Activision's 1996 classic — its history, how the press received it, how it plays today, and what a copy costs.
- Released
- 1996 · PC (DOS / Windows)
- Developer
- Activision
- Publisher
- Activision
- MobyScore
- ★ 8.07
The history
Released in September 1996, MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries arrived as a standalone expansion to MechWarrior 2: 31st Century Combat. Developed and published by Activision, Inc., it served as the final BattleTech title produced by the studio.
The title mattered by evolving the series beyond a linear experience, shifting the focus toward the management of a mercenary squad. It expanded the scope of the franchise by introducing financial control and a more open approach to the interstellar conflict of the BattleTech universe.
How it plays
The core loop centers on commanding a company of 'Mechs whose primary loyalty is money, taking on tough jobs for various factions including rebels, pirates, the Clans, and other houses of the Inner Sphere. Players must buy and equip 'Mechs, hire pilots, and manage a budget to sustain their operations.
The game offers two distinct paths: a Story Mode that functions as a straightforward action game across 30 missions, and a Merc mode. In the latter, players must manage stocks of salvageable material to determine which 'Mechs are built next. For those seeking online play, the game included MercNet, a revised version of NetMech that supported up to eight players across 15 missions.
How it was received
The game was generally well-received, earning high marks such as 4.5/5 from Computer Gaming World and 85% from PC Gamer. It was honored with the 1996 Spotlight Award for "Best Simulation Game" from the Game Developers Conference and was named Space Simulation of the Year by the staff and readers of Computer Gaming World. Bernard H. Yee of PC Magazine hailed it as the most complete and addictive entry in the series due to its resource management and online hooks.
However, the reception wasn't universal. Tom Chick of Computer Games Strategy Plus criticized the game's stability and performance, suggesting it felt rushed. Other critiques included a slow and tedious 'Mech building process and difficult enemy AI, though most critics agreed it pushed the engine to a new level.
In the magazines
The period press.
Computer Gaming World gave it 4.5/5; GameSpot rated it 8.5/10; Next Generation awarded it 4/5; PC Gamer gave it 85%; and rev3Score provided a 4/5.
The box & the art
Cover art, and real copies photographed in the wild.
Legacy
As the final BattleTech project from Activision, the game marked the end of an era for the studio's involvement with the license. It remains worth seeking out today for those who want a blend of vehicular combat and resource management within a detailed sci-fi setting.
What it's worth
A second-hand market that moves over time — a loose disc is pocket-money, while sealed or complete-with-manual copies drive the top end. For today's exact listings, check the live search.
See current copies on eBay →Copies in the wild
Real listing photos — the range of condition you'll meet.
Photographed examples from past listings — illustrative of condition, not a live inventory.
How to play it in 2026
Easiest today: GOG or the original disc under DOSBox. Either way the core game is intact.
Verdict
MechWarrior 2: Mercenaries holds up as a high-water mark for the early mecha sim genre. By combining the visceral feel of giant robot combat with the strategic overhead of managing a mercenary company, it provided a depth of agency that was rare for its time.
While some of the technical hurdles mentioned by period critics—such as stability and tedious building menus—may still be felt, the core loop of fighting for profit and upgrading your arsenal remains a compelling experience for fans of simulation and action.
Sources: MobyGames, Steam, and period/web coverage. Prices reflect the second-hand market and change over time.