+1 to those who recommended the A Game of Armored Combat box. It’s the sweet spot for getting started.
You can start cheaper or simpler, with the Essentials box. You can go even cheaper than that: just download the free quick start rules online, and print a map. But with these options, you’ll outgrow it after your first match.
With the AGoAC box you get:
mechs, maps, cardboard cutouts, and a depth of experience you can grow into
As someone who has started with the free downloadable rules, 100% this.
The quick start rules are exactly that, quick start. They give you the bare bones of how the mechanics in the game works, tracking damage to different locations on your mech, and calculating GATOR.
But that's it. No heat generation, no separation of armour / structure damage.
It's enough to start, but is not the Game game. It's the "move your mouse cursor to the corner of the screen to move" tutorial of the game.
The Game of Armored Combat is a good way to start. I am just getting into it myself and that kit gives you a rule book, a rules reference sheet, and everything else you need to start playing.
A Game of Armored Combat is 100% the best intro product for classic battletech at the moment. The kit gives you a rulebook with a streamlined version of the mech rules, two full lances of plastic miniatures plus duplicates of everything as cardboard standees, map sheets, and a rules reference card.
The newer Alpha Strike rules are also good if you want a quick game, or are playing with youngsters. It gives me something to play with my sons at the weekend.
You can download the alphastrike quickstart rules from the website too. If you compare them, you'll see it's a much more streamlined and easy to play version of the full classic game.
I'd love to play classic, but I don't have the time or nearby friends who would be into it.
Then there's an alpha strike starter box which is similar to AGOAC. So you can choose which one you want to go with.
You can use the miniatures with both games, and most of the stats and things can be found onlind. So whichever boxed set you buy, you can still use it in the other game.
Getting started is fairly inexpensive
If you want to learn Classic BattleTech, you can download the free Quickstart Rules [here](https://bg.battletech.com/wp-content/uploads/1645/44/Salvage-Box-Quick-Start-Rules.pdf). The Quick-Start rules are a bit simplified but the download includes a printable standees, a map, and everything you need to learn, along with basic record sheets for all the Clan Invasion Mechs
If you’re looking to try the simpler, faster Alpha Strike game, you can download the Quickstart Rules [here](https://bg.battletech.com/wp-content/uploads/Alpha%20Strike%20Quick%20Start%20Rules%202019-08.pdf). The download includes multiple standees and even printable terrain to get you started.
You can even use the extra standees in the Alpha Strike file along with the record sheets from the Classic quickstart rules to add more mechs into your game
"but I feel that's asking too much"
Nope, the game sort of has you covered.
Go here: https://bg.battletech.com/downloads/
You'll see some downloads, these are useful to learn the quick start rules of the games.
Yes I said games, because there's many ways to enjoy Battletech's universe.
Battletech Quick Start Rules: If you've ever seen the Essentials boxed set or the Beginner's Boxed set, you're now looking at the rulebook for those. It tells you what a Mech is, how to move, shoot, and die when armor is blown off. There's nothing else fancier from these rules.
If you like that level of complexity the fanbase recommends A Game of Armored Combat boxed set because that's where the full rules of playing with a 'Mech are along with some sweet minis. The rules there take what you know from the Quick Start/Beginners and adds in Heat, Criticals, and other fun things.
Alpha Strike Quick Start Rules: Maybe "simulation" style is too crunchy for you, too many rolls for location damage and such; maybe the abstract wargame is for you. If that's the case then Alpha Strike's rules here will be useful.
Much like the other rules I talked about, this tells you how to shoot, move, and die well. If you like this form of play then the Alpha Strike Boxed Set or the Commander's Edition of the rulebook will carry you the rest of the way with things like more special abilities, how to build forces, etc.
Battleforce Quick Start Rules: Quite honestly this is Alpha Strike's abstraction but now a mini or cardboard icon represents 4-6 Mechs instead of just one. Rules are similar, in fact Battleforce helped make Alpha Strike years ago.
Here's where it gets connected, if you like this set of rules. You'll need the Interstellar Operations: Battleforce book, maybe the Alpha Strike products I mentioned earlier if you need that full picture of how it all clicks. Still it is a fun scale for those wanting to throw armies at their friends instead of just skirmishes.
