Battletech -Alpha Strike
with hexes

Play BattleTech Alpha Strike with hex cards

Battletech Alpha Strike can be played both on maps without hexes (free-form maps, the actual standard for Alpha Strike) and on maps with hexes. Each variant has its own advantages and disadvantages, which depend on the preference of the players and the desired depth of play. In addition, the Alpha Strike rulebook (the Commander’s Edition) offers special rules for playing on hexes, making this variant fully supported and easy to integrate. Hex playing fields are often significantly smaller than free-form playing fields, which influences the pace of play and tactical planning. To improve the gaming experience, 3D terrain elements with a hex base are also increasingly being used with hex maps, creating a more appealing and immersive 3D playing surface. Here is an overview of the pros and cons of each type of map:

Battletech Alpha Strike with hexes

Advantages

1. Simple movement and range measurement:
   • Hex fields make it possible to determine movements and ranges precisely and quickly without additional tools (e.g. measuring tapes).
   • Players need to spend less time measuring and checking, which speeds up the flow of the game.
2. Structured playing field:
   • Hexes provide clear positions and boundaries, avoiding misunderstandings or disputes about the exact locations of units.
   • This makes the game more accessible, especially for beginners.
3. Support by the rules:
   • The Commander’s Edition of Alpha Strike contains specific rules for playing on hexes, such as movement modifications and range adjustments that are tailored to the hex structure. This makes it much easier to use hex cards.
4. Compact playing field size:
   • Hex playing fields are generally much smaller than free-form playing fields, as ranges and movements are directly defined in hexes. This allows games to be played in less space, e.g. on standard Battletech maps.
   • The compact structure promotes faster battles and reduces the time required per game.
5. More balanced playing fields:
   • Maps with hexes are often specially designed for the game, ensuring a better balance between obstacles, terrain types and starting positions.

Disadvantages

1. Limited freedom of movement:
   • Hexes restrict the directions of movement (typically to six directions).
   • Flowing, free movements or complex maneuvers are less flexible.
2. Less immersive optics:
   • Hex cards can be less immersive, especially with elaborately designed playing fields without a grid.
3. Smaller playing field sizes can limit the strategic depth:
   • The smaller playing field reduces the need for long-term strategic planning. Units clash more quickly, which makes the game more dynamic but less complex.
4. More difficult for house rules:
   • Individual adaptations or exotic terrain ideas are less easy to implement.

The rules for the game on hex cards

In this guide I will explain how to convert the rules of Alpha Strike for the game on hexes.

The principles of conversion

The change from inches to hexes follows a simple mathematical formula. Two inches (2″) on the table correspond exactly to one hex (1 hex) on the map. Vertically, one inch (1″) of height equals one level. This means that a mech with a jump range of 14 inches can jump up to 7 hexes on a hex map.

Positioning and reach

Each unit must be placed centered in a hex. The miniature must always be aligned with a hex side and not a hex corner in order to determine the correct firing arcs.

Determining the range is particularly easy on hex maps, as you no longer need a tape measure. You find the shortest path to the target and count the hexes between the attacker and the target. Start with the hex directly adjacent to the attacker and count the target hex as well. The range classes shift as follows:

• Short: 0 to 3 hex fields.
• Medium: 4 to 12 hexes.
• Long: 13 to 21 hexes.

Physical attacks are only possible if units are in the same or adjacent hexes.

Line of sight and height levels

As there is no line of sight check at the eye level of the miniature on hex maps, Alpha Strike uses a system of fixed height levels. A line of sight is considered to be present if a straight line can be drawn from the center of the attacker hex to the center of the target hex.

Each unit type has a standardized height in levels:

• Mechs: 2 levels (Super-Heavy Mechs: 3 levels).
• Vehicles and infantry: 1 level.
• Landed DropShips: Spheroid types reach 10 levels, Aerodyne types 5 levels.

The terrain also has fixed heights: Forests and jungles, for example, always rise 2 levels above the underlying terrain. Buildings rise as many levels as their specified height.

Cover and obstacles

Partial cover is only available for mechs on hex cards. A mech receives this bonus (+1 to the target number) if it is directly adjacent to a hex that is exactly 1 level higher than the hex on which the mech is standing and this higher hex is between the attacker and the target. Depth 1 water hexes also provide partial cover for mechs.

The rule for blocking terrain is important: Three or more hexes with forest or jungle completely block the line of sight. Buildings, bridges and hills also block the line of sight if the line of sight passes through them.

Area damage (AoE)

Special weapons with area effect are applied to hex cards centered on a hex. A 2-inch template affects the target hex and all six adjacent hexes. A 6-inch template affects the target hex and all hexes within a radius of 2 hexes around the center.

Battletech Alpha Strikewithout hexes (freeform)

Advantages

1. Greater freedom of movement:
   • Players can move units in any direction and make maneuvers more realistic.
   • This offers more tactical depth and flexibility.
2. More realistic representation:
   • Playing fields without hexes often look more aesthetic and realistic, especially with lovingly designed 3D terrain.
3. Free design options:
   • Players can place terrain elements flexibly and design the playing field individually without having to adhere to grid restrictions.
4. Larger playing field:
   • Freeform maps allow for larger playing fields, providing a more realistic representation of ranges and greater tactical challenges. Games can feel more complex and strategic as a result.
5. More modern feel:
   • Freeform maps can feel more natural to players used to modern tabletop systems like Warhammer 40k.

Disadvantages

1. Additional measuring effort:
   • Movements and ranges must be measured with measuring tapes or rulers, which can slow down the flow of the game.
   • Potential disputes over measurements or positions are more frequent.
2. Higher space requirement:
   • Freeform maps often require more space to represent realistic battles and larger playing fields, which can be limiting for some game environments.
3. Higher demand for accuracy:
   • Players have to work more precisely to get movements and placements correct, which can be overwhelming for beginners.
4. More difficult for beginners:
   • Free-form systems require more personal responsibility and understanding of the rules, which can increase the barrier to entry.
5. Balance and overview:
   • Free-form maps can appear more confusing, especially with complex terrain structures or many units on the playing field.

Summary

• Hex cards are particularly suitable for beginners and players who prefer a classic, structured Battletech experience. Thanks to the special hex rules in the Commander’s Edition, these cards can be easily integrated into the game. The smaller playing field size makes for faster battles and a reduced space requirement, but can limit the strategic depth.
• Free-form maps offer more freedom, larger playing fields and more realistic representations, but are more demanding to handle and require more space and a disciplined group of players.

Ultimately, the choice depends on the preferences of the players and the desired style of play. Many players use both variants, depending on the situation or group composition.

You can find a good video (in English) about Battletech Alpha Strike on hexes on YouTube