In BattleTech Alpha Strike, lance types (or formation types) are the smallest combat formations in an army. In the Inner Sphere , a lance consists of four units (usually BattleMechs or vehicles) and is typically led by a lieutenant. In the Clans, the equivalent is called a Star (5 units), while ComStar and Word of Blake rely on their “Level IIs” (6 units).
But what is the purpose of these formations? – They are not just a gimmick, but give your army tactical orientation and additional special rules that can be decisive in battle.
Overview table: Lance types in BattleTech Alpha Strike
| Lance type | Requirements | Additional bonus abilities (Special Pilot Ability) |
|---|---|---|
| Battle Lance | 50% heavy mechs. (Size 3 or more) 3x Lance units must be either Brawler, Sniper or Skirmisher. | Lucky |
| Assault Lance | 3x units of the lance must have size 3 or more. No unit with size 1. All units must have a minimum of 5 armor points, 75% of units with a scale value of 3 or more at medium range | Demoralizer or multi-tasker |
| Striker-/Kavallerie-Lanze / Striker,Cavalery Lance | All units with MV 10+ or Jump 8+; no unit with Size 4. At least 50% of the units must have the Striker or Skirmisher role | Speed Demon |
| Fire L ance / Fire Lance | 75% of the units must have the Missile Boat or Sniper role | Sniper |
| Reconnaissance Lance / Recon Lance | All units with MV 10+. At least two units must have the Scout or Striker role | Eagle’s Eyes, Forward Observer or Maneuvering Ace |
| Pursuit Lance / Pursuit Lance | All units must have Size 2 or less. At least 75% of the units must have an MV 12+ At least one unit with a Medium Range damage value of more than 1 | Blood Stalker |
| Support Lance / Support Lance | No specific | Receives SPA of the supported lance |
| Command Lance / Command Lance | At least one unit must be defined as a Force Commander or Key Lieutenant. 50% of the units must have the role Missile Boat, Juggernaut, Skirmisher or Sniper. One additional unit must have the role of Brawler, Striker or Scout. | Each unit receives one of the following SPAs: Antagonizer, Blood Stalker, Combat Intuition, Eagle’s Eyes, Marksman, or Multi-Tasker Leader also receives: Tactical Genius; |
| Horde Lance / Horde (Kurita Force Manual) | Lance must have 5 to 10 units. All units with Size 1. None of the units may have a weapon damage of more than 2 at a distance | Swarm (If a unit of this formation becomes a target, the player of the target unit can switch the target to another unit of this formation that is a legal target (within line of sight) and is at the same distance (or less) from the attacker). |
| Berserker Lance / Berserker Lance (Kurita Force Manual) | 50% heavy mechs. (Size 3 or more) 3x Lance units must be either Brawler, Sniper or Skirmisher. (Like Battle Lance) | 2Two-hander or Swordsman |
| Anti-‘Mech lance (Kurita Force Manual) | All units must be infantry | Enemy units in direct contact with an anti-mech lance suffer a +1 penalty to all weapon attacks on the anti-mech lance |
| Leichte Feuerlanze / Light Fire Lance (Davion Force Manual) | No unit with size 3 or more. Min. 50% of the units with the Roller Missile Boat or Sniper | Coordinated Fire Support. |
| Gewehrlanze / Rifle Lance (Davion Force Manual) | 75% of the units with size 2 or 3. No unit with size 1. At least 50% of the units must have an AC. All units with MV 8+ | Weapon Specialist or Sandblaster |
| Hunter Lance (Davion Force Manual) | Min. 50% of the units with the Roller Ambusher or Juggernaut | Combat Intuition |
Explanation of the most important formations
The table shows the overview, but each formation has its own style of play:
- Combat plants are the backbone, versatile and robust.
- Assault lances break enemy lines with brute force.
- Striker/cavalry lances stand out for their speed and flexibility.
- Fire lances dominate with long-range fire.
- Reconnaissance and pursuit lances rely on speed, ambushes and flanking attacks.
- Command lances give your army coordination and tactical advantages.
- Faction-specific variants such as Kurita’s Horde or Berserker Lances or Davian’s Hunter Lances add extra spice to the game.
Conclusion
Lance types are a clever tool for adding character and tactical depth to your Alpha Strike army. Whether robust battle lances, fast strikers, ranged fire lances or specialized faction formations – the choice of your lance determines how your force fights and which special rules it receives.
They also form the basis for larger formations such as companies or battalions and are therefore an important element if you play Alpha Strike in campaigns beyond pure combat.
