Modules and Skills

The following is from the MWOMercs forum, courtesy Piranha Games (Dev Blog 2, Dev Blog 3 and Dev Blog 4).

Modules – A new mech constructon concept. In order to evolve the concept of MechWarrior®, a new layer of customization was required. After several scrapped ideas, Piranha Games settled on a module concept. Modules allow players to customize their BattleMech with functionality without having to deal with the existing slots and tonnage rules.

Each BattleMech will come with a Module Board. Players can insert modules of their choice, provided they have space. Each module adds a layer of functionality. Modules are linked to the Pilot Tree and are unlocked by training various skills.

The Cost of Modules

Access to a Module is unlocked with General XP from the Pilot Lab, Pilot Trees menu. Once a Module on the Pilot Skill Tree has been unlocked it produces modules. These modules are purchased as an item from the MechLab, Modules menu with C-Bills. If the player wishes to use the same module across multiple BattleMechs, they will have to purchase one for each.

Module Slots

Each BattleMech chassis has a set number of slots available for modules. Players can fit whichever modules they want or deem necessary for their upcoming matches. The number of applied modules cannot exceed the available slots on a BattleMech and each module is unique in that multiples of the same module cannot be used.

BattleMech Efficiencies

This is the basic layout of the tree for any of the ’Mechs or variants that we launch with (or when we initially introduce the base model and chassis of any brand new ’Mech). Players need to spend XP to unlock all of the upgrades on each tier in order to be able to access the next tier. In order to access Elite Efficiencies, the player needs to not only unlock all Basic upgrades on this model, but they have to do the same for three different variants of that mech type. Master is accessed in a manner similar to Elite; the player must have unlocked all Elite Efficiencies on each of the initial variants.

Basic Efficiencies

• Coolrun - Increases heat dissipation
• Kinetic Burst - Increases BattleMech acceleration
• Twist X - Increases the maximum amount a BattleMech can twist its upper torso
• Heat Containment - Increases maximum heat threshold before a BattleMech shuts down
• Hard Brake - Increases BattleMech deceleration
• Arm Reflex - Increases the speed at which a BattleMech can move its arms
• Twist Speed - Increases the speed at which a BattleMech can twist its upper torso
• Anchor Turn - Increases the turning speed of a BattleMech

Elite Efficiencies:

• Quick Ignition - Start-up and shut-down sequences sped up 
• Pin Point - Weapon convergence speed increased
• Fast Fire - Weapon cooldown rate increased
• Speed Tweak - Increases top speed

Master Efficiency:

• Extra Module Slot - allows this mech to mount one additional module above it's default