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Question Expansions: what makes a buy vs a skip (self.boardgames)

submitted 18 hours ago by fortnerd "Aaaand we're fucked."

How are you guys feeling about expansions for your favourite boardgames? Do you automatically buy them if you liked the base game? I feel like sometimes expansions can add unnecessary bloat, and there's no need to improve a masterpiece. Other times, I will buy the expansion straight away.

​

I noticed I am more likely to be interested in an expansion when it does not add new mechanics, but rather gives you more options to choose from, within the mechanics that already exist (such as, for example, more playable characters). And also when I can easily fit it into the base box.

​

What are your favourite expansions and which ones did you skip?

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[–] GidimXul 44 points45 points46 points 17 hours ago (4 children)

The completionist in me wants to buy every expansion for every game I own. The fastidious anal-retentive in me needs all the expansions to fit in the base box. The realist in me realizes that most of the expansions will never be played. The pragmatist in me realizes that I am fully screwed up.

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[–] JugheadSpock 14 points15 points16 points 17 hours ago (2 children)

Are you me?

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[–] GidimXul 9 points10 points11 points 17 hours ago (1 child)

I'm trying to find enough of us to either start a game night or a support group.

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[–] Abdominar 0 points1 point2 points 11 hours ago (0 children)

We could do both. The game night can be the support group. How else will we get the games and expansions played.

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[–] LotharVarnoth 0 points1 point2 points 6 hours ago (0 children)

Man I was so ready to get the Deep Rock Galactic board game before I realized it had like 10+ small expansions. I get that's like the Kickstarter thing, but that's mad. And I would want all of the for the same completionist reasons.

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[–] Fireblend Clank! Catacombs 28 points29 points30 points 17 hours ago (7 children)

I'm generally expansion averse, either because my group likes mid-complexity games that take 1 to 1.5 hours and expansions tend to make them more complex and longer, or because I'd rather buy a new game with the money I'd buy an expansion with. Plus I buy games based on whether I think I'd enjoy the base game, I find all of them great as they are. Recently I've been considering the Lords of Waterdeep expansion, I love the game and know how beloved the expansion is, but I've been hesitating because of the reasons above.

The few expansions I'll spring for are small ones that integrate seamlessly with the game and don't add complexity or time. I recently got the Ra expansion and it's been a hit with my groups. That was a huge gamble for me, since base Ra is/was already perfect.

And I did get the Herb Witches expansion for Quacks just for that 5th player component set.

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[–] PeanutChickenSoup 5 points6 points7 points 17 hours ago (0 children)

Ditto. If it makes the teach longer, and the game more complex, it probably won’t get played. My group doesn’t tend to play the same game over and over, so expansions rarely come out.

It’s hard enough to get Spirit Island to the table, let alone any of its well-regarded expansions!

The Ra expansion is a good one!

SETI’s expansion is good too! If anything the game is faster, and it adds needed variety without extending the rules much.

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[–] nmbronewifeguy 2 points3 points4 points 17 hours ago (0 children)

seconding the other reply, LoW's expansion is totally worth it.

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[–] Dentalrednasty 0 points1 point2 points 16 hours ago (2 children)

I see the flair of clank catacombs. And for sure the two expansions have created a lot more complexity for catacombs especially the Underworlds expansion. What are your thoughts about those?

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[–] Fireblend Clank! Catacombs 0 points1 point2 points 16 hours ago (1 child)

Didn't get em, game's great as it is, to be honest. I'm sure people have fun with the expansions, but I don't think they're for me or my group.

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[–] Dentalrednasty 0 points1 point2 points 3 hours ago (0 children)

I can understand, lairs a hidden chambers could still be an option. It adds not so much in game time. While underworld is just a crazy extension in time. I do like it but its harder to play with limited time for sure

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[–] Maanj 0 points1 point2 points 3 hours ago (0 children)

That's interesting. The Ra expansion was the first one that came to my mind for "Skipped". As you say, Ra is already perfect.

What makes Traders a big hit with your group?

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[–] ActionCalhoun 0 points1 point2 points 17 hours ago (0 children)

The Lords of Waterdeep expansion might be one of my favorite ones, it’s two different ways to play the game and I’d happily ply any of the three ways.

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[–] Cookie_Eater108 19 points20 points21 points 17 hours ago (0 children)

I only buy expansions if it fulfills 3 out of 5 conditions.

