BattleTech Core Rulebook - Early Preview & First Impressions!

Check out this pre-release first look at the BattleTech Core Rulebook! Zemer from the Valhalla Club Pod and I give our first impressions and an overview of each section in the new book. We also look at the updated BattleTech website & brief news about GenCon. Special thanks to CGL for sending me the Core Rulebook PDF for review! **Apologies for the audio, didn't realize until after recording there was a very slight echo**Email me: [email protected] Website is up:https://battletech.com/Chapters:0:00 - 03:20 Intro03:20 - 14:40 NEW BattleTech Website14:40 - 20:50 Lorescape Terrain20:50 - 42:20 Core Rulebook 1st Impression & Sections Introduction42:20 - 48:42 Playing the Game48:42 - 53:06 Movement53:06 - 56:54 Combat56:54 - 58:00 Damage58:00 - 59:12 Heat59:12 - 1:00:20 Other Actions-PSR1:00:20 - 1:03:00 The Battlefield1:03:00 - 1:03:50 Urban Combat-Buildings1:03:50 - 1:12:10 Battlefield Support1:12:10 - 1:15:22 Aerospace BSPs1:15:22 - 1:19:05 Weapons & Equipment1:19:05 - 1:20:58 Missions1:20:58 - 1:25:28 Appendices1:25:28 - 1:33:03 ilClan Era vs New Players1:33:03 - 1:39:30 Final Thoughts & What's Next1:39:30 - 1:41:38 OutroCheck out our sponsor: Fortress Miniatures & Games!https://www.fortressminiaturesandgames.com/Join the Valhalla Club Discord!https://discord.gg/thevalhallaclubFollow me on socials:Follow on X/Twitter: https://x.com/MercStarPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercenarystarpodcast/Follow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mercenarystar.bsky.socialMusic:Intro: Steel Hearts in Orbit (Remix of TI-84 by StreamBeatsbyHarrisHeller - used with permission)Outro: Neon Badge ​

I’m finally settling in from my family’s recent relocation, and the redeployment & refit of the Mercenary Star recording studio is finally far enough along that I can renew regular content production. Today I’ve got a shorter preview episode of upcoming topics and even new formats!! Email me: [email protected] Products & Rule Change PDF:https://battletech.com/coreproducts/Refit & Redeployment Post:https://www.catalystgamelabs.com/news/catalyst-game-labs-battletech-refit-redeploymentTTRPG Podcasthttps://lovethynerd.com/podcastnetwork/the-rpg-rundown/Chapters:0:00 - 01:57 Intro01:57 - 04:04 Regular MSP Episodes04:04 - 04:40 MechWarrior MemoryCore04:40 - 06:01 Fiction Reviews06:01 - 07:35 Streaming07:35 - 09:19 OutroCheck out our sponsor: Fortress Miniatures & Games!https://www.fortressminiaturesandgames.com/Join the Valhalla Club Discord!https://discord.gg/thevalhallaclubFollow me on socials:Follow on X/Twitter: https://x.com/MercStarPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercenarystarpodcast/Follow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mercenarystar.bsky.socialMusic:Intro: Steel Hearts in Orbit (Remix of TI-84 by StreamBeatsbyHarrisHeller - used with permission)Outro: Neon Badge ​

