MechWarrior Online

About

MechWarrior Online is a multiplayer strategy game with a science fiction theme. It was developed by Piranha Games Inc. and was released on December 10, 2015. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and positive reviews from players.

MechWarrior Online is a free-to-play, tactical shooter set in the BattleTech universe, where players battle in powerful mechanized units called BattleMechs. With earned currency and experience, players can purchase and customize their own 'Mechs, unlock skills, and engage in quickplay, faction play, and private matches across various game modes and maps. Monthly events offer additional rewards and content.

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+10

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81%

Audience ScoreBased on 9,941 reviews

gameplay422 positive mentions

grinding453 negative mentions

Endless customization options for mechs, allowing players to tailor their builds to their playstyle.
The community is friendly and supportive, making it easier for new players to learn the game.
Regular events provide opportunities to earn free mechs, in-game currency, and other rewards, making it accessible for free-to-play players.

The matchmaking system can be unbalanced, often pairing new players with experienced veterans, leading to frustrating experiences.
The user interface is outdated and not user-friendly, making it difficult for new players to navigate and understand the game.
There are issues with server stability and long wait times for matches, which can detract from the overall experience.

gameplay
1,448 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
66%
5%
The gameplay of "MechWarrior Online" is characterized by its deep customization options and strategic team-based mechanics, offering a unique blend of tactical shooter and mech simulation. While the core gameplay is engaging and rewarding, it features a steep learning curve that can be daunting for new players, compounded by issues such as repetitive match design and a grind-heavy progression system. Despite these challenges, many players find the experience addictive and enjoyable, particularly when playing with friends or in organized teams.
- “The gameplay is great and also has unlimited replayability in the forms of infinite mech builds. 10/10”
- “As a new player, you will jump into trial mechs and learn the mechanics and maps, but once you have some experience under your belt, you will become addicted to fiddling with your custom builds in the mech lab.”
- “It's a lot of fun and offers a truly unique gameplay experience in that it broadly allows you many different options on how to build and play mechs.”
- “The gameplay will make you feel inferior when a 35+ year old dad effortlessly tears you apart, but if you get familiar with the controls it's ultimately not too hard to understand.”
- “The poor and repetitive map design promotes 'deathball NASCAR' or 'deathball sniper hill' gameplay, often featuring many exploitable features like invisible walls or cover and terrain inaccessible for most mechs.”
- “The gameplay is just too repetitive and basic.”
graphics
589 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
42%
51%
7%
The graphics in MechWarrior Online are generally considered dated, reflecting the game's reliance on an older CryEngine 3, yet they still manage to hold up reasonably well for a free-to-play title. Many players appreciate the detailed mech designs and overall aesthetic, though there is a consensus that a graphical overhaul is overdue to meet modern standards. While the visuals can be impressive at times, particularly on higher settings, performance issues and optimization challenges are frequently noted, especially on lower-end systems.
- “The graphics are impressive and the gameplay is fun and strategic.”
- “The game developers meticulously detailed every 'mech's unique design, complemented by high-quality graphics that convey a captivating, tangible world.”
- “The graphics are beautiful, even on the lowest setting, and the physics are on point.”
- “The graphics really show their age, especially in the lighting department.”
- “Even on high settings, the graphics aren’t exactly up to 2025 standards.”
- “The game looks painfully dated now; they never even considered the possibility of doing what most games that plan to stay up for long do, i.e., do some graphical update.”
grinding
466 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
1%
2%
97%
Grinding in MechWarrior Online is a significant aspect of the gameplay experience, with many players noting that it can be quite tedious, especially for new players trying to unlock mechs and upgrades without spending real money. While some reviews highlight that the game offers a fair amount of free content and events to ease the grind, others express frustration over the time required to earn in-game currency (c-bills) for desired mechs and customization options. Overall, the consensus is that while the game can be grindy, it is less so compared to other free-to-play titles, and players who enjoy mech combat may find the grind rewarding despite its challenges.
