Not only is the Clans' equipment new to the Inner Sphere, but so are some of their tactics. The Fenris is an excellent example of a design alien to the strategists of the Successor States, a medium scout 'Mech. Though its weight class, armor, and standard weaponry clearly classify the Fenris as a medium 'Mech, other features make it useful for reconnaissance. It moves faster than many light 'Mechs, and it commonly carries the Beagle active probe, which allows it to locate hidden enemy positions. For these reasons, the Fenris has shown up on all sorts of missions and in many different roles.

       One of the few Clan designs to feature the Beagle active probe in its most common configuration, the Fenris sees regular reconnaissance duty regardless of the composition of the rest of its Star. Its extended range particle projector cannon provides punch, augmented by a small Streak missile launcher and a small laser. The Streak system's efficient use of ammunition makes the Fenris an excellent candidate for long missions away from logistical support.
       When accompanied by lighter 'Mechs assigned to providing reconnaissance, the Fenris often appears in Alternate Configuration A. Though lacking the long-range capabilities of the primary version, this model offers more weapons suited for infighting and carries an anti-missile system to reduce the effects of enemy fire. This configuration is most common when the Fenris is deployed in the same Star with heavier 'Mechs.
       Configuration B appears only when the Clans expect a quick and costly battle at close range. In such a situation, the unmatched pair of short-range missile launchers carried by this variant can deliver heavy damage, following up that done by the extended-range large laser. In such a configuration, the Fenris can deliver enormous amounts of punishment at short range for a 'Mech of its size.
       When called upon to provide long-range fire support, the Fenris appears in Alternate Configuration C. This design, rarely seen, is unusual in two respects. It has three LRM-5 launchers, allowing it to target three enemy 'Mechs at once. In addition, this version of the Fenris carries an Artemis IV fire-control system with each launcher, rather than a single Narc missile beacon for them all. The advantage of the independent systems is that some can continue operating after the Fenris has taken damage to one area.
       Configuration D is used when the Fenris is on a long-range mission and lighter 'Mechs are providing reconnaissance. Though lacking the Beagle active probe, this version requires ammunition only for its anti-missile system. The combination of four medium pulse lasers on one frame is highly unusual.

       Though the Fenris has played a large part in Clan Wolf's military successes, it is not widely used among the other Clan forces. Among the Wolves, the Fenris has a place in every Cluster and in almost every Star. The appearance of so many Fenrises in such widely differing configurations has caused great difficulties for MechWarriors in the Free Rasalhague Republic and, to a lesser extent, in the Federated Commonwealth.