Harebrained Schemes’ BattleTech, which launched in April 2018, is closing in on the end of its Season Pass downloadable content. Two pieces of post-launch DLC already introduced new missions, mechanics, ‘Mechs, and maps. Now the third, called Heavy Metal, is bringing out the big guns. The $19.99 update, due out on Nov. 12, promises to add eight massive new machines to the game.

Add in two free additions and that’s a total of 10 new ‘Mechs. You can watch the trailer at the top of this post.

BattleTech is a turn-based tactical game based on the nearly 35-year-old big-stompy-robots tabletop franchise. It tells the story of a small border skirmish that expands rapidly, pulling in several of the galaxy’s largest political powers. It can be played as a narrative campaign, or as a sandbox-style open-world game. Owners and fans of both modes of play have already benefited from Harebrained’s dedication to the title, a commitment that has only increased since they were picked up by Paradox last summer.

Heavy Metal will be accompanied by a free patch, which will include two additional BattleMechs; the fan favourite Marauder-class and the Warhammer-class chassis. Those who pick up the for-pay expansion (or those who already own the Season Pass) will also gain access to seven more classic models. Here are the details on each, plus rough data pulled from Sarna.net:

  • Flea, a 20-ton ‘Mech known for its speed and firepower.
  • Assassin, a 40-ton ‘Mech with roots in Star League-era conflicts.
  • Vulcan, a 40-ton ‘Mech known best as an anti-infantry unit.
  • Phoenix Hawke, a 45-ton ‘Mech and a fairly common unit across the Inner Sphere.
  • Annihilator, a 100-ton ‘Mech that’s fairly slow for an assault chassis but with plenty of ballistic and energy hardpoints.
  • Archer, a 70-ton missile boat that comes standard with 2x LRM-20s.
  • Rifleman, the iconic 60-ton beast shown on the cover of the original MechWarrior role-playing game system’s core rulebook.

Finally, those who purchase Heavy Metal will also receive access to the Bull Shark. The massive monster looks to be about the same size as a King Crab, but its armaments are a mystery. That’s because the team at Harebrained has created it from scratch.

The expansion also promises eight entirely new weapon systems, including a ‘Mech Mortar area-of-effect weapon and a COIL Beam that charges up energy the further the attacker travels before firing. There’s also a miniature campaign that brings players in contact with members of the famed Wolf’s Dragoons.

Heavy Metal is available starting Nov. 21.

Source: Polygon