- “The game is actually not very grindy.”
- “Not grindy, maybe a little, but nothing like World of Tanks; all mechs use the same equipment, so everyone hurts. The only limit to what you can do is the size of the mech, the hardpoints, and the weight of the parts.”
- “Grinding is considerably less prevalent in MWO due to there not being a requirement to level up to acquire new mechs; everything is available to buy from the get-go.”
- “My major gripe is still how grindy the game is.”
- “However, the game is plagued by long wait times, tedious grind, and pay-to-win elements.”
- “The game can be very grindy if you aren't willing to put money in, and to be honest, if that's the case, it probably isn't the game for you.”
optimization
271 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
11%
63%
26%
The optimization of the game is widely criticized, with many players reporting significant performance issues due to its reliance on an outdated version of the CryEngine, leading to frequent frame drops and inconsistent gameplay even on high-end systems. While some users note that the game can run smoothly with lower settings, the overall consensus is that the optimization is poor, affecting both graphics and gameplay experience. Despite occasional improvements, many feel that the game remains unoptimized and struggles with balancing performance across different hardware configurations.
- “Teamwork, terrain, and optimization matter a lot.”
- “If you group up with three friends to form a cohesive lance, and don't miss a single ton of optimized loadouts, your chances of victory quadruple in all situations.”
- “The game looks and sounds pretty great, while also managing to be quite well optimized.”
- “Dwindling player population on a poorly optimized outdated engine only kept alive by lack of competition.”
- “The game's engine is a very old version of CryEngine, and the performance can be spotty even on higher-end rigs.”
- “This game is unoptimized garbage.”
story
254 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
8%
79%
13%
The game's story aspect is largely criticized for its lack of depth and narrative, with many players noting that it primarily focuses on multiplayer combat without a significant single-player campaign or engaging storyline. While some appreciate the connection to the broader Battletech universe, the absence of a cohesive plot or meaningful missions leaves many feeling that the game is more about the mechanics of mech combat than storytelling. Overall, players express a desire for more narrative content and mission variety to enhance the gaming experience.
- “It is a very good experience and has a good storyline and many things to do.”
- “It's like actually believable and is like the drama of the Roman Empire but on a galactic scale, way better story and everything.”
- “Mechwarrior, what can I say besides it’s been an iconic game coming from the Battletech universe and the world of tabletop, for us older gamers we remember the early Mechwarrior game series and enjoyed the storyline and gameplay.”
- “There is no story at all; the ever-fun onslaught modes from 3 & 4 are a joke in this, it doesn't even allow movement at all, and as in all other modes, if you get hit, you can't see, so you promptly get destroyed.”
- “Being a free-to-play game, it comes woefully short on story content.”
- “In MechWarrior Online, there is no story to tell, and that bothers me.”
monetization
182 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
5%
60%
35%
The monetization in the game is widely criticized as aggressive and often perceived as a cash grab, with many players feeling that it relies heavily on microtransactions for content that should be accessible through gameplay. While some reviews note that the game is not strictly pay-to-win and offers opportunities to earn items without spending money, the high prices for certain mechs and cosmetic items, along with frequent advertisements for in-game purchases, contribute to a negative perception of its monetization strategy. Overall, players express frustration over the balance between enjoyment and the pressure to spend money, with many calling for improvements to the system.
- “The monetization isn't terrible but it could be a whole lot better, although you can still earn almost everything without paying cash.”
- “Monetization is present, but not obnoxious - there is nearly always an event running with at least one free mech given away every month along with in-game and premium currency.”
- “Despite all this, tons of customization, lots of mechs, monetization is not pay to win; a mech bought with in-game currency can beat a $15 'hero' mech with proper teamwork and tactics.”
- “With each new release, it feels more and more like they're doing their best to sell that content to those too competitive or nostalgic to see it for what it is, a last-ditch cash grab to capitalize returns on what is ultimately a failing game.”
