What is YAML?
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Yet Another MechLab (YAML) expands weapon and equipment options, engine swaps, heat sinks, gyros, armor, and more—turning the MechLab into a near-MWO-style builder.Steam Community+15Reddit+15Reddit+15Reddit+9Reddit+9Steam Community+9
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It includes complementary mods like Yet Another Weapon (YAW), Yet Another Equipment, and Yet Another Clan Mech to create a full suite of gear.Steam Community+2Steam Community+2Steam Community+2
⚖️ Vanilla vs YAML: Key Differences
🎮 Vanilla MechWarrior 5
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Limited customization: fixed loadouts, no engine swaps or advanced upgrades.
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Some mech variants can be underpowered due to hardpoint restrictions.
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Progression can feel easy and repetitive after mid-game.Steam Community+3Reddit+3Reddit+3Reddit+1Reddit+1
🎛️ With YAML
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Full mech customization: any mech can be fitted with any weapons (within tonnage/slots).
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Hero mechs become less essential since nearly any chassis can be optimized.Reddit+15Reddit+15Nexus Mods+15
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Makes the early game more challenging—tanks are tougher, lanes stronger, and resource management matters. Difficulty scaling built‑in and optional adjustments.RedditRedditReddit
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Removes meaningful variant differences: customization makes most variants feel the same aside from visual or hardpoint layout.Reddit+1Reddit+1
🧠 What Players Say
“YAML makes the game 10× better… It just gives you so much more freedom.”Reddit+4Reddit+4Reddit+4
“YAML is a game changer… It’s like a whole new game… i’m actually struggling to keep up.”Reddit
“It changes the internal balance… Unbalancing in a fun way… makes the game more complex.”Reddit
Caveat: Some players found it reduces variant diversity and removes interesting compromises.RedditReddit
✅ Choosing Based on Your Playstyle
| Preference / Playstyle | Recommended Choice |
|---|---|
| Want a more polished, constrained core game | Play Vanilla |
| Seek deeper mech customization and options | Try base YAML |
| Love modded gear, new enemies, Clan-era gear | YAML + YAW/YAC/E/C |
| Avoid unbalanced power creep | Play Vanilla or use Balanced YAML preset |
| Want challenge or feature creep resistance | Enable difficulty adjustments in YAML |
⚠️ Using YAML Safely
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Play Vanilla First: Get accustomed to base game before YAML to help troubleshoot later issues.Reddit+15Reddit+15Reddit+15Steam Community+6Nexus Mods+6Steam Community+6Reddit+1Reddit+1Reddit+1Reddit+1
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Save Management: Use a mod manager or separate saves. Switching back from YAML can cause weapons or mechs to disappear.Reddit
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Presets: YAML offers presets like Vanilla, Balanced, or Bonkers. Many users recommend Balanced as a middle ground, Bonkers only for high drama.Reddit
🚀 Final Thoughts
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Vanilla: retains hardpoint-driven challenge, clear variant value, consistent pacing.
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YAML: transforms the game into a mech modder’s dream—with unlockable flexibility, but shifts the balance and pacing substantially.
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Many players view YAML as a free sequel inside the same game—and once you’ve tasted it, it’s hard to go back.Reddit
