diff --git a/Assets/Scripts/Data/DistroDatabase.cs b/Assets/Scripts/Data/DistroDatabase.cs
index d388af3..aa325a1 100644
--- a/Assets/Scripts/Data/DistroDatabase.cs
+++ b/Assets/Scripts/Data/DistroDatabase.cs
@@ -31,5 +31,52 @@ namespace KernelPanic.Data
 
             return null;
         }
+
+        /// <summary>
+        /// Checks that every entry is assigned and has a unique, non-blank id. Used at both
+        /// edit time (OnValidate) and runtime, so misconfiguration surfaces before it can
+        /// silently disable a feature that depends on this database.
+        /// </summary>
+        public bool TryValidate(out string error)
+        {
+            for (int i = 0; i < allDistros.Count; i++)
+            {
+                if (allDistros[i] == null)
+                {
+                    error = $"entry {i} is empty";
+                    return false;
+                }
+            }
+
+            HashSet<string> seenIds = new(StringComparer.OrdinalIgnoreCase);
+            for (int i = 0; i < allDistros.Count; i++)
+            {
+                string id = allDistros[i].Id;
+                if (string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(id))
+                {
+                    error = $"'{allDistros[i].name}' has a blank id";
+                    return false;
+                }
+
+                if (!seenIds.Add(id))
+                {
+                    error = $"duplicate distro id '{id}'";
+                    return false;
+                }
+            }
+
+            error = null;
+            return true;
+        }
+
+#if UNITY_EDITOR
+        private void OnValidate()
+        {
+            if (!TryValidate(out string error))
+            {
+                Debug.LogError($"DistroDatabase '{name}': {error}.", this);
+            }
+        }
+#endif
     }
 }
diff --git a/Assets/Scripts/UI/CollectionScreenController.cs b/Assets/Scripts/UI/CollectionScreenController.cs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..f3b4214
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Assets/Scripts/UI/CollectionScreenController.cs
@@ -0,0 +1,144 @@
+using System;
+using System.Collections.Generic;
+using KernelPanic.Data;
+using UnityEngine;
+using UnityEngine.TextCore.Text;
+using UnityEngine.UIElements;
+
+namespace KernelPanic.UI
+{
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Renders the owned-units list and detail readout on the collection screen.
+    /// </summary>
+    [Serializable]
+    public sealed class CollectionScreenController
+    {
+        private readonly List<VisualElement> rows = new();
+
+        private VisualElement list;
+        private VisualElement detail;
+        private FontAsset monospaceFont;
+        private IReadOnlyList<DistroDefinition> units = Array.Empty<DistroDefinition>();
+        private int selectedIndex;
+
+        public void Bind(VisualElement root, FontAsset artFont)
+        {
+            monospaceFont = artFont;
+            list = root.Q<VisualElement>("CollectionList");
+            detail = root.Q<VisualElement>("CollectionDetail");
+        }
+
+        public void Refresh(IReadOnlyList<DistroDefinition> ownedUnits)
+        {
+            units = ownedUnits ?? Array.Empty<DistroDefinition>();
+            if (list == null || detail == null)
+            {
+                return;
+            }
+
+            rows.Clear();
+            list.Clear();
+
+            if (units.Count == 0)
+            {
+                detail.Clear();
+                detail.Add(new Label("no units installed") { name = "CollectionEmptyTitle" });
+                detail.Add(new Label("run: curl gacha.sh | sh") { name = "CollectionEmptyHint" });
+                return;
+            }
+
+            selectedIndex = Mathf.Clamp(selectedIndex, 0, units.Count - 1);
+            for (int i = 0; i < units.Count; i++)
+            {
+                int index = i;
+                DistroDefinition unit = units[i];
+                VisualElement row = new();
+                row.AddToClassList("collection-row");
+                row.RegisterCallback<PointerEnterEvent>(_ => SelectUnit(index));
+                row.RegisterCallback<ClickEvent>(_ => SelectUnit(index));
+
+                Label name = new(DistroPresentation.DisplayName(unit));
+                name.AddToClassList("collection-row-name");
+                name.style.color = new StyleColor(unit.AccentColor);
+
+                Label languages = new(DistroPresentation.FormatLanguages(unit));
+                languages.AddToClassList("collection-row-languages");
+
+                row.Add(name);
+                row.Add(languages);
+                list.Add(row);
+                rows.Add(row);
+            }
+
+            SelectUnit(selectedIndex);
+        }
+
+        private void SelectUnit(int index)
+        {
+            if (units.Count == 0)
+            {
+                return;
+            }
+
+            selectedIndex = Mathf.Clamp(index, 0, units.Count - 1);
+            for (int i = 0; i < rows.Count; i++)
+            {
+                rows[i].EnableInClassList("selected", i == selectedIndex);
+            }
+
+            RenderDetail(units[selectedIndex]);
+        }
+
+        private void RenderDetail(DistroDefinition unit)
+        {
+            detail.Clear();
+
+            VisualElement readout = new();
+            readout.AddToClassList("collection-detail-readout");
+
+            Label artLabel = new();
+            DistroArtPresenter.ConfigureArtLabel(artLabel, monospaceFont);
+            AsciiArtFitter artFitter = new(artLabel, monospaceFont);
+            VisualElement artPlaceholder = DistroArtPresenter.CreatePlaceholder();
+            artFitter.SetArt(DistroArtPresenter.Render(artLabel, artPlaceholder, unit));
+            readout.Add(artPlaceholder);
+            readout.Add(artLabel);
+
+            VisualElement details = new();
+            details.AddToClassList("collection-detail-values");
+
+            Label name = new(DistroPresentation.DisplayName(unit));
+            name.AddToClassList("collection-detail-name");
+            name.style.color = new StyleColor(unit.AccentColor);
+            details.Add(name);
+
+            details.Add(BuildDetailLine("lang", DistroPresentation.FormatLanguages(unit)));
+            details.Add(BuildDetailLine("passive", string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(unit.PassiveName) ? "--" : unit.PassiveName));
+            details.Add(BuildDetailLine("uptime", unit.BaseUptime.ToString()));
+            details.Add(BuildDetailLine("ram", unit.BaseRam.ToString()));
+            details.Add(BuildDetailLine("cycles", unit.BaseCyclesPerTurn.ToString()));
+
+            readout.Add(details);
+            detail.Add(readout);
+
+            Label description = new(string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(unit.Description) ? "--" : unit.Description);
+            description.AddToClassList("collection-detail-description");
+            detail.Add(description);
+        }
+
+        private static VisualElement BuildDetailLine(string key, string value)
+        {
+            VisualElement row = new();
+            row.AddToClassList("kv-row");
+
+            Label keyLabel = new(key);
+            keyLabel.AddToClassList("kv-key");
+            Label valueLabel = new(value);
+            valueLabel.AddToClassList("kv-value");
+
+            row.Add(keyLabel);
+            row.Add(valueLabel);
+            return row;
+        }
+    }
+}
diff --git a/Assets/Scripts/UI/CommandKeyBindings.cs b/Assets/Scripts/UI/CommandKeyBindings.cs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..221ac13
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Assets/Scripts/UI/CommandKeyBindings.cs
@@ -0,0 +1,24 @@
+using UnityEngine;
+
+namespace KernelPanic.UI
+{
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Maps number-row/keypad digits to menu slot indices. Shared by the command menu and the
+    /// starter-selection modal so both keep the same 1-5 shortcut behavior.
+    /// </summary>
+    internal static class CommandKeyBindings
+    {
+        public static int GetDigitIndex(KeyCode keyCode)
+        {
+            return keyCode switch
+            {
+                KeyCode.Alpha1 or KeyCode.Keypad1 => 0,
+                KeyCode.Alpha2 or KeyCode.Keypad2 => 1,
+                KeyCode.Alpha3 or KeyCode.Keypad3 => 2,
+                KeyCode.Alpha4 or KeyCode.Keypad4 => 3,
+                KeyCode.Alpha5 or KeyCode.Keypad5 => 4,
+                _ => -1
+            };
+        }
+    }
+}
diff --git a/Assets/Scripts/UI/DistroPresentation.cs b/Assets/Scripts/UI/DistroPresentation.cs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..d6665ec
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Assets/Scripts/UI/DistroPresentation.cs
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+using KernelPanic.Data;
+
+namespace KernelPanic.UI
+{
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Shared text formatting for distros, used by every screen that lists or details them.
+    /// </summary>
+    public static class DistroPresentation
+    {
+        public static string DisplayName(DistroDefinition unit)
+        {
+            return string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(unit.DisplayName) ? unit.name : unit.DisplayName;
+        }
+
+        public static string FormatLanguages(DistroDefinition unit)
+        {
+            return $"{unit.PrimaryLanguage} / {unit.SecondaryLanguage}";
+        }
+    }
+}
diff --git a/Assets/Scripts/UI/FeaturedUnitPanel.cs b/Assets/Scripts/UI/FeaturedUnitPanel.cs
index 0cbf9f1..b194212 100644
--- a/Assets/Scripts/UI/FeaturedUnitPanel.cs
+++ b/Assets/Scripts/UI/FeaturedUnitPanel.cs
@@ -100,11 +100,10 @@ namespace KernelPanic.UI
             populatedState.RemoveFromClassList("hidden");
             emptyState.AddToClassList("hidden");
 
