Difference between revisions of "BattleMech Manual"

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{{moratorium|3 Months After Printed Version Comes Out}}
+
{{Rules}}
 
{{InfoBoxProduct
 
{{InfoBoxProduct
−
| image              = BattleMech Manual - Cover.jpg
+
| image              = BattleMech Manual 4th Print front cover.png
−
| name                = BattleMech Manual (Open Beta)
+
| name                = BattleMech Manual<br />(4th printing)
−
| type                = Rules Book
+
| type                = Rulebook
 
| author              =  
 
| author              =  
−
| development        = [[Keith Hann]] <br/> [[Randall N. Bills]]
+
| development        = [[Keith Hann]];<br />[[Ray Arrastia]],<br />[[Randall N. Bills]],<br />[[Mary Kaempen]] (Assistant Development)
−
| primarywriting      = [[Ray Arrastia]]<br />[[Randall N. Bills]]<br />[[Mary Kaempen]]<br />[[Keith Hann]]<br />[[Chris Hart]]
+
| primarywriting      = [[Randall N. Bills]],<br />[[Keith Hann]],<br />[[Chris Hart]] (Additional Writing)
 
| pages              = 150
 
| pages              = 150
−
| cover              = [[Marco Mazzoni]]
+
| cover              = [[Alex Iglesias]] (4th printing)
 
| interiorart        =  
 
| interiorart        =  
−
| illustrations      = [[Jeff Porter]] <br /> [[Marco Mazzoni]] <br/> [[Ray Arrastia]] <br/> [[Doug Chaffee]] <br/> [[Matt Cross]] <br/> [[Ken Fairclough]] <br/> [[Mark Hayden]] <br/>  [[Mark Hayden]] <br/>  [[Mark Hayden]] <br/> [[Alex Iglesias]] <br/> [[Alex Immerzeel]] <br/> [[Michael Kormarck]] <br/> [[Florian Mellies]] <br/> [[Neil Roberts]] <br/> [[Neil Roberts]] <br/> [[Anthony Scroggins]] <br/> [[Florian Stitz]] <br/> [[Franz Vohwinkel]] <br/>   
+
| illustrations      = [[Ray Arrastia]],<br/>[[Doug Chaffee]],<br/>[[Matthew Cross]],<br/>[[Ken Fairclough]],<br/>[[Mark Hayden (person)|Mark Hayden]],<br/>[[Alex Iglesias]],<br/>[[Alex Immerzeel]],<br/>[[Michael Kormarck]],<br/>[[Marco Mazzoni]],<br/>[[Florian Mellies]],<br/>[[Neil Roberts]],<br/>[[Anthony Scroggins]],<br/>[[Florian Stitz]],<br/>[[Franz Vohwinkel]]
 
| publisher          = [[Catalyst Game Labs]]
 
| publisher          = [[Catalyst Game Labs]]
−
| productioncode      = [https://store.catalystgamelabs.com/collections/battletech/products/battletech-battlemech-manual-open-beta E-CAT35010]
+
| productioncode      = [https://store.catalystgamelabs.com/collections/battletech/products/battletech-battlemech-manual E-CAT35010]
−
| year                = January 19th, 2017 [Beta]
+
| year                = 2017
 
| ISBN10              =  
 
| ISBN10              =  
 
| ISBN13              =  
 
| ISBN13              =  
−
| MSRP                =  
+
| MSRP                = $39.99
 
| content            = Game Rules
 
| content            = Game Rules
 
| era                =  
 
| era                =  
 
| timeline            =  
 
| timeline            =  
−
| series              = Core Rule Books
+
| series              = Core Rulebooks
 
| precededby          = [[Campaign Operations]]
 
| precededby          = [[Campaign Operations]]
 
| followedby          =  
 
| followedby          =  
 
}}
 
}}
 +
The '''''BattleMech Manual''''' is a hardcover [[BattleTech]] rulebook that covers game rules for [[BattleMech]]s (only) in a concise and clarified fashion.
 +
 +
This book is not to be confused with the 1987 ''[[BattleTech Manual|Battle'''T'''ech Manual]]'' rulebook.
  
 
==Description==
 
==Description==
−
'''''BattleMech Manual''''' is a Game Rule Book which focuses on rules in using [[BattleMech]]s.
+
The Manual is intended as a self-contained rulebook for players who wish to focus on [[BattleMech]] combat, with an emphasis on tabletop gameplay (as opposed to being a reference manual like previous core rulebooks). While it thus leaves out all other unit types, and was deliberately written to be as concise as possible and to eliminate rules vagaries, it is not intended to be a purely introductory product. It contains a few pieces of equipment from ''[[Interstellar Operations]]'', many pieces of equipment taken from ''[[Tactical Operations]]'', and a few of the optional rules found in that book and ''[[Strategic Operations]]''. No construction rules are included. In terms of product progression, it is meant to slot in between ''[[BattleTech: A Game of Armored Combat|A Game of Armored Combat]]'') and the full tournament ruleset of ''[[Total Warfare]]''. Its general layout matches that of the rulebook in ''A Game of Armored Combat''.
−
Intended as a self-contained and easy reference book to help players to refer to rules and how to play Battletech.
+
 
 +
New rules appearing in the book are limited to simplified rulesets for fire and smoke; artillery, mines, and airstrikes; and a few terrain or weather conditions. Additionally, the ''BattleMech Manual'' features a [[Design Quirks]] section that brings together all 'Mech-based quirks published to date, updates them, adds nine new ones, and then applies the result to an included list of all 'Mech units in the game released prior to ''[[Technical Readout: Prototypes]]'' (when quirks first began being added to each [[Technical Readout]] unit entry). As such, the ''BattleMech Manual'' provides an official quirk listing for all 'Mechs published prior to ''TRO: Prototypes'' (though it only lists quirks present on every example of a machine; quirks applicable only to individual variants were left out).
 +
 
 +
While the rules were reworded and their layout changed, the base ruleset included in the ''BattleMech Manual'' matches that of the fifth printing and later of ''[[Total Warfare]]'', with later changes introduced in one being mirrored in the other as new printings of each are released.
  
