Restocks of Core Products; Major Update of Coming Releases

Happy Friday, MechWarriors! We’ve got a huge update for you today, starting with significant restocks of a few of our products.

Back in the Catalyst Game Labs web store and available again through retail distribution are:

• A Game of Armored Combat box set
• Clan Invasion box set
• Alpha Strike Succession Wars cards
• Alpha Strike Clan Invasion cards
• Total Warfare (existing mercenary cover)
• TechManual (existing mercenary cover)
• BattleMech Manual (existing mercenary cover)
• Alpha Strike Commander’s Edition (existing mercenary cover)
• Strategic Operations: Advanced Aerospace Rules (existing mercenary cover)
• Interstellar Operations: Alternate Eras (existing vintage cover)
• Wolfhound IIC premium plastic miniature

Of note, the reprint of A Game of Armored Combat boxed set totalled 25,000 copies, the largest single printing of any product that Catalyst Game Labs has ever done, and the largest of any BattleTech product by any company since the mid-1990s. This huge print run comes on top of 40,000 total copies of that boxed set alone already on the market–not counting the Beginner Box or Clan Invasion boxed set!

To celebrate this achievement, we’ve worked hard to put together a comprehensive preview of the year ahead in BattleTech, including never before seen artwork and covers of upcoming products!

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Redemption Rites

A BattleTech novel by Jason Schmetzer
Late April 2022

In 3151 four-fifths of Wolf’s Dragoons listened to the honeyed words of Marotta Kerensky and followed Alaric Ward to Terra. There, they helped him destroy the Republic of the Sphere and establish the ilClan. Most of them died doing it. The remainder are injured, shell-shocked—and, finally, insulted by Alaric Ward’s payment of thirty pieces of silver.

In one leering gesture, Alaric Ward did what no other enemy had ever done. He broke Wolf’s Dragoons. The decimated survivors were allowed to limp off of Terra to rendezvous with their remnant who never set foot on the birthworld.

The emergency rendezvous is Savannah, in the Free Worlds League. Two striker battalions, the Tarantulas and the Wolfsbane, were the only Dragoons spared the debacle on Terra. Colonel Hack Kincaid, senior striker officer, is waiting when the Dragoons convoy appears. The DropShips are full of wrecked machines, but their personnel berths are empty.

Kincaid is a man of reputation in the Dragoons. His word carries weight. And he hasn’t been tarnished by Terra. Three regiments and one of his irreplaceable striker battalions have been ground to dust. His people are mourning, defeated, and rudderless. They look to him for leadership, for answers. They need a purpose.

Kincaid’s purpose is revenge.

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Land of Dreams: Founding of the Clans Trilogy, Vol. 3

A BattleTech novel by Randall N. Bills
May 2022

Return in triumph…or not at all… 

Two thousand light years from Terra, two brothers leave behind the shattered dreams of their father, the great General Aleksandr Kerensky. For a second time, war drives them into the dark and cold of the void, as the raging conflict engulfs the Pentagon Worlds and the nascent Star League-in-Exile.

For nearly fifteen years on the world of Strana Mechty—the land of dreams—Andery Kerensky has watched his elder brother Nicholas shape an all-new society of warriors that follows their ilKhan with near religious fanaticism.  And despite the costs already paid in blood for that transformation, Andery knows the worst is yet to come. For Nicholas will stop at nothing to mold his followers into something never-before-seen in human history. And all with one singular goal: to return to the Pentagon Worlds and punish those that destroyed their father’s dream.

Can Andery continue to be his brother’s conscience, even as Nicholas’ final hammer blows forge the Clans into the great and terrible society it is poised to become? Or will the titanic assault of Operation Klondike, and the Clans’ return to the Pentagon Worlds, shatter what Nicholas has built entirely? And just how far will Andery let Nicholas go to pursue his zealous quest of a united Clan Homeworlds…

(This novel will be released to Kickstarter backers shortly before its standard release in e-pub and print-on-demand formats.)

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MechWarrior: Dark Age Novels

May 2022 through December 2022

The remaining six novels of the MechWarrior: Dark Age line will return to print, completing the series and featuring all-new cover artwork!

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Shrapnel #9

June 2022

More Shrapnel, featuring fiction from both new and established BattleTech authors, and new game material.

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Premium Miniatures: Timber Wolf (Mad Cat) TC Variant

June 2022

In conjunction with Monster Fight Club, we continue to expand our Premium Miniatures line throughout the rest of 2022 and into 2023. Including expanding the availability with increased production: for example, the Wolfhound IIC “Grinner” is now back in stock in the Catalyst store.

