Battle Value

Battle Value (BV) is a system used to balance forces in Classic BattleTech. This involves a formula that is used to assign a number to each unit in the game. For example, the THG-11E Thug has a BV of 1,640. This number can then be modified by factors such as the quality of the pilot, prevalence of a C3 network, and the size of the force relative to the opposition. The Battle Value system is used to keep forces even, though it is not perfect.

The Battle Value formula has been tweaked a number of times. The original formula was released in Maximum Tech. It was tweaked in BattleTech Master Rules, and that version was used in the FanPro reprint of MaxTech. The formula underwent a substantial revision in TechManual, leading fans to dub it "BV 2.0". BV was again tweaked for the reprint of TechManual as the multiplier table for pilot skill was changed.

Combat Value

Combat Value was the predecessor of the Battle Value system. It was introduced in the Tactical Handbook and values were included in several FASA-era record sheet products. There were many problems with Combat Value, and so it was replaced by the Battle Value systems.