−
==From the back cover==
+
==From the Back Cover==
 
{{quote|''
 
{{quote|''
−
*''Standing from seven to sixteen meters tall, and weighing from twenty to one hundred tons''
+
* ''Standing from seven to sixteen meters tall, and weighing from twenty to one hundred tons''
−
*''Powered by an armored and shielded [[fusion reactor]]''
+
* ''Powered by an armored and shielded [[fusion reactor]]''
−
*''Skeleton of honeycombed, foamed aluminum core wrapped with stressed silicon carbide monofilament and sheathed by a rigid, titanium-steel shell''
+
* ''Skeleton of honeycombed, foamed aluminum core wrapped with stressed silicon carbide monofilament and sheathed by a rigid, titanium-steel shell''
−
*''Locomotion generated via bundles of polyacetylene-fiber [[myomer]] muscles''
+
* ''Locomotion generated via bundles of polyacetylene-fiber [[myomer]] muscles''
−
*''Protected by aligned-crystal steel over a layer of boron nitride impregnated with diamond monofilaments''
+
* ''Protected by aligned-crystal steel over a layer of boron nitride impregnated with diamond monofilaments''
−
*''Mounting a swath of powerful weapons from [[PPC|charged particle beams]] to [[laser]]s, missiles to [[autocannon|rapid-fire autocannons]]''
+
* ''Mounting a swath of powerful weapons from [[PPC|charged particle beams]] to [[laser]]s, missiles to [[autocannon|rapid-fire autocannons]]''
−
*''All at the command of the noble elite, the [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]]''
+
* ''All at the command of the noble elite, the [[MechWarrior (pilot)|MechWarriors]]''
  
 
''The modern [[BattleMech]] is the end result of more than three thousand years of battlefield technology development. Combining awesome destructive power and unparalleled maneuverability, the BattleMech is perhaps the most complex machine ever produced. The undisputed master of thirty-first century warfare, the BattleMech seems destined to reign supreme for centuries to come.''
 
''The modern [[BattleMech]] is the end result of more than three thousand years of battlefield technology development. Combining awesome destructive power and unparalleled maneuverability, the BattleMech is perhaps the most complex machine ever produced. The undisputed master of thirty-first century warfare, the BattleMech seems destined to reign supreme for centuries to come.''
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''—Excerpts from a promotional pamphlet originally distributed by [[Defiance Industries]] of [[Hesperus]], [[Lyran Commonwealth]], [[3007]]''
 
''—Excerpts from a promotional pamphlet originally distributed by [[Defiance Industries]] of [[Hesperus]], [[Lyran Commonwealth]], [[3007]]''
  
−
Using the most up-to-date rules text, the BattleMech Manual has been designed from the ground up to cater to the BattleTech player wanting to engage in an all-’Mech battle. Includes a variety of optional rules, terrain and more.
+
Using the most up-to-date rules text, the ''BattleMech Manual'' has been designed from the ground up to cater to the ''BattleTech'' player wanting to engage in an all-'Mech battle. Includes a variety of optional rules, terrain and more.
  
−
Welcome to the most table-usage-friendly BattleTech rulebook ever published!}}
+
Welcome to the most table-usage-friendly ''BattleTech'' rulebook ever published!}}
  
