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Hey guys, dreadballs next on my list of new games,but I'm confused by the rulebooks.

What exactly do I need?

Someone might be able to give a more comprehensive answer, but:

Season 1 - required to play the game, comes in every boxed game. Covers the 4 'Season 1' teams and some MVPs.

Season 2 - contains special rules for coaches/cheerleaders (I think), and covers the 4 'Season 2' teams, as well as more MVPs.

Season 3 - contains the rules for 'Dreadball Ultimate', a multi-player (up to 6) version of the game that includes 'Giants', extra-large models. Also covers the 4 'Season 3' teams and MVPs. Comes in the "Dreadball Ultimate' Boxed set.

So basically I need to pick up a starter box and then add the other books as I go?

Yes, get "Dreadball Deluxe" as it contains all of the basic game and two starting teams, and then buys books/expansions/teams as required. Mantic has actually begun to run out of components for this latest print run of the base box, so they are only selling a "special edition" that includes a limited edition mini-expansion and replaces the default shiny futuristic pitch with a forest version. I'm sure you can can the normal edition cheaply enough from other retailers.

http://www.manticgames.com/mantic-shop/pre-order/dreadball/product/limited-edition-dreadball-azure-forest.html

Dreadball Ultimate contains the season 3 rulebook, enough 'big guys' to play a multiplayer game including them and the required new pitch and cards, so I'd get that rather than the individual components.

Of course, you can just get it all in one big bundle:
http://www.manticgames.com/mantic-shop/pre-order/dreadball/product/azure-primalball-viii-limited-edition-dreadball-mega-bundle.html

Which is the £60 'special edition' normal version, the £40 expansion, and the season 2 rulebook, a Giant MVP and 2 other MVPs thrown in free.