How To Play Alpha Strike: Basic Rules
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 19 ต.ค. 2024
- We are back with the second video in our series that will teach you and your friends (and teach you how to teach you friends) how to play Alpha Strike! In this video we will go over the basics of game play, and walk you through a live game of Alpha Strike!
Find all of our FREE Alpha Strike resources for new & veteran players on our website at:
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I've played hex-based "classic" Battletech since 1989 or so. It'll always be near and dear to me, and I've played as recently as 2 days ago. However, Alpha Strike is definitely my preferred way of introducing new players to the setting and the game. its also great to mix-and-match with the classic game. Do classic for skirmishes, scouting, etc...and when they forces get up in each other's faces, switch to AS for the big "set piece" battles.
Totally agree!
As an old school Battletech player who has recently converted to alpha strike, I really appreciate these videos. And your custom rules sheets are great.
I've been teaching my sons to play AS and in a few years I'll hopefully be starting to bring my grandkids into the fold.
Guys big battle tech fan for years. Finally in my 45th year decided to try battletech gaming with alpha strike. Thanks for the intro to the game. Looking forward to watching more!
Thanks for watching!
Whoa, who did the voice overs? That is like a crystal palace in the sky: nobody gets it, but it is the best thing ever. Love this series so far. You're winning on this Alpha Strike stuff. Guess Thom never had a wobbie play sprinkles time in his coffee, huh?
From a 35 year CBT player, well done! Using your KISS principle, I will use the closest point of base to base for measuring, as opposed to the old method of cockpit to cockpit.
I appreciate the questions like “oh so can I move in from the sides?” It’s clear he knows but it frames questions I might have nicely. Thanks!
Loving this series, we may have to send new recruits for Alpha Strike here for "pre-battle training."
Yesss! More recruits for the BattleTech Army! 😆
Just got my set today and I'm planning to meet with my friends tomorrow to give it a try! This is the best video I found to explain Alpha Strike. I was following along with the video and playing out a 1 vs 1 just to see how it all works and it was actually pretty fun! I can't wait to play for real!
Great execution as the rules are introduced, ideal for new players.
By far the best set of tutorials for Alpha Strike. Thank you.
Love to see Aries sponsor this I am a big fun of them and I try to purchase from them as often as I can. This video was helpful as my son and I are trying to learn how to play
Awesome! Thanks for watching 👍
That sequence of play printout is super handy! Thank you for that!
You are welcome 👍
Great video me and a friend is getting back into Battletech. We picked Alpha Strike to get back into the game.
Good choice!
Yes... I have been waiting for this ever so patiently :) you guys Rock the Kasbah !!!!!
Sorry it took so long 🙂
@@DeathfromAboveWargaming No worries....it was worth it
I tried to get my friend Shareef into this, but he didn't like it.
Great overview and delivery for us newbies! Thanks for making these vids.
Thanks for watching!
Thanks for the vid and the resources! I dl'ed a few great AS cards for lance formations and the campaigns.
okay yeah after watching y'all play a quick demo round this one looks like a ton of fun! found out my local game store apparently has it so as soon as I can get up there I may have to look into starting a mech collection!
Excellent!!
Ya'll have been great in helping me get setup got my first Alpha Strike game. Not sure if this will be last question but i appreciate your patience while I learn all of this. What are you putting underneath the gaming pad to create the hills, etc., on the playing field. I am assuming that the mat is flat so you have to create some higher levels etc for game play.
No worries on the questions! Here is a tutorial that shows you how we put the mats together:
th-cam.com/video/REa5kuppBro/w-d-xo.html
Great stuff, thanks! WIth the incoming late pledge, I am very curious to see how AS will play on hex grid maps: total playability, relatively small table space, perfect for large scale engagements between multiple lances/stars.
Intro 0:30
Start 5:00
Forces & misson 6:30
How to set up 7:30
Deployment 10:45
Combat 14:00
Turn 2 17:50
Awesome! Thank you for explaining it all like that. The pace is great and the questions that are asked and answered are good.
I was wondering something : could an AS session be played on hex maps without rulers, converting each inch to an hex? So a mech moving 4" could move 4 hexes instead?
I am about to start my first session soon, and we're all newbies, so I figured that maybe its simpler to use hex maps for the first few sessions.
Yes - there are rules in ASCE for doing this!
