Getting started with BattleTech
Start with the free Quick-Start rules from the publisher and the Sarna wiki, where you can look up every unit, world and rule. To try the game without buying anything, MegaMek plays it on the computer and MechWarrior Online is free to play. Demo games in shops and at conventions, and channels that explain what to buy and how to play, help with the next steps.
The history of the BattleTech universe told like real military history, its rulers and dynasties, with a new video every few days.
- MechWarrior Online (opens in a new tab)officialMade or licensed by the rights holders. Listed because newcomers look for it.
The free-to-play online MechWarrior: team battles piloted from the cockpit, with a mechlab for your own builds.
A free, open-source computer version of Classic BattleTech, played against bots or friends over the network. The centre of a whole family of fan tools.
Lessons on 'Mech design, lance building, mission planning and tactics for Classic BattleTech and Alpha Strike.
- BattleTech Free Downloads (opens in a new tab)officialMade or licensed by the rights holders. Listed because newcomers look for it.
The publisher's free downloads, including the Quick-Start rules. The place to start before buying a box.
- Catalyst Demo Team (opens in a new tab)officialMade or licensed by the rights holders. Listed because newcomers look for it.
The volunteer demo network of Catalyst Game Labs: find a demo or a convention programme near you, or learn to run demos yourself.
Practical tabletop videos for Classic BattleTech and Alpha Strike: what to buy, how to build a force, common mistakes.
A German news site with reading lists, a guide for newcomers and returning players, and an overview of German releases.
- Master Unit List (opens in a new tab)officialMade or licensed by the rights holders. Listed because newcomers look for it.
The official free database of every BattleTech unit, with a force builder, Alpha Strike cards and record sheets. No account needed.
- Quick-Start Rules in French (opens in a new tab)In FrencharchivedNo longer updated. Listed for its history.
A French fan translation of the BattleTech Quick-Start Rules. Last updated in 2020.
The community wiki for everything BattleTech, from rules and units to planets and history, with its own news page and forums.
