Readers of my previous tactics will notice a few changes to how these reviews are presented. Now you will find is a break down each unit into five broad categories.

Utility

The Big Mek is very limited, which might seem counter intuitive when you look at it from past performance. The biggest problem (unlike its little Mek brothers) is it takes up a valuable HQ slot. Then you take into account the Big Mek has always been tied to the power of the Kustom Force Field and/or repair abilities. The repair abilities are no different from a normal Mek (unless you take a Da Fixer Upperz) and as for the Kustom Force Field it has been hit with a serious nerf. The Big Mek just doesn't provide the same support it did before or at least enough support to justify it being an effective HQ choice. 

Cost

The Big Mek cost has remained unchanged between editions, and for what you get is priced fairly. The Big Mek cost rises precipitously when you take into consideration all the wargear. This becomes a big nuisance when trying to make you're Big Mek to do more than one thing. If you take a Big Mek make sure understand exactly the role it is going to play, because otherwise you are better off with just taking a Painboy or Warboss because it will undoubtedly perform better. 

Speed

Big Meks are blessed with access to a Warbike, it will cost you though, especially trying to hide your Kustom Force Field properly. The Big Mek isn't bulky, making for easy transport and deliver it to anywhere on the battlefield. Most likely though the Big Mek's battlefield role will leave it near your board edge, and won't need added mobility to be successful. 

Assaulty

The Big Mek can be dangerous in assault; either in Mega Armour or mounted on a bike, because an extra Power Klaw or Killsaw is never a bad idea. The Killsaw as a weapon of vehicle destruction is were the Big Mek can separate itself from other HQs. In the world of Imperial Knights you can play against meta; take a Big Mek instead of Warboss to deal a more assured destruction, and remember to always take your Lucky Stikk.

Shooty

The most alluring type of Big Mek is the shooty Mek, but is also the most useless. The Skokk Attack Gun is as unpredictable as ever and the BS2 will always leave other options wanting. Still, there is hope the Tellyport Blasta isn't all that bad and against unit like Centurions can be devastating. If only the Big Meks had access to all the Ork guns, like Burnas or Deff Gunz. The Big Mek as backfield support does give taking a Gitfinda a purpose, as you will most likely end up stationary.

-- Big Mek Load Outs--

Assault Load Out: 90 pts Infantry (Character); Stikkbombs; Power Klaw; Mega Armour; Killsaw; Mek's Tools; Bosspole; 'Ere We Go!; Bulky; Furious Charge; Mob Rule; Slow and Purposeful

Shooting Load Out: 180 pts ; Infantry (Character); Stikkbombs; Kustom Mega-Blasta; Power Klaw; Mega Armour; Tellyport Blasta; Mek's Tools; Gitfinda; Mega Force Field 'Ere We Go!; Bulky; Furious Charge; Mob Rule; Slow & Purposeful

Balanced Load Out: 79 pts Infantry (Character); Stikkbombs; 'Eavy Armour; Killsaw; Mek's Tools; Kombi Weapon with Skorcha; 'Ere We Go!; Furious Charge; Mob Rule

Support Load Out: 115 pts  Infantry (Character); Stikkbombs; Choppa; Shokk Attack Gun; Mek's Tools; Bosspole; Warbike; Twin-linked Dakkagun x1; 'Ere We Go!; Furious Charge; Mob Rule

Formations

Council of Waaagh!: If you are going to go big better go for it now. The biggest threat to this Formation is getting shot to death before making an Assault, so you better take the Mega Force Field and leave the rest to Ghaz and his friends. You can also go the opposite route and use the Big Mek to soak some damage away from other models, leaving it with minimal upgrades and taking unwanted challenges.

Mogrok's Bossboyz: This Formation provides so many tactical opportunities, like dropping three Shokk Attack Gunz on your opponent's head. You can also duplicate past glories and spread out Kustom Force Fields to most of your army. You can also use the Outflank bonus and bring Tellyport Blasts closer to targets. The real bonus is though is not spamming one particular unique Big Mek ability, but finding the right combination with the Warboss and various Big Meks, like forming a nasty Nob Biker unit. Exploring this Formation is one of the best hidden gems for Big Mek lovers everywhere.

Detachments

Ork Horde Detachment: This is a great detachment to get a Big Mek into an army list, with the extra HQ slot it provides the most effective way for some Deathstar deliverance. You can make a pretty deadly super unit with shooting invulnerable saves, Feel No Pain, and a Waaagh. If you go this route make sure not to skimp on dropping enough points for the Big Mek, because you will most likely need both an Assault and defensive beast.
 
Great Waaagh! Detachment: Unless you are attaching a Big Mek to a Troop choice you won't be getting much mileage. This is silly opportunity for a Weirdboy and Big Mek to team up (keeping with the theme) to jump around the board by hoping for Da Jump, otherwise leave this fun train at home.
 
Final Thoughts...

Overall, the Big Mek has taken a step back, and we should have seen it coming. Games Workshop loves to downgrade old hotness for the new hotness and the Big Mek isn't any different. The saddest part about the fall of the Big Mek is it being the basis for many narrative streams in the Ork consciousness, and lessening its historical impact is unfortunate for all Ork players.