MechWarrior 5: Clans — Everything We Know

The live-action where steel meets strategy and chaos, is making a comeback. MechWarrior 5: Clans is an upcoming installment in the MechWarrior franchise, making it the fifth mainline entry. Over the years, the Battle Tech mech series has been careful to stick to its original formula with every release. In testament, the developer took more than a decade to release MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries after the debut of its fourth mainline entry. 

And it makes sense why. The franchise uses a premise that is uncommon in the gaming world: a journey where man and machine become one. With this at its core, we can only expect another enthralling episode of The Giant Robots. So, what does this new title have in store? Let's unpack below in MechWarrior 5: Clans – Everything We Know.

What is MechWarrior 5: Clans?

MechWarrior 5: Clans is an upcoming Battle Tech game by Piranha Games, adding to the collection of books and games that carry a loyal fan base. As with the others before it, the game's premise puts you in the cockpit, in control of mercenary bots. It's a classic good guy/bad guy hunt for the top seat. 

The franchise's highlight has always been its large universe open for exploration and procedural missions that center on brute force. Moreover, the series bears some striking similarities to Brigador, –another exciting mech game where the casualties are not much of a concern; what's important is getting the job done.

Story

Despite the game retaining the MechWarrior title, MechWarrior 5: Clans will be a stand-alone title. The game will take place in a period and setting before MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, in the year 3050. Players will immerse themselves in a grand Clan-based invasion story for the second time in the series. The invasion is a tipping point in the BattleTech Universe, making it a monumental moment in the franchise.

The story will follow a new Clan Smoke Jaguar warrior in the Star- a five-mech squad. Operation Revival is a perilous quest that will put you on the front lines of battle. After decades of struggle, the clan will hopefully regain their rightful place from the Inner Sphere despots. Notably, the game heavily emphasizes its storyline, transporting players to various planets.

From the horse's mouth:

MECHWARRIOR 5: CLANS follows a Star of Clan Smoke Jaguar warriors during Operation REVIVAL, a full-scale invasion of the Inner Sphere. Armed with an arsenal of cutting-edge BattleMechs, meticulously designed maps and missions deliver immersive and intricate tactical gameplay and combat experiences.

Gameplay

MechWarrior 5 Clans follows in the footsteps of its predecessor. To date, the open-ended campaign-based game has sold over 1.5 million units, proving to be a winning formula. So it makes sense why Piranha Games plans to stick to this precedent. 

The campaign thrusts you into military and personal conflicts relating to the invasion. What's more, the hand-crafted maps and missions add another layer of dynamic gameplay experience. Like its predecessor, the quests will be both chaotic and complex. This calls for your strategic play and careful thought to advance your position in the Inner Sphere. 

Additionally, the franchise's simulation-style combat returns in this new title. The game will feature a new progressive system. Moreover, the series truly shines with its customization options. Building and customizing your mech is like crafting your own work of art. MechWarrior 5: Clans follows this closely with its revamped MechLab, OmniPod, and Hardpoint systems. Players will be able to upgrade their ‘Mech loadouts thanks to the improved collection of Clan weapon equipment, upgrades, and systems. Clan Mechs have the advantage of replacing large parts with customized accessories. This allows you to plan ahead for battles based on the biome, structure, and terrain. 

Furthermore, as part of the squad, you must think of the squad. Protect your teammates in battle as you forge stronger bonds. 

Development

Piranha Games is seeing through the development of MechWarrior 5: Clans. The studio is one of the oldest game developers in Greater Vancouver. 

The studio gained footing in the BattleMech series with MechWarrior Online. During a podcast early this year, Piranha Games CEO Russ Bullock said,

“We needed MechWare Online to work for Piranha to work, and then that shifted to MechWare 5. It was our big gamble”. 

True to this, MechWare 5 was a breakthrough title for the series. More significantly, it is the first single-player game in the series.

Moreover, the developers are still leveraging the power of the Unreal Engine to breathe life into this masterpiece. If you've played any MechWare games before, the visuals are the first thing that strikes you. 

The mechs themselves are breathtakingly detailed, each one a unique masterpiece of mechanical design. Similarly, the upcoming title will feature stunning, intricate designs that vividly draw a line between chaos and calm. The battles will occur on breathtaking terrain, adding realism to the gameplay. 

Trailer

The announcement trailer for MechWarrior 5: Clans isn't much to go by. The 44-second trailer briefly shows a Mech in a verdant jungle and then switches to the MechWarrior 2 art. It's not uncanny for developers to keep a game's details under wraps. But this could mean a second trailer may soon drop. In the meantime, you can watch the teaser trailer in the video embedded above. 

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

MechWarrior 5: Clans is coming to Xbox, PC, and PlayStation 4. The game will launch in 2024, although Piranha Games has yet to give an exact date for the release. 

On special editions, we don't have all the information yet. But given the series' knack for special editions, there's a good chance the game will have extra items. 

In the meantime, MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries is launching a final DLC this month. If you ask me, it's a great way to pass the time before the next Mech battle hits.

Interested in keeping up with the game's development? If so, check in with the devs on their social handles for the latest updates here. If anything remotely interesting pops up before its release, we'll be sure to fill you in on all the key details on gaming.net.

So, what's your take? Will you pick up a copy of MechWarrior 5: Clan next year? Let us know your thoughts on our socials here.