Reactor Ops flips the switch: 5 game changers for your Alpha Strike list building

Every BattleTech Alpha Strike player knows the problem: the search for a modern, efficient tool for creating army lists that can keep up with the speed and style of the game. But the wait is over.
The Reactor Ops tool, already popular with Classic BattleTech players, now supports Alpha Strike. This integration is more than just an update – it brings with it a range of powerful features that will change the way you plan and deploy your forces.

Als Reaktion auf die hohe Nachfrage aus der Community wurde Reactor Ops, ursprünglich ein Werkzeug zur Erstellung von Streitkräften für Classic BattleTech, erweitert, um nun auch Alpha Strike zu unterstützen. Die Integration umfasst die Erstellung von Einheitenlisten auf Basis von Punktwerten (PV), einen dedizierten Satz von Alpha Strike-spezifischen Suchfiltern, neue Datenvisualisierungen zur Analyse des Schadenspotenzials einer Streitkraft und die entscheidende Funktion zum Exportieren und Drucken von Alpha Strike-Einheitenkarten.

1. seamless integration: not an afterthought, but a core feature

Switching between Classic BattleTech and Alpha Strike couldn’t be easier. In the list or “Roster” view, there is now a simple button labeled “Alpha Strike”. One click is all it takes to instantly switch the entire view from Battle Value (BV) to the Point Value (PV) of Alpha Strike. The developer emphasized that the goal was to integrate Alpha Strike in a “streamlined way” that appeals to players of both game modes.

My opinion: This integrated approach is superior to separate tools or cumbersome add-ons. Instead of having to learn a new interface or logic, existing users can apply their knowledge seamlessly. This significantly lowers the barrier to entry and makes switching between game systems smooth and intuitive.

2. powerful filters: find the perfect unit in seconds

Reactor Ops introduces a whole range of new search filters exclusively for Alpha Strike. You can now refine your search according to the following criteria:

• Point Value (PV)
• Special movement modes
• Movement value
• Specials
• Damage in the different ranges (short, medium, long)
• TMM (Target Movement Modifier)
• Armor

A particular highlight is the “Hangar Vault” function, which allows players to limit their search to the miniatures they actually own.

My opinion: These detailed filters revolutionize the unit search. Not only can you find a ‘Mech for 50 points, but also a “fast flanker with TMM 3 and indirect fire” without having to click through dozens of units. This speeds up strategic planning considerably.

3. all data at a glance: Also on your cell phone

The user interface of the search results has been fundamentally revised. Important Alpha Strike statistics such as movement, damage, armor, structure and specials are now visible directly in the list without having to open the detailed view of a unit first. On mobile devices, a practical “flip icon” ensures that this extended data can also be displayed with a tap of the finger. This useful improvement in clarity also benefits Classic BattleTech players.

My opinion: This improvement to the user interface drastically speeds up the list creation process. The ability to conveniently plan or customize lists on the go on a smartphone is a huge practical advantage in the modern tabletop world.

4. visualize your firepower: new strategic diagrams

Exclusively for Alpha Strike mode, two new data charts have been developed that provide a deep insight into the composition of your army:

• Force Range Damage Chart: This chart shows the total damage of your army in each range category (short, medium, long).
• Range Damage per Unit Chart: Here you can see the individual damage output of each unit in the various range categories.

My opinion:: These visual tools give you an invaluable strategic sense of your army’s DNA at a glance. They immediately answer critical questions such as: “Is my army vulnerable to enemies who stay at a distance?” or “Where is my ‘sweet spot’ for the optimal attack?”.

5. from the screen to the gaming table: ready-to-print unit cards

The last step in the workflow is often the most tedious – but not with Reactor Ops. Once you have finalized your list, you can export your entire force as print-ready unit cards (so-called “AS Cards”). From the initial idea to the strategic composition to the game-ready material, the entire process is covered in the tool.

My opinion: This function is a blessing for every tournament player and every quick after-work round. It not only saves valuable preparation time, but also eliminates a frequent source of error and ensures that you sit at the table with perfect, up-to-date cards.

Reactor Ops bietet Alpha Strike-Spielern ein schnelles, datenreiches und unglaublich praktisches Werkzeug für die Erstellung von Armeelisten. Es ist wichtig zu wissen, dass dies erst die „Phase Eins“ der Integration ist. Zukünftige Updates werden weitere Kernfunktionen wie gespeicherte Armeelisten („saved force rosters“) und die „Formation Engine“ vollständig für Alpha Strike anpassen. Wenn das passiert ist, hat man ein extrem gutes Tool zur Verfügung. Aber auch jetzt schon empfehlenswert. Insbesondere für Spieler welche BattleTech Classic und Alpha Strike spielen. Ein Tool für beides.

With this strong start, the question is: Could Reactor Ops become the new de facto standard for Alpha Strike list creation? Try it out and decide for yourself.