diff --git a/src/packages.sh b/src/packages.sh
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+#!/usr/bin/env bash
+
+# === Motivation ===
+# Install all required packages for a bootable Void Linux system.
+
+# === Problem Statement ===
+# The installer must provide a minimal base system without relying on void-installer.
+
+# === Scope ===
+# In scope: package installation, repository synchronization, dependency resolution.
+# Out of scope: package selection UI, custom repository configuration.
+
+# === Concepts ===
+# XBPS: Void's package manager, handles installation and dependency resolution.
+# chroot: Execute package installation in the target system environment.
+# Repository sync: Update package index before installation.
+
+# === Decisions ===
+# Install minimal package set by default for base CLI system.
+# Support optional package installation via config (future: config file support).
+# Use xbps-install with sync (-S) and yes (-y) flags for non-interactive installation.
+# Ensure network connectivity before package installation (handled by live environment).
+# Package list is conservative: only essentials for boot + network + basic tools.
+
+# === Alternatives Considered ===
+# Interactive package selection rejected (violates CLI-only requirement).
+# Separate kernel installation rejected (included in base-system dependency).
+# systemd-based packages rejected (Void uses runit).
+
+# === Constraints ===
+# Target system must be mounted at $MOUNT_ROOT.
+# Repository must be accessible via network.
+# xbps must be available in live environment.
+
+# === Open Questions ===
+# Should firmware packages beyond linux-firmware be included (e.g., nvidia, AMD)?
+# Should we validate package availability before installation?
+# How to handle optional packages (desktop environments, development tools)?
+
+# === Success Criteria ===
+# All required packages are installed in the target system.
+# Package manager can be used in the installed system post-reboot.
+# System can boot with network connectivity and basic tools available.
+
+packages_install() {
+  : "${MOUNT_ROOT:?Mount root is required}"
+  require_command xbps-install
+
+  log_info "Package installation: installing base system"
+
+  # Define minimal package set for bootable CLI system
+  local base_packages=(
+    "base-system"       # Essential base packages (includes kernel via dependency)
+    "linux"             # Linux kernel
+    "linux-firmware"    # Firmware blobs for hardware
+    "grub"              # Bootloader
+    "cryptsetup"        # LUKS encryption tools
+    "dracut"            # initramfs generator
+  )
+
+  local network_packages=(
+    "dhcpcd"            # DHCP client for network
+    "iproute2"          # ip command for network configuration
+    "iputils"           # ping, traceroute, etc.
+  )
+
+  local system_tools=(
+    "vim"               # Text editor
+    "nano"              # Alternative text editor
+    "sudo"              # Privilege escalation
+  )
+
+  # Combine all package arrays
+  local all_packages=("${base_packages[@]}" "${network_packages[@]}" "${system_tools[@]}")
+
+  log_info "Package list: ${all_packages[*]}"
+  log_info "Installing ${#all_packages[@]} packages (this may take several minutes)..."
+
+  # Ensure repository is accessible and synchronized
+  # Use chroot to install packages into target system
+  if ! chroot "$MOUNT_ROOT" xbps-install -Syu "${all_packages[@]}"; then
+    die "Package installation failed. Check network connectivity and repository status."
+  fi
+
+  log_info "Package installation complete."
+
+  # Verify critical packages are installed
+  log_info "Verifying package installation..."
+  local critical_packages=("base-system" "linux" "grub" "cryptsetup")
+  for pkg in "${critical_packages[@]}"; do
+    if ! chroot "$MOUNT_ROOT" xbps-query "$pkg" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+      die "Critical package not found: $pkg"
+    fi
+  done
+
+  log_info "Package verification passed."
+}