BattleTech, the turn-based strategy title based off of the sci-fi wargaming tabletop game, will be releasing a new expansion pack. Titled Flashpoint, the new expansion will feature new BattleMechs, a new tropical type of biome, and a new type of mission.
The main version of BattleTech released back in April. The game cast you in the role of a mercenary and their friends who must help a deposed leader regain their rightful place as a ruler. It’s a complete story that makes use of a relatively unexplored part of the BattleTech universe, allowing Harebrained Schemes, the developer, a great deal of freedom in writing an independent story that doesn’t interact with pre-established lore. Flashpoint will be the studio’s first attempt at telling stories in that unexplored area that tie into established canon.
The news release sent out this week talks about the titular Flashpoint stages:
Flashpoints are high-stakes branching short stories, comprised of procedural mercenary missions linked together with new crew conversations, special events, critical choices, and valuable rewards.
To ramp up the intensity, some Flashpoint stories will feature “Consecutive Deployments” in which players won’t be able to repair their ‘Mechs between missions.
The release also talks about some of the other features. The expansion will give new BattleMechs, such as the melee-oriented Hatchetman, the fast and versitile Crab, and the Cyclops, which is good at fighting at multiple ranges. There’s also a new tropical biome. The large presence of water in that biome makes it easier for BattleMechs to avoid overheating via heavy weapon fire, meaning there’ll be more firepower in those stages. Finally, there are “Target Acquisition” missions. In these missions, players must take three territories on a map to win. These missions will likely be where lighter BattleMechs can shine due to their comparative agility.
BattleTech: Flashpoint does not have a release date yet, but it will release on Steam via Paradox Interactive, who bought Harebrained Schemes last June.