Catalyst Game Labs is launching a pair of new boxed sets to help new players jump in BattleTech! The ilClan-era is coming!
BattleTech has been making loads of great strides in the past few years to appeal to more players. It’s a well established system at this point and it’s got big stompy robots, so what’s not to like?! I’m a fan of Alpha Strike and the more traditional modes as well. That said, it’s been a few years in the making and a pair of new entry points are coming to the tabletop!
Catalyst Game Labs refits the seminal BattleTech IP with two new box sets and a rulebook for redeployment in August, and available at the Gen Con Game Fair 2026. The same game and universe you’ve loved for four decades receives its best-yet presentation of art, fiction, miniatures and rules.
New Entry Points For BattleTech
First up, there’s a new Starter Box coming in August. Based on the success of the Beginner Box and the Essentials this is a new way to jump in. It’s going to feature quick start rules, two ilClan-era BattleMechs (the Hammerhead and Kontio) and updated record sheets, too. The new record sheets are going to be familiar to veterans of the game but they have lists for various different equipment and rules for the full BattleTech game, too!
This is a great entry point for new players for sure. And once you get your feet wet there’s a clear next step with the new Core Set!
Included in this Core Set are eight miniatures that stretch across the various ages in BattleTech lore. There’s certainly a slew of iconic ‘Mechs in this box!
They include the Hollander and Rakshasa that first appeared in Technical Readout: 3055; the Solitaire from Technical Readout: 3067; the Uziel and Mad Cat Mk II that premiered in the MechWarrior 4: Vengeance computer game; the Vulture Mk IV Prime that first hit game tables as part of MechWarrior: Dark Age; and the Regent and Eris from the new ilClan Era Recognition Guides.
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On top of the ‘Mechs, you’ll also get a new Sagas lore booklet. This is designed to help open the flood gates of the BattleTech lore and universe. It’s not just a primer on the universe itself but also contains art spreads and guides players on factions, play styles, and even more. It’s a good resource for new or returning players to the BattleTech universe.
Both of these new boxed sets will be coming to retail in August but that’s not all. There’s also a new and update Core Rulebook on the way as well.
If you’re going to AdeptiCon this year, there will be a Catalyst Games booth where the new sets will be on display. So stop by and check out all the new goodies. These sets will also be available at Gen Con Game Fair 2026 as well!
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Writer, Editor, Texas Native, and now Tex-Pat, Adam covers all things Tabletop Gaming. Which includes Warhammer 40,000, Age of Sigmar, D&D, Board Games and everything else that involves dice, boards, cards and a table.
A hobbyist, player, and collector of miniatures and games, Adam’s current obsession are his Death and Chaos Armies for Age of Sigmar, his Blood Angels and Tyranids for 40k, an expanding collection of Marvel: Crisis Protocol minis, and his ever growing Arkham Horror: The Card Game Collection.
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