Essay:Battletech Game Systems

BattleTech began as a single game system but its universe can now be experienced through several different game systems, each with its own scale, scope, mode, and game mechanics. These game systems have also experienced some change over time through rule expansions or rule refinements or through the introduction of new units, new equipment, or revised unit building rules. The introduction or revision of game systems have at times accompanied major developments in the lore of the BattleTech universe such as the advancing of the in-universe timeline, e.g. the Clan Invasion, the Dark Age. However, many game systems are not era-specific and can be played within a variety of different eras.

Several game systems are currently maintained and continue to be developed and supported by the release of new products that pertain to gameplay of that system or to the in-universe lore. There are also some historic or discontinued game systems that remain playable but for which products that directly and intentionally support their gameplay are no longer produced. This article lists the currently maintained game systems (which include a board game, a tabletop miniatures game, and a roleplaying game) and the products that are considered to contain the current ruleset for each.

Total Warfare

Main article: BattleTech (board game)

If you’re looking to experience BattleTech as a board game this would be that game system. Also known as Classic Battletech, it has Advanced and Expanded rulesets that are optional. Typically available for a deeper game experiences.

Rule Products

• Total Warfare (for all units gameplay)
• BattleMech Manual (for BattleMech only gameplay)

Advanced Rules

• Strategic Operations: Advanced Aerospace Rules
• Tactical Operations: Advanced Rules
• Tactical Operations: Advanced Units & Equipment

Extended Rules

• TechManual
• Campaign Operations
• Interstellar Operations: BattleForce
• Interstellar Operations: Alternate Eras

Box Sets

Box Set rules come from their respective box products

• Beginner Box - Abridged ruleset
• Essentials - Abridged ruleset
• A Game of Armored Combat
• Clan Invasion
• Mercenaries

Alpha Strike

If you’re looking to experience BattleTech as a tabletop miniatures game then Alpha Strike is that BattleTech game system game. It allows for faster gameplay than the Total Warfare game system, as it is optimized to allow players to handle a larger number of units and simplifies handling of combat. It was based on multiple previous rulesets, including BattleForce 2, Quick Strike, and other rules found in Strategic Operations.

Rule Products

• Alpha Strike: Commander's Edition - Core Rulebook for this game system

Box Sets

• Alpha Strike Boxed Set

Add-ons

• BattleTech: Aces - A card based Alpha Strike add-on
  • BattleTech Aces: Scouring Sands - Campaign Expansion Boxset

Role-Playing Systems

MechWarrior RPG

For other meanings, see MechWarrior.

MechWarrior is a role-playing game (RPG) based on and set in the BattleTech universe. The player usually takes on the role of a MechWarrior, but other career paths are available (increasingly so in later iterations of the game). The RPG was intended to expand a player's experience beyond just the board game aspect. It allows them to create a character who could then earn experience both in 'Mech combat and in role-playing scenarios. The character's experience could then be used to improve their board game skills (particularly in Piloting and Gunnery) and other RPG skills. Three versions of the RPG have been published, all with different rulesets:

• The first edition catered to the early boardgame, and was set in the Third Succession War era.
• The second edition introduced the Clans and reworked much of the basic ruleset.
• The third edition includes a character creation system that is similar to FASA's original Star Trek role-playing game. It fixed many of the issues introduced by the Second Edition rules.
• The republished third edition was produced, when Catalyst Game Labs took over the BattleTech license and product line from FanPro. BattleTech was renamed to Classic BattleTech to differentiate it from the new MechWarrior: Dark Age game that WizKids launched at that time. Because the term "MechWarrior" was used for the new game, the existent third edition of the RPG was republished by CGL with a new cover and renamed to Classic BattleTech RPG, without changing its content except for errata.

A Time of War

For the rules products, see A Time of War (product) and A Time of War Companion.

A Time of War was rewritten and revamped from the ground up, to address perceived balancing issues and the very random character creation of the third edition.

MechWarrior: Destiny

For the rules product, see MechWarrior: Destiny.

Where A Time of War is more along the lines of a traditional system, MechWarrior: Destiny focuses more on a narrative system, built from ground up as a lite-RPG, using an easy-to-learn "Cue System".

Others

• Encounters: BattleTech

Notes

Official Errata for these products may be currently found here and the master index of all errata can be currently found here