Piranha Games has offered fans their first glimpse at the highly anticipated standalone expansion MechWarrior 5 Clans. Moving away from the open-ended sandbox of MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, Clans will focus on a cinematic single-player campaign that delves deeper into the lore of the BattleTech universe. Piranha Games CEO Russ Bullock recently shared new details about the narrative, combat improvements, and what sets Clans apart from its predecessor.
The preview began with an impressive cinematic introducing players to the distinct Clan society and their genetically engineered MechWarrior pilots. Early gameplay showcased MechWarrior 5: Clans’ new overhead battle grid that allows precise positioning and control of allied mechs. Refined combat sees players piloting powerful Clan OmniMechs with customizable loadouts against an array of enemy forces.
Cooperative Campaign and Character Progression
In addition to the revamped single player experience, Bullock discussed MechWarrior 5 Clans’ cooperative multiplayer. Up to five friends can join a campaign via an inviting system, each selecting one of the host’s lancemates. Progression remains separate, incentivizing both solo and cooperative play. Between missions, players will upgrade their OmniMechs and starmates at new facilities.
While keeping the “5” moniker, Bullock ensured MechWarrior 5 Clans stands alone as a full standalone release. Its upgraded Unreal Engine 5 visuals, extensive new content, and reworked systems justify the distinction from its predecessor. Fans both new and old to the MechWarrior series have much to look forward to when MechWarrior 5 Clans launches in 2024.