Although MechWarrior 5: Clans shares a numerical designation with its predecessor, MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, Piranha Games has made it abundantly clear that its latest title is no mere DLC or spinoff. In contrast to the more open-ended sandbox approach of MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, MechWarrior 5: Clans is a heavily cinematic, narrative-driven, linear story campaign that Piranha Games CEO Russ Bullock says will be "the most accessible MechWarrior game to date." By clipping the management metagame and its associated systems in favor of a focused and straightforward campaign, MechWarrior 5: Clans represents an ideal entry point for franchise newcomers while delving into some lore that MechWarrior and BattleTech veterans ought to appreciate.