Vehicles: Tanks & Co. in Alpha Strike – special features and areas of use

BattleMechs are undoubtedly the stars of BattleTech Alpha Strike – iconic, flexible and powerful. But if you limit your arsenal to BattleMechs alone, you’re missing out on valuable tactical potential. Vehicles are more than just stopgaps – they are versatile tools with specific strengths (and a few weaknesses) that can make the difference between victory and defeat in the right scenario.

Why vehicles at all?

The most obvious advantage: point efficiency. Vehicles generally have a lower point value (PV) than BattleMechs of the same strength – with comparable firepower and armor. This makes them the ideal choice if you want to put more units on the field or fill certain roles cost-effectively.

Here is a comparison between an 80t Demolisher Heavy Tank and a 70t Grasshopper GHR-5H. The tank is slower (6 inches compared to the 8 inches of the GHR), but has a comparable armament (short and medium 4 each. Grasshopper has short 3 and medium 4). However, the tank only has a PV value of 27, whereas the Grasshopper has a PV value of 37. The 55t BattleMech Wolverine (WVF-6R) has a PV value comparable to that of the Demolisher (30 to the tank’s 27). Although it also has comparable armor and a better movement rate than the tank, its armament is only half as powerful.

Tactical options for vehicles

They also open up new tactical options that mechs do not or only partially cover:

1. mastering special tasks

Vehicles are not only cheaper – many of them are specialized for certain roles:

• Transport vehicles such as APCs bring infantry quickly to the target – particularly practical as infantry on foot is often very slow.
• Low-cost LRM carriers or SRM carriers offer massive indirect fire support, ideal for forcing opponents out of their reserves.
• Hovercrafts and wheeled vehicles are ideal for rapid advances on roads (wheeled vehicles) or water surfaces (hovercrafts). The latter are particularly effective on maps with bridges, roads or large areas of water.

2. more presence for fewer points

Especially in campaign-based games or in scenarios with a limited PV contingent, it is attractive to build up a mixed force. With a mix of mechs and vehicles, gaps in the structure can be cleverly filled.

3. flexible firing angles through towers

A special feature of many vehicles is the option of a rotating turret. In Alpha Strike, this is represented by the special ability “TUR” (Turret).

A vehicle with TUR can fire in any direction regardless of its direction of movement (360° LOS) – an advantage over mechs whose weapon angles are directed forwards and can only fire backwards with the REAR special ability. This allows greater tactical flexibility, especially in confined spaces or when retreating, without having to sacrifice firepower.

Tactical applications for vehicles – more than just gap fillers

Vehicles are not only cheap – they can also be used tactically in a wide variety of roles. Used correctly, they support your mechs where they have weaknesses or would be a waste of resources. Here are a few tried and tested deployment scenarios:

1. backline defense

Many vehicles are not fast – but they don’t have to be. Especially in defensive missions or scenarios with stationary targets (e.g. ammunition depots, communication centers or supply bases), inexpensive vehicles can be used as static defenders.

Typical application examples:

• Anti-aircraft or LRM/SRM vehicles for air defense or fire support from the second row
• Tanks for the defense of retreat routes or mission objectives
• Infantry transporter with crew for securing buildings and checkpoints and for dropping off infantry who can then act as spotters for indirect fire, among other things.

2. flank protection – guard dogs for your mechs

Advancing BattleMechs are often focused on certain directions – especially when advancing in formation. A quick, favorable attack on the flank can break the formation or threaten mission objectives. This is where vehicles come into play:

• Mobile units such as hover or wheeled vehicles are ideal for patrolling the flanks of your main force.
• Tracked vehicles or tanks with strong frontal armor can roll along the side as an “armored wedge” and intercept enemies there.

Flank protection with vehicles ensures that your mechs can concentrate on their actual target.

3. rapid advances & flexible fire support

While mechs usually have steady but rather leisurely movement rates, there are vehicles that are designed for speed. Hovercrafts or light wheeled vehicles can advance surprisingly quickly and:

• Break through the flanks to disrupt the opponent’s formation
• quickly secure terrain advantages before the mechs follow
• or simply serve as decoys to attract fire

LRM carriers or artillery vehicles are also valuable in this role: they remain behind the front line and provide constant support through indirect fire while the mechs actively advance.

What’s the catch? Disadvantages of vehicles

As strong as vehicles are in their niches, they also have some weaknesses:

1. limited mobility of the vehicles

Many vehicles – especially tracked or wheeled vehicles – are less maneuverable than mechs. They often have lower movement values and are dependent on the terrain:

• Wheeled vehicles find it difficult or impossible to make progress in forests or rough terrain.
• Tracked vehicles are a little more off-road capable, but also slower.
• Hovercrafts are fast and can glide over water – but have problems in dense terrain or on rough ground.

2. susceptibility to critical hits

Another sticking point: vehicles are much more susceptible to critical damage. Unlike with mechs, every hit on a vehicle results in a roll on the “Motive Systems Damage Table” – even if armor is still present!

This reflects the reality: in a vehicle, the drive is a major, exposed weak point. If it is damaged, the vehicle can:

• slowed down,
• or even become immobile – even if the shell is still relatively intact.

Conclusion on vehicles in Alpha Strike: a worthwhile addition with brains

Vehicles in Alpha Strike are no substitute for BattleMechs – nor should they be. But in the right combination, they open up exciting possibilities for closing certain tactical gaps or thwarting enemy expectations.

If you play with cost-efficient supporters, clever placement and targeted role deployment, vehicles can have a big impact. They unfold their full potential particularly in campaign-based games, asymmetrical scenarios or urban battles.

So don’t be afraid of wheels, chains and sliding pads – they are just as much a part of a commander’s arsenal as the good old mech.