BattleTech: Introductory Box Set cover
2002BGG rank #2,847

BattleTech: Introductory Box Set

by L. Ross Babcock, III, Sam Lewis, Jordan Weisman · Catalyst Game Labs

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Players2–6
Time120m
ComplexityMedium-Heavy
Age14+

About the game

What is BattleTech: Introductory Box Set?

The Introductory Box Set was designed as the entry point into the game for new BattleTech players, allowing them to slug it out in thirty-foot-tall war machines known as BattleMechs. The rules provide construction rules for building or customizing your own (introductory-level) 'Mechs, and quick-start rules for vehicles and infantry for players interested in simplified combined-arms battles. Also included in the box set is a BattleTech universe book providing an overview of the game world, its history, and its factions. A set of 24 unpainted plastic 'Mechs, ready for play and suitable for painting, are accompanied by prefilled record sheets listing each 'Mech's capabilities. The set also includes maps, a painting and tactics guide, cardstock reference sheets, a universe poster map of the BattleTech universe, and two six-sided dice. The 2011 "Twenty-Fifth Anniversary Edition" of this set replaced the 2007 edition's thin paper maps with board game-style mounted maps, added two additional "high-quality" plastic minis (a Thor and a Loki, with accompanying record sheets), and included a brief guide detailing the BattleTech gaming system intended to introduce new players to the various products for the game. The 2013 reprint is identical to this version, albeit with different box art and the "high-quality" minis were changed to a Timber Wolf and a Battlemaster. Expanded by: Other introductory-level products: Classic BattleTech: Starterbook – Sword and Dragon (Scenario book and sourcebook designed as a bridge between the box set and Total Warfare) Classic BattleTech: Technical Readout – 3039 (Companion "technical readout," with game "fluff" and unit statistics) Classic BattleTech: Record Sheets – 3039 (Print version of selected prefilled record sheets for TRO: 3039; also includes two scenarios and additional rules) BattleTech: Hexpack – Lakes and Rivers (Additional maps and terrain overlays to add more variety to gameplay) Intermediate-/standard-level products: BattleTech: Total Warfare (Full standard/tournament rules for BattleTech) BattleTech: TechManual (Full construction rules for BattleTech units) Classic BattleTech: Technical Readout – 3050 Upgrade (Technical readout for the early Clan invasion period) Record Sheets: 3050 Upgrade (Print version of selected prefilled record sheets for TRO: 3050U; also includes two scenarios and additional rules) ISBN 9781934857595

How it plays

Mechanics

Dice RollingHexagon GridVariable Player Powers

On the shelf

Categories

FightingMiniaturesScience FictionWargame

Questions players ask

Questions to bring to BoardGameBrain

  • How do setup and the first turn work in BattleTech: Introductory Box Set?
  • When does scoring happen and what ends the game?
  • How should the table resolve an unusual timing or rules interaction?