If you love stomping around in giant mechs and unloading massive firepower, MechWarrior 5: Clans should be following on your list. And it is not another mech game for us; Piranha Games brings a new flavor to the business with MechWarrior 5: Clans. Whether new to the series or a die-hard fan of the MechWarrior universe, this game is packed with cinematic action, epic mech battles, and enough strategic gameplay to keep you locked in. So, let’s dive into MechWarrior 5: Clans gameplay guide and what makes it so exciting.
A Fresh Take on the Series
First, MechWarrior 5: Clans is not the expansion or DLC for MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries. Piranha Games was very keen to point that out, saying it’s a fully-fledged, standalone game with a narrative-driven, linear campaign. In other words, we’re moving away from the open-ended, sandbox nature of Mercenaries and instead getting a more focused, story-rich experience, really delving deep into the brutal, warlike Clan culture.
In this new entry, you will pilot Omnimechs in a highly cinematic campaign to immerse you in the world of Clans. With Unreal Engine 5 powering the visuals, expect some serious eye candy in cinematics and battlefields.
What’s the Story in MechWarrior 5: Clans?
MechWarrior 5: Clans introduces you to the highly disciplined and battle-hardened Clan culture. You will be a “trueborn MechWarrior,” cloned for the ride in the OmniMechs developed by the Clans. The plot unfolds as your star or unit is deployed for battle. This is no mindless hack-fest; the characters are well-populated, with voice, in-depth cutscenes, and even a bit of banter to add a surprising emotional depth.
Core Gameplay – All About Strategy
Now, when it gets down to gameplay, MechWarrior 5: Clans is a traditional MechWarrior experience. You’ll get all the intense mech combat fans love – these massive robots tearing each other apart with lasers, missiles, and cannons. The game also adds some new tricks to the plate, so it’s more accessible to newcomers but doesn’t sacrifice the depth that veteran players crave.
Among the most excellent new features, I love the overhead battle grid, RTS-style. From this satellite view, you issue commands to your squadmates and position them for maximum tactical advantage. While these placements matter because mechs have destructible limbs and different armor zones, being able to arrange your star from above is an altogether new layer of strategy.
With a radial command, you can access a quick order menu to prioritize specific targets or utilize special abilities such as the MASC Supercharger, accelerating your mech. The best part? These controls work as well for a controller as they do with a mouse and keyboard so that you can choose your preferred playstyle.
Combat and Missions
Battle-wise, MechWarrior 5: Clans delivers the satisfyingly heavy feel you would expect from the series. Mechs are humongous, lumbering beasts; every move or shot feels impactful. Early missions ease you in. You must investigate a drop zone, scan all structures, and engage smaller mechs, tanks, and aircraft.
Things get much more complicated as you make your way through the campaign. There’s a plot twist in this demo mission we played that suggests there may be significant antagonists and a greater story. You’ll be teased with epic mech battles that require strategy to properly manage your squad and position and then eradicate people with precision.
Multiplayer Co-op Action
Yes, and multiplayer! MechWarrior 5: Clans will come with campaign co-op support for up to five players. You and your friends can all pilot your star and go on a mission together. There is no random matchmaking here; it’s all strictly invite-only, so you don’t need to worry about strangers bailing into your entire party.
Note that co-op does not offer cross-progression, so you may have to host the mission or go solo if you want to progress your campaign. But for those who want more action in their mech-busting goodness, there’s an instant-action mode where you and your friends can try non-campaign missions together.
Omnimech Customization
What’s a MechWarrior game without some severe mech customization? Between missions, you can fine-tune your Omnimechs by changing out parts and readjusting load-outs to fit your play style. Each Omnimech is prespecified with a selection of omnipods that alter the complement of available hardpoints and weapons.
Customization, meanwhile, runs far deeper than just swapping in different weapons. You’ll also have a science lab where you can research upgrades for mech parts and chassis; on top of all that, you’ll earn pilot XP, allowing you to customize your squadmates and lend them skills and bonuses to make them better for you on the battlefield.
Why Isn’t This MechWarrior 6?
You may wonder why this game is still MechWarrior 5: Clans and not MechWarrior 6. According to Piranha Games, they initially had yet to determine whether their game would be a massive DLC or its own game. But as development went on, it became clear that Clans would be its own game. The “5” in the title stays that way because of licensing agreements with Microsoft.
But don’t let that deceptive title alone fool you; at first, it seems like a half-baked sequel or expansion, but MechWarrior 5: Clans is overflowing with new features, an almost entirely different campaign, and an engine upgrade into Unreal Engine 5, so this is a full-fledged, separate experience.
Summary
Things are looking perfect for an excellent addition to the series with MechWarrior 5: Clans, considering its focus on storytelling, cinematic action, and strategic gameplay. Whether it’s your first time in the world of giant mechs or you are a BattleTech veteran, something is there for everyone. The possibilities are endless, from brand-new RTS elements to expanded co-op and deep mech customization options. You must check this out if you need a big mech game with brains enough to keep it bright and brawn sufficient to make it seriously fun.
Buckle down, pilot your OmniMech, and take your star to victory!
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