Important Backer Beta Info
Posted by Harebrained Schemes LLC (Creator)
Hey everyone,


Thanks for all the kind words about our last Kickstarter Update and gameplay video - seeing your reactions and excitement means the world to us, especially when we're in the thick of things.

The whole team here is really excited to get the Backer Beta into your hands on June 1st. Unfortunately, in the last few weeks, we've been working through some significant multiplayer connectivity issues and as of yesterday, we don't believe multiplayer will be stable enough for release by June 1st. Therefore, the June 1st release will contain single-player Skirmish mode ONLY, and we will update the Beta with PvP multiplayer as soon as it's ready. No time estimate on that yet but we'll keep you posted.

We're bummed that we’re not releasing multiplayer simultaneously with single-player Skirmish (especially since we've been having so much fun competing with each other at the office, and telling you guys all about it!) but sometimes the soup just needs a little more time on the stove. As always, we’ll continue to keep you informed, and we still can't wait for you to be able to go hands-on against the AI in Skirmish mode on the 1st.

Expect another Kickstarter update next week with more specific information about how to get your Beta key. In the meantime, since we’re getting down to the wire, we thought we’d proactively answer a bunch of your questions in advance of the Backer Beta release with this FAQ.

Thanks and happy hunting!
Mitch
Backer Beta FAQ
What’s in the Backer Beta at launch?
The Backer Beta contains Single Player Skirmish versus the AI. You’ll be able to choose one of five deathmatch maps, set weather conditions, select your lance of ‘Mechs from 32 avaialable ‘Mech variants, assign MechWarriors to each, and choose the enemy forces you’ll fight.

What will be in the Backer Beta when it’s updated?
In addition to bugfixes, the update to the Backer Beta will add 1v1 multiplayer with all of the same content (maps, ‘Mechs, MechWarriors) that's available in single-player Skirmish. Hosts will be able to set the C-bills level of the match, choose the time limit for each turn, and more.

Can we expect more updates for the Backer Beta after that?
We’ll update the Beta as needed to fix high-impact and game-breaking bugs but we have no plans to update the Backer Beta with additional features or content beyond the scope of the Beta Kickstarter reward. This is a targeted Beta to get data on BattleTech combat with our Backers, not an Early Access game release.

How long will the Beta last?
At least a month after the multiplayer update is released. You should expect the Beta to “go dark” at some point during the run up to the launch of the game so we focus on the shipping version without the need to maintain the beta version.

Can I customize my ‘Mechs in the beta?
No. MechLab and the ability to choose colors, paintschemes, etc. are not part of the beta.

I heard you were doing a livestreamed “Backer Beta Bash” on 6/2. Is that still on? The livestreamed Backer Beta Bash on twitch.tv/hyperrpg has been postponed to coincide with the release of the Second Backer Beta Release containing multiplayer. We’re disappointed we won’t be able to celebrate with you but we’ve got work to do and need to stay focused.

What platforms is the Beta on? What about the final release?
The Kickstarter Backer Beta will be downloadable from Steam for Windows and Mac. The full version of the final game will be available on Steam, GOG, and Humble for Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Can I pre-download the Beta the day before so I’m ready to go on June 1st?
No, you will not be able to pre-load the Beta, but the download isn’t massive so you’ll be up and running pretty quickly!

How do I give you feedback?
Each time you finish playing, you’ll be prompted to fill out a short survey. The survey is different each time, so please check it out after each game you complete. In addition, we’re setting up a series of Beta sub-forums on battletechgame.com for folks to discuss what they like and could use improvements. The team regularly reads the forums and the discussions players have there are very helpful to us.

How do I report bugs?
If you encounter an uncommon bug (one you think won’t be found with standard testing), consult the Backer Beta Manual (available on June 1) for further instructions.

Can we stream and share our Beta experience?
You bet! Feel free to stream your gameplay, post on Youtube, share screenshots, blog about your experience, etc.

I backed below the Reward Level containing beta access. Can I still get into the Beta?
Yes! If you are already a Backer and would like to upgrade your pledge, email us. Since this is a manual process, we’ll need to send you specific instructions.

Can my friends still get in the beta?
Yes, just tell them to go here: https://battletech.backerkit.com/hosted_preorders

Will BATTLETECH be released on Steam Early Access after the Beta but before Release?
No. The only thing between Beta and final release is a lot of hard work.

Can I get into the Beta after it launches?
Yes, but we will stop taking Backer Beta Tier pledges and upgrades two weeks prior to the close of Beta (which we’ll announce ahead of time.)

What are the system requirements for the Beta?
We’ve done our best to ensure a wide audience can play the Backer Beta but won’t have final system specs until much closer to the release of the full game.

Here are the minimum and recommended specs for this Beta release.

WINDOWS MINIMUM:
OS: Windows 7 or Higher
Processor: Intel Pentium Core i3 3210 3.20GHz or AMD FX 4300 3.8GHz
Memory: 8 GB RAM Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce 630 GT or AMD Radeon HD 6670 DirectX: Version 11
Network: Broadband Internet connection Storage: 11 GB available space
Sound Card: DirectX 9 sound device

WINDOWS RECOMMENDED:
OS: Windows 7 or Higher
Processor: Intel Pentium Core i5 3450 3.10GHz or AMD FX 6300 3.5GHz
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 750ti or AMD Radeon HD 7900 Series
DirectX: Version 11
Network: Broadband Internet connection
Storage: 15 GB available space
Sound Card: DirectX 9 sound device

MAC MINIMUM:
OS: OS X Mavericks
Processor: Intel 2.5 Ghz Mid 2011
Graphics: Radeon HD 6970M
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Network: Broadband Internet connection
Storage: 11 GB available space
Sound Card: On Board Audio

MAC RECOMMENDED:
OS: OS X El Capitan
Processor: Intel 2.9GHz Late 2013
Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 775M
Memory: 16 GB RAM
Network: Broadband Internet connection
Storage: 15 GB available space
Sound Card: On Board Audio