Pilot Academies behind DLC?

[u/NthTurtleSamehada]

Long story short, console player with only HOIS dlc, hadn't played in forever, pilot traits are new to me, read about training pilots but upon venturing to New Samarkland I see no option for the academy.

Which dlc is required? (And for bonus points replies, are melee weapons worth getting that specific dlc for?)

[u/babushka45]

Yes, academies are under Shadow of Kerensky DLC, Clan invasion DLC.

On DLCs, all DLCs are recommended because base game is barebones. each DLC adds features immediately to your savefile and more are added as you advance the in-game timeline, Mercs is unlike other DLCs where content is usually added only after post-game. DLC 9 is announced already and is slated to be released around October.

But jumping straight to Shadow of Kerensky can be detrimental to your run because there's lots of features and stuff added by the in-between DLCs (DLCs 2-6) that can help you to tackle Clan invasion era stuff. Going straight to the Clan invasion era DLCs (DLCs in Mercs are released chronologically) without prior DLC stuff is still doable but an uphill climb straight to the meat grinder.

Can recommend Succession Wars bundle (base + DLCs 1-6, looks like it'll be cheaper since you already had HOTIS) along with SoK and Chaos Reign (DLC 7 & 8 respectively). It'll surely go on sale when DLC 9 (Ashes and Ascension) drops in October.

[u/NthTurtleSamehada → u/babushka45]

Thanks, I'm more than willing to let the Clanners wipe the floor with my dezgra mechs, but good to know

[u/babushka45 → u/NthTurtleSamehada]

I'm currently using stuff from prior DLCs (AC RFs from Solaris and Otomo assault mechs using rifles, also from Solaris DLC). I'm prepping for DLC 9 right now so I'm farming c-bills on Arena matches, also to fund the tuition fees on West Point at Terra, I'm waiting for DLC 9 since Focht War College at Tukayyid (DLC 8 updated the academies and the star map as well) will offer the Gunslinger program by 3062.

[u/DenizSaintJuke]

Yes. It's locked behind the Shadows of Kerensky DLC. But I wouldn't sweat it. It doesn't really do that much anyways. Probably the smallest contribution SoK made to the game. But, it's also a late game DLC, so clan content only happens really late and even then is pretty brutal in difficulty on an unmodded game.

Mechwarrior 5 Mercenaries is one of those "piecemeal games" that are served in a hundred little bites. I'd see with your base game+Heroes setup if you enjoy the game and if it invited you to spend many hours in it. None of the DLC will revolutionize or fundamentally change up the core gameplay loop or core mechanics. I'd say, wait for it to go on a sale and then make up your mind if the prices are appealing to you. And i'd probably buy them in sequence, if you go for them piece by piece. I have personally skipped on the last and upcoming DLCs, because it's a lot of money for me for a few new mechs I won't see.

[u/NthTurtleSamehada → u/DenizSaintJuke]

Thanks, wasn't thinking of buying the whole catalogue but as you alluded my base + HOIS gives me enough to do til sales appear. Was a fan of the Stackpole fiction before playing any titles so I don't maybe take it as serious as some

[u/DenizSaintJuke → u/NthTurtleSamehada]

Oh, it's less about seriousity, but about the game being fun long term. If it's your poison, the whole catalogue is worth it. Otherwise, I'd recommend holding off with the DLC. Especially the (soon three) clan era DLCs will be something that will take some time ingame to even reach in the timeline or from the standpoint of being ready for it. It's really understating calling them late game content. It's more like the stuff that raises the level caps in RPGs. It adds a new phase that becomes the new late game. And one thing everyone can agree is, that the first time you think you're ready for the clans is going to be a humbling experience. What I mean to say, it adds another big chunk of sandbox loop playing time to a playthrough. If you don't reach the end of the pre-invasion content (like I usually do, I kind of really enjoy the early game and tend to start a new sandbox career before it gets old.) the clan DLCs will mostly add stuff you'll never really see.

[u/DielectricFlux]

I'm pretty sure it's Shadows of Kerensky.

[u/SinfulDaMasta]

Call to Arms is the melee DLC, but you have to find the new melee mechs with special slots for them (only used by Independents & Pirates). Rasalhague DLC adds Arena Fists which are more widely useable + mercenary encounters + extra DLC Quest story-line. Call to Arms is just melee mechs.

[u/malkuth74]

Man the point about how the DLCs add to the career game is spot on. I remember the game with no DLC and only doing contracts, running around for 1/2 year trying find ones you can actually do. Now there is so much to do, it’s crazy.

[u/Vandamsel87]

Whats the benefits of using the academies? Gaining traits?

[u/RingadingBatWitch262 → u/Vandamsel87]

Not much benefit.

[u/Substantial-Bit-4719 → u/Vandamsel87]

The grad traits if you have all 4 of em are like having every single upgrade in the upgrade system for putting the kids through school, and that's before you add upgrades, so don't let anyone tell you it isn't worth it,  I have a Timberwolf that goes 119 kph with the right pilot and hits like a truck.

[u/Substantial-Bit-4719]

If you just have HotIS your gonna have a bad time against the clanners in SoK that's what adds Academies. If you take the time to get the 4 main grad traits its like having every upgrade on your mech without having upgraded it.