I really like the look of the mat you use but I can't find that particular design on the deepcut website. Was it a custom print?
This was one of their older designs - they used to have a print your own library of their deprecated designs. It may still be there if they offer it? Not sure.
I am very interested in your table. how did you achieve such a terrain ? is that a neoprene mat ? how did you manage to give it such a shape, how do you keep the foundations for the hills? how did you make it so that there were no folds on it, because you can't put a terrane on a curved surface?
It is a neoprene mat, and it looks like they just put the shape underneath the mat to give it this aspect. You should be able to remove the shapes and store it normally afterwards.
Sorry I missed this question!! There is a video in our “Hobby Tutorials” playlist that shows how we do this - also any of our new recent batreps show the setup process as well.
@@DeathfromAboveWargaming thank you very much for answering . I like to watch you're battle reports.
How did you make your Mission Briefing? It looks way cool!!! What software did you use to make it?
I so love the battle entry video!
How to attack: @24:01
SATOR
Skill+AttackerMod+TargetMod(TMM)+Other(cover)+Range(1/2/3/4)
They roll 2d6 for each point of damage the mech can deal at that range (three rolls for his long range 3 damage shot).
Question: when applying modifiers for attack, when talking about target movement modifiers, that means what the target did in the movement phase right? So if it stood still it’s an easier hit, it moved apply its TMM, if it jumped its TMM+1, and regular movement is TMM. I ask because my brother and I have been playing alpha strike and we’ve been applying that on the basis of the attackers movement, and that somehow feels wrong since it says target movement modifiers on the rule book
The attacker only is modified if they were stationary or jumped. The TMM is applied based on the target’s move, as you described.
Great video series guys. One suggestion is to give us newbies some more info on the rule locations in the book. For example, I can't find the optional rules for extreme range or for rolling for each point of damage. A page umber would be awesome! I realize that's more work so thanks in advance!!!
Extreme range pg163.
Yes the video is old but one question. I will play pattletech for the 1st time today. By reading the rules i got the idea to use poker chips for armore and structure. Stacking them up on/next to the card. 2 colores in 1 stack for sure. Did you ever try/ see someting like this? Does it work? Any toughts? (Sorry for my englisch)
You could certainly do it! I haven’t seen it - most just mark the card - but no reason tracking other ways (dice, chips, etc) couldnt work just as well.
Thanks for the video guys! On to the intermediate gameplay.
Total noob here but interested in the game.
So if i search alpha strike (i see a book), is it just a rule book? Then you buy the miniatures? I saw one where even the parts have stats and all, so different miniatures will have those..maybe cards and the other ones can be printed?
Sorry, i just saw this today and it seems interesting
Absolutely! I would advise starting with A Game of Armored Combat. Gets you 8 new minis and some basic AS cards etc! Then download the free “quick start” Alpha Strike rules... from there you can upgrade the rulebook!
Nice starter series. Is there a means to generate versions of the Alpha Strike cards with the rules you folks use? I see the "CUSTOM VARIANTS & RECORD SHEETS" section on your site but was expecting more cards from something you folks said.
It is available on Patreon, along with the Classic -> AS converter!
great video guys but i cant find the cards on your web site ?
New web based app is being released soon - the older cards should be out there, but it’s been a while since this vid released. I believe these cards were available to patrons at the time.
That battle mat is awesome. Can I ask who makes it?
I believe this one is from Deep-Cut Studio
@@DeathfromAboveWargamingthis mat does look awesome. Couldn’t see the exact one on the site Don’t suppose you have the name please? Great video also Thanks
I just took a quick look - definitely deep cut, but not on their site so possibly discontinued.
@@DeathfromAboveWargamingthanks for the quick reply and checking. Bummer if they don’t have it anymore. Might contact them and see
If they have it still - check under the “make your own mat” section… maybe its there??
Awesome Introduction! Thank you!
You are welcome 👍
Where do you get your AS cards printed with Extreme range filled out?
There is a tool available for our Patrons. We are currently in the process of upgrading it as well!
Thanks for the videos! Can you please tell me where the DFA version Mech cards can be found? I found the cheat sheets. Again Thanks.
Thanks. The card builder is available for patrons on our downloads section.
Great intro, thanks!
You got it!
Thanks guys.