 
==Contents==
 
==Contents==
−
*'''INTRODUCTION'''
+
<div class="desktop-3-col">
−
***Vs Total Warfare
+
* '''INTRODUCTION'''
−
***Optional Rules
+
*** Vs. ''Total Warfare''
−
**Game Terms
+
*** Optional Rules
−
***'Mechs
+
** Game Terms
−
***Four-Legged 'Mechs
+
*** 'Mech
−
***Target
+
*** Four-Legged 'Mech
−
***Target Number
+
*** Movement Points
−
***Modified Target Number
+
*** Target
−
***Attacker Movement Modifier  
+
*** Target Number
−
***Target Movement Modifier
+
*** Modified Target Number
−
***Margin of Success/Failure (MoS/MoF)
+
*** Attacker Movement Modifier
−
***Armor Value
+
*** Target Movement Modifier
−
***Damage Value
+
*** Margin of Success/Failure (MoS/MoF)
−
***Location
+
*** Armor Value
−
***Slot
+
*** Damage Value
−
***Level
+
*** Location
−
***Mapsheet
+
*** Slot
−
***Playing Area
+
*** Level
−
***Scenario
+
*** Mapsheet
−
**Components
+
*** Playing Area
−
***Counters
+
*** Scenario
−
***Dice
+
** Components
−
***Mapsheets
+
*** Counters
−
***'Mech Record Sheet
+
*** Dice
−
**Scale
+
*** Mapsheets
−
***A Note on Realism and Scale
+
*** 'Mech Record Sheet
−
***Level
+
** Scale
−
**The MechWarrior
+
*** A Note on Realism and Scale
−
***Skill
+
*** Level
−
***Damaging A Warrior
+
** The MechWarrior
−
*'''PLAYING THE GAME'''
+
*** Skills
−
**Deploying 'Mechs
+
*** Damaging A Warrior
−
**Sequence of Play
+
* '''PLAYING THE GAME'''
−
***Initiative Phase
+
** Deploying 'Mechs
−
***Movement Phase
+
** Sequence Of Play
−
***Weapons Attack Phase
+
*** Initiative Phase
−
***'''''Alternate Initiative'''''
+
*** Movement Phase
−
***'''''Moving Multiple ’Mechs'''''
+
*** Weapon Attack Phase
−
***'''''Segmented Fire'''''
+
*** ''Alternate Initiative''
−
***Physical Attack Phase
+
*** ''Moving Multiple 'Mechs''
−
***Heat Phase
+
*** ''Segmented Fire''
−
***End Phase
+
*** Physical Attack Phase
−
**Victory Conditions
+
*** Heat Phase
−
**Unequal Number Of 'Mechs
+
*** End Phase
−
*'''MOVEMENT'''
+
** Victory Conditions
−
**Movement of Modes
+
** Unequal Numbers Of 'Mechs
−
***Standing Still
+
* '''MOVEMENT'''
−
***Walking
+
** Movement Modes
−
***Running
+
*** Standing Still
−
***'''''Pilot Skill Rolls'''''
+
*** Walking
−
***'''''Movement Dice'''''
+
*** Running
−
***Jumping
+
*** ''Piloting Skill Rolls''
−
***Sprinting (Optional)
+
*** ''Movement Dice''
−
**Movement Basics
+
*** Jumping
−
***Facing
+
*** Sprinting (Optional)
−
***Movement Directions
+
** Movement Basics
−
***Moving Between Hexes
+
*** Facing
−
***Level Changes
+
*** Ground Movement
−
***Stacked Terrain
+
*** Terrain
−
***Minimum Movement
+
*** Minimum Movement
−
***Immobile
+
*** Immobile
−
**Prone BattleMechs
+
*** Stacking
−
***Dropping to the Ground
+
** Jumping Movement
−
***Moving While Prone
+
** Prone BattleMechs
−
***Standing Up
+
*** Dropping to the Ground
−
**Reckless Movement
+
*** Moving While Prone
−
**Movement in Water
+
*** Standing Up
−
**Movement on Pavement
+
** Movement In Water
−
***Road Movement
+
** Movement On Pavement
−
***Bridge Movement
+
*** Road Movement
−
***Skidding
+
*** Bridge Movement
−
**Stacking
+
*** Skidding
−
**Other Actions
+
** Reckless Movement
−
***Hidden 'Mechs
+
** Other Actions
−
***Lifting Items (Simplified)
+
*** Hidden 'Mechs
−
***[[TAG]] Designation
+
*** Lifting Items (Simplified)
−
*'''COMBAT'''
+
*** [[Target Acquisition Gear|TAG]] Designation
−
**Line of Sight
+
* '''COMBAT'''
−
***Levels and Height
+
** Line Of Sight
−
***Intervening Terrain
+
*** Levels and Height
−
***Intervening 'Mechs
+
*** Intervening Terrain
−
***Water Hexes
+
*** Other 'Mechs and LOS <!-- Intervening 'Mechs in earlier printings -->
−
**Firing Arcs
+
*** Water Hexes
−
***Forward Arcs
+
** Firing Arcs
−
***Left Side Arc
+
*** Forward Arcs
−
***Right Side Arc
+
*** Left Side Arc
−
***Rear Arc
+
*** Right Side Arc
−
***Arcs and Torso Twists
+
*** Rear Arc
−
***Arcs and Reversing (Flipping) Arms
+
*** Arcs and Torso Twists
−
**Attack Declaration
+
*** Arcs and Reversing (Flipping) Arms
−
***Reversing (Flipping) Arms
+
** Attack Declaration
−
***Expended Arm Flipping (Optional)
+
*** Reversing (Flipping) Arms
−
***Torso Twists
+
*** Expanded Arm Flipping (Optional)
−
**Firing Weapons
+
*** Torso Twists
−
***Making the Attack
+
** Firing Weapons
−
***G.A.T.O.R.
+
*** Making the Attack
−
***Base Attack Number
+
*** ''G.A.T.O.R.''
−
***Target Number Modifier
+
*** Base Target Number
−
***Combat in Water
+
*** Target Number Modifiers
−
***Prone 'Mechs
+
*** Combat in Water
−
***Specialized Attacks
+
*** Prone 'Mechs
−
***Rolling to Hit
+
*** Specialized Attacks
−
***Ammunition Expenditure
+
*** Rolling to Hit
−
**Hit Location
+
*** Ammunition Expenditure
−
***Attack Direction
+
** Hit Location
−
***Determining Hit Location
+
*** Attack Direction
−
***Damage Resolution
+
*** Determining Hit Location
−
**Physical Attacks
+
*** Damage Resolution
−
***Making A Physical Attack
+
** Physical Attacks
−
***Different Levels
+
*** Making A Physical Attack
−
***Physical Attacks and Prone 'Mechs
+
*** Different Levels
−
***Physical Attacks and Water
+
*** Physical Attacks And Prone 'Mechs
−
***Charge Attacks
+
*** Physical Attacks And Water
−
***Club Attacks
+
*** Charge Attacks
−
***Death From Above Attacks
+
*** Club Attacks
−
***Kick Attacks
+
*** Death From Above Attacks
−
***Physical Weapon Attacks
+
*** Kick Attacks
−
***Punching Attacks
+
*** Physical Weapon Attacks
−
***Push Attacks
+
*** Punch Attacks
−
***Damage Resolution
+
*** Push Attacks
−
*'''DAMAGE'''
+
*** Damage Resolution
−
**Damage Resolution
+
* '''DAMAGE'''
−
***Step-By-Step Damage
+
** Damage Resolution
−
**Damage Timing
+
*** Step-By-Step Damage
−
**Hull Integrity And Breaches
+
** Damage Timing
−
**Location Destruction
+
** Hull Integrity And Breaches
−
***Transferring Damage
+
** Location Destruction
−
***Head Destruction
+
*** Transferring Damage
−
***Leg Destruction
+
*** Head Destruction
−
***Torso Destruction
+
*** Leg Destruction
−
**Critical Hits
+
*** Torso Destruction
−
***Floating Criticals (Optional)
+
** Critical Hits
−
***Applying Critical Hits
+
*** Floating Criticals (Optional)
−