-            string displayName = string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(unit.DisplayName) ? unit.name : unit.DisplayName;
             titleLabel.text = "[ neofetch ]";
             asciiFitter.SetArt(DistroArtPresenter.Render(asciiLabel, asciiPlaceholder, unit));
-            unitNameLabel.text = displayName;
-            languagesLabel.text = $"{unit.PrimaryLanguage} / {unit.SecondaryLanguage}";
+            unitNameLabel.text = DistroPresentation.DisplayName(unit);
+            languagesLabel.text = DistroPresentation.FormatLanguages(unit);
             passiveLabel.text = string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(unit.PassiveName) ? "--" : unit.PassiveName;
             bestWaveLabel.text = "--"; // TODO: Bind best-wave stats from SaveService when stats exist.
             SetAccent(ColorUtility.ToHtmlStringRGB(unit.AccentColor));
diff --git a/Assets/Scripts/UI/MainMenuController.cs b/Assets/Scripts/UI/MainMenuController.cs
index 049933d..19227b2 100644
--- a/Assets/Scripts/UI/MainMenuController.cs
+++ b/Assets/Scripts/UI/MainMenuController.cs
@@ -25,21 +25,24 @@ namespace KernelPanic.UI
         private const float BootIntroSeconds = 1.5f;
         private static bool bootIntroPlayed;
 
+        // Static fields don't reset between Play sessions when the Editor's "Reload Domain"
+        // option is disabled. RuntimeInitializeOnLoadMethod runs once per player/Play-mode
+        // startup regardless of that setting, so this keeps bootIntroPlayed session-scoped.
+        [RuntimeInitializeOnLoadMethod(RuntimeInitializeLoadType.SubsystemRegistration)]
+        private static void ResetSessionState()
+        {
+            bootIntroPlayed = false;
+        }
+
         [SerializeField] private FontAsset monospaceFont; // TODO: Assign a real monospace FontAsset when typography assets exist.
         [SerializeField] private string motdBody = "unstable userspace detected; keep a rollback shell open.";
         [SerializeField] private DistroDatabase distroDatabase;
         [SerializeField] private CardDatabase cardDatabase;
         [SerializeField] private FeaturedUnitPanel featuredUnitPanel = new();
+        [SerializeField] private CollectionScreenController collectionScreen = new();
+        [SerializeField] private StarterSelectionController starterSelection = new();
 
         private readonly List<CommandMenuEntry> commandEntries = new();
-        private readonly List<VisualElement> starterCards = new();
-        private readonly List<Label> starterNames = new();
-        private readonly List<Label> starterLanguages = new();
-        private readonly List<Label> starterDescriptions = new();
-        private readonly List<VisualElement> collectionRows = new();
-        private readonly List<VisualElement> cardRows = new();
-        private readonly List<VisualElement> runSetupRows = new();
-        private readonly List<VisualElement> packageRows = new();
         private UIDocument document;
         private VisualElement root;
         private VisualElement shellRoot;
@@ -51,11 +54,6 @@ namespace KernelPanic.UI
         private VisualElement settingsPanel;
         private VisualElement eventBanner;
         private VisualElement backgroundLogLayer;
-        private VisualElement starterModal;
-        private VisualElement collectionList;
-        private VisualElement collectionDetail;
-        private VisualElement runSetupList;
-        private VisualElement runSetupDetail;
         private Label appIdLabel;
         private Label entropyLabel;
         private Label pullTokensLabel;
@@ -63,7 +61,6 @@ namespace KernelPanic.UI
         private Label promptCursorLabel;
         private Label bootIntroLogLabel;
         private Label motdBodyLabel;
-        private Label starterConfirmLabel;
         private VisualElement motdBlock;
         private Button collectionBackButton;
         private Button collectionUnitsButton;
@@ -80,25 +77,15 @@ namespace KernelPanic.UI
         private BackgroundLogRingBuffer backgroundLog;
         private IEventBannerSource eventBannerSource;
         private int selectedCommandIndex;
-        private int selectedStarterIndex;
-        private int selectedCollectionIndex;
-        private int selectedCardIndex;
-        private int selectedRunSetupIndex;
-        private int selectedPackageIndex;
         private float bootIntroElapsed;
         private int bootIntroCharacterCount;
         private bool cursorVisible;
         private bool suppressNextClick;
-        private bool starterModalActive;
-        private bool starterConfirming;
-        private bool collectionShowingCards;
         private bool warnedUnresolvedSaveId;
         private bool warnedInvalidLoadoutId;
         private string bootIntroCopy;
         private IVisualElementScheduledItem blinkSchedule;
         private IVisualElementScheduledItem bootIntroSchedule;
-        private IVisualElementScheduledItem starterCloseSchedule;
-        private IVisualElementScheduledItem packageNoticeSchedule;
 
