Boulder Mech is a Ranged-class mech in Into the Breach.
Team[ | ]
The mech is available as part of the Blitzkrieg squad.
Strategy[ | ]
The Boulder Mech is similarly frail to the Artillery Mech, comparatively sacrificing pushing utility for shooting a stronger rock projectile. 2 damage is enough to take out early-game pests such as Hornets in one hit, which can otherwise outmaneuver most grounded Mechs.
The rock itself also has other utility; it can be shot at an empty tile, where it will become a 1 health obstacle. Besides pushing enemies away, the rock can be used to block enemy projectiles from enemies such as Fireflies, block spawn points, extend the Electric Whip's current, or simply restrict enemy movement. Enemies will not attack rocks, so in tight corners, it's possible to completely deny an area to grounded enemies. Note that the rock itself is an obstacle to both Mechs and Veks though, so ensure that it also does not block your own Mechs from reaching and defending key objectives.
Due to the Rock Accelerator only pushing two targets to the sides, the Boulder Mech has less flexible firing angles for pushing multiple enemies around. Thus, it is best deployed in spots with an open column and row, so that it can immediately move to where it's needed for the more advantageous pushing directions. Pilots that grant it mobility – such as Lily Reed – are also appreciated for this reason. In Blitzkrieg, pilots and equipment that increase the Boulder Mechs survivability are appreciated (such as Abe Isamu), so that the Boulder Mech itself can be used for extending the circuit of the Electric Whip without downing it.
In a Custom Squad, the Boulder Mech has a unique synergy with the Arachnoid Mech, letting it spawn Arachnoids from its own rocks; the rock can be shot to push an enemy or two away, while the Arachnoid spawned from the rock can help cover the Rock Accelerator's limited pushing angles to further affect another enemy.