CGL announced 3 new Core Products launching in August 2026: The Starter Box, The Core Box, & the Core Rulebook. Join myself, Brent from  @ofmechsandmen  & Zemer from  @thevalhallaclub  in episode 29 as we discuss these & all the other announcements & news from AdeptiCon 2026! Core Products & Rule Change PDF:https://battletech.com/coreproducts/Refit & Redeployment Post:https://www.catalystgamelabs.com/news/catalyst-game-labs-battletech-refit-redeploymentChapters:0:00 - 05:20 Intro05:20 - 10:19 Aerospace Game/Rules & Force Packs10:19 - 13:10 C-Scale Mechs13:10 - 14:45 Reagent as Poster Mech14:45 - 26:41 New CORE Products Launch26:41 - 41:00 Starter Box41:00 - 54:58 Core Box54:58 - 1:00:59 What about AGoAC, Beginner, & Essential boxes?1:00:59 - 1:08:33 Camachos Cabelleros B&N Force Pack1:08:33 - 1:28:08 Core Rulebook & Rules Changes1:28:08 - 1:43:58 Aces: Snowblind1:43:58 - 1:44:35 AdeptiCon Announcements1:44:35 - 1:46:30 MUL 2.0 + BSPs + POD1:46:30 - 1:49:22 Fiction1:49:22 - 2:02:52 Quick Hits & Final Thoughts2:02:52 - 2:07:40 Shoutouts & OutroCheck out our sponsor: Fortress Miniatures & Games!https://www.fortressminiaturesandgames.com/Join the Valhalla Club Discord!https://discord.gg/thevalhallaclubFollow me on socials:Follow on X/Twitter: https://x.com/MercStarPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercenarystarpodcast/Follow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mercenarystar.bsky.socialMusic used with permission:TI-84 - @StreamBeatsbyHarrisHeller Neon Renegade - @StreamBeatsbyHarrisHeller

In the 28th episode of the Mercenary Star Podcast, I am joined by my fellow members of an elite group of BattleTech contributors, The Silver Fox Fauxhawks! Shady origins aside, this group of silver haired & fauxhawk rocking gentlemen help me talk about BattleTech in 2025, our thoughts on products, fiction, events, achievements, collaborations, and what we are excited for in 2026!(**Apologies for my throat clearing up front; I've been sick and I thought I was muting myself, but was pressing the wrong button! I fix it half way through**)Find all of the Silver Fox Fauxhawks in the WolfNet & Valhalla Club discords! Chapters:0:00 - 08:18 Intro & Silver Fox Origin08:18 - 25:45 2025 Released Products25:45 - 36:59 Mercs & Hinterlands & RPG36:59 - 42:27 Mercs Force Building & BSPs42:27 - 43:45 Kids Interruption43:45 - 49:47 Licensed Art & Product dreams49:47 - 56:51 2026 Product Forecast56:51 - 1:07:14 Events & Cons1:07:14 - 1:28:07 Achievements, Projects, & Collabs1:28:07 - 1:34:54 Best & Worst of 20251:34:54 - 1:42:15 Final Thoughts1:42:15 - 1:50:14 Shout Outs1:50:14 - 1:50:59 OutroCheck out our sponsor: Fortress Miniatures & Games!https://www.fortressminiaturesandgames.com/Join the Valhalla Club Discord!https://discord.gg/thevalhallaclubJoin the WolfNet Discord!https://discord.gg/Q3KCqzYFollow me on socials:Follow on X/Twitter: https://x.com/MercStarPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercenarystarpodcast/Follow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mercenarystar.bsky.socialMusic used with permission:TI-84 - @StreamBeatsbyHarrisHeller Neon Renegade - @StreamBeatsbyHarrisHeller ​

In the 27th episode, we look at the ill-fated Glory Warriors with Dan Zehner, founder of Bear Cavalry Paint! I had an absolute pleasure getting to chat with Dan about our shared love of Ghost Bears, happy little landscapes painted on minis, and the work of creating miniature paints with exceptional coverage, self-leveling properties, and a wide range of colors all while making them sustainable. Check out their new website here:https://www.bearcavalrypaints.comGet ready for their Black Friday deals and SHADES are releasing for Black Friday as well!Follow Bear Cavalry in instagram:https://www.instagram.com/bearcavalrypaints/Check out our sponsor: Fortress Miniatures & Games!https://www.fortressminiaturesandgames.com/Join the Valhalla Club Discord!https://discord.gg/thevalhallaclubFollow me on socials:Follow on X/Twitter: https://x.com/MercStarPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercenarystarpodcast/Follow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mercenarystar.bsky.socialMusic used with permission:TI-84 - @StreamBeatsbyHarrisHeller Neon Renegade - @StreamBeatsbyHarrisHeller ​

