Tips & Resources
Useful settings, keyboard shortcuts, and additional resources
MegaMek Client Settings
Access via View > Client Settings in MegaMek.
Recommended Settings
| Setting | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Skip 'Done' when firing all weapons | Turn off to review targets carefully |
| Show damage to units on unit label | Enable for quick damage assessment |
| Default Weapon Sort Order | Highest to lowest damage |
| Minimap | Choose your preferred theme |
| Auto Display | Keep Unit Display docked, hide Force Display |
GUI Scaling
The entire interface can be scaled to fit your display. Tooltip fonts can be adjusted separately in the Unit Tooltip tab.
Keyboard Shortcuts
View Controls
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| T | Toggle isometric view (helpful for elevation) |
| C | Toggle visual/sensor range display |
| Ctrl+R | Show round report |
| Ctrl+P | Show/hide weather and planetary conditions |
| Middle Click (hex 1, then hex 2) | Measure distance and check LOS |
Movement Controls
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Backspace | Undo last action |
| Esc | Cancel entire decision |
Game Controls
| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
| Ctrl+Shift+G | Control allied bots (retreat, ignore targets, etc.) |
| Ctrl+Shift+P / Ctrl+Alt+P | Pause/unpause game |
Chat Commands
Press Enter to open the chat box, then type:
| Command | Effect |
|---|---|
/victory |
Makes OpFor bots surrender (fast scenario resolution) |
/defeat |
Concede the battle |
/gm |
Grant GM rights for the current game |
/help |
List all available commands |
Additional Resources
Official Documentation
Included with every MekHQ release
Official BattleTech
Community Discord Servers
Rulebooks
| Book | Content |
|---|---|
| Total Warfare | Core battle rules |
| Tactical Operations | Advanced/optional battle rules |
| Campaign Operations | Logistics, contracts, company management |
| TechManual | Unit construction and equipment |
| A Time of War | Roleplay rules ( Edge EdgeA resource that can be spent to reroll negative events like failed skill checks or head hits.Click for full definition , skills, traits) |
Available from Catalyst Game Labs.
Gameplay Loop Summary
The core MekHQ campaign loop:
Find a contract in the Contract Market
Travel to the contract location
Deploy forces according to contract requirements
Scout the area with Patrol forces
Complete scenarios as they appear
Repair and resupply between battles (manage fatigue FatigueA measure of how exhausted a character is, affecting performance and retention.Click for full definition )
Achieve objectives to earn Victory Points Contract Victory PointsAn abstract measure of your contract's overall strategic success. Most contracts require positive CVP.Click for full definition
Break enemy morale to win the contract
Resolve the contract and collect payment
Return to base or accept a new contract
Keys to Success
Keep forces combat-ready MaintenanceRegular upkeep required to keep units operational, performed by assigned technicians.Click for full definition
Maintain personnel morale MoraleThe enemy's willingness and ability to fight, ranging from Routed to Overwhelming.Click for full definition
Score salvage to expand
Don't go bankrupt!
Final Notes
MekHQ is a powerful storytelling tool. While the digital GM handles rolls and missions, the best narratives are created by the players themselves.
Some campaigns span years of real time, following companies that rise and fall. Others are generational, with children piloting their parents' ancestral machines. MekHQ supports whatever story you want to tell.
"It's your game, your way."
Acknowledgements
The MegaMek suite is open source software distributed under the GPL. All rights to BattleTech and associated trademarks belong to Catalyst Game Labs/Topps.
Special thanks to the MegaMek developers, testers, artists, and the entire community for keeping this project alive and growing.