**Critical Hits
+
*** Applying Critical Hits
−
***Ammunition
+
** Critical Hit Effects
−
***Arm Blown Off (Arm)
+
*** Ammunition
−
***Cockpit (Head)
+
*** Arm Blown Off (Arm)
−
***Engine (Torso)
+
*** Cockpit (Head)
−
***Foot Actuator (Leg)
+
*** Engine (Torso)
−
***[[Gyro]] (Torso)
+
*** Foot Actuator (Leg)
−
***Head Blown Off (Head)
+
*** [[Gyro]] (Torso)
−
***[[Heat Sink]]s
+
*** Hand Actuator (Arm)
−
***Hip (Leg)
+
*** Head Blown Off (Head)
−
***[[Jump Jet]]/[[UMU]]
+
*** [[Heat Sink]]s
−
***Leg Blown Off (Leg)
+
*** Hip (Leg)
−
***Life Support (Head)
+
*** [[Jump Jet]]/[[UMU]] (Leg/Torso)
−
***Lower Arm Actuator (Arm)
+
*** Leg Blown Off (Leg)
−
***Lower Leg Actuator (Leg)
+
*** Life Support (Head)
−
***Sensor (Head)  
+
*** Lower Arm Actuator (Arm)
−
***Shoulder (Arm)
+
*** Lower Leg Actuator (Leg)
−
***Upper Arm Actuator (Arm)
+
*** Sensors (Head)
−
***Lower Leg Actuator (Arm)
+
*** Shoulder (Arm)
−
***Weapons and Equipment
+
*** Upper Arm Actuator (Arm)
−
**Destroying A 'Mech
+
*** Lower Leg Actuator (Leg)
−
*'''HEAT'''
+
*** Weapons And Equipment
−
**Heat Points
+
** Destroying A 'Mech
−
***Building Up Heat
+
* '''HEAT'''
−
***Dissipating Heat
+
** Heat Points
−
***Recording Heat Building-Up
+
*** Building Up Heat
−
**Effects Of Heat
+
*** Dissipating Heat
−
***Movement
+
*** Recording Heat Build-Up
−
***Weapons Attack
+
** Effects Of Heat
−
***Shutdown
+
*** Movement
−
***Ammunition
+
*** Weapon Attacks
−
***Damaging To MechWarriors
+
*** Shutdown
−
*'''OTHER ACTIONS'''
+
*** Ammunition
−
**Piloting Skill Rolls (PSR)
+
*** Damage To MechWarriors
−
***Making Piloting Skill Rolls
+
* '''OTHER ACTIONS'''
−
***Piloting Skill Roll Timing
+
** Piloting Skill Rolls (PSR)
−
**Displacement
+
*** Making Piloting Skill Rolls
−
***Domino Effect
+
*** Piloting Skill Roll Timing
−
**Falling
+
** Displacement
−
***Determining Location After a Fall  
+
*** Domino Effect
−
***Facing After a Fall
+
** Falling
−
***Facing Damage to a 'Mech
+
*** Location After a Fall
−
***Facing Damage to a MechWarrior
+
*** Facing After a Fall
−
***Accidental Falls From Above
+
*** Falling Damage to a 'Mech
−
**Damaging a MechWarrior
+
*** Falling Damage to a MechWarrior
−
**Dumping Ammunition
+
*** Accidental Falls From Above
−
**Tag Designation
+
** Damaging a MechWarrior
−
*'''THE BATTLEFIELD'''
+
** Dumping Ammunition
−
**Planetary Conditions
+
** TAG Designation
−
**Terrain Types
+
* '''THE BATTLEFIELD'''
−
***Clear
+
** Planetary Conditions
−
***Jungle, Light
+
** Terrain Types
−
***Jungle, Heavy
+
*** Clear
−
***Pavement
+
*** Jungle, Light
−
***Rough
+
*** Jungle, Heavy
−
***Rubble
+
*** Pavement
−
***Sand
+
*** Rough
−
***Water (Depth 0)
+
*** Rubble
−
***Water (Depth 1)
+
*** Sand
−
***Water (Depth 2)
+
*** Water (Depth 0)
−
***Water (Depth 3+)
+
*** Water (Depth 1)
−
***Woods, Light
+
*** Water (Depth 2)
−
***Woods, Heavy
+
*** Water (Depth 3+)
−
**Terrain Modifications
+
*** Woods, Light
−
***Ice (Simplified)
+
*** Woods, Heavy
−
***Mud (Simplified)
+
** Terrain Modifications
−
***Smoke, Light
+
*** Ice (Simplified)
−
***Smoke, Heavy
+
*** Mud (Simplified)
−
***Snow, Deep
+
*** Smoke, Light
−
***Swamp (Simplified)
+
*** Smoke, Heavy
−
**Weather Conditions
+
*** Snow, Deep
−
***Extreme Temperatures  
+
*** Swamp (Simplified)
−
***Fog
+
** Weather Conditions
−
***Light
+
*** Extreme Temperatures
−
***Rain
+
*** Fog
−
***Snow
+
*** Light
−
***Wind
+
*** Rain
−
**Fire and Smoke (Simplified)
+
*** Snow
−
***Wind Direction
+
*** Wind
−
***Starting a Fire
+
** Fire And Smoke (Simplified)
−
***Effects of Fire
+
*** Wind Direction
−
***Spreading Fire
+
*** Starting a Fire
−
***Extinguishing Fire
+
*** Effects of Fire
−
**Underwater Combat
+
*** Spreading Fire
−
***Attacking Underwater
+
*** Extinguishing Fire
−
***Hull Integrity and Breaches
+
** Underwater Combat
−
*'''URBAN COMBAT''
+
*** Attacking Underwater
−
**Building Types
+
*** Hull Integrity And Breaches
−
***Construction Factors
+
* '''URBAN COMBAT'''
−
***Building Levels
+
** Building Types
−
***Basements
+
*** Construction Factors
−
***'''''Simplified Buildings'''''
+
*** Building Levels
−
**Movement Effects
+
*** Basements
−
***Moving into Buildings
+
*** ''Simplified Buildings''
−
***Changing Levels in Building
+
** Movement Effects
−
***Skidding
+
*** Moving Into Buildings
−
**Combat Effects
+
*** Skidding
−
***Attacking Building
+
** Combat Effects
−
***Attacking 'Mechs Inside Buildings
+
*** Attacking Buildings
−
***Combat Within Buildings
+
*** Attacking 'Mechs Inside Buildings
−
***Collapse
+
*** Combat Within Buildings
−
*'''''SPECIAL CASE RULES'''''
+
*** Collapse
−
**[[Battlefield Support]]
+
* '''SPECIAL CASE RULES'''
−
***Before Play Begins
+
** Battlefield Support
−
**Dropping 'Mechs (Simplified)
+
*** Before Play Begins
−
***Drop Times
+
*** During Game Play
−
***Arrival
+
** Dropping 'Mechs (Simplified)
−
**Ejection (Simplified)
+
*** Drop Times
−
**Forced Withdrawal
+
*** Arrival
−
***Crippling Damage
+
** Ejection (Simplified)
−
***Broken Moral (Simplified - Optional)
+
** Forced Withdrawal
−
**Hidden 'Mechs
+
*** Crippling Damage
−
***Point-Blank Shots
+
*** Broken Morale (Simplified—Optional)
−
**[[Design Quirks]]
+
** Hidden 'Mechs
−
***Positive Design Quirks
+
*** Point-Blank Shots
−
***Negative Design Quirks
+
** [[Design Quirks]]
−
***BattleMech Quirk Listing
+
*** Positive Design Quirks
−
***'''''Master Unit List'''''
+
*** Negative Design Quirks
−
*'''''WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT'''''
+
*** BattleMech Quirk Listing
−
**Basic Information
+
*** ''Master Unit List''
−
**Weapon Types
+
* '''WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT'''
−
**Artillery
+
** Basic Information
−
***Arrow IV Homing Missiles (Simplified)
+
** Weapon Types
−
**Autocannons
+
** Artillery
−
***Autocannon
+
*** Arrow IV Homing Missiles (Simplified)
−
***LB-X Autocannon (LB-X)
+
** Autocannons
−
***Light Autocannon (LAC)
+
*** Autocannon
−
***ProtoMech Autocannon (PAC)
+
*** LB-X Autocannon (LB-X)
−
***Rotary Autocannon (RAC)
+
*** Light Autocannon (LAC)
−