Hi. I was wondering about the words Brawler, sniper, etc type of mech in Alpha strike. Have they any rule meaning ? Cant find something in my alpha strike rule book.
Great question - they are used in formations,which is an optional rule set found in the AS Commander’s Edition.
@@DeathfromAboveWargaming Thanks for the answer. I have alpha strike and the companion but not the commander's édition... That s why... Difficult to find it in Europe...
And very nice table btw.
Thanks! I believe they mention formations in the companion - but I don’t have it handy...
I was hoping that in a video titled "Basic Rules" I would see how the game is played according to the basic rulebook. Just the basics. :(
I get the desire to fiddle with a game and create optional/custom rules. But I first need to understand the game as written before I can decide what changes would work for me.
Maybe it’s not about what you need and what works for you.
I've been playing AS with my 6 year old son. I am an old BattleTech vet, and yet I don't think BattleTech is all that much fun based on how slow it plays. AS is much quicker, and is simple enough that my son can understand it. We also make sure that if the fight is clearly going one way, that the losing side retreats or surrenders rather than drag it out.
My only real fault with the game is that the mechs do lose some of their character for not having their distinctive weaponry. There also might be something to be said for not having a rulebook that is just 3025 era, which is what I prefer. I can stand not having Clans and the rest of their super tech gear clogging up the rulebook page count. It is just more fluff to wade thru to get to my rules I want.
Check out our BattleTech Override system. Tutorial drops this week on TH-cam, and tons of Battle Reports out there.
Would a flexible measuring tape be more useful for Alpha Strike, much like there was one for the Clix game?
Up to you, but yah that could most definitely work!
@@DeathfromAboveWargaming That was my first impression from the rules, and still have one of those from back when I played the clix.
I'm watching these so late because I got the rules and never could convince my brother to try giving it a shot. But I plan on convincing him to do "just one game" after we wrap our CBT campaign and see what he thinks. Getting a handle on it early seems... wise.
Beautiful !!
Hi! What are the max dimensions of the terrain for Apha Strike? What are the dimensions fo the terrain in this video? (nice terrain!!! where do you bought it?)
Thanks!! So the battlemats we use are 4’x4’. Some guys like 6’x4’ as they can dual purpose them with 40k, but 4’x4’ is closer to the “traditional” 3x2 paper mats.
If you check out our Hobby playlist, there are some great vids in there reviewing terrain, showing how we set up a battlegrid, etc.
@@DeathfromAboveWargaming Thanks!!!
Where did you get the terrain towers and buildings?
Check our out review and hobby playlists for some review vids on TomyTec and Hardware Studios
Can Alpha Strike still be played on hex? LOS and arc resolution seem fiddly.
Yes it can be played on a hex map. Arcs and LOS is pretty straight forward. Cover is the only thing you’ll argue about with an opponent.
Why not use a yellow dice for movement matker instead of a white movement dice and then a yellow marker?
It's battletech Light but not the terrible thing that Wizkid's did that I didn't realize was bad when I was playing it.
Nice.
Exactly right! And it can get enjoyably (but not overwhelmingly) complex once you start adding in formations, vehicles, infantry, etc. Keep your eyes out for an upcoming Battle Report where we'll be introducing visibility and sensors. :)
I still have all my wizkid stuff, so I think I will be converting some pieces and playing this.
Great idea!
Great vid
As a suggestion, a really tight script will help reduce the running time of the video, and allow for cleaner language.
If you want a script, read the rule book.
You dont explain the +1/2/3 numbers in brackets above the DMG number. I guess those are modifiers to hard its to hit?
Its been a few years but I believe this was discussed in the intro video.
I recently bought the Battletech Beginners Box. Is it possible to play Alpha Strike with the components within it?
You can! It has the AS cards in the box, and all you need to do is grab the free “quick start” rules online.
@@DeathfromAboveWargaming Sweet! Any tips for a group who has never played a table top miniature game before?
Well, I’d say watch a few games on youtube of course 😁 but that will give you a good idea of how to get going. I did a “Tactical Report” series over a year ago that goes more in depth each turn.
Other than that, start small. 2 mechs each. Keep it simple. Ignore the special rules and focus on moving and shooting. Add in rules incrementally and have fun!
What is the fluff-text time per turn? I think in classic it's 10 seconds or something. I would imagine AS turn times would represent a much larger chunk of time given how quickly units can die compared to classic. I like knowing these details to paint a better picture in my head as I play.