The next Premium Miniature is the Timber Wolf TC, a close-combat variant optimized for the battlefields of Tukayyid!

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Battletech Tactical Companion App 

Second Quarter 2022

Updates continue for the BattleTech Tactical Companion App, now primarily focused on increasing content. The first, this spring, will include all record sheets corresponding to Wave One of the Clan Invasion Kickstarter, while this summer will see all Wave Two record sheets included.

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Empire Alone

An ilClan Era sourcebook
July 2022

From the new ilKhan on Terra comes word to the Wolf Empire of their Clan’s victory. With no further communication from Alaric Ward, Star Colonel Othar takes the reins of the Empire, attempting to weather the assaults of his neighbors, and ensure the ilKhan’s realm remains inviolate.

Hungrily eyeing their worlds lost to the Empire, now stripped of the Wolves’ best, factions within the Free Worlds League launch offensives across the border and risk carrying Nikol Marik into a war she may not be ready for. At her back, the Spirit Cats and Clan Sea Fox lair in their Clan Protectorate, eager to pursue their own ends.

And out among the stars, the Wolf’s Dragoons and their new commander are on the hunt…

Empire Alone is a BattleTech sourcebook providing full details of the events around the Wolf Empire and Free Worlds League from 3151 to mid-3152. Included are a full historical summary of events in those regions of space, personality and unit profiles of key players—many appearing here for the first time, and game information to bring it all to your BattleTech tabletop.

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Tactical Operations: Advanced Rules (merc cover reprint)
Tactical Operations: Advanced Units and Equipment (merc cover reprint)

Summer 2022

The two Tactical Operations core rulebooks receive their mercenary-themed covers, and full errata updates!

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CountersPack: BattleForce

Second Quarter 2022
$19.99

• Five punchboards representing two armies of nearly eighty Unit and Command counters each.
• Two maps that form a large Strategic BattleForce map; laminated, the back side can be used to create your own worlds.
• The first ever published, super-sized Inner Sphere at War map (2786 & 3025)

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A Question of Survival

A BattleTech novel by Bryan Young
Summer 2022

As the last Bloodnamed Warrior left in the former Jade Falcon Occupation Zone, newly-elected Khan Jiyi Chistu has ’Mechs, but no MechWarriors—making it impossible to rebuild his Clan. Meanwhile, Star Colonel Emilio Hall’s Ghost Bears have a planet full of talented sibkos ready to graduate. When word of these sibkos reaches Khan Chistu, he races in to take them, eager to rebuild the Jade Falcons. But with Star Colonel Emilio caught up in the politics of the Ghost Bear vote to join the Star League, will he even see Jiyi coming? Or will he lose the sibkos that represent the very finest future of his Clan? For both men, these dilemmas become nothing less than A Question of Survival…

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Technical Readout: Dark Age

Third Quarter 2022
$39.99

Darkest Before the Dawn

From the star-spanning devastation of the Word of Blake Jihad arose the Republic of the Sphere, a new nation dedicated to breaking the centuries-long cycle of warfare plaguing the Inner Sphere and creating new innovation and prosperity for all.

The ideals of the Republic worked–for a time.

Then, in 3132, hyperpulse generators across thousands of worlds went offline, enveloping the Inner Sphere in silence. Paranoia and opportunism ran rampant as age-old hostilities reignited and chaos ruled the day. The Republic, the grand experiment in hope, was torn asunder by hostile forces on every side. 

The Republic Era–better known as the Dark Age–was a time of upheaval and opportunity. Fortunes rose and fell, nations crumbled and others reconstituted. And at the center of the whirlwind lay Terra, the crown jewel of the Republic, a prize waiting for the warrior strong enough to seize it.

Technical Readout: Dark Age expands on Technical Readout: Succession Wars, Technical Readout: Clan Invasion, and Technical Readout: Jihad by combining the ’Mechs previously found in Technical Readout: 3075, Technical Readout: 3085 (and its Supplemental), Technical Readout: 3145, Technical Readout: Irregulars, Technical Readout: Prototypes, and more. This volume features some of the most common ’Mechs from the Dark Age. Each machine is accompanied by an illustration, a description of its history, capabilities, and game stats.