***Ultra Autocannon (UAC)
+
*** ProtoMech Autocannon (PAC)
−
**Flamers
+
*** Rotary Autocannon (RAC)
−
***[[Flamer]]
+
*** Ultra Autocannon (UAC)
−
***[[ER Flamer]]
+
** Flamers
−
***[[Heavy Flamer]]
+
*** [[Flamer]]
−
**Gauss Rifles
+
*** [[ER Flamer]]
−
***[[Gauss Rifle]]
+
*** [[Heavy Flamer]]
−
***Anti-Personnel Gauss Rifle
+
** [[Gauss Rifle]]s
−
***[[Heavy Gauss Rifle]]
+
*** Gauss Rifle
−
***Hyper Assault Gauss Rifle
+
*** [[Anti-Personnel Gauss Rifle]]
−
***[[Improved Heavy Gauss Rifle]]
+
*** [[Heavy Gauss Rifle]]
−
***[[Light Gauss Rifle]]
+
*** Hyper-Assault Gauss Rifle
−
***Magshot Gauss Rifle
+
*** [[Improved Heavy Gauss Rifle]]
−
***[[Silver Bullet Gauss Rifle]]
+
*** [[Light Gauss Rifle]]
−
**Lasers
+
*** [[Magshot Gauss Rifle]]
−
***Laser
+
*** [[Silver Bullet Gauss Rifle]]
−
***[[Binary Laser|Binary Laser (Blazer) Cannon]]
+
** Lasers
−
***Chemical Laser
+
*** Laser
−
***Extended-Range (ER) Laser
+
*** [[Binary Laser|Binary Laser (Blazer) Cannon]]
−
***Extended-Range (ER) Pulse Laser
+
*** Chemical Laser
−
***Heavy Laser
+
*** Extended-Range (ER) Laser
−
***Improve Heavy Laser
+
*** Extended-Range (ER) Pulse Laser
−
***Pulse Laser
+
*** Heavy Laser
−
***Variable-Speed Speed Laser
+
*** Improved Heavy Laser
−
***X-Pulse Laser
+
*** Pulse Laser
−
**[[M-Pod]]
+
*** Re-engineered Laser
−
**Machine Guns
+
*** Variable-Speed Pulse (VSP) Laser
−
***[[Machine Gun|Machine Gun (MG)]]
+
*** X-Pulse Laser
−
***[[Heavy Machine Gun|Heavy Machine Gun (HMG)]]
+
** [[M-Pod]]
−
***[[Light Machine Gun|Light Machine Gun (LMG)]]
+
** Machine Guns
−
***Machine Gun Array (MGA)
+
*** [[Machine Gun|Machine Gun (MG)]]
−
**Missile Lasers
+
*** [[Heavy Machine Gun|Heavy Machine Gun (HMG)]]
−
***Advanced Tactical Missile (ATM) Launcher
+
*** [[Light Machine Gun|Light Machine Gun (LMG)]]
−
***Enhanced LRM Launcher (NLRM)
+
*** Machine Gun Array (MGA)
−
***Extended LRM Launcher (ELRM
+
** Missile Launchers
−
***Improved One Shot (I-OS) Missile Launcher
+
*** Advanced Tactical Missile (ATM) Launcher
−
***Long Range Missile Launcher (LRM)
+
*** Enhanced LRM Launcher (NLRM)
−
***Medium Range Missile (MRM) Launcher
+
*** Extended LRM Launcher (ELRM)
−
***Multi-Missile Launcher (MML)
+
*** Improved One Shot (I-OS) Missile Launcher
−
***One-Shot (OS) Missile Launcher
+
*** Long Range Missile Launcher (LRM)
−
***Rocket Launcher (RL)
+
*** Medium Range Missile (MRM) Launcher
−
***Short Range Missile (SRM) Launcher
+
*** Multi-Missile Launcher (MML)
−
***Streak LRM (SLRM) Launcher
+
*** One-Shot (OS) Missile Launcher
−
***Streak SRM (SSRM) Launcher
+
*** Rocket Launcher (RL)
−
***Thunderbolt Missile Launcher
+
*** Short Range Missile (SRM) Launcher
−
***Torpedo (SRT, LRT, NLRT) Launcher
+
*** Streak LRM (SLRM) Launcher
−
**[[Narc Missile Beacon]]
+
*** Streak SRM (SSRM) Launcher
−
***Narc Missile Beacon
+
*** Thunderbolt Missile Launcher
−
***[[INarc Launcher]]
+
*** Torpedo (SRT, LRT, NLRT) Launcher
−
**Particle Projector Cannons
+
** [[Narc Missile Beacon]]s
−
***[[PPC]]
+
*** Narc Missile Beacon
−
***[[ER PPC]]
+
*** [[Improved Narc Missile Beacon|iNarc Beacon]]
−
***[[Heavy PPC]]
+
** Particle Projector Cannons
−
***[[Light PPC]]
+
*** [[PPC]]
−
***[[Snub-Nose PPC]]
+
*** [[ER PPC]]
−
***[[PPC Capacitor]]
+
*** [[Heavy PPC]]
−
**Plasma Weapons
+
*** [[Light PPC]]
−
***[[Plasma Cannon]]
+
*** [[Snub-Nose PPC]]
−
***[[Plasma Rifle]]
+
*** [[PPC Capacitor]]
−
**Rifle (Cannons)
+
** Plasma Weapons
−
**Special Munitions
+
*** [[Plasma Cannon]]
−
***Autocannon Munitions
+
*** [[Plasma Rifle]]
−
***Missile Munitions
+
** Rifles (Cannons)
−
***Narc / iNarc Pods
+
** Special Munitions
−
**Physical Weapons
+
*** Autocannon Munitions
−
***Claws
+
*** Missile Munitions
−
***Flail
+
*** Narc / iNarc Pods
−
***Hatchet
+
** Physical Weapons
−
***Mace
+
*** Claws
−
***Retractable Blade
+
*** Flail
−
***Sword
+
*** Hatchet
−
**Electronics
+
*** Lance
−
***Active Probes
+
*** Mace
−
***Artemis IV Fire-Control System
+
*** Retractable Blade
−
***Artemis V Fire-Control System
+
*** Sword
−
***C3 Computer System
+
*** Talons
−
***C3I Computer System
+
*** Vibroblade
−
***ECM Suites
+
** Electronics
−
***MRM “Apollo” Fire Control System
+
*** Active Probes
−
***Target Acquisition Gear (TAG)
+
*** Artemis IV Fire-Control System
−
***Targeting Computer
+
*** Artemis V Fire-Control System
−
***Watchdog Composite Electronic Warfare System (CEWS)
+
*** C<sup>3</sup> Computer System
−
**Structural Components
+
*** C<sup>3</sup> Boosted System
−
***Armor
+
*** C<sup>3</sup>I Computer System
−
***Cockpit Systems
+
*** ECM Suites
−
***Gyros
+
*** MRM “Apollo” Fire Control System
−
***Maneuverability Aids
+
*** Target Acquisition Gear (TAG)
−
***Structure
+
*** Targeting Computer
−
**Miscellaneous Equipment
+
*** Watchdog Composite Electronic Warfare System (CEWS)
−
***[[AMS|Anti-Missile System (AMS)]]
+
** Structural Components
−
***Laser Anti-Missile System (L-AMS)
+
*** Armor
−
***[[CASE|Cellular Ammunition Storage Equipment (CASE)]]
+
*** Cockpit Systems
−
***[[CASE II]]
+
*** Engines
−
***[[Coolant Pod]]
+
*** Gyros
−
*'''''WEAPONS & EQUIPMENT TABLES'''''
+
*** Maneuverability Aids
−
**Weapons Types
+
*** Structure
−
*'''''COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS'''''
+
** Miscellaneous Equipment
−
**Playing the Game
+
*** [[Actuator Enhancement System]] (AES)
−
**Movement
+
*** [[AMS|Anti-Missile System (AMS)]]
−
**Combat
+
*** Laser Anti-Missile System (L-AMS)
−
**Damage
+
*** Armored Component
−
**Heat
+
*** [[CASE|Cellular Ammunition Storage Equipment (CASE)]]
−
**Other Actions
+
*** [[CASE II]]
−
**Special-Case Rules
+
*** [[Coolant Pod]]
−
**Weapons and Equipment
+
* '''WEAPONS & EQUIPMENT TABLES'''
−
*'''''RECORD SHEET AND TABLES'''''
+
** Weapon Types
 +
* '''COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS'''
 +
** Playing The Game
 +
** Movement
 +
** Combat
 +
** Damage
 +
** Heat
 +
** Other Actions
 +
** Special-Case Rules
 +
** Weapons and Equipment
 +
* '''INDEX''' <!-- third printing and later -->
 +
* '''RECORD SHEETS AND TABLES'''
 +
</div>
  