It is 10 seconds across all game systems. Even in Classic, nothing lasts too long 🙂
What are you using under your battle mat?
Check out this vid:
th-cam.com/video/REa5kuppBro/w-d-xo.html
@@DeathfromAboveWargaming perfect, that’s exactly what I needed. You guys are crushing it, best BattleTech videos out there!
Thanks!! 🙂👍
Great video for this noob. Sub’d!
Love it! Thanks 👍
Is alpha strike easier to play than classic battletech?
I'm trying to teach myself classic but its rough
1000% yes. If you are new to the hobby, I’d recommend Alpha Strike.
Cool, now I don’t need to make any how to play. Now I can focus on shaky cam battle reports
Yes 🙂 It is on my list to watch - been a busy week with this release!
Do I need the new Alpha Strike Commanders edition of the rules to get started, have played Classic, but I am new to Alpha Strike
I would recommend it! It has all the latest & greatest rules you'd need for Alpha Strike. You can also download the optional rules we use, along with some quick start and reference sheets on our website!
@@DeathfromAboveWargaming Does the new rulebook come with reference sheets, mech cards, etc. I am going to go to your website and look over those sheets you provided. Also, do you recomend participating in this new kickstarter? Been wrestling around with that as well. Aren't all of the items on the kickstarter going to be available for purchase once released or is it better to get in this to acquire these items.
For kickstarter: heck yes. 100%
For cards: google “master unit list” ... we do have some on our website for the DFA lance packs, as well as a custom card generator & cbt converter that will be available for Patreon backers soon!
@@DeathfromAboveWargaming NICE!!! I was looking at the Bloodnamed! set....How does someone become a patreon?
... good question and more details to come on that soon!
I know this is a rather old video (and a really good one!), but does anyone have play aids for Alpha Strike on hexagons rather than open maps? I know there are rules that cut distances in half (24" = 12 hexes for example), but having charts/tables with the hex numbers would be really helpful. Thanks for any ideas!
Our AS quick refs are 1:1… they are in inches but just ignore the “ and pretend it says hexes.
Also our card builder online uses 1:1.
@@DeathfromAboveWargaming waaaaah? You have your own online card builder??
@aceshelman dfawargaming.com
Can you recommend a mat from FrontLine gaming for a beginner in Alpha Strike. Went to the website and there are many to choose from.....advise on what to start with would be great
I dont have any experience with FLG mats but I know they are popular. I would look at getting a 4x4 neoprene mat... style is up to you but most likely start with a grass/mud theme mat as its most reusable! Enjoy.
@@DeathfromAboveWargaming ok, will take a look
Sorry to be a pain, just trying to get ideas. What about terrain? Is there a list of places to get the terrain?
No problem! For some of the best scatter terrain around, check out XMarx.com. Aries has some IWM stackable and resin buildings. Hardware Studios has some very legit 3D printed buildings - you’ll be seeing that pop up on the channel in the coming months.
where did you get the solid colored cubes?
I missed the reasoning, why the change to 1234 from 024 for ranged attacks?
Its an optional rule in the Commander’s Edition we like to use, but largely it improves the hit gradient and makes extreme range viable. Otherwise +6 against anything moving is a hail mary.
This is a great series of video's but I think you made a mistake incorporating the house rules, some may go away and use those rules in a normal game forgetting they were additional, you should have run a basic rules as written game first then done another video with the house rules (which I do agree are better)
I just got into Alpha Strike, and I'd like to ask why you're range brackets aren't the same as the table on page 43 of the Commander's Edition?
Short answer: Alpha Strike is played at a 2:1 (2 inches = 1 hex) scale… We play at a 1:1 scale which gives more space on the table to play and doesn’t affect game play otherwise as we also have movement, etc.
@@DeathfromAboveWargaming Oh, okay. I haven't gotten to the hex based maps conversion yet. So, you're playing on a hex map scale, without the hexes.
@@DeathfromAboveWargaming seems unnecessarily misleading to new players
Yes! That is my goal! To mislead new players lol. Good thing we explain this in the introductory video - and good thing people like you are policing the internet for deceivers like me!
@@DeathfromAboveWargaming I didn’t say you were trying to deceive anyone. I said the video was misleading to new players because, it is supposed to be about Alpha Strike, but doesn’t use the Alpha Strike rules.