On episode 26, we look at the fledgling Fox Patrol mercenary group, and discuss the newly released Outfoxed novel. I'm joined by the author and creator of the Fox Patrol, Bryan Young, as we dive into this small unit trying to make their way in the ilClan era. 0:00 - 12:46 Intro12:46 - 40:01 Lore & Presentation40:01 - 1:11:18 Outfoxed Preview & Discussion1:11:18 - 1:15:53 Forcepack Chat1:15:18 - 1:22:02 Tabletop Play1:22:02 - 1:26:43 Sponsor & Shout-outs/OutroFind more of Bryan Young at his site:https://swankmotron.comCheck out our sponsor: Fortress Miniatures & Games!https://www.fortressminiaturesandgames.com/Join the Valhalla Club Discord!https://discord.gg/NjMqnXqPYsFollow me on socials:Follow on X/Twitter: https://x.com/MercStarPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercenarystarpodcast/Follow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mercenarystar.bsky.socialMusic:TI-84 - @StreamBeatsbyHarrisHeller Neon Renegade - @StreamBeatsbyHarrisHeller ​

Episode 25: Kyle(Kaz) and I discuss the mercenary unit, The Illician Lancers! This unit formed from an ancient knightly brotherhood are primed to be a part of the Sea Fox plans in the ilClan era. Join us for their lore, ideal Forcepack make-up, and how-to for playing the Lancers in a campaign or as OpFor!Check out our sponsor: Fortress Miniatures & Games!https://www.fortressminiaturesandgames.com/Join the Valhalla Club Discord!https://discord.gg/NjMqnXqPYsFollow me on socials:Follow on X/Twitter: https://x.com/MercStarPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercenarystarpodcast/Follow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mercenarystar.bsky.socialMusic:TI-84 - @StreamBeatsbyHarrisHeller Neon Renegade - @StreamBeatsbyHarrisHeller ​

Episode 24: Zemer and I missed out on GenCon, so we come together once again to talk about our favorite, and not so favorite, announcements from GenCon 2025! 0:00 - 3:41 Intro3:41 - 15:20 GenCon Pics & Events15:20 - 38:26 BattleTech Gothic38:26 - 43:16 TRO 3025 Centennial43:16 - 47:14 Dice47:14 - 57:31 Upcoming Forcepacks & Minis57:31 - 1:18:08 BattleTech Aces (4 Boxes)1:18:08 - 1:30:53 Fiction1:30:53 - 1:39:48 OutroCheck out our sponsor: Fortress Miniatures & Games!https://www.fortressminiaturesandgames.com/Join the Valhalla Club Discord!https://discord.gg/NjMqnXqPYsFollow me on socials:Follow on X/Twitter: https://x.com/MercStarPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercenarystarpodcast/Follow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mercenarystar.bsky.socialMusic:TI-84 - @StreamBeatsbyHarrisHeller Neon Renegade - @StreamBeatsbyHarrisHeller ​

Episode 23: Zemer and I discuss the little known mercenary unit, The Thumpers! This 3025 all Assault 'Mech unit is surprisingly set to be a major player in the ilClan era, if they only get the chance. Join us for their lore, ideal Forcepack make-up, and how-to for playing the Thumpers in a campaign or as OpFor!Check out our sponsor: Fortress Miniatures & Games!https://www.fortressminiaturesandgames.com/Join the Valhalla Club Discord!https://discord.gg/NjMqnXqPYsFollow me on socials:Follow on X/Twitter: https://x.com/MercStarPodcastFollow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mercenarystarpodcast/Follow on Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/mercenarystar.bsky.socialMusic:TI-84 - StreambeatsbyHarrisHellerNeon Renegade - StreambeatsbyHarrisHeller

Episode 22: Mario " Brute" Garzolini returns!! The Armor Up podcast co-host joins me to talk about the Black Thorns!! This legendary and controversial(?) mercenary unit have a unique history, yet were lost due to developer error! Join us for a fun ride!Check out our sponsor: Fortress Miniatures & Games!https://www.fortressminiaturesandgames.com/Follow the Mercenary Star Podcast on X/Twitter: https://x.com/MercStarPodcastFollow the Mercenary Star Podcast on Instagram: @Mercenary Star PodcastFollow Seth on X/Twitter: https://x.com/WhiteFoxSGCheck out the other awesome BattleTech Podcasters & Creators in the Valhalla Club discord! https://discord.gg/NjMqnXqPYsEmail us at [email protected]