         public void Initialize(EntropyWallet initializedWallet)
         {
@@ -117,8 +104,9 @@ namespace KernelPanic.UI
             BindElements();
             BindCommandEntries();
             RegisterCommandEntryCallbacks();
-            RegisterStarterCallbacks();
             featuredUnitPanel.Bind(root, monospaceFont);
+            collectionScreen.Bind(root, monospaceFont);
+            starterSelection.Bind(root, distroDatabase, HandleStarterConfirmed);
             LoadMetaState();
             playerCollection.Changed += HandleMetaStateChanged;
             gachaService.BannerPoolChanged += HandleMetaStateChanged;
@@ -134,7 +122,7 @@ namespace KernelPanic.UI
             RefreshCurrencyReadouts();
             RefreshEventBanner();
             featuredUnitPanel.Refresh(playerCollection.OwnedUnits);
-            RefreshCollection();
+            collectionScreen.Refresh(playerCollection.OwnedUnits);
             SelectCommand(0);
             ShowMainMenu();
             StartAmbientSchedules();
@@ -147,8 +135,7 @@ namespace KernelPanic.UI
             blinkSchedule?.Pause();
             backgroundLog?.Stop();
             bootIntroSchedule?.Pause();
-            starterCloseSchedule?.Pause();
-            packageNoticeSchedule?.Pause();
+            starterSelection.PauseSchedules();
         }
 
         private void BindElements()
@@ -165,11 +152,6 @@ namespace KernelPanic.UI
             motdBlock = root.Q<VisualElement>("MotdBlock");
             backgroundLogLayer = root.Q<VisualElement>("BackgroundLogLayer");
             backgroundLog = new BackgroundLogRingBuffer(backgroundLogLayer, BootLogCopy.Lines);
-            starterModal = root.Q<VisualElement>("StarterModal");
-            collectionList = root.Q<VisualElement>("CollectionList");
-            collectionDetail = root.Q<VisualElement>("CollectionDetail");
-            runSetupList = root.Q<VisualElement>("RunSetupList");
-            runSetupDetail = root.Q<VisualElement>("RunSetupDetail");
 
             appIdLabel = root.Q<Label>("AppIdLabel");
             entropyLabel = root.Q<Label>("EntropyLabel");
@@ -178,15 +160,6 @@ namespace KernelPanic.UI
             promptCursorLabel = root.Q<Label>("PromptCursorLabel");
             bootIntroLogLabel = root.Q<Label>("BootIntroLogLabel");
             motdBodyLabel = root.Q<Label>("MotdBodyLabel");
-            starterConfirmLabel = root.Q<Label>("StarterConfirmLabel");
-
-            for (int i = 0; i < 3; i++)
-            {
-                starterCards.Add(root.Q<VisualElement>($"StarterOption{i}"));
-                starterNames.Add(root.Q<Label>($"StarterName{i}"));
-                starterLanguages.Add(root.Q<Label>($"StarterLanguages{i}"));
-                starterDescriptions.Add(root.Q<Label>($"StarterDescription{i}"));
-            }
 
             collectionBackButton = root.Q<Button>("CollectionBackButton");
             collectionUnitsButton = root.Q<Button>("CollectionUnitsButton");
@@ -332,16 +305,21 @@ namespace KernelPanic.UI
             EnsureLoadoutsForOwnedUnits();
             SaveCurrentState();
             featuredUnitPanel.Refresh(playerCollection.OwnedUnits);
-            RefreshCollection();
-            RefreshRunSetup();
+            collectionScreen.Refresh(playerCollection.OwnedUnits);
         }
 
-        private void EnsureLoadoutsForOwnedUnits()
+        private void HandleStarterConfirmed(DistroDefinition picked, IReadOnlyList<DistroDefinition> remaining)
         {
-            for (int i = 0; i < playerCollection.OwnedUnits.Count; i++)
+            playerCollection.Add(picked);
+            for (int i = 0; i < remaining.Count; i++)
             {
-                cardLoadout.EnsureDefaultLoadout(playerCollection.OwnedUnits[i]);
+                gachaService.AddToBannerPool(remaining[i]);
             }
+
+            saveData.starterChosen = true;
+            SaveCurrentState();
+            featuredUnitPanel.Refresh(playerCollection.OwnedUnits);
+            collectionScreen.Refresh(playerCollection.OwnedUnits);
         }
 
         private void SaveCurrentState()
@@ -392,20 +370,6 @@ namespace KernelPanic.UI
             }
         }
 
-        private void RegisterStarterCallbacks()
-        {
-            for (int i = 0; i < starterCards.Count; i++)
-            {
-                int index = i;
-                starterCards[i].RegisterCallback<PointerEnterEvent>(_ => SelectStarter(index));
-                starterCards[i].RegisterCallback<ClickEvent>(_ =>
-                {
-                    SelectStarter(index);
-                    ConfirmStarterSelectionIntent();
-                });
-            }
-        }
-
         private void RefreshCurrencyReadouts()
         {
             if (entropyLabel == null || pullTokensLabel == null || gachaService == null || wallet == null)
@@ -432,525 +396,6 @@ namespace KernelPanic.UI
                 : banner.Text;
         }
 
