| Apocryphal |
| MechWarrior 5: Clans | |
|---|---|
| Product information | |
| Type | Video Game |
| Publication information | |
| Publisher | Piranha Games Inc. |
| First published | 17 October 2024 |
| Content | |
| Era | Clan Invasion era |
| Timeline | 17 August 3048 - |
| Series | MechWarrior (video games) |
| Preceded by | MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries |
Sequel to the Inner Sphere mercenary-themed MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, MechWarrior 5: Clans is a stand alone Video Game focused on the Clan Smoke Jaguar's preparation for the Clan Invasion, the first Clan-focused MechWarrior game since 1995's MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat as well as the first to feature the Smoke Jaguars as protagonists. The game was unofficially announced on 14 September 2023 via a leaked four page cover article from the November 2023 issue of PC Gamer Magazine that was intended to be the official reveal.
The game released on the PC, XBox Series X|S and Playstation 5 consoles on October 17th 2024 and it received a 80 percent Metacritic rating, along with 77 percent OpenCritic rating.
- 1 Publisher Information
- 2 Plot
- 3 Gameplay
- 3.1 Economy
- 3.2 Upgrades
- 3.3 Simpod
- 3.4 Playable Mechs
- 4 Release Editions - Standard and Deluxe
- 4.1 Standard Edition ($49.99 USD)
- 4.2 Deluxe Edition ($79.99 US)
- 5 DLC Expansion Packs
- 5.1 Invasion 'Mech Patterns
- 5.2 Trials of War
- 6 Resources
- 6.1 Plot
- 6.2 Gameplay
- 6.3 Credits
- 7 References
- 8 External Links
Publisher Information[edit]
| “ | THE CLAN INVASION IS COMING As a recent graduate of the Smoke Jaguar cadet program, MECHWARRIOR 5: CLANS immerses players in an epic tale set amidst a massive Invasion. Operation Revival catapults their Star to the forefront of a daring and perilous war aimed at reclaiming their rightful homelands from the tyrants and despots ruling the Inner Sphere. This expansive campaign unfolds across numerous planets featuring diverse biomes, showcasing meticulously designed maps and missions that deliver immersive gameplay and intricate combat encounters. Armed with an arsenal of customizable BattleMechs equipped with cutting-edge technologies, players can explore a wealth of tactical options and strategic possibilities. In the first Clan-based MechWarrior game in nearly three decades, players find themselves at a pivotal moment of the MechWarrior universe, where the powerful Clans clash with the Great Houses, plunging the Inner Sphere into unparalleled chaos. In MECHWARRIOR 5: CLANS, you assume the role of a promising young pilot freshly graduated from intensive training on Huntress, the Smoke Jaguar homeworld. As a vital member of a five-mech squad, known as a "Star," you find yourself thrust into the heart of the Clan Invasion of the Inner Sphere - a pivotal moment in the BattleTech universe. Throughout the campaign, the game skillfully immerses you in the personal and military conflicts of the invasion, enveloping you in a captivating narrative populated by well-crafted characters and moral quandaries that will keep you perched on the edge of your command couch.Experience the pinnacle of simulation-style MechWarrior combat in MECHWARRIOR 5: CLANS. With the introduction of Clan BattleMechs and Technology, the game delivers a fresh and dynamic gameplay experience. Embrace the evolution of progression and customization, where pilots are empowered to fine-tune 'Mech loadouts through a revamped MechLab, Hardpoint, and OmniPod system. In this ever-changing battlefield, adaptability is the key to securing strategic victories. MECHWARRIOR 5: CLANS harnesses the immense power of the Unreal Engine, immersing players in a world brimming with stunning environmental details and visceral destruction. Whether engaged in precision combat amidst meticulously designed planetary terrains or traversing vast expanses of sprawling swamplands, every battle takes place against a backdrop of awe-inspiring landscapes and the complex infrastructure of the Inner Sphere. | ” |
Plot[edit]
See also: MechWarrior 5: Clans/Story
The player takes the role of Jayden, the ristar of a Trueborn MechWarrior sibko raised on Londerholm, transferred alongside his five remaining sibkin to the Smoke Jaguar Homeworld of Huntress to complete their Warrior training under the brutal tutelage of Kit Commander Ibrahim Ismiril. Completing his Trial of Position to earn the rank of Star Commander, Jayden is offered a ransom, command of a Star with his surviving sibkin in the prestigious 362nd Assault Cluster immediately prior to the unexpected arrival of the Outbound Light and the Clan drive towards Terra.
