Objective of the Game

Battletech is a tactical board game set in a futuristic universe where giant humanoid battle machines, called "Mechs", are the primary fighting units. The game's objective is to destroy the opponent's Mechs through strategic maneuvering and weapon deployment or to achieve specific mission goals.

Game Components

• Game Board: A hexagonal grid that represents various terrains like forests, water, and hills.
• Mech Models: Miniatures representing the player's units.
• Record Sheets: These display each Mech's status, including armor strength and weapons.
• Dice: Typically six-sided dice used to determine attacks and other chance elements.

Setup

1. Each player selects a number of Mechs, typically 1-4 per player.
2. Set up the game boards according to the chosen mission or scenario.
3. Distribute each player's Mechs' record sheets to track armor and weapon information.

Gameplay

Battletech is played in turns, each consisting of several phases:

1. Determine Initiative: At the start of each round, players roll two six-sided dice. The player with the highest roll chooses the order in which players take their turns – this has tactical significance.

2. Movement Phase: In the order determined by initiative, players alternately move their Mechs. Movement is influenced by the movement range and terrain.

3. Firing Phase: After all Mechs have moved, they can fire weapons. Players declare their targets, calculate modifiers (range, movement, cover), and roll to hit. Successful hits inflict damage recorded on the record sheet.

4. Heat Phase: Weapon usage generates heat. Players need to monitor their Mechs' heat levels since overheating can lead to performance issues or damage.

5. End Phase: Damage is processed, and the next round begins with initiative.

Key Strategies

• Positioning: Maneuver your Mechs to gain an advantage, for example, behind cover or on elevated terrain.
• Heat Management: Carefully manage your Mechs' weapon use to avoid overheating.
• Specialization: Mechs have different strengths (e.g., long-range fire, close combat) – use them according to their specialties.

End of the Game

The game ends when one side achieves its mission objectives or destroys all enemy Mechs.