Hidden units

Shadows on the battlefield: A guide to hidden units in Alpha Strike

BattleTech Alpha Strike is not always just about the sheer firepower of massive BattleMechs marching across an open field. Real commanders know that ambushes are one of the most effective tactics. With the rules for Hidden Units, you can use the “fog of war” to your advantage and hit the enemy where they least expect it.

In this article, we explain the rules for hiding units in detail – from placement to deadly surprise attacks.

1. preparation: choose the hiding place

Before the game begins, defenders (or attackers, depending on the scenario) must determine which units will start hidden.

• Documentation: For each hidden unit, you must record the X-Y coordinates of its position and its orientation (facing) in writing. A precise coordinate system (e.g. a grid of inch markers on the edge of the table) is essential for this.
  • Alternatively, you can also take a photo with your smartphone and mark the position in it

• Valid terrain: Units can hide almost anywhere except on clear terrain, paved surfaces (roads/bridges) or the water surface.
• Who can hide? Almost all ground units, including landed aircraft. Mobile structures and units in the air (airborne), on the other hand, can never hide.
• Large units: DropShips or very large vehicles have special restrictions; they can only hide in buildings, underwater, or in areas where the surrounding terrain (within a 1-inch radius) is almost as high as they are.

2. the status of invisibility

As long as a unit is hidden, it is not represented by a miniature on the field.

• Activation: Hidden units are not counted when determining Unequal Number of Units, unless the player plans to move them this turn.

3 The discovery: When will the cover be blown?

A unit remains hidden until one of the following cases occurs:

1. Own action: The unit moves or declares an attack.
2. Physical proximity: An enemy unit moves into base-to-base contact or ends its movement there.
3. Sensors: An enemy unit with an Active Probe (PRB) or Light Active Probe (LPRB) ends its movement so that the hidden unit is within probe range.
4. Occupation: An enemy unit attempts to enter the space physically occupied by the hidden unit (or its base).

4. the Surprise Attack

This is the moment every ambush specialist is waiting for. If an opponent approaches carelessly, the trap can snap shut.

• Condition: An enemy target moves within 2 inches of the hidden unit.
• The attack: The hidden unit may immediately perform a surprise attack. The base target value corresponds to the attacker’s skill value, modified only by critical damage. The target’s range or movement modifiers are ignored!
• Additional damage: The attack can be boosted by overheating.
• Consequences: The damage is dealt immediately. However, the attacker is “used up” for the rest of the current turn: they may not move, make any further attacks or give orders during this turn.

5. tactical synergies and special abilities

Some special abilities make hidden units even more dangerous:

• Battlefield Intelligence (Area Knowledge): A side with a high intelligence score (BI Score) may place a certain number of units (based on units with the Recon ability) as hidden, even in scenarios that do not normally provide for this.
• Special Command Ability Camouflage: Allows you to deploy half of your force hidden, even from the attacker and in terrain where you would not normally be able to hide.
• Special Command Ability Tactical Experts (Hidden Units): Doubles the number of hidden units allowed (up to 4 additional).
• Eagle’s Eyes (SPA): Pilots with this ability automatically detect hidden units within 2 inches, even if they are using ECM.

Conclusion

Hidden units are a psychological tool. Just knowing that a Hunchback with an AC/20 could be crouching in the bushes somewhere forces your opponent to make careful, inefficient maneuvers. Use your Scouts and Probes to clear the field, or set up your own perfect ambush!

Good luck planning your traps, commanders!