While taking part at the forefront of Operation REVIVAL to achieve the Clans long-dreamed of Hidden Hope to defeat the evil Bandit Kingdoms and the corrupt Draconis Combine alike, the young and unseasoned Jayden witnesses the noble ideals on which he was raised from birth clash with the practical and political realities of serving in Clan Smoke Jaguar's invasion of the Inner Sphere, forcing him to confront just what kind of warrior he wishes to become.
Gameplay[edit]
Like the previous entries in MechWarrior series, MechWarrior 5: Clans is a single-player PVE BattleMech simulator game with the player piloting their own 'Mech and commanding the rest of their star. Similarly to its immediate predecessor MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, the game does have the option of co-op play between players on all available platforms, with four friends of the host able to take the place of the AI pilots and assist the host progress through the game's campaign missions or replay already completed campaign missions in the SimPod.
As well as including the quick command options and ability to shift between the AI pilots 'Mechs from the proceeding game, MechWarrior 5: Clans introduces a much more full-featured and granular Command Wheel as well as a real-time "Battle Grid" which provides and satellite style overview of the battlefield allowing the host to provide even more specific orders and commands to both AI and co-op pilots alike.
MechWarrior 5: Clans also introduces the gameplay concept of Scan Mode which allows the player to locate and interact with various environmental elements such as hacking turret controls, disarming mines and opening door locks and so on as well as tagging salvage caches for pickup or ammo caches to replenish their 'Mechs ammunition using the primary fire button, the player unable to fire their weaponry while in Scan Mode.
Economy[edit]
Resources include the following:
- Kerenskies, analogous to the C-bills of Mercenaries. Used to purchase additional copies of unlocked 'Mechs, weapons, and equipment.
- Items can be sold for half of their purchase value (even if damaged?)
- Merits. Used to requisition support personnel and facilities and unlock 'Mech chassis.
- Technicians repair 'Mechs. 50 Merit per Technician, 85/... Merit to upgrade Technicians.
- Scientists generate research points each cycle for upgrading 'Mechs, weapons, and equipment. 75 Merit per Scientist; 55/60/... Merit to upgrade Scientists.
- Salvage operations increases the maximum number of components that can be claimed after each mission. 100 Merit for +30 components per mission. (This caps at 600 Salvage a mission)
- 'Mech chassis can be unlocked after reaching the appropriate Honor Level. The unlock comes with one unit of that chassis, with additional units available for purchase with Kerenskies.
- Honor, analogous to the Reputation of Mercenaries. Reaching higher Honor Levels allows heavier 'Mech chassis to be unlocked.
- Components, roughly replacing the salvage of Mercenaries. There are three types of components: 'Mech, weapon, and equipment. These are used along with research points to research upgrades. Unneeded components can be sold for 1,000 Kerenskies each.
- Pilot XP, earned by pilot participation and performance in battle. This is used to upgrade pilot skills.
- 'Mech XP, earned by using the 'Mech and achieving Chassis Milestones. This is used to upgrade 'Mech chassis (separate from the general 'Mech upgrades above) and unlock OmniPod sets.
Upgrades[edit]
The mobility parameters of a chassis can be upgraded using its 'Mech XP. The following upgrades are available:
- Acceleration / deceleration
- Top speed
- Reverse speed
- Torso movement speed
- Maximum torso angle
- Turn speed
Simpod[edit]
The Simpod allows previously-completed missions to be replayed with Advanced Mission Parameters, objectives that can be completed for bonus Pilot XP.
- Do not lose a component during the mission.
- Complete the mission with a total Star tonnage at or below a specified limit.
- Complete the mission with all stock loadouts.
- Complete the mission within the specified time limit.
