MechWarrior Online is a tactical, Mech-based online shooter set in the BattleTech Universe. The battlefields of the 31st century are dominated by immense and powerful mechanized units known as BattleMechs. Piloting these war machines are the most elite soldiers that the galaxy has ever known as MechWarriors. You will assume the role of an elite MechWarrior, fighting for supremacy over the galaxy against other players.
v1.4 [Apr 21, 2013]
The Marauder IIC has arrived, and is now en-route to the MechBays of eligible MechWarriors. This 85-ton Clan Assault 'Mech, a full 10-tons heavier than its Inner Sphere predecessor, is likely to be a devastating presence on the battlefields of the Inner Sphere.
Our next major update to Faction Play releases in this patch, with significant changes to Factional warfare mechanics, a refocusing of the Faction Play interface, the introduction of a new Tug Of War system for active battles, the replacement of Long Tom Artillery with a Radar Jammer Planetary Upgrade, the integration of Quick Play modes into Faction Play, new support for special Faction Play events, and more.
We've chosen to call this update Faction Play Phase 4.1, both to signal the start of a new development phase and to stress that this is only the first of future updates and improvements planned for Faction Play as we renew its focus in 2017.
Escort, an all-new asymmetric Game Mode for MechWarrior Online, arrives in this patch. Teams are split between Attackers and Defenders, each with their own victory condition. Defenders must ensure the AI-controlled Atlas 'Mech reaches the Extraction Zone in time for evacuation; the Attackers must do everything in their power to destroy that Atlas and prevent its escape. While the Attackers must also contend with destructible Defense Turrets, enemy Support Towers can be captured to aid the attack with additional ECM and/or Radar support.
The work required to implement reliable mobility for the AI-controlled Atlas 'Mech at the center of the new Escort Game Mode necessitated a re-evaluation of 'Mech collision code as a whole. As a result of this work, 'Mech-on-'Mech collisions will now operate much more smoothly, causing less 'rubber-banding' and warping. These improvements should have a great effect on the feel of close-quarters combat.
The 'grey-boxed' 1v1 Private Lobby map introduced in a previous patch this year has undergone a comprehensive art pass for this December patch. The result is Steiner Coliseum, a Solaris-themed Private Lobby map focused toward competitive 1v1 matches. We had a few 1v1 machines running at Mech_Con 2016 for attendees to check out Steiner Coliseum, and based on that response, we think you're going to like this one.
A number of Weapon and Equipment changes are releasing in this patch, including Quirk adjustments for 14 'Mechs (12 IS, 2 Clan), Heat Capacity and Engine Dissipation improvements for both Clan and Inner Sphere Double Heat sinks, along with a few ballistic and missile weaponry tweaks, including improvements to the Damage and Spread of both Clan and Inner Sphere Machine Guns.
Rounding out the patch we have another release of Faction Decals, two seasonal Cockpit Items, and a new set of 'Mech Pattern Retrofits, including full Pattern Support for all Clan Wave 1 and Wave Invasion variant 'Mechs.
It should be highlighted that with the bulk of work in this patch dedicated toward Faction Play Phase 4.1 and the new Escort Game Mode, this patch does not feature the usual set of Map, 'Mech, and General fixes seen in all other patches this year.
Before we proceed to the Patch Notes, all of us here at Piranha Games would like to thank all of you for a stellar 2016, and for continuing to take to the battlefields of the Inner Sphere as a MechWarrior. We are extremely excited for the continued development of MechWarrior Online in 2017, and we hope you are as well. If you haven't done so already, go check out our December Roadmap...And Beyond post for a 2016 retrospective and a look ahead to what's coming in 2017.
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