1) I enjoyed the base game greatly

2) I have already found the time to use the previous expansions (if applicable) and found that they were of good value

3) The expansion is well reviewed and doesnt add bloat to the game

4) It adds quality of life or more cards/art and its an already artsy game

5) It helps in some way to get the game to the table more

That last one is a bit difficult to quantify, but for one of my larger game groups, the HEAT expansions were definitely a must because we needed them for higher player counts.

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[–] Ohhellnowhatsupdawg 48 points49 points50 points 17 hours ago (15 children)

The longer I'm in the hobby, the clearer it is that expansions are not a necessity and I find myself actively avoiding games with many expansions. In fact, I'm actively avoiding games that are clearly designed to be a vehicle for neverending expansions (at any price). Play games for a while before buying an expansion. Never listen to people who say an expansion is a "must have" until you've played the base game yourself.

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[–] aclandes 10 points11 points12 points 17 hours ago (3 children)

I like what you said, but there are definitely games out there that the expansion is a vastly better experience. Viticulture is a great one. The original base game had a lot of issues that middled the game, but a few expansion components fixed and turned into a great game. So much so, that the reprint of the game ls called Viticulture Essential Edition, that launched with several key expansion compoments baked in, so they REALLY suggest you are using them. I can think of a few others like that too. When someone says an expansion is a must have, i will think of in in theae terms, where a game maybe released with a gameplay or balance issue that was later fixed with an expansion

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[–] ALoudMeow 2 points3 points4 points 17 hours ago (1 child)

Feast for Odin is another one that’s substantially better with the Norwegians expansion.

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[–] Angry_Canadian_Sorry 1 point2 points3 points 16 hours ago (0 children)

Also a nice example since it adds barely any more rules overhead.

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[–] Ohhellnowhatsupdawg 3 points4 points5 points 16 hours ago (0 children)

I would not consider Viticulture essential edition to include an expansion as that's just what the base game is now. I also happen to own that one! (I got it for $13 sealed at goodwill!) I consider games that are repackaged to fix the base game to be fine choices assuming they haven't seen a marked price increase that is basically a base+expansion price. Consumers shouldn't have to pay more to get the good version of the game especially when it's been around for a long time.

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[–] leafbreath Arkham Horror 3 points4 points5 points 16 hours ago (0 children)

I’m the opposite. I actively find games that have expansion “longevity”.

I don’t need new games, I want to actively pursue expansions to games I already own and love to get more variety and to keep them fresh.

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[–] RadicalDog Millennium Encounter 0 points1 point2 points 15 hours ago (1 child)

> Never listen to people who say an expansion is a "must have" until you've played the base game yourself.

Except me, when I say Xia requires Embers to be a modern boardgame (and a brilliant one). Without that, it is completely exploitable, and has no mitigation for literal roll-to-move travel. Every rule needs an exception!

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[–] Ohhellnowhatsupdawg -1 points0 points1 point 15 hours ago (0 children)

It's incredible how many exceptions showed up in my replies! Hence the rule.

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[–] Flaky-Fox-7523 -2 points-1 points0 points 17 hours ago (7 children)

There is some that are a must have though like arnak, the game simply is worse without leaders

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[–] Failed-Astronaut 3 points4 points5 points 17 hours ago (5 children)

I agree with this. However, I think OPs point stands overall. There are some exceptions where an expansion really cleans up or completes a game but MOST of the time its just people hyping up content for the sake of it.

Norwegians for A Fest for Odin is another example. Really just improves the game by making more strats viable and is just a solid improvement.

Spirit Island - Jagged Earth also just makes the game a lot more interesting overall, but even in that case it still behooves the player to enjoy the base game for a bit and if they find the core loop interesting, to then branch out.

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[–] RadicalDog Millennium Encounter 2 points3 points4 points 13 hours ago (0 children)

> Spirit Island - Jagged Earth also just makes the game a lot more interesting overall, but even in that case it still behooves the player to enjoy the base game for a bit and if they find the core loop interesting, to then branch out.

No way, that's exactly what the original commenter was against. It's not "essential" just because it's "brilliant"! Essential to me means the base game isn't something you'd recommend unless the expansion is used. I would 100% recommend Spirit Island base.

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[–] Amirashika 0 points1 point2 points 14 hours ago (2 children)

> Spirit Island - Jagged Earth also just makes the game a lot more interesting overall, but even in that case it still behooves the player to enjoy the base game for a bit and if they find the core loop interesting, to then branch out.

Funnily enough, JE (and I guess NI) is the only Spirit Island expansion I refuse to get lol. I can't justify another huge box, but I managed to cram Base + BnC + FnF + Horizons into the base box.

