The roar of rockets, the flash of lasers, the earth-shaking thud of a 100-ton mech – these are the visceral moments that define MechWarrior 5: Clans. In a gaming landscape often obsessed with emergent gameplay, Piranha Games has doubled down on a curated, story-driven campaign, delivering one of the most intense and compelling mech experiences in years. While not every system is perfect, MechWarrior 5: Clans earns its place among the best in the genre.
Laser flash out, illuminating the opening of a cave from the view of a cockpit.Green lasers illuminate the cockpit view of a Battlemech as it emerges from a cave, highlighting the intense combat of MechWarrior 5: Clans.
From Mercenaries to Clan Warriors
Building on the foundation of MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, Clans shifts from open-ended procedural generation to a focused, standalone narrative. Set near the end of Mercenaries’ timeline, Clans retains the core mechanics and universe while introducing a handcrafted campaign with character arcs, multiple acts, and a compelling story.
The initial missions ease players into controlling the lumbering Battlemechs. These aren’t nimble Gundams; they’re walking tanks, demanding strategic thinking over twitch reflexes. Managing heat, ammo, and targeting weak points becomes paramount. The game’s deliberate pace emphasizes tactical decision-making, creating a uniquely satisfying combat experience.
The mission design is a standout. Varied objectives, from defending key locations to investigating smugglers, keep gameplay fresh. Memorable set pieces, such as taking cover from artillery fire in a cave or engaging in a massive running battle, showcase the game’s impressive scope.
A closeup on the face of Smoke Jaguar leader Weaver, her face partially in shadow.Weaver, a leader within Clan Smoke Jaguar, embodies the complex characters and narrative depth found in MechWarrior 5: Clans.
The Weight of Command
Progression is tangible. Starting with lighter mechs, players must rely on tactics and positioning. As the campaign unfolds, access to heavier, more powerful machines allows for devastating assaults. Facing off against another 90+ ton mech feels like a true heavyweight title fight.
Even on normal difficulty, Clans demands smart play. The intuitive command wheel makes coordinating your Star (squad) effortless, assigning targets and defensive positions on the fly. The Battle Grid, a real-time satellite view, offers strategic oversight, though its lack of pause functionality limits its usefulness in the heat of battle.
Up to five players can experience the campaign in co-op. While progression and equipment are tied to the host, friends can pilot mechs from the host’s inventory with their preferred loadouts. While co-op functions smoothly, the inability to choose which pilot to control feels like a missed opportunity.
A Soldier’s Story
Beyond the metal and firepower, Clans tells a human story. As a member of Clan Smoke Jaguar, players witness the rise of their rookie Star through the ranks. Each teammate possesses a unique personality and motivations, creating a compelling dynamic reminiscent of Band of Brothers in the 31st century.
As invaders in this conflict, players participate in morally questionable actions. The narrative explores the team’s grappling with their role in conquest and occupation, a refreshing change from the often-glorified warfare of other shooters. While not as introspective as Spec Ops: The Line, the game’s willingness to question the player’s actions is commendable.
A single mech sits in a repair bay, waiting to be deployed.A mech awaits deployment in the repair bay, showcasing the detailed visuals and customization options available in MechWarrior 5: Clans.
The Clan’s Economy
Between missions, players manage their resources aboard ships. Purchasing, customizing, and repairing mechs forms the core of this downtime. While functional, the ship-based management lacks the immersive first-person exploration found in Mercenaries.
The in-game economy utilizes Honor, representing Clan standing, and Kerenskys (currency). Honor influences mech availability and salvage rights, cleverly tying progression to the narrative. Kerenskys, however, feel superfluous, never presenting a meaningful resource constraint.
MechWarrior and BattleMech XP systems offer customization options. While the limited skill tree for MechWarriors restricts build diversity, the BattleMech XP system allows for meaningful upgrades, including Omnipods. These alternate configurations offer diverse playstyles, from long-range sniping to close-quarters brawling.
A Legacy Forged in Steel
MechWarrior 5: Clans delivers a powerful blend of action and storytelling worthy of its massive war machines. While some aspects, like pilot customization and certain presentation elements, could be improved, the overall package is exceptional. This is a must-play for mech enthusiasts and anyone seeking a compelling single-player campaign.
MechWarrior 5: Clans was tested on PC.
