BattleTech: Flashpoint Released

If you’re in the market for a bit of turn-based mech action, you can now purchase the Flashpoint expansion for Harebrained Schemes’ BattleTech on Steam or GOG for $17.99 or your regional equivalent (including a 10% release discount). The expansion adds roughly 30 hours worth of content, new Flashpoint missions, three new mechs, a new biome, and more. Here’s the official release trailer:

And the expansion’s description:

BATTLETECH’s first-ever expansion adds new gameplay, depth, and over 30 hours of new content to your mercenary experience. Introducing Flashpoints: high-stakes, branching short stories that link together mercenary missions, crew conversations, special events, critical choices, and rare bonus rewards to take BATTLETECH’s endgame and Career-Mode gameplay to the next level.

Flashpoints embroil you in the feuds and machinations of the various Great Houses of the Inner Sphere, and are designed to keep even the most hardened mercenary commanders on their toes. In addition to narrative twists and turns, some Flashpoint stories feature consecutive deployments in which players can’t repair or heal between missions, while others feature infiltration contracts that restrict the tonnage of deployable BattleMechs.

Beyond adding over 30 hours of exciting Flashpoints to BATTLETECH, this expansion comes complete with three new ‘Mechs (including the highly anticipated Hatchetman), a challenging new mission type, and a new tropical biome for the biggest and most challenging BATTLETECH experience yet.

FLASHPOINTS
Here’s just a few examples of the many new stories and challenges you’ll face as a mercenary commander in Flashpoint:

Extracurricular Activities
The petty squabbling of political rivals takes a deadly turn when civilians are caught in the crossfire. Will you escort them to safety at the risk of your MechWarriors and their ‘Mechs… even if they can’t pay?

Criminal Minds
The routine capture of a criminal syndicate’s warehouse uncovers the resting place of an ancient BattleMech. Will you share this information with your employer or keep the ‘Mech for yourself?

Headhunting
The Zhao twins are a thorn in the side of your employer and it’s time to terminate their command. But when their forces are routed and the siblings flee in two directions you’ll need to choose which commander – and which unique salvage – you’ll pursue.

NEW BATTLEMECHS
Expand your ‘Mech arsenal with the armor-chopping power of the Hatchetman, the speed and versatility of the Crab, and the battle-computer-equipped Cyclops.

NEW ENCOUNTER
Target Acquisition is an exciting new mission type that challenges you to put your light and medium ‘Mechs to the test. Take control of three locations to triangulate fire on an enemy installation before time runs out.

NEW BIOME
Take the fight to all-new lush, tropical environments – but watch out for the spore clouds (or use them to your advantage!)

And if you’re interested in the free 1.3 update for the base game that accompanies the expansion, you should check out this Kickstarter update that offers a detailed overview of the new stuff that includes revamped abilities, faction stores, and new events.