The workhorses of any army, combat 'Mechs combine medium speed, armor, and weaponry in a delicate balance. They are versatile, capable of engaging a foe at any range, but they often lack focus, being either too slow, too lightly armed, or too thin-skinned. Such shortcomings are unavoidable, however, as Combat 'Mechs will never be the perfect fighting machines that they seek to be. New technology has brought them closer, though. They are now faster by upwards of 25% on average and carry far more weaponry than their predecessors. Combat 'Mechs are still far from invincible, however, as XL engines make them more vulnerable to torso damage and ER lasers and PPCs tax their heat dissipation abilities.

Capabilities

• Tonnage: 40-80
  

• Speed: Combat 'Mechs typically have a walking speed of 5 or 6. Jump Jets are more common on 40-55 tonners, but they can be used on heavier 'Mechs too. Opponents are often surprised by heavy 'Mechs that jump. Also, Jump Jets give heavy 'Mechs the extra mobility needed to outmaneuver foes in rough terrain.
  

• Armor: Good protection is essential for Combat 'Mechs as they are always in the thick of the fighting and are seldom able to disengage. Since, they comprise the bulk of any army, they need to survive battles and fight again without extensive repairs.
  

• Weaponry: A Combat 'Mech's primary weapon should be accurate at all ranges and do consistent damage with every strike. Suitable weapons include PPCs, large lasers, autocannon, Thunderbolt launchers, and Gauss rifles. SRMs and medium lasers provide additional short range firepower on many designs. Some 'Mechs focus on short range weaponry supplemented by a small LRM or Thunderbolt launcher for long-range attacks. Although there is nothing wrong with this type of design, keep in mind that the 'Mech must be fast enough to close and use its short-range weapons or it cannot fight effectively.
  

• Other Equipment: Triple Strength Myomer, physical weapons, and C3 Computers all increase a 'Mech's versatility and are appropriate for Combat 'Mechs. Faster designs can do double duty as Recon 'Mechs with the addition of probes and ECM equipment.
  

• Notes: Having enough heat sinks to continuously fire their primary weapons is essential for Combat 'Mechs since they cannot afford to disengage and cool down if they over-heat.