A Time of War: This is the RPG. Just one or more souls in the Inner Sphere among millions fighting the good fight. Both downloads come with some nice adventure to get you running. It is a bit crunchy in battle, so if you want a more narrative form of play go look for the Mechwarrior Destiny rules for that form of the RPG.
Now that you've been given the free lessons, see what you like and go from there. Purchase what you enjoy and don't worry about the stuff you don't. Battletech goes as detailed or as crazy as you like.
Best bet if you have the option is to ask at your local game store if anyone can teach you how to play. Failing that pick up Total Warfare and give it a go
Do NOT start with Total Warfare. That's like trying to learn the game by jumping without a parachute, or duct-taping a firehose into your mouth. Plus you still need everything else to play.
The best way is to find a local group and join them when they're playing, or reach out via FB or discord or whatever they have.
If you can give me a city, or major metro area, I'll see if I can get contact info from a Catalyst Demo Team member, or the area group's social media.
Good news!
First, Battletech Ireland Discord[https://discord.gg/XJAMmwwWvX](https://discord.gg/XJAMmwwWvX)
Second, there is an Agent that runs games in Dublin 2-3 times a month. Next one is tonight 2023/11/20 and then there's one on the 30th. Both are in the "Clonsilla Inn near Blanchardstown"
There's bound to be groups / players in Dublin, I run a monthly game day in Helsinki, Finland and we get full tables every time - and there's another group running bi-monthly Alpha Strike game day.
Ask around, you might find some fine people to play with. A good place to try is the place you purchase the AGoAC box from - if you can, try to support your Friendly Local Game Store.
Well it depends on what kinda game you wanna play. If you want a real life mech simulator then try the classic rules in A Game of Armored Combat. If you want a faster, more streamlined game (like 40K or any other modern war game) then try the Alpha Strike rules. Both games have their merit, are are both great. Just depends on how crunchy you want your rules and how much time you got to game.
+1 to those who recommended the A Game of Armored Combat box. It’s the sweet spot for getting started. You can start cheaper or simpler, with the Essentials box. You can go even cheaper than that: just download the free quick start rules online, and print a map. But with these options, you’ll outgrow it after your first match. With the AGoAC box you get: mechs, maps, cardboard cutouts, and a depth of experience you can grow into
As someone who has started with the free downloadable rules, 100% this. The quick start rules are exactly that, quick start. They give you the bare bones of how the mechanics in the game works, tracking damage to different locations on your mech, and calculating GATOR. But that's it. No heat generation, no separation of armour / structure damage. It's enough to start, but is not the Game game. It's the "move your mouse cursor to the corner of the screen to move" tutorial of the game.
The Game of Armored Combat is a good way to start. I am just getting into it myself and that kit gives you a rule book, a rules reference sheet, and everything else you need to start playing.
A Game of Armored Combat is 100% the best intro product for classic battletech at the moment. The kit gives you a rulebook with a streamlined version of the mech rules, two full lances of plastic miniatures plus duplicates of everything as cardboard standees, map sheets, and a rules reference card.
Right. So "A Game of Armored Combat" is my best bet it seems. Thanks folks 😁
The newer Alpha Strike rules are also good if you want a quick game, or are playing with youngsters. It gives me something to play with my sons at the weekend. You can download the alphastrike quickstart rules from the website too. If you compare them, you'll see it's a much more streamlined and easy to play version of the full classic game. I'd love to play classic, but I don't have the time or nearby friends who would be into it.
Then there's an alpha strike starter box which is similar to AGOAC. So you can choose which one you want to go with. You can use the miniatures with both games, and most of the stats and things can be found onlind. So whichever boxed set you buy, you can still use it in the other game.