-        private void RefreshCollection()
-        {
-            if (collectionList == null || collectionDetail == null)
-            {
-                return;
-            }
-
-            if (collectionShowingCards)
-            {
-                RefreshCollectionCards();
-                return;
-            }
-
-            RefreshCollectionUnits();
-        }
-
-        private void RefreshCollectionUnits()
-        {
-            collectionRows.Clear();
-            collectionList.Clear();
-            collectionDetail.Clear();
-            collectionUnitsButton?.AddToClassList(SelectedClassName);
-            collectionCardsButton?.RemoveFromClassList(SelectedClassName);
-
-            IReadOnlyList<DistroDefinition> units = playerCollection.OwnedUnits;
-            if (units.Count == 0)
-            {
-                collectionDetail.Clear();
-                collectionDetail.Add(new Label("no units installed") { name = "CollectionEmptyTitle" });
-                collectionDetail.Add(new Label("run: curl gacha.sh | sh") { name = "CollectionEmptyHint" });
-                return;
-            }
-
-            selectedCollectionIndex = Mathf.Clamp(selectedCollectionIndex, 0, units.Count - 1);
-            for (int i = 0; i < units.Count; i++)
-            {
-                int index = i;
-                DistroDefinition unit = units[i];
-                VisualElement row = new();
-                row.AddToClassList("collection-row");
-                row.RegisterCallback<PointerEnterEvent>(_ => SelectCollectionUnit(index));
-                row.RegisterCallback<ClickEvent>(_ => SelectCollectionUnit(index));
-
-                Label name = new(DisplayName(unit));
-                name.AddToClassList("collection-row-name");
-                name.style.color = new StyleColor(unit.AccentColor);
-
-                Label languages = new(FormatLanguages(unit));
-                languages.AddToClassList("collection-row-languages");
-
-                row.Add(name);
-                row.Add(languages);
-                collectionList.Add(row);
-                collectionRows.Add(row);
-            }
-
-            SelectCollectionUnit(selectedCollectionIndex);
-        }
-
-        private void RefreshCollectionCards()
-        {
-            cardRows.Clear();
-            collectionList.Clear();
-            collectionDetail.Clear();
-            collectionUnitsButton?.RemoveFromClassList(SelectedClassName);
-            collectionCardsButton?.AddToClassList(SelectedClassName);
-
-            IReadOnlyList<CardDefinition> cards = cardDatabase == null ? Array.Empty<CardDefinition>() : cardDatabase.AllCards;
-            if (cards.Count == 0)
-            {
-                collectionDetail.Add(new Label("no cards indexed") { name = "CollectionEmptyTitle" });
-                collectionDetail.Add(new Label("assign a CardDatabase to browse card rules here") { name = "CollectionEmptyHint" });
-                return;
-            }
-
-            for (int i = 0; i < cards.Count; i++)
-            {
-                CardDefinition card = cards[i];
-                if (card == null)
-                {
-                    continue;
-                }
-
-                int index = cardRows.Count;
-                VisualElement row = new();
-                row.AddToClassList("collection-row");
-                row.RegisterCallback<PointerEnterEvent>(_ => SelectCollectionCard(index));
-                row.RegisterCallback<ClickEvent>(_ => SelectCollectionCard(index));
-
-                Label name = new(DisplayName(card));
-                name.AddToClassList("collection-row-name");
-
-                Label meta = new($"{card.Language}  {card.CycleCost}c");
-                meta.AddToClassList("collection-row-languages");
-
-                row.Add(name);
-                row.Add(meta);
-                collectionList.Add(row);
-                cardRows.Add(row);
-            }
-
-            if (cardRows.Count == 0)
-            {
-                collectionDetail.Add(new Label("no cards indexed") { name = "CollectionEmptyTitle" });
-                return;
-            }
-
-            selectedCardIndex = Mathf.Clamp(selectedCardIndex, 0, cardRows.Count - 1);
-            SelectCollectionCard(selectedCardIndex);
-        }
-
-        private void SelectCollectionUnit(int index)
-        {
-            IReadOnlyList<DistroDefinition> units = playerCollection.OwnedUnits;
-            if (units.Count == 0)
-            {
-                return;
-            }
-
-            selectedCollectionIndex = Mathf.Clamp(index, 0, units.Count - 1);
-            for (int i = 0; i < collectionRows.Count; i++)
-            {
-                collectionRows[i].EnableInClassList(SelectedClassName, i == selectedCollectionIndex);
-            }
-
-            RenderCollectionDetail(units[selectedCollectionIndex]);
-        }
-
-        private void SelectCollectionCard(int index)
-        {
-            if (cardRows.Count == 0)
-            {
-                return;
-            }
-
-            selectedCardIndex = Mathf.Clamp(index, 0, cardRows.Count - 1);
-            for (int i = 0; i < cardRows.Count; i++)
-            {
-                cardRows[i].EnableInClassList(SelectedClassName, i == selectedCardIndex);
-            }
-
-            RenderCardDetail(GetVisibleCard(selectedCardIndex));
-        }
-
-        private void RenderCollectionDetail(DistroDefinition unit)
-        {
-            collectionDetail.Clear();
-            packageRows.Clear();
-            selectedPackageIndex = 0;
-
-            // TODO: Unify this readout with FeaturedUnitPanel when unit presentation grows beyond labels.
-            VisualElement readout = new();
-            readout.AddToClassList("collection-detail-readout");
-
-            Label artLabel = new();
-            DistroArtPresenter.ConfigureArtLabel(artLabel, monospaceFont);
-            AsciiArtFitter artFitter = new(artLabel, monospaceFont);
-            VisualElement artPlaceholder = DistroArtPresenter.CreatePlaceholder();
-            artFitter.SetArt(DistroArtPresenter.Render(artLabel, artPlaceholder, unit));
-            readout.Add(artPlaceholder);
-            readout.Add(artLabel);
-
-            VisualElement details = new();
-            details.AddToClassList("collection-detail-values");
-
-            Label name = new(DisplayName(unit));
-            name.AddToClassList("collection-detail-name");
-            name.style.color = new StyleColor(unit.AccentColor);
-            details.Add(name);
-
-            details.Add(BuildDetailLine("lang", FormatLanguages(unit)));
-            details.Add(BuildDetailLine("passive", string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(unit.PassiveName) ? "--" : unit.PassiveName));
