Morale Checks in Alpha Strike

Morale Checks in BattleTech Alpha Strike

We’ve all been there: you want your units to fight to the last structure point, but in BattleTech Alpha Strike our pilots are not unfeeling machines. When the pressure gets too much, morale breaks. I’ve summarized everything you need to know here so you know when your guys are about to take flight.

The trigger: when does it get dicey?

A morale check is due at the end of a combat phase when a unit is under extreme stress. For me as a commander, these are usually the moments:

• Inferno attacks: When my unit suffers heat or damage from Inferno ammunition.
• Cruise missiles: Cruise missile strikes are pure psychological terror.
• Infantry casualties: My soldiers must check if they can stand once they have lost half of their armor and structure.
• Crippling Damage: This is the most common reason for mechs and vehicles to make a check.

Deep Dive: What exactly is “Crippling Damage”?

I am often asked when a mech is considered “crippled” (severely damaged). The rules are very clear here. A unit has suffered Crippling Damage if one of the following conditions is met:

1. Structure loss: The unit no longer has any armor and its internal structure has been reduced to half (rounded up) or less. Tip: If a unit has only 1 structure point, it is considered crippled as soon as the armor is gone.
2. Armament lost: The unit can no longer deal damage at medium and long range (value 0), although it was able to deal damage there at the start of the game.
3. Immobilization: The unit can no longer move at all due to critical hits or engine damage.

Who keeps the peace?

Not every unit has to dice. In my squad, the following units are immune to morale checks:

• Large units: Mechs of sizes LG, VLG or SLG as well as mobile structures.
• Large aerospace units: DropShips, JumpShips or WarShips.
• Drones and robots: Units with specials such as DRO, RBT or SDCS have no human fears.
• Stationary targets: Buildings or fortified guns simply remain stationary.
• Elite status: If my force has the Esprit de Corps ability, we completely ignore morale checks.

The throw: Can I make the check?

If I have to dice, I roll 2D6 against the skill value of my unit. The lower my skill, the better the chance. But there are modifiers that I have to keep in mind:

• Unit type: BattleMechs and ProtoMechs are very stable (-2 bonus).
• Vehicles: Support vehicles panic extremely quickly (+3 malus).
• Cover: Infantry in buildings feel much safer (-2 bonus).
• Special abilities: A pilot with Iron Will is a rock in the surf (-2 bonus).

The escape: What does “Routed” mean?

If the roll fails, the unit is considered routed (on the run). This is the moment when I lose control. A fleeing unit must follow the Forced Withdrawal rules:

• It must move with its full movement towards its own edge of the pitch.
• It may no longer act as a spotter for indirect fire.
• It must not deliberately move towards enemy positions.
• But: It can still fire during the retreat to clear the way.

Finding courage again

In each end phase, I may attempt to restore morale. This is much easier if a commander or sub-commander is within sight (35 inches), which gives a bonus of -2 or -1 to the roll. Being close to friendly mechs also helps my soldiers regain their nerve.

My conclusion

Crippling Damage is the signal for a tactical retreat. Pay attention to your structure points and keep your commanders close to the front to close ranks again in an emergency!

Stand firm!