- Find all 3 supply caches.
Most other rewards are reduced:
- Progress towards Chassis Milestones proceeds at full rate.
- 'Mech and Pilot XP (other than by Advanced Mission Parameters) is earned at only 10% of the usual rate.
- There is no gain of repair progress, research progress, components, Kerenskies, or Honor.
- 'Mechs are not damaged for real.
Playable Mechs[edit]
- Mist Lynx (Koshi)
- Arctic Cheetah (Hankyu)
- Kit Fox (Uller)
- Adder (Puma)
- Viper (Dragonfly)
- Shadow Cat
- Nova (Black Hawk)
- Stormcrow (Ryoken)
- Mad Dog (Vulture)
- Hellbringer (Loki)
- Summoner (Thor)
- Timber Wolf (Mad Cat)
- Gargoyle (Man O' War)
- Warhawk (Masakari)
- Executioner (Gladiator)
- Dire Wolf (Daishi)
Release Editions - Standard and Deluxe[edit]
PGI announced on 10 October 2024 the release format for MechWarrior 5: Clans with both standard and deluxe editions, replicating the format used for MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries. PGI likewise announced the Deluxe Edition included content would also enhanced with each DLC release similar to what occurred for MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries.
Standard Edition ($49.99 USD)[edit]
- Digital copy of MechWarrior 5: Clans
- Digital Game Manual
Deluxe Edition ($79.99 US)[edit]
- Digital copy of MechWarrior 5: Clans
- Digital Game Manual
- MechWarrior 5: Clans Digital Artbook
- MechWarrior 5: Clans Technical Readout
- MechWarrior 5: Clans Digital Soundtrack
- Exclusive MechWarrior Online style Platinum 'Mech paint patterns
- Timber Wolf Warrant Hero 'Mech.
DLC Expansion Packs[edit]
Again similar to MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, PGI has advised a number of DLC expansion packs are planned and in development for MechWarrior 5: Clans. According to Narrative Director Chris Lowrey during a pre-launch interview by Big Red, the sales performance of Clans determines the scope of subsequent DLCs [1].
Invasion 'Mech Patterns[edit]
Announced at the same time as the game's standard and deluxe edition pricing, the Invasion 'Mech Patterns DLC offers paint schemes in similar style as the MechWarrior Online Clan Collection special paint patterns. As an additional early adopter bonus, this DLC was available free those who bought the game during its first week of release (17th October 2024 00:00 UTC to 24th October 24th 2024 00:00 UTC) after which it became a paid purchase option.
Trials of War[edit]
Officially announced on 21 November 2024, Trials of War is the first post-release DLC for MechWarrior 5: Clans scheduled for release on 25 November 2024 at 6 PM UTC. The DLC primarily features two new modes - Arena and Horde. Arena Mode emulates Trial style dueling either 5v5 PvP against a mixture of human players via co-op play or AI opponents across a variety of arena maps. Horde Mode is a co-op PvE mode which sees the player's Star facing endless escalating waves of enemies.
Trials of War also introduces twelve new exclusive Hero 'Mech OmniMech configurations to the game, many previously appearing in MechWarrior Online as well as a number of unique new Heroes. Similar to MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries DLC releases, PGI also announced a number of free enhancements to the base game for non-DLC purchasers in the same patch, including a higher "Trueborn" difficulty level for the campaign, eight additional OmniPod configuration sets as well as other Quality of Life improvements and bug fixes.[2]
Resources[edit]
Plot[edit]
- MechWarrior 5: Clans/Story
- MechWarrior 5: Clans/Campaign Missions
- MechWarrior 5: Clans/Characters
Gameplay[edit]
- MechWarrior 5: Clans/BattleMechs
- MechWarrior 5: Clans/Equipment
- MechWarrior 5: Clans/Factions
- MechWarrior 5: Clans/Vehicles
Credits[edit]
- MechWarrior_5:_Clans/Credits
References[edit]
- ↑ [1] Pre-launch interview with Mechwarrior 5 Clans Narrative Lead Chris Lowrey, 16th October 2024 00:00 UTC]
- ↑ Trials of War