-            details.Add(BuildDetailLine("uptime", unit.BaseUptime.ToString()));
-            details.Add(BuildDetailLine("ram", unit.BaseRam.ToString()));
-            details.Add(BuildDetailLine("cycles", unit.BaseCyclesPerTurn.ToString()));
-
-            readout.Add(details);
-            collectionDetail.Add(readout);
-
-            Label description = new(string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(unit.Description) ? "--" : unit.Description);
-            description.AddToClassList("collection-detail-description");
-            collectionDetail.Add(description);
-        }
-
-        private void RenderCardDetail(CardDefinition card)
-        {
-            collectionDetail.Clear();
-            if (card == null)
-            {
-                return;
-            }
-
-            Label name = new(DisplayName(card));
-            name.AddToClassList("collection-detail-name");
-            collectionDetail.Add(name);
-
-            collectionDetail.Add(BuildDetailLine("language", card.Language.ToString()));
-            collectionDetail.Add(BuildDetailLine("rarity", card.Rarity.ToString()));
-            collectionDetail.Add(BuildDetailLine("cost", $"{card.CycleCost} cycles"));
-            collectionDetail.Add(BuildDetailLine("track", card.ResolutionTrack.ToString()));
-            collectionDetail.Add(BuildDetailLine("type", card.DistroExclusive ? "distro exclusive" : "standard"));
-
-            Label description = new(string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(card.Description) ? "--" : card.Description);
-            description.AddToClassList("collection-detail-description");
-            collectionDetail.Add(description);
-        }
-
-        private void RefreshRunSetup()
-        {
-            if (runSetupList == null || runSetupDetail == null)
-            {
-                return;
-            }
-
-            runSetupRows.Clear();
-            runSetupList.Clear();
-            runSetupDetail.Clear();
-
-            IReadOnlyList<DistroDefinition> units = playerCollection.OwnedUnits;
-            if (units.Count == 0)
-            {
-                runSetupDetail.Add(new Label("no units installed") { name = "RunSetupEmptyTitle" });
-                runSetupDetail.Add(new Label("run: curl gacha.sh | sh") { name = "RunSetupEmptyHint" });
-                return;
-            }
-
-            selectedRunSetupIndex = Mathf.Clamp(selectedRunSetupIndex, 0, units.Count - 1);
-            for (int i = 0; i < units.Count; i++)
-            {
-                int index = i;
-                DistroDefinition unit = units[i];
-                VisualElement row = new();
-                row.AddToClassList("collection-row");
-                row.RegisterCallback<PointerEnterEvent>(_ => SelectRunSetupUnit(index));
-                row.RegisterCallback<ClickEvent>(_ => SelectRunSetupUnit(index));
-
-                Label name = new(DisplayName(unit));
-                name.AddToClassList("collection-row-name");
-                name.style.color = new StyleColor(unit.AccentColor);
-
-                Label languages = new(FormatLanguages(unit));
-                languages.AddToClassList("collection-row-languages");
-
-                row.Add(name);
-                row.Add(languages);
-                runSetupList.Add(row);
-                runSetupRows.Add(row);
-            }
-
-            SelectRunSetupUnit(selectedRunSetupIndex);
-        }
-
-        private void SelectRunSetupUnit(int index)
-        {
-            IReadOnlyList<DistroDefinition> units = playerCollection.OwnedUnits;
-            if (units.Count == 0)
-            {
-                return;
-            }
-
-            selectedRunSetupIndex = Mathf.Clamp(index, 0, units.Count - 1);
-            for (int i = 0; i < runSetupRows.Count; i++)
-            {
-                runSetupRows[i].EnableInClassList(SelectedClassName, i == selectedRunSetupIndex);
-            }
-
-            RenderRunSetupDetail(units[selectedRunSetupIndex]);
-        }
-
-        private void RenderRunSetupDetail(DistroDefinition unit)
-        {
-            runSetupDetail.Clear();
-            packageRows.Clear();
-            selectedPackageIndex = 0;
-
-            Label name = new(DisplayName(unit));
-            name.AddToClassList("collection-detail-name");
-            name.style.color = new StyleColor(unit.AccentColor);
-            runSetupDetail.Add(name);
-            runSetupDetail.Add(BuildDetailLine("lang", FormatLanguages(unit)));
-            runSetupDetail.Add(BuildDetailLine("loadout", $"pick {CardLoadout.MaxEquippedCards} cards"));
-            BuildPackageList(unit, runSetupDetail);
-        }
-
-        private void BuildPackageList(DistroDefinition unit, VisualElement parent)
-        {
-            VisualElement packageSection = new();
-            packageSection.AddToClassList("package-list");
-
-            Label header = new("dpkg -l (pick 4)");
-            header.AddToClassList("package-header");
-            packageSection.Add(header);
-
-            Label notice = new();
-            notice.name = "PackageNotice";
-            notice.AddToClassList("package-notice");
-            notice.AddToClassList(HiddenClassName);
-            packageSection.Add(notice);
-
-            if (unit.ExclusiveCards.Count == 0)
-            {
-                Label empty = new("no distro packages installed");
-                empty.AddToClassList("package-empty");
-                packageSection.Add(empty);
-                parent.Add(packageSection);
-                return;
-            }
-
-            IReadOnlyList<string> equippedIds = cardLoadout.GetEquippedCardIds(unit.Id);
-            for (int i = 0; i < unit.ExclusiveCards.Count; i++)
-            {
-                CardDefinition card = unit.ExclusiveCards[i];
-                if (card == null || card.IsToken)
-                {
-                    continue;
-                }
-
-                int index = packageRows.Count;
-                VisualElement row = BuildPackageRow(unit, card, equippedIds, index);
-                packageRows.Add(row);
-                packageSection.Add(row);
-            }
-
-            parent.Add(packageSection);
-            RefreshPackageSelection();
-        }
-
-        private VisualElement BuildPackageRow(DistroDefinition unit, CardDefinition card, IReadOnlyList<string> equippedIds, int index)
-        {
-            bool equipped = ContainsId(equippedIds, card.Id);
-            bool loadoutFull = equippedIds.Count >= CardLoadout.MaxEquippedCards;
-
-            VisualElement row = new();
-            row.AddToClassList("package-row");
