MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries - Ashes and Ascension Review Summary

Last updated: 2026-10-07
Review summary
  • New mechs are a highlight
  • Developers continue strong support
  • DLC content praised and valued
  • DLC start is punishing and unbalanced
  • Faster lighter enemies dominate battles
  • AI pathfinding and unit cohesion broken
MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries - Ashes and Ascension header

Categories

Mech CombatVehicle CustomizationMercenary ManagementSimulationOpen-World ExplorationSandboxCo-op Multiplayer

Emotions

Sample precision
Helpful reviews
68%
Unhelpful reviews
32%
Protest reviews
0%
Positive points
43
Negative points
28
Gameplay points
21
Perf. points
2
Rec. points
4
Misc points
18
Point
New mechs are a highlight
Description
Players consistently enjoy the new mechs added by recent updates, including Clan mechs with better speed and larger weapon capacity. Specific builds like the Kraken Bane with clan UACs are called very effective.
Importance
95%
Developers continue strong support
Description
Piranha Games has continued to release DLC and updates, with the game now having 9 DLCs and ongoing support. Reviewers appreciate the continued commitment and want more updates.
Importance
88%
DLC content praised and valued
Description
Many reviewers consider the DLCs the strongest part of the game, with Ashes and Ascension singled out for excellent content at a fair price. The continued stream of expansions is widely seen as worthwhile.
Importance
85%
Clan culture and history explored
Description
Experiencing clan culture and history built up by BattleTech was very fun for players. The addition of Operation Bulldog is a welcome expansion of the lore.
Importance
77%
Complete package is amazing
Description
With all DLCs and updates, MW5 Mercs is now a full experience that meets the expectations for a BattleTech game. Reviewers say the game is amazing when you have everything.
Importance
77%
Campaign delivers rewarding finale
Description
The campaign is described as a definitive and rewarding conclusion to Commander Jake Mason's story. Reviewers found it a fitting capstone with a strong completionist feel.
Importance
67%
Voice acting and cinematics excel
Description
The voice acting and cinematic production values are frequently praised, with Mason having plenty of voice lines. Cinematics keep improving and give the game a lot of character.
Importance
67%
Handcrafted missions with dialogue
Description
Many missions are handcrafted and full of dialogue, which reviewers find excellent and cool. The mission design is a recurring positive theme.
Importance
54%
Sandbox style suits the IP
Description
The sandbox style fits the BattleTech IP well, allowing players to jump right into the DLCs. This design choice is seen as a good match for the franchise.
Importance
37%
Emotional moments in story
Description
A few moments in the game genuinely moved reviewers, adding emotional weight to the experience. This highlights the storytelling quality.
Importance
21%