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BattleTech Aces on Hex Maps — Do the Rules Hold Up?

Northsun TableTop Games

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BattleTech Aces + Hex Maps — First Impressions & Rules Test
In this video, I’m diving into how the new BattleTech Aces rules integrate with classic hex-based movement — solo, co-op, or group play. Is this combo the ultimate way to play BattleTech? I test movement, combat, and pacing so you don’t have to guess.

🎯 What you’ll see:

How hex movement works with Aces mechanics

Combat examples using the new ruleset

My thoughts on whether hex-based play improves or complicates Aces

Suggestions for folks running solo or co-op campaigns

If you want to support the channel, check out these links:
➡️ Get Alpha Strike (needed for Aces): https://amzn.to/3KkHbrr
➡️ Get BattleTech Aces (solo & co-op expansion): https://amzn.to/4rCiCY2
➡️ Get some hex maps : https://amzn.to/4ogLvpP

👍 If you like this kind of content — mech fights, solo/co-op tabletop RPGs, or quick-look reviews — consider subscribing and ringing the bell.
💬 Also: drop a comment — I want to know: would you try Aces on hex maps in your next campaign?

Hashtags:
#BattleTech #AlphaStrike #BattleTechAces #TabletopGames #MechWarfare #BoardGames #SoloGaming #CoopGaming #Wargaming #NorthsunTabletopGames

18 Comments

@northsunTabletopGames Creator 7 months ago Pinned

My thoughts on whether hex-based play improves or complicates Aces

Suggestions for folks running solo or co-op campaigns

If you want to support the channel, check out these links:
➡ Get Alpha Strike (needed for Aces): https://amzn.to/3KkHbrr
➡ Get BattleTech Aces (solo & co-op expansion): https://amzn.to/4rCiCY2
➡ Get some hex maps : https://amzn.to/4ogLvpP

☕ Want to directly support the channel?
👉 https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=RN836EU85KYEQ

@dhodson42 10 months ago

Thank you for making this. I just opened my copy last night and was thinking the same thing about converting to hexes. It’s just makes it so much easier to set up on my kitchen table that way

@Draugre 10 months ago

7:10 for the Command Cards, the different letters don’t follow a specific order, they change based on what is true after the current round. During the End Phase, read through the Strategy Decisions list one at a time and if you meet a condition that is true, you set up that Command Card for the next round. For example, “If there is an enemy in one of you unit’s rear” then you switch to D. Reference is the Ace rulebook page 21.

@somerandomhuman4145 8 months ago

Nice explanation for more options in playing aces. And I dig the finger pointing stick ☝️

@danroberts007 10 months ago

This was very informative; thank you for running through that for us. I've got this on my Xmas list, so we'll see if it turns up under the tree. I like what I'm seeing here and as you've said in other comments, I can see how you'd figure out the system after a while and play speeds up as you get familiar with it.

@petergross7235 8 months ago

It is soooooo nice using hexes. Shrinks the table space down a ton. I love it.

@frankb3347 10 months ago

Thanks for the video.

@GregSwars 10 months ago

Great video. The explanation helped a lot. Going to have fun. Are the friendly forces from the Alpha Strike box?

@rorydoconnor 10 months ago

I’ve been playing Aces on hex maps with the @DFAWargaming Override ruleset. I stuck with the same size buildings as I know there’s elements in the campaign I won’t have smaller versions of. It works fine aside from the odd weird moment where the terrain overlaps multiple hexes.

@erinkramer1503 10 months ago

Sprinting in AS is no actions except the added movement, looks like you might of confused it with Classic with the +2,for Running.

@j3errym 6 months ago

My preferred method of playing AS. I add a variant, allow half hex movement is 1", this enables units to hug terrain and the hex bases overlapping two hexes works well.
In one of the Friday Night Aces videos the developer and designers discuss using hex maps and they admitted a lot of Aces play testing was carried out using hex maps as it allows a larger gameplay area at 1 hex = 2".

@leftwardglobe1643 2 weeks ago

I definitely prefer hexes for AS. It's so much cleaner to play, and I think it makes the game more tactical aswell since your options for movement are more limited with gaining cover, etc.