-            row.EnableInClassList("equipped", equipped);
-            row.EnableInClassList("dimmed", !equipped && loadoutFull);
-            row.RegisterCallback<PointerEnterEvent>(_ =>
-            {
-                selectedPackageIndex = index;
-                RefreshPackageSelection();
-            });
-            row.RegisterCallback<ClickEvent>(_ => TogglePackage(unit, card));
-
-            VisualElement summary = new();
-            summary.AddToClassList("package-summary");
-
-            Label marker = new(equipped ? "[x]" : "[ ]");
-            marker.AddToClassList("package-marker");
-            marker.style.color = new StyleColor(equipped ? unit.AccentColor : Color.gray);
-
-            Label name = new(DisplayName(card));
-            name.AddToClassList("package-name");
-
-            Label meta = new($"{card.Language}  {card.CycleCost}c");
-            meta.AddToClassList("package-meta");
-
-            summary.Add(marker);
-            summary.Add(name);
-            summary.Add(meta);
-
-            Label cardDescription = new(string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(card.Description) ? "--" : card.Description);
-            cardDescription.AddToClassList("package-description");
-
-            row.Add(summary);
-            row.Add(cardDescription);
-            return row;
-        }
-
-        private void RefreshPackageSelection()
-        {
-            for (int i = 0; i < packageRows.Count; i++)
-            {
-                packageRows[i].EnableInClassList(SelectedClassName, i == selectedPackageIndex);
-            }
-        }
-
-        private void ToggleSelectedPackage()
-        {
-            IReadOnlyList<DistroDefinition> units = playerCollection.OwnedUnits;
-            if (units.Count == 0 || selectedRunSetupIndex >= units.Count)
-            {
-                return;
-            }
-
-            DistroDefinition unit = units[selectedRunSetupIndex];
-            CardDefinition card = GetVisibleExclusiveCard(unit, selectedPackageIndex);
-            if (card != null)
-            {
-                TogglePackage(unit, card);
-            }
-        }
-
-        private void TogglePackage(DistroDefinition unit, CardDefinition card)
-        {
-            IReadOnlyList<string> equippedIds = cardLoadout.GetEquippedCardIds(unit.Id);
-            bool changed = ContainsId(equippedIds, card.Id)
-                ? cardLoadout.TryUnequip(unit.Id, card.Id, out CardLoadoutFailureReason reason)
-                : cardLoadout.TryEquip(unit.Id, card.Id, out reason);
-
-            if (!changed)
-            {
-                ShowPackageNotice(reason);
-                return;
-            }
-
-            SaveCurrentState();
-            RenderRunSetupDetail(unit);
-        }
-
-        private void ShowPackageNotice(CardLoadoutFailureReason reason)
-        {
-            Label notice = runSetupDetail.Q<Label>("PackageNotice");
-            if (notice == null)
-            {
-                return;
-            }
-
-            notice.text = reason == CardLoadoutFailureReason.Full
-                ? "dpkg: dependency limit reached (unequip a package first)"
-                : $"dpkg: package toggle failed ({reason})";
-            notice.RemoveFromClassList(HiddenClassName);
-
-            packageNoticeSchedule?.Pause();
-            if (UIPreferences.ReducedMotion)
-            {
-                return;
-            }
-
-            packageNoticeSchedule = root.schedule.Execute(() => notice.AddToClassList(HiddenClassName)).StartingIn(2000);
-        }
-
-        private static CardDefinition GetVisibleExclusiveCard(DistroDefinition unit, int visibleIndex)
-        {
-            int currentIndex = 0;
-            for (int i = 0; i < unit.ExclusiveCards.Count; i++)
-            {
-                CardDefinition card = unit.ExclusiveCards[i];
-                if (card == null || card.IsToken)
-                {
-                    continue;
-                }
-
-                if (currentIndex == visibleIndex)
-                {
-                    return card;
-                }
-
-                currentIndex++;
-            }
-
-            return null;
-        }
-
-        private CardDefinition GetVisibleCard(int visibleIndex)
-        {
-            IReadOnlyList<CardDefinition> cards = cardDatabase == null ? Array.Empty<CardDefinition>() : cardDatabase.AllCards;
-            int currentIndex = 0;
-            for (int i = 0; i < cards.Count; i++)
-            {
-                CardDefinition card = cards[i];
-                if (card == null)
-                {
-                    continue;
-                }
-
-                if (currentIndex == visibleIndex)
-                {
-                    return card;
-                }
-
-                currentIndex++;
-            }
-
-            return null;
-        }
-
-        private static VisualElement BuildDetailLine(string key, string value)
-        {
-            VisualElement row = new();
-            row.AddToClassList("kv-row");
-
-            Label keyLabel = new(key);
-            keyLabel.AddToClassList("kv-key");
-            Label valueLabel = new(value);
-            valueLabel.AddToClassList("kv-value");
-
-            row.Add(keyLabel);
-            row.Add(valueLabel);
-            return row;
-        }
-
-        private static string DisplayName(DistroDefinition unit)
-        {
-            return string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(unit.DisplayName) ? unit.name : unit.DisplayName;
-        }
-
-        private static string DisplayName(CardDefinition card)
-        {
-            return string.IsNullOrWhiteSpace(card.DisplayName) ? card.name : card.DisplayName;
-        }
-
-        private static bool ContainsId(IReadOnlyList<string> ids, string id)
-        {
-            for (int i = 0; i < ids.Count; i++)
-            {
-                if (string.Equals(ids[i], id, StringComparison.OrdinalIgnoreCase))
-                {
-                    return true;
-                }
-            }
-
-            return false;
-        }
-
-        private static string FormatLanguages(DistroDefinition unit)
-        {
-            return $"{unit.PrimaryLanguage} / {unit.SecondaryLanguage}";
-        }
-
         private void StartAmbientSchedules()
         {
             blinkSchedule?.Pause();
@@ -1013,7 +458,7 @@ namespace KernelPanic.UI
             shellRoot.RemoveFromClassList("boot-hidden");
             shellRoot.AddToClassList("boot-visible");
             backgroundLog?.Start(UIPreferences.ReducedMotion);
-            ShowStarterModalIfNeeded();
+            starterSelection.ShowIfNeeded(saveData == null || saveData.starterChosen);
             root.Focus();
         }
 
