MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries will be an Xbox console exclusive, coming to Xbox Series X, Series S 2021

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By Zachary Boddy
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A recent delay lets MechWarrior 5 come to consoles.

Mechwarrior 5 Mercenaries 09 05 2020 18 38
Mechwarrior 5 Mercenaries 09 05 2020 18 38 (Image credit: Windows Central)

What you need to know

  • MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries is the return of a semi-dormant franchise, putting a modern spin on the classic mech battle genre.
  • Piranha Games is currently prepping the Heroes of the Sphere DLC for MW5: Mercenaries but delayed it to Spring 2021.
  • Because of the delay, MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries is bringing the franchise back to consoles after a 16-year hiatus.
  • In Spring 2021, the game will launch with its new DLC simultaneously on PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.

MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries is the latest game in a long-running franchise that, as the name implies, focuses on the classic mech combat genre, in which players pilot massive mech suits and essentially blow everything up. The game did decent in our review for its engaging combat and gameplay but lost a lot when it came to its boring world and story. The game is currently working on the Heros of the Sphere DLC to add a bunch of new content but recently decided to delay the launch. The delay isn't all bad news, though, as the delay means additional optimization and improvements, as well as returning the MechWarrior franchise to consoles for the first time since 2004.

That's right, MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries is officially coming to the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, and Xbox One, as an Xbox console exclusive.

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When the Heroes of the Sphere DLC launches in Spring 2021, it'll launch simultaneously on Steam, GOG, Epic Games, the Microsoft Store, and all current Xbox consoles. Not only is this the first time in over 15 years that a MechWarrior game has been seen on consoles, but it also makes it an Xbox console exclusive when it does land. It's not clear if there will be any next-gen enhancements for the Xbox Series X|S yet, but we'll likely learn more as we get closer to launch.

MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries decided to delay because of Cyberpunk 2077, which recently delayed its release date to December 10. Piranha Games didn't want their launch to be overshadowed by a much larger game, so they made the decision to delay (much like the Medium did recently for the same reason).

If you're planning on climbing into a mech yourself when MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries comes to consoles, consider one of the Best Wireless Headsets for Xbox Series X|S to ensure you never miss a sound in combat, without having to deal with cables.

Xbox Series X/S

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Zachary Boddy
Zachary Boddy
Staff Writer

Zachary Boddy (They / Them) is a Staff Writer for Windows Central, primarily focused on covering the latest news in tech and gaming, the best Xbox and PC games, and the most interesting Windows and Xbox hardware. They have been gaming and writing for most of their life starting with the original Xbox, and started out as a freelancer for Windows Central and its sister sites in 2019. Now a full-fledged Staff Writer, Zachary has expanded from only writing about all things Minecraft to covering practically everything on which Windows Central is an expert, especially when it comes to Microsoft. You can find Zachary on Twitter @BoddyZachary.