−
==Notes==
+
==Gallery==
−
Initially, BattleMech Manuals was released as Beta version in January 2017. This Open Beta version was not open to a free update unlike previous Beta offerings.
+
<gallery>
 +
BattleMech_Manual_Cover.jpg|''BattleMech Manual'' cover, 1st printing
 +
BattleMech Manual 2nd Print front cover.png|''BattleMech Manual'' cover, 2nd printing
 +
BattleMech Manual 3rd Print front cover.jpg|''BattleMech Manual'' cover, 3rd printing
 +
BattleMech Manual 4th Print front cover.png|''BattleMech Manual'' cover, 4th-6th printings
 +
</gallery>
  
 +
==Development Notes==
 +
* The Catalyst Game Labs Tumblr featured a series of posts explaining the concept and some of the design steps behind the ''BattleMech Manual'': [http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/152663332826/battlemech-manual-development/ 1] [http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/153793350216/battlemech-manual-development/ 2] [http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/154168913031/battlemech-manual-development/ 3] [http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/154476537421/battlemech-manual-development/ 4] [http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/154739808086/a-dropship-load-of-battletech-action/ 5]
 +
* An [https://bg.battletech.com/news/news-and-announcements/what-is-the-battlemech-manual/ article explaining what the Manual does and why] was posted to the official BattleTech website in January 2017.
 +
* The Manual was prereleased as a Beta PDF version in January 2017. This 'Open Beta' version cost $10, but for the first month of its release was coupled with an electronic survey that gave a $5 coupon for use at the [[Catalyst Game Labs]] webstore. Purchasing the beta did not provide an automatic free upgrade to the final PDF release, unlike previous Catalyst beta offerings. The beta closed in July 2017.<br />
 +
* [http://catalystgamelabs.tumblr.com/post/158360190691/this-is-why-you-do-betas A follow-up article] detailing some of the results of feedback collected in the Beta to date was posted to the CGL official Tumblr in March 2017. As a result of user feedback, additional advanced equipment from ''Tactical Operations'' and ''Interstellar Operations'' was added to the final release.
 +
* [http://bg.battletech.com/news/battlemech-manual-final-release/ A further follow-up article] published immediately following the book's final release detailed more of the specific changes made between the Beta and the final.
 +
 +
==Printing Notes==
 +
A second printing was announced on the official [[BT forums]] in December 2018, and was released in PDF on 22 January 2019. The reprint features errata corrections and further rewordings and clarifications, as well as new cover art.<ref>[https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=63672.msg1464159#msg1464159 MechCon 2018 Rundown post on BattleTech forum]</ref>  A third printing was released on 17 March 2020: in addition to the usual errata corrections, this printing added an index. A fourth printing was released on 23 April 2021, featuring errata corrections as well as another change of cover art. An errata-corrected fifth printing was released on 7 February 2022, and an errata-corrected 6th printing on 6 October 2022.
 +
 +
==Errata==
 +
* CGL maintains an errata [https://bg.battletech.com/forums/index.php?topic=58133.0 forum thread] for this book as well as an errata document for download from their website's [https://bg.battletech.com/errata/ Errata section].
 +
 +
* When the first printing had sold out and a second, updated printing was prepared, Keith "Xotl" Hann offered an [[w:PDF#Forms Data Format (FDF)|FDF]] document to go with the PDF release of the first printing that would include most of the changes included in the second printing. ([https://www.dropbox.com/s/794qs4gy145rs13/Battlemech%20Manual%201st%20printing.fdf?dl=0 Download link])
  
 
==References==
 
==References==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
  
−
[[Category:Books]]
+
 
−
[[Category:Rule Books]]
+
[[Category:Rulebooks]]
−
[[Category:Electronic Books]]
+
[[Category:Digital Products]]

Latest revision as of 20:54, 10 January 2024

BattleMech Manual 4th Print front cover.png
BattleMech Manual
(4th printing)
Product information
Type Rulebook
Development Keith Hann;
Ray Arrastia,
Randall N. Bills,
Mary Kaempen (Assistant Development)
Primary writing Randall N. Bills,
Keith Hann,
Chris Hart (Additional Writing)
Pages 150
Cover Artwork Alex Iglesias (4th printing)
Illustrations Ray Arrastia,
Doug Chaffee,
Matthew Cross,
Ken Fairclough,
Mark Hayden,
Alex Iglesias,
Alex Immerzeel,
Michael Kormarck,
Marco Mazzoni,
Florian Mellies,
Neil Roberts,
Anthony Scroggins,
Florian Stitz,
Franz Vohwinkel
Publication information
Publisher Catalyst Game Labs
Product code E-CAT35010
First published 2017
MSRP $39.99
Content
Content Game Rules
Series Core Rulebooks
Preceded by Campaign Operations

The BattleMech Manual is a hardcover BattleTech rulebook that covers game rules for BattleMechs (only) in a concise and clarified fashion.

