Catalyst Game Labs - worlds, starters, PDFs and buying guide

Welcome to a single place that maps what Catalyst Game Labs publishes, how each world plays, and where to begin without wasting time. This page highlights the portfolio at a glance, shows fast starter routes for different player types, explains buying options for physical and digital products, and sets realistic expectations for shipping and restocks. Use the IP tiles below to dive deeper into the line that fits your table best.

Brand snapshot - what Catalyst publishes

Portfolio at a glance

Six active lines cover very different tastes. BattleTech delivers stompy mech warfare with collectible minis and two rules modes. Shadowrun is a cyberpunk tabletop RPG set in the Sixth World. Leviathans stages tactical duels between armored airships. Dragonfire is a cooperative deckbuilder that grows a party over linked scenarios. The Duke is a fast abstract duel with wooden tiles. Cosmic Patrol is a rules light pulp sci fi RPG built for quick missions.

What products look like across lines

Expect starter boxes, core rulebooks, expansion books and packs, card decks or character sheets where relevant, minis and bases for skirmish play, plus digital PDFs and accessories like dice, mats, tokens and storage.

Choose your path - fast routes for new players

Miniatures and tactics path - BattleTech starter route

If you want a minis skirmish with a deep universe, start with Beginner Box to learn movement and combat, then step up to A Game of Armored Combat for more mechs and scenarios. You can play Classic for crunchy location based damage or Alpha Strike for streamlined company sized battles. Paint, base, and build lance or star packs as your roster grows.

Cyberpunk roleplay path - Shadowrun starter route

If story and character builds are your focus, pick the Core Rulebook for the full toolkit or the Beginner Box for a guided first run. Learn how matrix hacking, magic and rigs interact, then add a city sourcebook to anchor your campaign.

Quick abstract duels path - The Duke route

If you want a portable head to head game you can teach in minutes, open The Duke - Lord's Legacy. Tiles flip to show different moves, so position matters and openings evolve without long rules overhead. Add tile packs if you crave variety.

IP portfolio tiles - what each hub covers

BattleTech overview

Mechs, pilots and missions drive a tactical loop that rewards positioning and heat management. Force Packs expand your roster, fiction fills the galaxy, and Alpha Strike converts detail into fast play. For a complete on ramp, read the full BattleTech guide for newcomers.

Shadowrun overview

Build a team of specialists who blend tech and magic in a near future sprawl. The rules focus on roles, the matrix, the astral and vehicles, with campaign books that anchor tone and stakes. To see how it runs at the table, explore how the Sixth World plays at the table.

Leviathans overview

Armored airships, altitude management and sector arcs create a distinct aerial puzzle. Starter sets provide fleets, ship cards and dice logic for streamlined resolution. If you want a clear primer, read airship combat explained clearly.

Dragonfire overview

A cooperative deckbuilder where your party levels and unlocks options across linked scenarios. Expansions add roles, locales and longer arcs while keeping setup manageable. For a deeper look at builds and campaign flow, see cooperative deckbuilding in detail.

The Duke overview

Each tile has two faces and a unique movement pattern, so space control and tempo matter more than memorizing long rule lists. It is quick to teach and rich to master. For tactics and editions, try a quick abstract duel with depth.

Cosmic Patrol overview

Rules light pulp sci fi built on cues and shared narration. Mission seeds and lightweight gear let you set up and play in one sitting. For a ready mission framework, browse rules light pulp sci fi adventures.

Buying options - physical and digital

Two routes cover most needs. The official storefront offers the full spread of current products, while local retailers may deliver faster or cheaper for your region. Digital PDFs reduce shipping cost, are tablet friendly and often include printable sheets or cards. For step by step advice on carts, taxes, returns and proofs, keep the complete buying and shipping guide handy.

Official store vs local retailers

Choose the official store when you want the widest catalog, restock alerts and clear lists of expansions. Choose a local retailer when you want regional shipping rates, combined orders across publishers or same week pickup.

Digital PDFs and print options

Core rules and many expansions are available as PDFs. Reading on a tablet keeps table footprint light, and printing character sheets or quickstart cards helps session prep. Some lines offer print and play extras to prototype content before buying physical packs.

Accessories that improve play

Dice sets mapped to the system, neoprene mats with deployment marks, tokens for conditions, card sleeves and labeled storage help tables run cleaner and faster. Start with essentials, then add quality of life items as you see friction.

