"BattleTech - where to start?" Topic

Having been an Ogre fan and given up waiting for the new version I was surfing one day and came across the amazing terrain build picture or picture at Terragenesis link

This got me interested in the game but I am unsure where to start. The font of all knowledge (Wikipedia) does not really help but a surf found link and battletech.catalystgamelabs.com

So my questions are:

1) What version do folks play?
2) Where do I start?
3) Does it work as a solo game?

Andrew
blog.kings-sleep.me.uk

Catalyst has a very good starter set, comes with a bunch of plastic mechs as well.

Absolutely playable solo.

You also download the starter rules for free, but they neglect a few things, such as interior armor.

The introductory boxed set is a great way to ease yourself into the rules. Also, you'll get two mapshees and several plastic figures, as Warlock mentioned.
link

After that, pick up the Total Warfare hardcover book. It has everything you'd need to play as far as rules go. From there, the other books add more rules and equipment and so on. Total Warfare is the "core rulebook" for the full game.
link

You also might want to pick up some of the books of record sheets or the technical readouts. These are organized by years or eras when the 'Mechs they contain were introduced.

However, most people (in my own experience) print out their record sheets using software such as Heavy Metal Pro or one of the other 'Mech design programs out there.

Overall, BattleTech is one of my favorite games and something I've played for years. It could be overwhelming at first, given the huge back-story and enormous catalog of products available. But, don't let that put you off. It's not that hard to pick up and after a few games you'll feel like an old hand.

Also, Catalyst does have a page for people new to the BattleTech universe here:
link

Enjoy and welcome to Classic BattleTech!

hmmm there is a large BT convention in Germany in Nov 2010 link perhaps you could link up with others going? It is being held in a huge bed and breakfast setup…cost of a bed comes with the convention ticket…wacky! :)

Check out the Catalyst forum and post a "looking for UK players" thread.

Yes you can certainly play solo or remotely via the net and web cams :)

Good luck

Thanks folks for the quick answers.

Looks like the printer is going to get a bit of a hammer this weekend.

Andrew

Box set and you are good to go. HMPro, or Solaris Skunkworks (IIRC) for designing stuff. Some TROs, or other source books if that floats your boat, everything else is optional.

Be sure to look into MegaMek as well. It's an open-source translation of the tabletop game to PC. Great for when you have the urge to play BT, but can't find anyone to play with!

Google "megamek" and much will be revealed!

Catalyst Games Labs it's exciting the game just celebrated it's 25th Anniversary. The current owner is Catalyst Games Labs. As an Official Catalyst Demo Agent Rep, I can tell you the game is doing very well. We just released the new 25th Edition Box set and the new Miniatures maker is Iron Wind Metals.

The current rules book is "Total WarFare" and is very well made rules set. Several things have been improved especially the Vehicles combat rules and infantry. Catalyst reworked the rule for these completely bringing them more in line and realistic. Battletech is still using the hexed based system, however gaining in huge numbers is the non hexed version. You can get the free PDF of the supplemental miniatures non hexed additional rules at:http://www.classicbattletech.com/downloads/CBTMiniRules_Final.pdf

In fact Catalyst Games labs offers Free PDFS to give you the basics of the game for trial first.
link

The game is doing very well and updated for a new generation and a strong returning groups of veterans.

One way to meet other players is to register as one at:
link

There you can list yourself under a local Demo Agent. For instance I'm the primary Agent for the Los Angeles /Orange County Region of Southern California # 366
In fact we have a Demo Team that runs events at St. Crispin's Hobby Day in Anaheim ,Strategicon,Condor Con,Socal Smackdown and local stores.

In fact we will be running a large scale full terrain non hexed game of Battletech at Socal Smackdown 2011 in Sept.

So there is many ways to get into the game.