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The Damocles Sanction

A BattleTech novel by Michael Ciaravella
Third Quarter 2022

First Prince Julian Davion and Prince’s Champion Erik Sandoval-Groell prepare to reclaim the Federated Suns’ capital, New Avalon, and throw back the Kuritan invaders who hold so many Suns worlds in their clutches. But ambitions grow alongside glory, and the two leaders may find their greatest threat lies not among the Draconis Combine samurai ready to die for the Dragon, but in each other.

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Alpha Strike Boxed Set

Third Quarter 2022

Clashing Armies

The commline ablaze with determination. 

An army of war-forged metal titans on the heights. 

The enemy entrenched in the valley below, weapons charging.

On your order, your force surges toward their foes, banners streaming as weapons sear and render and shatter! Will your star-spanning empire win the day? Only you will decide!

It is the thirty-second century. Mankind has waged a millennia of war across thousands of worlds of human-occupied space. The Great Houses. The Clans. The Periphery. A myriad of star empires claim ascendance, as others wane or fall. Fighting and dying for their ambitions are the MechWarriors who owe them fealty, each the master of a towering avatar of destruction: the BattleMech. You command a detachment of these brave warriors dropped onto an unforgiving battlefield: only your wits and tactical acumen will bring victory, or leave you a casualty on a forgotten world.

BattleTech is the world’s greatest armored combat game. In Alpha Strike, you take command of large-scale engagements, fueled by tabletop miniatures gameplay designed for the modern wargamer. Inside is everything you need to start tossing dice and moving miniatures on your game table.

Contents

• 13 high-quality, fully assembled (unpainted) miniatures; including two new redesigned miniatures, the Wraith and Pouncer, and seven all-new variants, in new poses.
• 32-page Rulebook
• 24-page fiction novella
• 16-page Universe Primer
• 13 Alpha Strike Cards
• 13 Pilot Cards
• 25 Battlefield Support Cards
• 1 heavy-stock reference sheets
• 2 Punchboards of trees and game counters
• 9 small fold-up cardboard buildings
• 6 medium fold-up cardboard buildings
• 2 dice

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Shrapnel #10

September 2022

More Shrapnel, featuring fiction from both new and established BattleTech authors, and new game material.

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Eridani Light Horse Hunter Lance

Fall 2022
$30 – Initially exclusive to Barnes & Noble

AVAILABLE FOR HIRE!

The Eridani Light Horse are an elite mercenary outfit boasting one of the longest histories and the deepest traditions in the Inner Sphere. From their origins with the Star League Defense Force, they have fought through the triumphs and the tragedies of Succession Wars, emerging as one of the finest and most honorable fighting commands.

Unleash the Eridani Light Horse Hunter Lance on your enemies! Included is the new Sagittaire, as well as a re-posed Banshee, and new variants of the Cyclops and a jumping Thunderbolt—no assembly required—along with four MechWarrior pilot cards and four Alpha Strike cards. Perfect for BattleTech and Alpha Strike action!

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Hansen’s Roughriders Battle Lance

Fall 2022
$30 – Initially exclusive to retail outlets via Alliance Game Distributors

AVAILABLE FOR HIRE!

Whether it’s a running battle, a defensive stand, or an all-out planetary invasion, Hansen’s Roughriders will always be in the thick of it. Though lacking the technology of some commands and the traditions of others, the Roughriders get the job done—regardless of how dirty they get in the process.

Unleash the Hansen’s Roughriders Battle Lance on your enemies! Included is the new Penetrator, as well as a re-posed Atlas, and new variants of the Enforcer and jumping Hatchetman—no assembly required—along with four MechWarrior pilot cards and four Alpha Strike cards. Perfect for BattleTech and Alpha Strike action!

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Northwind Highlanders Command Lance

Fall 2022
$30 – Initially exclusive to retail outlets via ACD Distribution

AVAILABLE FOR HIRE!

The Northwind Highlanders trace their lineage back to the pre-spaceflight age of ancient Terra. From small-scale uprisings to epic struggles, as a House regiment and as mercenaries, every generation of Highlanders have added to their forebears’ battlefield glory.

Unleash the Northwind Highlanders Command Lance! Included is the new Gunslinger, re-posed and jumping Highlander, and new variants of the Grasshopper and Warhammer—no assembly required—along with four MechWarrior pilot cards and four Alpha Strike cards. Perfect for BattleTech and Alpha Strike action!

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Kell Hounds Striker Lance

AVAILABLE FOR HIRE!

Fall 2022
$30 – Initially exclusive to Catalyst Game Labs web store

From their very first days, the Kell Hounds—and their infamous founding brothers, Morgan and Patrick—took the Inner Sphere by storm. The steadfast Hounds changed the very course of history, facing down Yorinaga Kurita and saving Melissa Steiner, and swiftly building an elite reputation.

