FedCom was probably the strongest Great House of the Inner Sphere, but when
Katherine Steiner (who renamed herself Katrina after his grandmother), sister
of Victor-Ian Steiner Davion, hero of the Clan wars, seceded th old Lyran part,
a savage civil war erupted.
LYRAN ALLIANCE: the name Katrina Steiner gave to the Lyran part of the FedCom
after the secession.
STAR LEAGUE: always referred as the highest point of evolution of mankind, the
Star League was able to bring as relative peace in the Inner Sphere, but
Stephan Amaris, called the Usurper, killed the regent First Lord, the young
Richard Cameron, a terrible war erupted: General Alexandr Kerensky led the
loyalist Star League Defense Force to kill the Usurper, and succeded. However,
the Great Houses all wanted the power of the First Lord, causing Kerensky and
most of the SLDF to leave (Alexandr' son, Nicholas then formed the Clans far
away from the Inner Sphere): the Houses waged war, destroying almost every
technological improvement made by the Star League.
Later one, when the Clans invaded, the Great Houses put their rivalries away
(but not totally) and reformed a new Star League.
GREAT HOUSES: five bloodlines commanding the Inner Sphere: the Kurita bloodline
rules the Draconis Combine, the Liao family the Capellan Confederation, the
Marik bloodline the Free Worlds League, the Steiner the Lyran Commonwealth and
the Davion the Federated Suns (the latter bloodlines then united and rule over
the Federated Commonwealth). Minor nobility families exist, as well as
Periphery (territories at the border of know space, the Inner Sphere) States
not under the control of any Great House, but those five have the greatests
powers.
SUCCESSION WARS: after General Kerensky left the Inner Sphere, the Great Houses
staged a series of wars (four, to be accurate, but the technological loss was
"complete" just after the second) that made unavailable almost all advanced
equipment developed during the Star League.
COMSTAR: until the 3050s, Comstar was the only organization able to operate the
HyperPulse Generators (HPGs), machineries that enable interstellar
communications. Comstar, after the fall of the Star League began to be
considered as a quasi-religion organization, and the Successor States little
know of its organization. After the Clan Invasion Comstar opened its technical
expertise and its archives, maximizing the technological reprise. However, part
of Comstar disagreed with that, and seceded to form the Word of Blake, an
organization very similar to the original Comstar. In these days, Comstar
remains a stable information network and primary administrator of HPGs.
Both Comstar and Word of Blake have a great army, armed by top-notch weapons
and technologies.
C-BILLS: the universal money used throughout the Inner Sphere; it has the same
value on ever planet and in every State. The name is probably a contraption of
"Cosmo Bills".
TRIAL OF POSITION: the Trial of Position, in which a cadet attempts to test
out of his or her sibko, is the first official Trial that a Clan warrior faces.
A Trial of Position may be required again at any time during a warrior's career
whenever his or her ability to command is in question.
TRIAL OF POSSESION: This Trial is the most common,,used to decide anything from
a difference of opinion to claims over a warrior's DNA. It always begin with a
Batchall. Combat rarely exceeds Cluster (a group of various Trinaries or
Binaries) scale engagements.
SIBKO: all Trueborn warriors are raised in Sibkos (Sibling Companies), a group
of children that train together until their first Trial of Position (which is
held when the cadet is 20 years old); usually, only the 10% of the sibko tests
out as a Clan MechWarrior, Elemental or Aerospace Pilot. Cadets that failed to
qualify can be sent to other Castes or given a second chance, depending on each
Clan.
KHAN: the highest rank in any Clan, the Khan usually is the best warrior in his
or her Clan.
AFFC: Armored Forces of the Federated Commonwealth
AFFS: Armored Forces of the Federated Suns
LAAF: Lyran Alliance Armored Forces
DCMS: Draconis Combine Mustered Soldiery
*******************
15-CREDITS and MISC
*******************
First credit? To Fasa for having created the whole BattleTech universe. Then to
me, Briareos Kerensky (Zone ID: briareos_CWE) and to all site showing this FAQ
with my permission; visit them at:
1) Wolf Art (http://www.geocities.com/khan_briareos/index.htm; it's my site.)
2) GameFAQs (http://www.gamefaqs.com - always updated personally)
3) IGN FAQs (http://faqs.ign.com - always updated personally)
4) Cheat Code Central (http://www.cheatcc.com)
5) Cheat Portal (http//www.cheatportal.com)
6) 911 Codes (http//www.911codes.com)
7) 911 Cheats (http//www.911cheats.com)
8) Fast Cheater (http//www.fastcheater.com)
9) 2500 Cheats (http//www.25000cheats.com)
10) PC Cheats(http//www.pc-cheats.org)
11) Skali (http//www.skali.com)
12) Lone Gamers (http://www.lonegamers.com)
13) Cheat Happens (http://www.cheathappens.com)
14) Action Trip (http://www.actiontrip.com)
15) Gamers' Realm (http//www.gamers-realm.com)
and everyone who helped with this document.
Special thanks to:
+ Roy Dane ([email protected]), for his help with the 'Mechs
+ James Lee ([email protected]), for his additional tactics
+ Allan Mills ([email protected]) , for his Solaris tactics
+ MaxEd ([email protected]), for his walkthrough submissions
+ Sly_Adventure ([email protected]), for his Gladiator hint
+ James Kong ([email protected]), for his misc submissions
+ Lai-Man Sung ([email protected]), for his various submissions
+ Kin-Man Sung ([email protected]), for his Sapceport and Country Life
submissions.
+ Lars Wegerich ([email protected]), for his Griffon Base submission
+ Stefan Henriksen Utne ([email protected]), for his Mech Pack guidelines.
+ Archit Baweja ([email protected]) for his Moonlight advices.
all italian BT/MW players; all programs I used to do this FAQ;
my turtle, Gamera; Thanatos, my PC (it is NOT named after the MW4 'Mech); all
soundtracks that accompained me during this long work (nominally: all Eva and
Cowboy Bebop OSTs, MW2 soundtrack ;^D and everything from Beethoven, Back,
Pachelbel, Wagner, Saint Saen, Orff, Blur, Metallica, Queensryche, Warlord,
Crimson Glory, Savatage, Cirith Ungol, Vicious Rumors and everyone I forgot);
Leader for having imported the title and avoided translation, plus
commercializing the game with an awfully high price;
Thanks to and for:
To ask permission to post this document, just send a mail writing down the URL.
To contact me, write at [email protected]; ICQ UIN is 40534369; Odigo ID is
264286. Write only about this FAQ or if you have a cute (female)friend/sister
to introduce.
I'd like to tell you all that this document won the December 2002 GameFAQs
contest as one of the best walkthrough/FAQs sent during the month. This is a
very nice surprise, I couldn't believe it myself...probably I'm not bad as I
thought ;).
Copyright (c) Briareos Kerensky 2002/2003. Reproduction and translation of
this document (as a whole or parts of its) in any mode without permission is
strictly forbidden.
All names and marks are proprerties of respective owners.
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