First Major DLC for MechWarrior 5 Clans Introduces Key PvP and Horde Modes

If you’re into mecha games, MechWarrior 5 Clans might just be your hidden gem, even if it’s not the most refined title out there. Its fun combat and decent campaign storytelling offer plenty to enjoy. Today, it’s getting even better with the addition of two essential game modes, a fresh difficulty level, and new mech omnipods. While you’ll find some of these updates in a free patch, the real meat is tucked away in a premium DLC called Trials of War.

Last year, Armored Core 6 really set the standard for mech games, but MechWarrior 5 Clans is carving out its own niche. Having launched just over a month back, it might not have made waves like Armored Core, but it remains a solid game. Now, it’s dialing things up with a bunch of new content, but not everyone is thrilled.

The big-ticket items in the paid DLC are a new five-player PvP mode and an adrenaline-pumping co-op horde mode, set across ten new arenas. While these additions are exciting, some players aren’t happy that they’re behind a paywall, voicing their frustration on the DLC’s Steam page and the MechWarrior subreddit. Some are even suggesting that this might be content that was originally meant for the main game, now repackaged into DLC, especially given that Trials of War is arriving so soon after the game’s initial release.

Russ Bullock, CEO of developer Piranha Games, has stepped in to address these worries. He acknowledges that “selling DLC is often controversial in the marketplace,” but he believes that their company has maintained a positive track record with a balance of paid content and significant free updates that enhance the base game.

To soothe the rabble, Bullock reminded fans about the DLC sharing feature for these modes. What this means is you can jump into a PvP or horde session with someone who has the DLC, even if you don’t own it yourself. He also mentioned that the DLC will continue to receive updates, like new maps, and denied allegations of it being repurposed content. According to him, these ideas “didn’t even exist when we launched MW5 Clans” and were developed from scratch afterward.

I can definitely see where the upset is coming from—locking multiplayer or co-op modes, which feel pretty significant in a game like MechWarrior 5 Clans, behind a paywall isn’t ideal. It might even complicate matchmaking for those who purchase Trials of War, particularly in the PvP Arenas. However, DLC sharing does ease this concern somewhat, and the promise of continued updates does add some long-term value.

You can grab the Trials of War DLC for MechWarrior 5 Clans right now, and there’s a 20% discount on offer until Thursday, December 5. If you’re new to the game, the base version is also discounted by 20% until December 4, or you can find it on Microsoft’s Game Pass if you’re a subscriber.

But hey, it’s not all about the DLC today. There’s also a free update rolling out that brings in a new high-difficulty mode known as Trueborn, eight additional omnipods, and a slew of bug fixes and UI improvements. So, regardless of whether you pick up the DLC, there’s fresh content on the table for every MW5 Clans player.

For those wanting more gaming suggestions, check out our expert picks for the top action and multiplayer games on PC right now. Don’t forget to catch up on the latest PC gaming news, reviews, and guides, or stay on top of discounts with our PCGN deals tracker.