- “The monetization has gone into overdrive, and balance has gotten very questionable.”
- “It's also a little predatory regarding its in-game purchases... the very idea that you can spend actual money on a better mech really shouldn't be a thing... cosmetics, fine, but anything that gives you an actual edge in the game is unacceptable.”
humor
75 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
99%
4%
The humor in this game is widely appreciated, with players finding joy in the absurdity of mech designs, unexpected gameplay mechanics, and the antics of both teammates and opponents. Many reviews highlight the community's lighthearted banter and the amusing situations that arise from flawed matchmaking and unconventional builds, making the experience entertaining despite its competitive nature. Overall, the game is described as a blend of hilarity and chaos, with players often laughing at the game's quirks and their own misadventures.
- “The lore is rich, funny, and the community around it all is surprisingly positive.”
- “There are endless combinations which leads to some very creative builds as well as some outright hilarious troll setups.”
- “The community is full of many funny, friendly, and chill people.”
- “The eternal NASCAR is not funny when you are a slightly mobile turret.”
- “The jokes fall flat and often feel forced, lacking any real wit.”
- “The humor tries too hard to be quirky but ends up being cringeworthy.”
stability
68 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
7%
93%
The stability of the game is widely criticized, with users reporting frequent freezes, graphical glitches, and poor hit registration. Many players describe the game as "buggy but playable," noting that while it has its fun moments, the overall experience is marred by persistent technical issues and a lack of timely fixes from developers. Despite some players enjoying the gameplay, the game's numerous bugs and glitches significantly detract from its stability and overall enjoyment.
- “The gameplay isn't buggy or laggy.”
- “The game runs great, looks great, and plays very well.”
- “Also, it runs great on my 2-year-old PC!”
- “The game just freezes while it searches for a match instead of performing the search in the background as you continue to mess about.”
- “Oh before I end this, I must also point out that this game isn't just full of graphical issues, but the game itself is so buggy that it will often reset settings on both the game and your computer, or make your screen turn off and not turn back on without a hard reboot, or just lag like crazy and cause you to rubberband all over the place randomly for no apparent reason.”
- “The game is a buggy, poorly optimized, pay-to-win mess with very inconsistent developers.”
music
37 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
19%
67%
14%
The music in the game receives mixed reviews, with many players noting a lack of in-game music during gameplay, which detracts from the overall experience. While some appreciate the soundtrack and sound effects, others find them mediocre or even disappointing, suggesting that the absence of dynamic music during matches limits immersion. Overall, the audio elements are seen as a missed opportunity to enhance the game's atmosphere, with players often resorting to external soundtracks to fill the void.
- “Heavy metal robots, heavy metal music, big guns, missiles, and lasers.”
- “With surround sound and thundering bass from my subwoofer, the audio and music help to create an awesome experience.”
- “The sound is great, and so is the soundtrack.”
- “My only complaint is there is no music during gameplay.”
- “The creators can make you spend $500 on a gold skin yet they cannot put a soundtrack into the game during matches. I would rather have that than a bright gold mech. What is this, Modern Warfare 3?”
- “There does seem to be a lack of music in the game, which lends it that suspenseful simulator vibe.”
replayability
36 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
50%
42%
8%
Overall, the replayability of the game is highly praised, with players noting the extensive customization options for mechs, diverse gameplay modes, and frequent updates that keep the experience fresh. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to offer nearly infinite replay value through various mech builds and competitive play, although some mention potential repetitiveness due to limited maps. The combination of engaging mechanics and community-driven improvements contributes to a strong sense of replayability, making it a standout in the mech genre.
- “The gameplay is great and also has unlimited replayability in the forms of infinite mech builds.”
- “Love the replayability, and the feeling of improvement as you learn how to play better, and also spending ages making ridiculous mech builds.”
- “The mech lab is the most detailed level of customization I've seen in a game, and the amount of variety and replayability rivals MOBA games due to the large selection of maps, game modes, loadouts, and mechs that there are to choose from.”
- “A little fun but lacks replayability.”