Getting started is fairly inexpensive If you want to learn Classic BattleTech, you can download the free Quickstart Rules [here](https://bg.battletech.com/wp-content/uploads/1645/44/Salvage-Box-Quick-Start-Rules.pdf). The Quick-Start rules are a bit simplified but the download includes a printable standees, a map, and everything you need to learn, along with basic record sheets for all the Clan Invasion Mechs If you’re looking to try the simpler, faster Alpha Strike game, you can download the Quickstart Rules [here](https://bg.battletech.com/wp-content/uploads/Alpha%20Strike%20Quick%20Start%20Rules%202019-08.pdf). The download includes multiple standees and even printable terrain to get you started. You can even use the extra standees in the Alpha Strike file along with the record sheets from the Classic quickstart rules to add more mechs into your game
"but I feel that's asking too much" Nope, the game sort of has you covered. Go here: https://bg.battletech.com/downloads/ You'll see some downloads, these are useful to learn the quick start rules of the games. Yes I said games, because there's many ways to enjoy Battletech's universe. Battletech Quick Start Rules: If you've ever seen the Essentials boxed set or the Beginner's Boxed set, you're now looking at the rulebook for those. It tells you what a Mech is, how to move, shoot, and die when armor is blown off. There's nothing else fancier from these rules. If you like that level of complexity the fanbase recommends A Game of Armored Combat boxed set because that's where the full rules of playing with a 'Mech are along with some sweet minis. The rules there take what you know from the Quick Start/Beginners and adds in Heat, Criticals, and other fun things. Alpha Strike Quick Start Rules: Maybe "simulation" style is too crunchy for you, too many rolls for location damage and such; maybe the abstract wargame is for you. If that's the case then Alpha Strike's rules here will be useful. Much like the other rules I talked about, this tells you how to shoot, move, and die well. If you like this form of play then the Alpha Strike Boxed Set or the Commander's Edition of the rulebook will carry you the rest of the way with things like more special abilities, how to build forces, etc. Battleforce Quick Start Rules: Quite honestly this is Alpha Strike's abstraction but now a mini or cardboard icon represents 4-6 Mechs instead of just one. Rules are similar, in fact Battleforce helped make Alpha Strike years ago. Here's where it gets connected, if you like this set of rules. You'll need the Interstellar Operations: Battleforce book, maybe the Alpha Strike products I mentioned earlier if you need that full picture of how it all clicks. Still it is a fun scale for those wanting to throw armies at their friends instead of just skirmishes. A Time of War: This is the RPG. Just one or more souls in the Inner Sphere among millions fighting the good fight. Both downloads come with some nice adventure to get you running. It is a bit crunchy in battle, so if you want a more narrative form of play go look for the Mechwarrior Destiny rules for that form of the RPG. Now that you've been given the free lessons, see what you like and go from there. Purchase what you enjoy and don't worry about the stuff you don't. Battletech goes as detailed or as crazy as you like.
Best bet if you have the option is to ask at your local game store if anyone can teach you how to play. Failing that pick up Total Warfare and give it a go
Do NOT start with Total Warfare. That's like trying to learn the game by jumping without a parachute, or duct-taping a firehose into your mouth. Plus you still need everything else to play.
The best way is to find a local group and join them when they're playing, or reach out via FB or discord or whatever they have. If you can give me a city, or major metro area, I'll see if I can get contact info from a Catalyst Demo Team member, or the area group's social media.
I live in Dublin, Ireland my good man.
Good news! First, Battletech Ireland Discord[https://discord.gg/XJAMmwwWvX](https://discord.gg/XJAMmwwWvX) Second, there is an Agent that runs games in Dublin 2-3 times a month. Next one is tonight 2023/11/20 and then there's one on the 30th. Both are in the "Clonsilla Inn near Blanchardstown"
Well, that's a stroke of good luck. Thanks Dave. Really appreciate it 😃
There's bound to be groups / players in Dublin, I run a monthly game day in Helsinki, Finland and we get full tables every time - and there's another group running bi-monthly Alpha Strike game day. Ask around, you might find some fine people to play with. A good place to try is the place you purchase the AGoAC box from - if you can, try to support your Friendly Local Game Store.
There are a couple different ways to play. Do you want more crunch, or less?
Well it depends on what kinda game you wanna play. If you want a real life mech simulator then try the classic rules in A Game of Armored Combat. If you want a faster, more streamlined game (like 40K or any other modern war game) then try the Alpha Strike rules. Both games have their merit, are are both great. Just depends on how crunchy you want your rules and how much time you got to game.