@@ -1036,9 +481,9 @@ namespace KernelPanic.UI
                 return;
             }
 
-            if (starterModalActive)
+            if (starterSelection.IsActive)
             {
-                HandleStarterKeyDown(evt);
+                starterSelection.HandleKeyDown(evt);
                 evt.StopPropagation();
                 return;
             }
@@ -1095,7 +540,7 @@ namespace KernelPanic.UI
                 return;
             }
 
-            int digitIndex = GetDigitCommandIndex(evt.keyCode);
+            int digitIndex = CommandKeyBindings.GetDigitIndex(evt.keyCode);
             if (digitIndex >= 0)
             {
                 SelectCommand(digitIndex);
@@ -1126,194 +571,6 @@ namespace KernelPanic.UI
             suppressNextClick = SkipBootIntro();
         }
 
-        private void ShowStarterModalIfNeeded()
-        {
-            if (saveData == null || saveData.starterChosen)
-            {
-                return;
-            }
-
-            IReadOnlyList<DistroDefinition> starters = GetStarterDistros();
-            if (starters.Count < 3)
-            {
-                Debug.LogWarning("Starter distro selection needs three distros in DistroDatabase.");
-                return;
-            }
-
-            starterModalActive = true;
-            starterConfirming = false;
-            starterConfirmLabel.AddToClassList(HiddenClassName);
-            starterModal.RemoveFromClassList(HiddenClassName);
-
-            for (int i = 0; i < starterCards.Count; i++)
-            {
-                DistroDefinition unit = starters[i];
-                starterNames[i].text = DisplayName(unit);
-                starterNames[i].style.color = new StyleColor(unit.AccentColor);
-                starterLanguages[i].text = FormatLanguages(unit);
-                starterDescriptions[i].text = unit.Description;
-            }
-
-            SelectStarter(0);
-            root.Focus();
-        }
-
-        private IReadOnlyList<DistroDefinition> GetStarterDistros()
-        {
-            return distroDatabase == null ? Array.Empty<DistroDefinition>() : distroDatabase.AllDistros;
-        }
-
-        private void SelectStarter(int index)
-        {
-            IReadOnlyList<DistroDefinition> starters = GetStarterDistros();
-            if (starters.Count == 0)
-            {
-                return;
-            }
-
-            selectedStarterIndex = (index + Mathf.Min(starters.Count, starterCards.Count)) % Mathf.Min(starters.Count, starterCards.Count);
-            starterConfirming = false;
-            starterConfirmLabel.AddToClassList(HiddenClassName);
-
-            for (int i = 0; i < starterCards.Count; i++)
-            {
-                bool selected = i == selectedStarterIndex;
-                starterCards[i].EnableInClassList(SelectedClassName, selected);
-                if (i < starters.Count && selected)
-                {
-                    StyleColor accent = new(starters[i].AccentColor);
-                    starterCards[i].style.borderTopColor = accent;
-                    starterCards[i].style.borderRightColor = accent;
-                    starterCards[i].style.borderBottomColor = accent;
-                    starterCards[i].style.borderLeftColor = accent;
-                }
-                else
-                {
-                    starterCards[i].style.borderTopColor = StyleKeyword.Null;
-                    starterCards[i].style.borderRightColor = StyleKeyword.Null;
-                    starterCards[i].style.borderBottomColor = StyleKeyword.Null;
-                    starterCards[i].style.borderLeftColor = StyleKeyword.Null;
-                }
-            }
-        }
-
-        private void HandleStarterKeyDown(KeyDownEvent evt)
-        {
-            if (evt.keyCode == KeyCode.LeftArrow)
-            {
-                SelectStarter(selectedStarterIndex - 1);
-                return;
-            }
-
-            if (evt.keyCode == KeyCode.RightArrow)
-            {
-                SelectStarter(selectedStarterIndex + 1);
-                return;
-            }
-
-            int digitIndex = GetDigitCommandIndex(evt.keyCode);
-            if (digitIndex >= 0 && digitIndex < 3)
-            {
-                SelectStarter(digitIndex);
-                return;
-            }
-
-            if (evt.keyCode == KeyCode.Return || evt.keyCode == KeyCode.KeypadEnter)
-            {
-                if (starterConfirming)
-                {
-                    ConfirmStarterSelection();
-                    return;
-                }
-
-                ConfirmStarterSelectionIntent();
-                return;
-            }
-
-            if (evt.keyCode == KeyCode.Y && starterConfirming)
-            {
-                ConfirmStarterSelection();
-                return;
-            }
-
-            if (evt.keyCode == KeyCode.Escape || evt.keyCode == KeyCode.N)
-            {
-                starterConfirming = false;
-                starterConfirmLabel.AddToClassList(HiddenClassName);
-            }
-        }
-
-        private void ConfirmStarterSelectionIntent()
-        {
-            IReadOnlyList<DistroDefinition> starters = GetStarterDistros();
-            if (selectedStarterIndex >= starters.Count)
-            {
-                return;
-            }
-
-            starterConfirming = true;
-            starterConfirmLabel.text = $"install {DisplayName(starters[selectedStarterIndex])}? this cannot be undone [Y/n]";
-            starterConfirmLabel.RemoveFromClassList(HiddenClassName);
-        }
-
-        private void ConfirmStarterSelection()
-        {
-            IReadOnlyList<DistroDefinition> starters = GetStarterDistros();
-            if (selectedStarterIndex >= starters.Count)
-            {
-                return;
-            }
-
-            DistroDefinition picked = starters[selectedStarterIndex];
-            playerCollection.Add(picked);
-            for (int i = 0; i < starters.Count; i++)
-            {
-                if (i != selectedStarterIndex)
-                {
-                    gachaService.AddToBannerPool(starters[i]);
-                }
-            }
-
-            saveData.starterChosen = true;
-            SaveCurrentState();
-            featuredUnitPanel.Refresh(playerCollection.OwnedUnits);
-            RefreshCollection();
-
-            starterConfirmLabel.text = $"installing {picked.Id} (1/1)... done";
-            starterConfirmLabel.RemoveFromClassList(HiddenClassName);
-            if (UIPreferences.ReducedMotion)
-            {
-                CloseStarterModal();
-                return;
-            }
-
-            starterCloseSchedule?.Pause();
-            starterCloseSchedule = root.schedule.Execute(CloseStarterModal).StartingIn(600);
-        }
-
-        private void CloseStarterModal()
-        {
-            starterCloseSchedule?.Pause();
-            starterCloseSchedule = null;
-            starterModalActive = false;
-            starterConfirming = false;
-            starterModal.AddToClassList(HiddenClassName);
-            root.Focus();
-        }
-
-        private static int GetDigitCommandIndex(KeyCode keyCode)
-        {
-            return keyCode switch
-            {
-                KeyCode.Alpha1 or KeyCode.Keypad1 => 0,
-                KeyCode.Alpha2 or KeyCode.Keypad2 => 1,
-                KeyCode.Alpha3 or KeyCode.Keypad3 => 2,
-                KeyCode.Alpha4 or KeyCode.Keypad4 => 3,
-                KeyCode.Alpha5 or KeyCode.Keypad5 => 4,
-                _ => -1
-            };
-        }
-
         private void SelectCommand(int index)
         {
             selectedCommandIndex = (index + commandEntries.Count) % commandEntries.Count;
@@ -1362,8 +619,7 @@ namespace KernelPanic.UI
 
