Harebrained Schemes and Paradox released BATTLETECH on 24 April 2018. It is turn-based lance combat set in 3025, in a Periphery region called the Aurigan Reach, where you run a mercenary company for High Lady Kamea Arano against Director Santiago Espinosa's Aurigan Directorate. Four mechs drop per mission, five initiative phases resolve per round, and the MechLab makes you argue for every half ton. Three expansions followed: Flashpoint in 2018, Urban Warfare in 2019 and Heavy Metal later that year.
Choosing the right build shapes your entire experience. This guide breaks down every option: what they're good at, what they struggle with, and which one matches your playstyle. For optimized builds with full gear sets, see our builds guide.
Quick Comparison
| Build | Tier | Playstyle | Best Equipment | Beginner Friendly? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Light Mech scout | A | Balanced | AC/20 Autocannon | Yes |
| Medium Mech skirmisher | A | Balanced | PPC | Yes |
| Heavy Mech line fighter | A | Balanced | LRM 20 | Yes |
| Assault Mech brawler | A | Balanced | SRM 6 | Yes |
| Sensor Lock spotter | A | Balanced | Medium Laser | Yes |
New player? Start with Medium Mech skirmisher. See our beginner's guide for why.
Light Mech scout
Light Mech scout is a strong option in BATTLETECH.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | AC/20 Autocannon |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Five phase initiative order |
Strengths
- Highest overall performance across all content types
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with AC/20 Autocannon
Weaknesses
- Popular choice, competition for resources
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Coromodir to learn Light Mech scout-specific mechanics
- Focus on Five phase initiative order. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize AC/20 Autocannon as your first major upgrade
- See our full Light Mech scout build guide for the optimal gear progression
Medium Mech skirmisher
Medium Mech skirmisher is a strong option in BATTLETECH.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | PPC |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Evasion pips and Sensor Lock |
Strengths
- Most versatile, adapts to any situation
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with PPC
Weaknesses
- Lower peak damage than S-tier options
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Coromodir to learn Medium Mech skirmisher-specific mechanics
- Focus on Evasion pips and Sensor Lock. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize PPC as your first major upgrade
- See our full Medium Mech skirmisher build guide for the optimal gear progression
Heavy Mech line fighter
Heavy Mech line fighter is a strong option in BATTLETECH.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | LRM 20 |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Called shots on prone and shutdown targets |
Strengths
- Best survivability for learning hard content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with LRM 20
Weaknesses
- Slower progression speed
- Needs specific gear to reach full potential
Recommended Progression
- Start in Coromodir to learn Heavy Mech line fighter-specific mechanics
- Focus on Called shots on prone and shutdown targets. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize LRM 20 as your first major upgrade
- See our full Heavy Mech line fighter build guide for the optimal gear progression
Assault Mech brawler
Assault Mech brawler is a strong option in BATTLETECH.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | SRM 6 |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Heat and stability damage |
Strengths
- Excellent in group and cooperative content
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with SRM 6
Weaknesses
- Less effective solo
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Coromodir to learn Assault Mech brawler-specific mechanics
- Focus on Heat and stability damage. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize SRM 6 as your first major upgrade
- See our full Assault Mech brawler build guide for the optimal gear progression
Sensor Lock spotter
Sensor Lock spotter is a strong option in BATTLETECH.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tier | A |
| Playstyle | Balanced approach |
| Best Equipment | Medium Laser |
| Stat Priority | Balanced stats |
| Core Gear | Best available |
| Key Mechanic | Contract negotiation and salvage shares |
Strengths
- Highest skill ceiling with unique mechanics
- Solid all-around choice
- Pairs well with Medium Laser
Weaknesses
- Steep learning curve, punishing mistakes
- Requires deep game knowledge to use effectively
Recommended Progression
- Start in Coromodir to learn Sensor Lock spotter-specific mechanics
- Focus on Contract negotiation and salvage shares. It's this build's primary system
- Prioritize Medium Laser as your first major upgrade
- See our full Sensor Lock spotter build guide for the optimal gear progression
Which Build Should You Pick?
For Beginners
Medium Mech skirmisher is the clear winner. It's forgiving, teaches core mechanics, and remains competitive into endgame. Follow our beginner's guide for the best first-session experience.
For Maximum Performance
Light Mech scout is the top pick once you understand the game's mechanics. Pair it with AC/20 Autocannon for the strongest overall setup.
For a Challenge
Sensor Lock spotter offers the highest skill ceiling. It's punishing when misplayed but incredibly rewarding when mastered. Only recommended after you've completed the game with another build.
For Group Play
Assault Mech brawler shines in cooperative content with utility and team support capabilities.
More BATTLETECH Guides
- BATTLETECH BATTLETECH Overview
- BATTLETECH Best Builds
- BATTLETECH Tier List
- BATTLETECH Walkthrough
- BATTLETECH Beginner's Guide
- BATTLETECH Tips & Tricks
- BATTLETECH Weapons Guide
- BATTLETECH Combat Guide
- BATTLETECH Boss Guide
- BATTLETECH Maps & Locations
- BATTLETECH Crafting Guide
Similar Games
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- Mount & Blade II: Bannerlord Classes Guide: strategy game with similar mechanics
- RimWorld Classes Guide: strategy game with similar mechanics