Seems like a fair comment to me, and something you should be made aware of, but if you don’t care about newbie players, then that is up to you.
As you say in another video, once you have bought the rules, you can do what you want with the game, until you want to play with people outside your usual circle.
Needs 100% more Steiner Captured Warhawk Prime.
LOS use some string or a laser pointer
why use a dice with a 2 to mark TMM and then use a yellow marker to mark sprint rather than just using a yellow die with a two, I can't imagine the clutter of using two if you had a lot of forces in a small area.
You do you!
@@DeathfromAboveWargaming lol no I was asking if there was a benefit to this method.
Just easier to do the math as the numbers are right in front of you.
@@DeathfromAboveWargaming the numbers would be there either way. One way your just using a white die and a colored marker and the other you are just using a colored die.
Oh I see what you’re asking - sorry. The benefit is that it stands out more; its more intentional. Yah we could do the colored dice method but I prefer this method.
Irradiated wasteland you say? Did the Regulans visit?
dark ages is from 3131-3999 i pley mercenary for star league era to jihad and from early republit to dark ages i pley rasalhague dominion
IlClan is now confirmed as 3151 onward iirc.
@@phaedrosx cool
3081 to 3150 dark age.
Question . . . why do you guys halve the movement and weapon ranges? You have a massive table . . .
Fair question! Gives a lot more room for movement and strategy - a turn or two before bullets start flying too. Even with a 48” board a sprinting locust can get full across in just two turns.
@@DeathfromAboveWargaming a fair point and one I hadn't considered. Game on gentlemen!
🙂 The other thing that occurred to me after posting was that extreme range really only works in a 1:1 setting - otherwise it hits at 60” too.
Nothing wrong with the 2:1 at all, but we really like the 1:1 style with extreme range at 30”! I’d say give it a try 🙂👍
Is there an official Rulebook for this?
There is - the Alpha Strike Commander’s Edition!
@@DeathfromAboveWargaming Thanks!
I know I am a year late - however I am super concerned. Aaron, where are you legs? I see a floating torso on the screen. Is everything ok?
I think so? Haha
Can you share the file for your cheat sheet?
If its still available, you can find it on our website in the downloads section
www.dfawargaming.com
This is very similar to MechWarrior dark age from wizkids it seems.
Why does your Alpha Strike Card builder design now look COMPLETELY different from the examples shown in your videos? Was there a legal problem? I really loved the design being close to the originals but adding extreme range and so on ... now they look like they're from a different game :/
The builder for the old style is still available. No copyright issues. We get a lot of likes on the new style, which still has extreme range, and other available options. It matches the new Destiny style.
@@DeathfromAboveWargaming nice to know, thanks! How do I access the old design? Under „Alpha Strike“ I only see the new one.
That might be available to Patrons only at this point.
Did you check the downloads section?
@@DeathfromAboveWargaming I can only find the pre-build list for your forcepacks, no unit builder.
Christ! I just discovered Battletech. How much better is this? What's the main differences? I haven't bought anything yet. Would it be smarter to get into this instead? and Why?
The good news is the record sheets are free, the models are all the same, and nothing is different except the rules! Lots of us play both systems depending on size/scale of the game or how granular (classic) or streamlined (alpha) we like it!
Who else is tired of the rise of kingdom ads. Just asking.
Hahah YT tailors ads to you! Must be a secret superfan. 😉
Someone told me the winner of the initiative moves second but shoots first?
That is how X-Wing works, but not BattleTech. In BT all damage is resolved simultaneously, so deciding last (what and how much to shoot) is advantageous.
Hold your camera still!!!!
sorry i like the reall thing..playing it 1080s threw 1990s stile of play way better
Why do you roll 3 dice instead of 2.
Thanks for the comment - check out our house rules online (free downloads at dfawargaming.com) and also the quick primer video at the top of the Battle Reports playlist 👍
@@DeathfromAboveWargaming where in the rulebook does it tell how many weapons you have to shoot.
Check out the “Multiple Attack Rolls” section in the Commander’s Edition. Short story you get one die per point of damage.
Edit: this is on pg 175 in the optional rules
Thank you
I play at most 3055. So. Many. Pips.
Haha its true - everything gets a little beefier, but its offset typically by less structure due to XL engines and the like.