         private void ShowCollection()
         {
-            collectionShowingCards = false;
-            RefreshCollection();
+            collectionScreen.Refresh(playerCollection.OwnedUnits);
             ShowPanel(collectionPanel);
         }
 
diff --git a/Assets/Scripts/UI/StarterSelectionController.cs b/Assets/Scripts/UI/StarterSelectionController.cs
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..591d110
--- /dev/null
+++ b/Assets/Scripts/UI/StarterSelectionController.cs
@@ -0,0 +1,299 @@
+using System;
+using System.Collections.Generic;
+using KernelPanic.Data;
+using UnityEngine;
+using UnityEngine.UIElements;
+
+namespace KernelPanic.UI
+{
+    /// <summary>
+    /// Drives the starter-distro selection modal: presents the choices, confirms the pick, and
+    /// - if the DistroDatabase isn't usable - shows a dismissible in-UI error instead of leaving
+    /// the modal silently hidden.
+    /// </summary>
+    [Serializable]
+    public sealed class StarterSelectionController
+    {
+        private const int StarterCount = 3;
+
+        private readonly List<VisualElement> cards = new();
+        private readonly List<Label> names = new();
+        private readonly List<Label> languages = new();
+        private readonly List<Label> descriptions = new();
+
+        private VisualElement root;
+        private VisualElement modal;
+        private VisualElement options;
+        private Label confirmLabel;
+        private Label errorLabel;
+        private DistroDatabase database;
+        private Action<DistroDefinition, IReadOnlyList<DistroDefinition>> onConfirmed;
+
+        private IReadOnlyList<DistroDefinition> activeStarters = Array.Empty<DistroDefinition>();
+        private int selectedIndex;
+        private bool active;
+        private bool showingError;
+        private bool confirming;
+        private IVisualElementScheduledItem closeSchedule;
+
+        public bool IsActive => active;
+
+        public void Bind(VisualElement documentRoot, DistroDatabase distroDatabase, Action<DistroDefinition, IReadOnlyList<DistroDefinition>> onStarterConfirmed)
+        {
+            root = documentRoot;
+            database = distroDatabase;
+            onConfirmed = onStarterConfirmed;
+
+            modal = root.Q<VisualElement>("StarterModal");
+            options = root.Q<VisualElement>("StarterOptions");
+            confirmLabel = root.Q<Label>("StarterConfirmLabel");
+            errorLabel = root.Q<Label>("StarterErrorLabel");
+
+            for (int i = 0; i < StarterCount; i++)
+            {
+                cards.Add(root.Q<VisualElement>($"StarterOption{i}"));
+                names.Add(root.Q<Label>($"StarterName{i}"));
+                languages.Add(root.Q<Label>($"StarterLanguages{i}"));
+                descriptions.Add(root.Q<Label>($"StarterDescription{i}"));
+            }
+
+            for (int i = 0; i < cards.Count; i++)
+            {
+                int index = i;
+                cards[i].RegisterCallback<PointerEnterEvent>(_ => Select(index));
+                cards[i].RegisterCallback<ClickEvent>(_ =>
+                {
+                    Select(index);
+                    ConfirmIntent();
+                });
+            }
+        }
+
+        public void ShowIfNeeded(bool starterAlreadyChosen)
+        {
+            if (starterAlreadyChosen)
+            {
+                return;
+            }
+
+            if (!TryGetStarters(out IReadOnlyList<DistroDefinition> starters, out string error))
+            {
+                Debug.LogError($"Cannot show starter selection: {error}.");
+                ShowConfigError(error);
+                return;
+            }
+
+            activeStarters = starters;
+            active = true;
+            showingError = false;
+            confirming = false;
+            errorLabel.AddToClassList("hidden");
+            options.RemoveFromClassList("hidden");
+            confirmLabel.AddToClassList("hidden");
+            modal.RemoveFromClassList("hidden");
+
+            for (int i = 0; i < cards.Count; i++)
+            {
+                DistroDefinition unit = starters[i];
+                names[i].text = DistroPresentation.DisplayName(unit);
+                names[i].style.color = new StyleColor(unit.AccentColor);
+                languages[i].text = DistroPresentation.FormatLanguages(unit);
+                descriptions[i].text = unit.Description;
+            }
+
+            Select(0);
+            root.Focus();
+        }
+
+        public void HandleKeyDown(KeyDownEvent evt)
+        {
+            if (showingError)
+            {
+                if (evt.keyCode == KeyCode.Return || evt.keyCode == KeyCode.KeypadEnter ||
+                    evt.keyCode == KeyCode.Escape || evt.keyCode == KeyCode.Space)
+                {
+                    Close();
+                }
+
+                return;
+            }
+
+            if (evt.keyCode == KeyCode.LeftArrow)
+            {
+                Select(selectedIndex - 1);
+                return;
+            }
+
+            if (evt.keyCode == KeyCode.RightArrow)
+            {
+                Select(selectedIndex + 1);
+                return;
+            }
+
+            int digitIndex = CommandKeyBindings.GetDigitIndex(evt.keyCode);
+            if (digitIndex >= 0 && digitIndex < StarterCount)
+            {
+                Select(digitIndex);
+                return;
+            }
+
+            if (evt.keyCode == KeyCode.Return || evt.keyCode == KeyCode.KeypadEnter)
+            {
+                if (confirming)
+                {
+                    Confirm();
+                    return;
+                }
+
+                ConfirmIntent();
+                return;
+            }
+
+            if (evt.keyCode == KeyCode.Y && confirming)
+            {
+                Confirm();
+                return;
+            }
+
+            if (evt.keyCode == KeyCode.Escape || evt.keyCode == KeyCode.N)
+            {
+                confirming = false;
+                confirmLabel.AddToClassList("hidden");
+            }
+        }
+
+        public void PauseSchedules()
+        {
+            closeSchedule?.Pause();
+        }
+
+        private bool TryGetStarters(out IReadOnlyList<DistroDefinition> starters, out string error)
+        {
+            if (database == null)
+            {
+                starters = Array.Empty<DistroDefinition>();
+                error = "no DistroDatabase is assigned";
+                return false;
+            }
+
+            if (!database.TryValidate(out error))
+            {
+                starters = Array.Empty<DistroDefinition>();
+                return false;
+            }
+
+            IReadOnlyList<DistroDefinition> allDistros = database.AllDistros;
+            if (allDistros.Count < StarterCount)
+            {
+                starters = Array.Empty<DistroDefinition>();
+                error = $"DistroDatabase needs at least {StarterCount} distros (found {allDistros.Count})";
+                return false;
+            }
+
+            starters = allDistros;
+            error = null;
+            return true;
+        }
+
+        private void ShowConfigError(string error)
+        {
+            active = true;
+            showingError = true;
+            confirming = false;
+            options.AddToClassList("hidden");
+            confirmLabel.AddToClassList("hidden");
+            errorLabel.text = $"starter selection unavailable: {error}. press enter to continue.";
+            errorLabel.RemoveFromClassList("hidden");
+            modal.RemoveFromClassList("hidden");
+            root.Focus();
+        }
+
+        private void Select(int index)
+        {
+            if (activeStarters.Count == 0)
+            {
+                return;
+            }
+
+            int slotCount = Mathf.Min(activeStarters.Count, cards.Count);
+            selectedIndex = (index + slotCount) % slotCount;
+            confirming = false;
+            confirmLabel.AddToClassList("hidden");
+
+            for (int i = 0; i < cards.Count; i++)
+            {
+                bool selected = i == selectedIndex;
+                cards[i].EnableInClassList("selected", selected);
+                if (i < activeStarters.Count && selected)
+                {
+                    StyleColor accent = new(activeStarters[i].AccentColor);
+                    cards[i].style.borderTopColor = accent;
+                    cards[i].style.borderRightColor = accent;
+                    cards[i].style.borderBottomColor = accent;
+                    cards[i].style.borderLeftColor = accent;
+                }
+                else
+                {
+                    cards[i].style.borderTopColor = StyleKeyword.Null;
+                    cards[i].style.borderRightColor = StyleKeyword.Null;
+                    cards[i].style.borderBottomColor = StyleKeyword.Null;
+                    cards[i].style.borderLeftColor = StyleKeyword.Null;
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        private void ConfirmIntent()
+        {
+            if (selectedIndex >= activeStarters.Count)
+            {
+                return;
+            }
+
+            confirming = true;
+            confirmLabel.text = $"install {DistroPresentation.DisplayName(activeStarters[selectedIndex])}? this cannot be undone [Y/n]";
+            confirmLabel.RemoveFromClassList("hidden");
+        }
+
+        private void Confirm()
+        {
+            if (selectedIndex >= activeStarters.Count)
+            {
+                return;
+            }
+
+            DistroDefinition picked = activeStarters[selectedIndex];
+            List<DistroDefinition> remaining = new();
+            for (int i = 0; i < activeStarters.Count; i++)
+            {
+                if (i != selectedIndex)
+                {
+                    remaining.Add(activeStarters[i]);
+                }
+            }
+
+            onConfirmed?.Invoke(picked, remaining);
+
+            confirmLabel.text = $"installing {picked.Id} (1/1)... done";
+            confirmLabel.RemoveFromClassList("hidden");
+            if (UIPreferences.ReducedMotion)
+            {
+                Close();
+                return;
+            }
+
+            closeSchedule?.Pause();
+            closeSchedule = root.schedule.Execute(Close).StartingIn(600);
+        }
+
+        private void Close()
+        {
+            closeSchedule?.Pause();
+            closeSchedule = null;
+            active = false;
+            confirming = false;
+            showingError = false;
+            modal.AddToClassList("hidden");
+            root.Focus();
+        }
+    }
+}
diff --git a/Assets/UI/MainMenu.uss b/Assets/UI/MainMenu.uss
index 46b03ec..bc57d71 100644
--- a/Assets/UI/MainMenu.uss
+++ b/Assets/UI/MainMenu.uss
@@ -735,6 +735,12 @@ Button {
     color: var(--kp-amber);
 }
 
+.starter-error {
+    margin-bottom: 18px;
+    color: var(--kp-amber);
+    white-space: normal;
+}
+
 .terminal-button {
     height: 42px;
     margin-top: 24px;
diff --git a/Assets/UI/MainMenu.uxml b/Assets/UI/MainMenu.uxml
index ea4ca8a..a6e6f62 100644
--- a/Assets/UI/MainMenu.uxml
+++ b/Assets/UI/MainMenu.uxml
@@ -158,6 +158,7 @@
             <ui:VisualElement class="starter-dialog">
                 <ui:Label text="select starter distro" class="starter-title" />
                 <ui:Label text="choose one base system to install into persistent userspace" class="starter-instruction" />
+                <ui:Label name="StarterErrorLabel" class="starter-error hidden" />
                 <ui:VisualElement name="StarterOptions" class="starter-options">
                     <ui:VisualElement name="StarterOption0" class="starter-card">
                         <ui:Label name="StarterName0" class="starter-name" />