This book is not to be confused with the 1987 BattleTech Manual rulebook.

Description[edit]

The Manual is intended as a self-contained rulebook for players who wish to focus on BattleMech combat, with an emphasis on tabletop gameplay (as opposed to being a reference manual like previous core rulebooks). While it thus leaves out all other unit types, and was deliberately written to be as concise as possible and to eliminate rules vagaries, it is not intended to be a purely introductory product. It contains a few pieces of equipment from Interstellar Operations, many pieces of equipment taken from Tactical Operations, and a few of the optional rules found in that book and Strategic Operations. No construction rules are included. In terms of product progression, it is meant to slot in between A Game of Armored Combat) and the full tournament ruleset of Total Warfare. Its general layout matches that of the rulebook in A Game of Armored Combat.

New rules appearing in the book are limited to simplified rulesets for fire and smoke; artillery, mines, and airstrikes; and a few terrain or weather conditions. Additionally, the BattleMech Manual features a Design Quirks section that brings together all 'Mech-based quirks published to date, updates them, adds nine new ones, and then applies the result to an included list of all 'Mech units in the game released prior to Technical Readout: Prototypes (when quirks first began being added to each Technical Readout unit entry). As such, the BattleMech Manual provides an official quirk listing for all 'Mechs published prior to TRO: Prototypes (though it only lists quirks present on every example of a machine; quirks applicable only to individual variants were left out).

While the rules were reworded and their layout changed, the base ruleset included in the BattleMech Manual matches that of the fifth printing and later of Total Warfare, with later changes introduced in one being mirrored in the other as new printings of each are released.

From the Back Cover[edit]

“
  • Standing from seven to sixteen meters tall, and weighing from twenty to one hundred tons
  • Powered by an armored and shielded fusion reactor
  • Skeleton of honeycombed, foamed aluminum core wrapped with stressed silicon carbide monofilament and sheathed by a rigid, titanium-steel shell
  • Locomotion generated via bundles of polyacetylene-fiber myomer muscles
  • Protected by aligned-crystal steel over a layer of boron nitride impregnated with diamond monofilaments
  • Mounting a swath of powerful weapons from charged particle beams to lasers, missiles to rapid-fire autocannons
  • All at the command of the noble elite, the MechWarriors

The modern BattleMech is the end result of more than three thousand years of battlefield technology development. Combining awesome destructive power and unparalleled maneuverability, the BattleMech is perhaps the most complex machine ever produced. The undisputed master of thirty-first century warfare, the BattleMech seems destined to reign supreme for centuries to come.

—Excerpts from a promotional pamphlet originally distributed by Defiance Industries of Hesperus, Lyran Commonwealth, 3007

Using the most up-to-date rules text, the BattleMech Manual has been designed from the ground up to cater to the BattleTech player wanting to engage in an all-'Mech battle. Includes a variety of optional rules, terrain and more.

Welcome to the most table-usage-friendly BattleTech rulebook ever published!

”

Contents[edit]

