BATTLETECH Update 1.3 Stream Nov 1st

[HBS_CaptKerberos]

Nope. If you stay in the open you receive nothing from BW, it only improves existing cover. Also, not sure but as I understand from the stream you now only get 20% from cover alone.

This is accurate.

Bulwark is a defensive amplifier. If you are in Cover, or Braced, it will amplify (stack 20% DR) on that buff. If you have no active or passive defensive buff, BW does not do anything.

So:

Open Ground + Bulwark: 0% DR
Open Ground + Brace: 20% DR
Open Ground + Brace + Bulwark: 40% DR

Forest/Ruins: 20% DR
Forest/Ruins + Brace: 40% DR
Forest/Ruins + BW: 40% DR
Forest/Ruins + Brace + BW: 60% DR

As Vigilance Braces you, it will behave with all other systems as if you had Braced, include stacking with BW.