A Little Love For Some Bugs - Cicada. Locust. Spider Hardpoint Fix
⚪ Last updated 2018Preview
🔍 Analysis
- 👍 5.4% endorsement rate — high engagement, a strong quality signal
- 🏆 #21 of 54 Balance mods in this game by downloads
📋 About This Mod
MOD IS VANILLA FRIENDLY!
DESCRIPTION:
The Cicada & Locust borrow their weapon hardpoint locations from MWO, but someone failed to account for the fact that hardpoints work differently in this game (ie. small lasers and MGs are limited to support weapon slots). Due to these limitations, both mechs really struggle in the vanilla game. For starters, the 2A has an unusually large engine for its size and as a result has only a paltry amount of tonnage to work with for guns and armor. Simply put, the 2A needs more support weapon hardpoints to give it a little more bite. The 3C also has major hardpoint issues; it has more ballistic hardpoints than it could ever possibly use. The Locust variants suffer in similar ways by not having enough support hardpoints. Spider is also a little limited in its options. I have addressed these issues in the following ways:
- []added 2 more support hardpoints
- []removed 2 (unusable) ballistic hardpoints and added 1 energy and two missile hardpoints (allows for refitting into a makeshift Cicada X-5 if you desire it)
- []removed 1 energy and added 2 missile hardpoints (for more "missile" focused build); consider this the dedicated "Missile Locust".
- []removed 2 missile and added 2 support hardpoints to make it more a balance between the 1M and 1V.
- []removed 2 ballistic (unusable) and added 2 energy and 2 support hardpoints.
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[]added 2 support hardpoints.NOTE: None of the changes affect stock mech loadouts so it remains vanilla friendly.
TO INSTALL (without BTML):
NOTE: if you are unsure of what you are doing, it is recommended to backup related files first!-
[]Place this mod's "chassis" folder here: ...\Steam\steamapps\common\BATTLETECH\BattleTech_Data\StreamingAssets\data
[
]Then overwrite the related files when prompted.[]Enjoy your improved scout mechs!
To INSTALL (with BTML)
-
[]Follow instructions for installing BTML/Modtek found here (NOTE: versions linked in guide are out of date; newest BTML and Modtek found here and here).
[]Place this mod's unzipped folder in newly created "Mods" folder (mentioned in above guide).
[]Enjoy!
TO UNISTALL:
Delete the related files and then validate the game in Steam game properties or copy/paste backup files and remove related files in "Mods" folder if any exist.
KNOWN "BUGS":
None reported.
-
[]Follow instructions for installing BTML/Modtek found here (NOTE: versions linked in guide are out of date; newest BTML and Modtek found here and here).
-
[]Place this mod's "chassis" folder here: ...\Steam\steamapps\common\BATTLETECH\BattleTech_Data\StreamingAssets\data
A balance mod for BattleTech that improves the viability of faster light mechs by adjusting their hardpoints, without breaking vanilla gameplay. With 38 endorsements and last updated in 2018, it's a niche fix for players who want light mechs to perform better in their intended roles.
✨ Key Features
📊 Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Fills a real gap—light mechs often struggle, and this mod directly addresses that.
- Small and focused, so it won't mess with other balance mods.
- 38 endorsements from a niche community, showing it has some dedicated fans.
⚠️ Cons
- Last updated in 2018—may not be compatible with the latest game patches.
- Only covers three mech types, so other light mechs remain untouched.
- No detailed patch notes or install instructions provided by the author.
For BattleTech players who love light mechs and want them to be more effective in combat without overhauling the whole game. If you're a purist who thinks light mechs should stay weak, skip this. Also, if you're running a heavily modded setup, check compatibility first.
💡 Beginner Tips
- Since this mod is from 2018, test it on a save before committing to a long campaign.
- If you use other balance mods, load this one after them to ensure its changes take priority.
- Check the mod's forum page for any user-reported compatibility notes with current game versions.
📊 Mod Details
- Game
- Battletech Mods
- Author
- MagnusEffect
- Version
- 2.3
- Downloads
- 702
- Endorsements
- 38
- Category
- Balance
- Created
- 5/3/2018
- Updated
- 9/4/2018
🔧 How to Install Battletech Mods
Download from Nexus Mods.
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Visit the official mod page for specific installation instructions for this mod.
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