- “If you enjoy having twenty options and only two are playable, with a ranking system that prioritizes your team's success over your own while also making it a personal rank, then this game will still probably piss you off.”
- “Modes/replayability: the game has three quick modes... assault, where teams can kill the enemy team or capture an objective on their opponents' side of the map, conquest where teams can kill the enemy team or earn points by owning up to 5 slow-ticking objectives scattered between the two teams, and skirmish which is team deathmatch.”
atmosphere
21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
29%
57%
14%
The game's atmosphere is praised for its depth and immersion, enhancing the experience for players who appreciate the lore and strategic gameplay. However, some users criticize the outdated graphics and lack of guidance, which detracts from the overall atmosphere. While many enjoy the competitive and friendly environment, others feel that certain maps and gameplay elements fail to deliver the expected atmospheric engagement.
- “It not only gives players a wealth of background knowledge to explore, but it also imbues the game with a rich atmosphere, making the game's world feel much more real and substantial.”
- “The mech customization, the actual battles, and the atmosphere of the game are all really good.”
- “Atmosphere that brings being a mech pilot to life.”
- “Very outdated and sad graphics, confusing and abysmal user interface, absolutely no information or guidance on equipment/weapons/game mechanics. Their idea of adding atmosphere to the game is to make the game maps too dark or foggy to see, so it's like playing with your eyes closed. Developers never try to balance the different weight classes or weapons but instead flood the game with new mechs you buy for cash.”
- “MWO sort of delivers on the gameplay front (although it's nowhere near as tactical as some people make it out to be - a sim this is not) but lacks the atmosphere I'd expect from a game in the Battletech universe.”
- “There's even a map without atmosphere where you can only hear your own movement and impacts on your armor, but nothing else from outside.”
emotional
17 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players express a mix of strong emotions regarding "Mechwarrior Online," highlighting the thrill of gameplay and the sense of empowerment from successfully engaging in combat. While many appreciate the community's wholesome nature and the variety of play styles, there is also frustration over perceived developer neglect and monetization practices, leading to feelings of disappointment. Overall, the game evokes a roller coaster of emotions, from joy in gameplay to sadness over its current state.
- “But when you're kicking butt...? it's an emotional roller coaster.”
- “Would cry again.”
- “It's always heartbreaking to see a community love something as awesome as Mechwarrior so much only to have the developer choose to cash out over and over again and treat the players like garbage.”
character development
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
33%
100%
Character development in MechWarrior Online is designed to be deeply integrated into the rich Battletech universe, featuring a community-driven ecosystem that allows players to evolve their characters alongside a real-time progression of lore and tactical combat experiences.
- “The developers of MechWarrior Online, PGI, stated that MW:O is going to be a credible representation of the rich BattleTech universe, featuring tactical combat and a simulator experience of piloting a BattleMech. It includes a large, community-driven territory expansion and character development ecosystem, combined with real-time lore timeline progression.”
- “The character development feels shallow and lacks meaningful progression, making it hard to connect with the characters.”
- “I expected a deep and engaging character development system, but it ended up being very simplistic and uninspired.”
- “The choices you make in character development seem to have little impact on the overall gameplay, which is disappointing.”

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72%Critics’ scoreBased on 2 critic reviews

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146h Median play time

545h Average play time

20-1000h Spent by most gamers

*Based on 66 analyzed playthroughs

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MechWarrior Online is a strategy game with science fiction theme.

MechWarrior Online is available on PC and Windows.

On average players spend around 545 hours playing MechWarrior Online.

MechWarrior Online was released on December 10, 2015.

MechWarrior Online was developed by Piranha Games Inc..

MechWarrior Online has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its grinding.

MechWarrior Online is a multiplayer game.

Similar games include Hawken, PlanetSide 2, Star Conflict, Fractured Space, Warhammer 40,000: Eternal Crusade and others.

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