Shipping and costs - what to expect by region

Think in windows, not promises. Carriers apply business day logic, customs and VAT add processing time, and peak seasons slow everything down. Keep proof photos of box corners and trays if anything arrives damaged, and save carrier tracking pages for support.

USA and Canada basics

Most orders use familiar carriers with tracking. Delivery often lands inside a one to two week window depending on stock location. Rural addresses may add a few days. Combine orders where possible to amortize shipping.

Europe and UK overview

VAT and import handling can add cost and time. Delivery estimates typically widen during holidays. Read your tracking page carefully for customs updates and keep the invoice PDF if support requests proof.

Rest of world notes

Longer lanes and fewer direct flights make multi week windows common. Photograph packaging before unboxing if you need to report damage, and keep labels intact until you test all components.

Release radar and restocks

Labels like preorder or backorder describe stock state, not fixed dates. If you want a clean experience, set alerts, avoid separate micro orders that multiply shipping, and watch the product page for changes to availability notes. Restocks can go fast, so plan wishlists in advance.

Community and learning resources

Rules clarifications usually land in official errata or quickstarts, painting guides flood hobby communities, and discussion boards collect house rules and campaign ideas. Use respectful, specific questions and attach photos or logs when you ask for help. Track changes with a simple changelog so your group stays synced.

Starter comparison table

Use this table to pick a first product that matches your time, space and rules comfort. It does not include links, only a neutral snapshot.

If two options look equal, choose the one that fits your group size and time budget this month and add expansions later.

How to start by interest

Match player type to a line and a concrete first purchase. This keeps analysis paralysis low and gets you to the table faster.

Groups often mix lines over time. Start small, learn pacing and only then add complexity or campaign length.

Shipping quick map

These are typical windows. Always check your cart for current options and watch the tracking page for exceptions.

If a box arrives damaged, photograph all sides before unboxing, keep labels and contact support with those photos and your order ID.

Digital availability matrix

Digital can be the fastest way to start. This matrix shows where PDFs are commonly available by line.

PDFs reduce shipping friction and make it easy to test a line before committing to larger boxes.

Release radar checklist

Use this table to decode store labels and decide when to order or wait. Pair it with wishlists so you are ready when stock changes.

Small print matters. Check whether mixed carts ship together or in parts and how that affects delivery windows.

FAQ

What is the best starter if I have only one evening this week

The Duke is the fastest to teach and play. For minis with more depth, BattleTech Beginner Box fits a single evening without painting. For story, run a Shadowrun quickstart one shot.

How do Classic and Alpha Strike differ in BattleTech

Classic tracks armor locations and heat in detail for smaller forces. Alpha Strike condenses stats so you can field larger lances and finish games sooner. Many players own both and switch by mood.

Which Shadowrun books should I buy first

Start with the Core Rulebook and a city sourcebook that matches your tone. Add a GM screen and a mission pack once the group settles on roles.

How are PDFs delivered

They are available in your store account library after purchase. Download and store locally, then print character sheets or quick reference pages as needed.

What do shipping statuses actually mean

Processing means the order is being prepared, shipped means a label exists and is with the carrier, out for delivery means the last mile is active, and delivered means the carrier scanned the drop.

What proof do I need if a parcel arrives damaged

Photos of all box sides, inner trays and labels, plus your order ID and the tracking page. Keep packaging until support closes the case.

How do I choose between these IPs if my group size changes often

Pick Dragonfire or The Duke for 2 players, BattleTech or Leviathans for 2-4, Shadowrun or Cosmic Patrol for groups that like roleplay and flexible attendance.

Are returns possible if a component is missing

Yes when you provide clear photos and the order ID within the stated window. Keep small parts in labeled bags to simplify the conversation.

Do I need to paint minis to play BattleTech or Leviathans

No. You can play unpainted and paint later. A simple primer and wash already makes details pop if you want a faster upgrade.

Can I mix digital and physical products in one order

Digital fulfills instantly, physical ships when packed. Some stores split fulfillment automatically but bundling too many physical items can extend the window.

What is the simplest way to teach a new player

Use a starter scenario with fewer special rules, a printed quick reference and a visible turn order. Add complexity only after two clean sessions.

How do I track errata without losing my place

Keep a changelog file and write page references with short notes. Update sheets after big rules patches and archive old versions.

You now have a practical map of the portfolio, fast starter routes and the buying basics. Pick the line that suits your table and follow the hub that matches your interest to get from idea to first session without friction.