How to Build a Medium Mech for Classic Battletech

Medium mechs, those ranging from 40 to 55 tons, have the greatest versatility. Making them effective is challenging as a design problem. The focus here needs to be on making a balanced mech, capable of multiple battlefield roles without being specific to any one. Read on to learn how to build medium mech for classic Battletech.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Review the rules concerning heat. Heat is a big deal in Battletech as it causes the mechs to seize up and become nothing more than large targets.
2. Select your tonnage and chassis. While it's possible to take a quadraped chassis, this isn't a popular choice and doesn't allow for the same sort of role opportunities that medium mechs are made for.
3. Choose an engine and gyroscope. This should, of course, be a mid-range engine that allows you to travel at medium speeds. Give the gyroscope some consideration. If you have chosen a quadraped mech, you can go for a cheaper gyroscope.
4. Determine whether you want jump capability. You will use this mostly to navigate terrain, but you can make effective attacks as a last resort using the crushing weight of the mech.
5. Consider special equipment, such as ECM, that might help your mech navigate the field with little interference. If you are attempting a sniping game, several medium mechs equipped similarly could be quite effective.
6. Decide on your mech's weaponry. For good variation, pick up some LRMs, at least one laser and a close combat weapon. Anything else you add creates a more combat capable mech.
7. Armor up your mech with additional plating and decide on how heat intensive your weapons are. If they are sucking up more heat than you recover per round, consider adding some heatsinks.