Unleash the Kell Hounds Striker Lance! Included is the new Nightsky, a re-posed Wolfhound, and new variants of the Griffin and jumping Crusader—no assembly required—along with four MechWarrior pilot cards and four Alpha Strike cards. Perfect for BattleTech and Alpha Strike action!

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Dominions Divided

Fourth Quarter 2022

Across the reinvigorated Federated Suns, the call goes out: the time has come to retake the jewel New Avalon from the Dragon, and throw back the Draconis Combine invaders. But the demands of war and politics will test the fragile alliance between First Prince Julian Davion and Prince’s Champion Erik Sandoval-Groell, and threaten to renew the chaos they seek to conquer.

The Rasalhague Dominion, so long a bastion of stability and internal harmony, greets the news of the ilClan’s accession with anything but a united front. Between those who believe that joining the newborn Star League is the Dominion’s destiny, and those not willing to deny the power and promise of their fusion culture, a single vote could secure a bright new future, or ignite the flames of violence.

Dominions Divided is a BattleTech sourcebook providing full details of the events within the Federated Suns, Draconis Combine, and Rasalhague Dominion from 3151 to mid-3152. Included are a full historical summary of events in those regions of space, personality and unit profiles of key players—many appearing here for the first time–and game information to bring it all to your BattleTech tabletop.

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BattleTech Universe

Fourth Quarter 2022

Leap into the rich history of the BattleTech universe and get up to date for the new ilClan era with this comprehensive tome! BattleTech Universe includes sections for all of the major factions, offering concise histories for each from their founding through 3150.

In addition, BattleTech Universe highlights the major moments across the history of the Inner Sphere through fiction excerpts from some of the most beloved BattleTech novels of years past—and today! An easy-to-follow guide in each segment offers suggestions for further reading.

Whether you’re just starting out in BattleTech and want to dive deep into the history of its factions, or you’re ready to jump into all the action of the ilClan era, BattleTech Universe is your indispensable guide to get up to date on 3150 and beyond!

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Force Manuals

Late 2022 and beyond

Alongside the new Alpha Strike boxed set, we’re excited to announce the return of companion sourcebooks for each BattleTech faction, detailing the combat commands, force building, unique battlefield abilities for each. Formerly known as Combat Manuals, this rebooted line of sourcebooks is fully compatible with Total Warfare or Alpha Strike play. Revamped versions of the Kurita and Mercenaries sourcebooks will join the all-new Force Manual: Davion in relaunching the line.

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BattleTech Mercenaries Kickstarter

Fall 2022

Across the BattleTech universe, mercenary warriors are an undeniable presence on the battlefield. Whether they fight for pay, personal glory, the thrill of combat, or just the hope of keeping their unit together a little longer, mercenaries have played a decisive role in conflicts around the Inner Sphere for centuries. 

Building on the wild success of the Clan Invasion Kickstarter, the new campaign from Catalyst Game Labs will bring more than 50 new plastic miniatures to your battlefields, including BattleMechs, and for the first time ever, plastic combat vehicles to augment your ’Mech forces. Among the miniatures in production are the Firestarter, Griffin IIC, Ostroc, and Kraken ’Mechs, as well as the Galleon Light Tank, SRM/LRM Carrier, and Demolisher Heavy Tank. A variety of mercenary-themed stretch goals will also be included.

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Gray Death Legion ForcePack

Spring 2023
$30 Initially exclusive to Barnes & Noble

AVAILABLE FOR HIRE!

The betrayal and death of his father forced young Grayson Death Carlyle to forge a new mercenary outfit from nothing. From such humble beginnings, the Gray Death Legion rose to become one of the most feared and respected mercenary commands.

Unleash the Gray Death Legion Heavy Battle Lance! Included is the new Regent, a re-posed and jumping Shadow Hawk, and new variants of the Gargoyle and Catapult —no assembly required—along with four MechWarrior pilot cards and four Alpha Strike cards. Perfect for BattleTech and Alpha Strike action!

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Also In Development

If all of these products aren’t enough for you, don’t worry–we’re got much more in store. Keep an eye out for future announcements of sourcebooks such as the Brush Wars PDF series, MechCommander’s Handbook and ilKhan’s Eyes Only, and other BattleTech tabletop game experiences such as BattleTech: COMMAND, Resurgent Empires: A Succession Wars Game, and more!