Adjusted Weight Classes

⭐ — (3 endorsements) 📥 150 downloads 📌 v1.0 📅 1/4/2019
⚪ Last updated 2019

By Clinton Mead · Balance

⬇ Download Mod Source: Nexus Mods ↗ 📅 Updated: 1/4/2019 📅 Created: 1/4/2019

🔍 Analysis

  • 🏆 #43 of 54 Balance mods in this game by downloads

📋 About This Mod

A few changes to weight classes to give some love to mechs that are hit hard by being just over weight class thresholds, despite being as agile as their lighter cousins.

The guidelines are (based on tabletop speeds):

1. Any mech with walk speed 7 (190m) or above is classified no heavier than light.

2. Any mech with walk speed 5 (150m) or above is classified no heavier than medium.

3. Any mech with walk speed 4 (120m) or above is classified no heavier than heavy.

Note this doesn't go the other way. A Panther is not now a heavy mech, and an Urbanmech is not now an assault mech!

The reason for these guidelines is that mechs with these speeds and above these weight classes generally have no more or even less tonnage available, so are actually comparable in firepower to their lighter cousins.

Based on these guidelines, the following changes have been made:

1. Cicada: Medium -> Light

2. Dragon + Quickdraw: Heavy -> Medium

3. Banshee + Battlemaster + Victor + Zeus: Assault -> Heavy

All stability thresholds for these mechs have been reduced to their new weight class, except for the Cicada-2A, which, with less free space for armour and weapons than a Locust, I thought needed all the help it could get. Generally speaking though the increased initiative will more than compensate for the reduced stability I suspect. In addition, mediums and lights are harder to hit, so mechs moved into these categories get further bonuses to compensate for a stability loss.

Note I haven't been able to change the Cyclops as being a DLC mech it doesn't seem to appear as an XML file in the "chassis" directory. Arguably the battle computer variant shouldn't get a boost as it already gives itself an initiative boost but probably the non battle computer variant could use some help.

These changes do not affect how mechs spawn in the OpFor, with two exceptions: Cicadas will now be classed as lights for spawn purposes and Quickdraws as mediums. This is as both of these are designs with low melee damage and their stock designs are outclassed by other mechs in the weight class below them.

As is usual with mods, you'll need BTML and Modtek installed. Install instructions for those are here: https://github.com/janxious/ModTek/wiki/The-Drop-Dead-Simple-Guide-to-Installing-BTML-&-ModTek-&-ModTek-mods.

🤖 AI-enhanced — based on mod data

A small balance mod for BattleTech that reclassifies certain mechs like the Cicada to improve their initiative and viability. With only 3 endorsements and a 2019 update, it's a niche tweak for players who want underperforming mechs to shine.

✨ Key Features

Adjusts weight classes of select mechs, such as the Cicada
Increases initiative for reclassified mechs to make them more useful

📊 Pros & Cons

✅ Pros

  • Directly addresses the Cicada's notorious weakness—low initiative for its weight
  • Simple concept: reclassifying mechs can open up new tactical roles without overhauling stats
  • Tiny download and no dependencies means it's a quick install for a specific tweak

⚠️ Cons

  • Only 3 endorsements—this is a very niche mod with little community validation
  • Last updated in 2019—likely outdated and may not work with current game patches
  • No detailed list of which mechs are affected beyond the Cicada, so you're flying blind on the full scope
🎯 Is This For You?
For BattleTech players who love the Cicada but hate its initiative penalty and want a quick fix to make it viable. Also for modders who want a simple example of weight class adjustments. Skip if you want comprehensive balance overhauls or play with the latest version of the game.
📦 Install:Easy· Under 1 minute

💡 Beginner Tips

  • Back up your save before installing, as weight class changes can affect mech availability in campaign stores.
  • Check the mod's file structure—if it's a simple JSON edit, you can manually apply it to your game files.
  • Since it's from 2019, test it in a skirmish first to ensure it doesn't break with your current game version.

📊 Mod Details

Game
Battletech Mods
Author
Clinton Mead
Version
1.0
Downloads
150
Endorsements
3
Category
Balance
Created
1/4/2019
Updated
1/4/2019

🔧 How to Install Battletech Mods

Download from Nexus Mods.

📖 Full step-by-step install guide for Battletech →

Visit the official mod page for specific installation instructions for this mod.

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