The best BattleMechs for beginners – what should you look out for?

BattleTech Alpha Strike is a fast-paced, tactical tabletop game that is ideal for beginners. Choosing the right BattleMechs is crucial to building a balanced and effective team from the start. Here are some important aspects that beginners should consider when putting together their first lance.

1. a balanced mix of weight classes

A well-balanced lance should contain a combination of light, medium and heavy BattleMechs. This allows for a flexible playing style, as each weight class has its own strengths:

• Light mechs are fast and can be used for reconnaissance, rapid advances or as flanking units.
• Medium mechs offer a good balance of speed, armor and firepower. Good all-round capabilities.
• Heavy mechs can deal the main damage and are more resistant.

2. firepower at medium range

Since most firefights in Alpha Strike take place at medium range, BattleMechs with high firepower are particularly advantageous in this area. Units that have a high firepower (3 or more, 2 or more for light mechs) at medium range are therefore particularly recommended.

3. jump nozzles for more mobility

Terrain can often be rough, and jump nozzles offer clear advantages here:

• They help to overcome obstacles such as hills or forests .
• Mechs with jump jets are harder to hit when they move with high mobility.
• Light and medium-sized mechs in particular benefit from the increased maneuverability.

4. special abilities for more resilience

Special abilities can make the difference between victory and defeat. They are particularly helpful:

• ENE (energy armament): These mechs are immune to critical ammunition hits. They also have an advantage in campaigns in which ammunition supplies also play a role.
• CASE / CASE II: These systems minimize the damage caused by exploding ammunition when a critical hit occurs.
• IF: Indirect fire can be very useful if you have a well-placed spotter. The firing units can remain in cover and weaken the enemy with indirect fire.

5. uniform speed within the lance

A common source of error for beginners is to combine mechs with very different speeds in one lance.

• Mechs of a lance should have a similar movement rate in order to stay together. Nothing weakens the combat power of a lance more than when its units cannot support each other due to the distance between them.
• A fast scout mech is useless if it advances alone and has no support.

6. formation rules and areas of responsibility of several lances

If you play with several lances, you should pay attention to their specialization and the formation rules. A targeted division of units into specialized lances can increase efficiency and flexibility on the battlefield:

• Battle Lance: Main fighting force with well-armored, versatile mechs that can absorb and deal damage.
• Recon Lance: Fast, light and medium mechs for reconnaissance and flanking.
• Fire Support Lance: Mechs with powerful long-range armament that operate from a distance and put the enemy under pressure with indirect fire, for example.

By dividing their forces in this way, players can ensure that they are optimally prepared for different combat situations and that the units complement each other.

Exemplary BattleMechs for a starter lance

Here is an example composition for a balanced lance:

1. Jenner JR7-D (Light) – Fast, good armament and good jumping ability.
2. Shadow Hawk SHD-2H (Medium) – Can jump, good variety of weapons.
3. Centurion CN9-A (Medium) – Strong medium ranged weapons, solid armor.
4. Thunderbolt TDR-5S (Heavy) – Robust armor, versatile armament.

This selection gives you a flexible and balanced lance that can be played well both defensively and offensively.

Conclusion for beginners in BattleTech Alpha Strike

For beginners, it is important to choose a lance with a balanced weight class, good medium firepower, usable mobility and compatible speed. Special abilities such as ENE or CASE increase the efficiency and survivability of the mechs. If you play with several lances, you should also pay attention to their specialization in order to build up an effective force. These tips should help you get started with BattleTech Alpha Strike!