  • INTRODUCTION
      • Vs. Total Warfare
      • Optional Rules
    • Game Terms
      • 'Mech
      • Four-Legged 'Mech
      • Movement Points
      • Target
      • Target Number
      • Modified Target Number
      • Attacker Movement Modifier
      • Target Movement Modifier
      • Margin of Success/Failure (MoS/MoF)
      • Armor Value
      • Damage Value
      • Location
      • Slot
      • Level
      • Mapsheet
      • Playing Area
      • Scenario
    • Components
      • Counters
      • Dice
      • Mapsheets
      • 'Mech Record Sheet
    • Scale
      • A Note on Realism and Scale
      • Level
    • The MechWarrior
      • Skills
      • Damaging A Warrior
  • PLAYING THE GAME
    • Deploying 'Mechs
    • Sequence Of Play
      • Initiative Phase
      • Movement Phase
      • Weapon Attack Phase
      • Alternate Initiative
      • Moving Multiple 'Mechs
      • Segmented Fire
      • Physical Attack Phase
      • Heat Phase
      • End Phase
    • Victory Conditions
    • Unequal Numbers Of 'Mechs
  • MOVEMENT
    • Movement Modes
      • Standing Still
      • Walking
      • Running
      • Piloting Skill Rolls
      • Movement Dice
      • Jumping
      • Sprinting (Optional)
    • Movement Basics
      • Facing
      • Ground Movement
      • Terrain
      • Minimum Movement
      • Immobile
      • Stacking
    • Jumping Movement
    • Prone BattleMechs
      • Dropping to the Ground
      • Moving While Prone
      • Standing Up
    • Movement In Water
    • Movement On Pavement
      • Road Movement
      • Bridge Movement
      • Skidding
    • Reckless Movement
    • Other Actions
      • Hidden 'Mechs
      • Lifting Items (Simplified)
      • TAG Designation
  • COMBAT
    • Line Of Sight
      • Levels and Height
      • Intervening Terrain
      • Other 'Mechs and LOS
      • Water Hexes
    • Firing Arcs
      • Forward Arcs
      • Left Side Arc
      • Right Side Arc
      • Rear Arc
      • Arcs and Torso Twists
      • Arcs and Reversing (Flipping) Arms
    • Attack Declaration
      • Reversing (Flipping) Arms
      • Expanded Arm Flipping (Optional)
      • Torso Twists
    • Firing Weapons
      • Making the Attack
      • G.A.T.O.R.
      • Base Target Number
      • Target Number Modifiers
      • Combat in Water
      • Prone 'Mechs
      • Specialized Attacks
      • Rolling to Hit
      • Ammunition Expenditure
    • Hit Location
      • Attack Direction
      • Determining Hit Location
      • Damage Resolution
    • Physical Attacks
      • Making A Physical Attack
      • Different Levels
      • Physical Attacks And Prone 'Mechs
      • Physical Attacks And Water
      • Charge Attacks
      • Club Attacks
      • Death From Above Attacks
      • Kick Attacks
      • Physical Weapon Attacks
      • Punch Attacks
      • Push Attacks
      • Damage Resolution
  • DAMAGE
    • Damage Resolution
      • Step-By-Step Damage
    • Damage Timing
    • Hull Integrity And Breaches
    • Location Destruction
      • Transferring Damage
      • Head Destruction
      • Leg Destruction
      • Torso Destruction
    • Critical Hits
      • Floating Criticals (Optional)
      • Applying Critical Hits
    • Critical Hit Effects
      • Ammunition
      • Arm Blown Off (Arm)
      • Cockpit (Head)
      • Engine (Torso)
      • Foot Actuator (Leg)
      • Gyro (Torso)
      • Hand Actuator (Arm)
      • Head Blown Off (Head)
      • Heat Sinks
      • Hip (Leg)
      • Jump Jet/UMU (Leg/Torso)
      • Leg Blown Off (Leg)
      • Life Support (Head)
      • Lower Arm Actuator (Arm)
      • Lower Leg Actuator (Leg)
      • Sensors (Head)
      • Shoulder (Arm)
      • Upper Arm Actuator (Arm)
      • Lower Leg Actuator (Leg)
      • Weapons And Equipment
    • Destroying A 'Mech
  • HEAT
    • Heat Points
      • Building Up Heat
      • Dissipating Heat
      • Recording Heat Build-Up
    • Effects Of Heat
      • Movement
      • Weapon Attacks
      • Shutdown
      • Ammunition
      • Damage To MechWarriors
  • OTHER ACTIONS
    • Piloting Skill Rolls (PSR)
      • Making Piloting Skill Rolls
      • Piloting Skill Roll Timing
    • Displacement
      • Domino Effect
    • Falling
      • Location After a Fall
      • Facing After a Fall
      • Falling Damage to a 'Mech
      • Falling Damage to a MechWarrior
      • Accidental Falls From Above
    • Damaging a MechWarrior
    • Dumping Ammunition
    • TAG Designation
  • THE BATTLEFIELD
    • Planetary Conditions
    • Terrain Types
      • Clear
      • Jungle, Light
      • Jungle, Heavy
      • Pavement
      • Rough
      • Rubble
      • Sand
      • Water (Depth 0)
      • Water (Depth 1)
      • Water (Depth 2)
      • Water (Depth 3+)
      • Woods, Light
      • Woods, Heavy
    • Terrain Modifications
      • Ice (Simplified)
      • Mud (Simplified)
      • Smoke, Light
      • Smoke, Heavy
      • Snow, Deep
      • Swamp (Simplified)
    • Weather Conditions
      • Extreme Temperatures
      • Fog
      • Light
      • Rain
      • Snow
      • Wind
    • Fire And Smoke (Simplified)
      • Wind Direction
      • Starting a Fire
      • Effects of Fire
      • Spreading Fire
      • Extinguishing Fire
    • Underwater Combat
      • Attacking Underwater
      • Hull Integrity And Breaches
  • URBAN COMBAT
    • Building Types
      • Construction Factors
      • Building Levels
      • Basements
      • Simplified Buildings
    • Movement Effects
      • Moving Into Buildings
      • Skidding
    • Combat Effects
      • Attacking Buildings
      • Attacking 'Mechs Inside Buildings
      • Combat Within Buildings
      • Collapse
  • SPECIAL CASE RULES
    • Battlefield Support
      • Before Play Begins
      • During Game Play
    • Dropping 'Mechs (Simplified)
      • Drop Times
      • Arrival
    • Ejection (Simplified)
    • Forced Withdrawal
      • Crippling Damage
      • Broken Morale (Simplified—Optional)
    • Hidden 'Mechs
      • Point-Blank Shots
    • Design Quirks
      • Positive Design Quirks
      • Negative Design Quirks
      • BattleMech Quirk Listing
      • Master Unit List
  • WEAPONS AND EQUIPMENT
  • WEAPONS & EQUIPMENT TABLES
    • Weapon Types
  • COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
    • Playing The Game
    • Movement
    • Combat
    • Damage
    • Heat
    • Other Actions
    • Special-Case Rules
    • Weapons and Equipment
  • INDEX
  • RECORD SHEETS AND TABLES

Gallery[edit]

  • BattleMech Manual cover, 1st printing

  • BattleMech Manual cover, 2nd printing

  • BattleMech Manual cover, 3rd printing

  • BattleMech Manual cover, 4th-6th printings

Development Notes[edit]

  • The Catalyst Game Labs Tumblr featured a series of posts explaining the concept and some of the design steps behind the BattleMech Manual: 1 2 3 4 5
  • An article explaining what the Manual does and why was posted to the official BattleTech website in January 2017.
  • The Manual was prereleased as a Beta PDF version in January 2017. This 'Open Beta' version cost $10, but for the first month of its release was coupled with an electronic survey that gave a $5 coupon for use at the Catalyst Game Labs webstore. Purchasing the beta did not provide an automatic free upgrade to the final PDF release, unlike previous Catalyst beta offerings. The beta closed in July 2017.
  • A follow-up article detailing some of the results of feedback collected in the Beta to date was posted to the CGL official Tumblr in March 2017. As a result of user feedback, additional advanced equipment from Tactical Operations and Interstellar Operations was added to the final release.
  • A further follow-up article published immediately following the book's final release detailed more of the specific changes made between the Beta and the final.

Printing Notes[edit]

A second printing was announced on the official BT forums in December 2018, and was released in PDF on 22 January 2019. The reprint features errata corrections and further rewordings and clarifications, as well as new cover art.[1] A third printing was released on 17 March 2020: in addition to the usual errata corrections, this printing added an index. A fourth printing was released on 23 April 2021, featuring errata corrections as well as another change of cover art. An errata-corrected fifth printing was released on 7 February 2022, and an errata-corrected 6th printing on 6 October 2022.

Errata[edit]

  • CGL maintains an errata forum thread for this book as well as an errata document for download from their website's Errata section.
  • When the first printing had sold out and a second, updated printing was prepared, Keith "Xotl" Hann offered an FDF document to go with the PDF release of the first printing that would include most of the changes included in the second printing. (Download link)

References[edit]

  1. ↑ MechCon 2018 Rundown post on BattleTech forum

Retrieved from "https://www.sarna.net/wiki/index.php?title=BattleMech_Manual&oldid=1033672"