BATTLETECH – Brawlers
Brawlers et al. are designed solely around their outstanding armor and close-range firepower. You’ll find fewer mechs that can take a better hit.
Strengths:
Great Armor
A powerful close-to-mid-range arsenal
Can stand toe to toe with mechs far above its weight for a limited time
Weaknesses:
Slow, often has to choose between cover and closing in with the target
Can’t really handle targets at long range effectively
Unable to retreat effectively when a situation turns sour.
Strategies:
Brawlers are most efficient at close range, where they can deal incredible amounts of burst damage. That said, they need to first get close to an enemy before this can happen. This severely limits their flexibility in combat, usually regulating them to sprinting from cover to cover, or bracing out in the open to reach another mech. Fortunately, brawlers mount excellent amounts of armor, allowing them to take a few hits before they need to worry about a future hull breach.
During the initial stages of combat, brawlers act as area denial units. Their mere presence forces enemies to move in another direction as if they get too close, a brawler will be able to close and deal a significant amount of damage. It is for this reason that you should aim to place brawlers strategically, such as between the opfor and a key objective, or some other more vulnerable mech in your lance. As the battle progresses, and mechs begin to heat up and slow down, you should aim to wade in and inflict as much damage as possible. Armor and firepower are your greatest strengths, so drawing out a fight is in your best interest. Upon inevitably overheating, melee can become a viable tool in dismantling the enemy.
A key concern to be mindful of when brawling however is your rear arc. While a brawler mech’s frontal armor might be thick, the rear is often still woefully bare. This is especially true for stock Hunchbacks and to an extent Kintaros. When possible, attempt to fight near hills or another terrain, which you can place your back too. If no terrain is applicable, you can instead move an ally to guard your flank. In this manner, even if the enemy gets behind you, they will be forced to expose their own rear armor to your allies.
Common Brawler Mechs:
Urbanmech – While mounting a moderate ranged weapon system, the Urbanmech’s unbearable speed regulates it to a Brawler. Position it well, and make use of its powerful autocannon to obliterate lighter mechs.
Hunchback – Makes use of an extremely potent AC-20 or large battery of medium lasers. It won’t do much until it closes it, but when it does you’ll be guaranteed to see fireworks. Has nearly unmatched armor for its weight, even when compared to some heavy mechs.
Kintaro – Very similar to the Hunchback, but mounts a series of SRMs. It runs extremely hot, but its armor and alpha strike potential won’t leave you wanting.
King Crab – The king of brawlers on the battlefield. Mounting a pair of AC/the 20s, this mech can literally cleave other chassis apart with a one-two punch. Thanks to its topped-out tonnage, it is also able to mount long-range weapons to support its advance.