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[–] Failed-Astronaut 0 points1 point2 points 14 hours ago (0 children)

I fit the whole game into the smaller NI box and the base game box. Not so bad

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[–] Valherich 0 points1 point2 points 10 hours ago (0 children)

I still think it's worth. I have Warbox inserts which fits all current content minus Horizons board into boxes for base + JE with a bit to spare (God I hope the Unnamed Dahan Expansion won't mess this up TOO much), but with a bit of creative shuffling stuff around, a spare deckbox for an event deck and being fine with not having ALL spirits at all times, you can pack everything you need for A Game Night into just the base box. That doesn't solve the issue of storage, but it meets you in the middle for transport.

There's also some absolutely extreme edge cases with people fitting EVERYTHING into a single box, but that requires no sleeves, not much of an insert and also replacing all spirit panels with the foil counterparts(they're printed on cardstock rather than normal panel cardboard for some reason), but, frankly, this game was An Investment and not in my country's language, so there's no way in hell I'm keeping any of it unsleeved.

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[–] ActionCalhoun -1 points0 points1 point 17 hours ago (0 children)

I don’t even consider Norwegians an “expansion” at this point, it’s Feast for Odin 2.0

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[–] MadaoBlooms 0 points1 point2 points 17 hours ago (0 children)

Interesting. I love Arnak, probably have 20 plays and never once with an expansion

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[–] GIVE_ME_YOUR_HAT Dune Imperium 15 points16 points17 points 17 hours ago (0 children)

Expansions are good if they take a game you already love and “fix” something. Something like rise of ix for dune imperium or nectar for wingspan.

Another kind of expansion I like are 5 player expansions. Only if the game plays well at 5 players. Our group personally likes the Inis and Aquatica 5 player expansions.

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[–] ansible47 9 points10 points11 points 17 hours ago (0 children)

On-launch expansions are a red flag for me. Either you took content out of the game for the expansion, or you diverted attention from making the base game as good as it could be.

If it's a game I connect with, like Shackleton Base, I might get the expansion just to support the creators. Shack doesn't need expansions, it totally stands alone, but there are plenty of euros I'm not buying because Shackie fills that space for me. I assume I'll enjoy the expansion, too.

Sometimes I get the expansion as an excuse to reconnect with a game. This is a symptom of the "Newer is better!" disease. Arnak is a great game but I don't table it often. A new expansion is a good excuse. Arnak doesn't need expansions, but it's not like there's a wealth of other ~$25-30 games I could buy that would be as fulfilling.

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[–] MasterFwiffo 5 points6 points7 points 17 hours ago (6 children)

I’ve bought too many expansions over the years. Here’s my take.

Some expansions are absolutely necessary, People have mentioned Terraforming Mars Prelude, Outer Rim Unfinished Business, Lost Ruins Expedition Leaders and Dune Imperium Rise of Ix. A few others I might add are Arkham Horror: Dunwich Horror (madness and injuries complete the base game), and Scythe Invaders from Afar (expanding the base options and players out).

The next catagory is “This but more.”. These ones I like too - ones that don’t add any (or many) new rules or boards or confusing things but do add to the replay ability. A good example of this to me is the Waterdeep Undermountain expansion. I know it’s the least popular of the two, but I use it every single game because it expands options and quests without any rules headaches. Also every Sentinels of the Multiverse Expansion fits this (except maybe the Galactus one).

Still others are nice to have but unnecessary, and still others are just plain unnecessary (like the airship expansion for Scythe - cool minis though).

But the kind I’ve learned I hate are ones that “add an another side game mode”. Everdells expansions are a prime example of this. I’ve played with each of those maybe once, and it simply isn’t worth the effort. Another example is, ironically, Arkham Horror Dunwich Horror. The Dunwich board itself is a big ol waste of time, making an already hard game harder and more pointless. But the Madness and Injury cards are so necessary you should get it anyway.

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[–] Amirashika 1 point2 points3 points 14 hours ago (2 children)

> Some expansions are absolutely necessary

I hate these kind, like I understand why people will consider them necessary but oof. You're telling me this game is costlier in both money and space? That you couldn't give me a good game on the first try? That just makes me want to skip altogether :c

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[–] RadicalDog Millennium Encounter 0 points1 point2 points 13 hours ago (0 children)

I think every one mentioned in that comment isn't necessary. People loved all those games without an expansion. Terraforming Mars smashed into the BGG top 10 before that expansion.

I'll grant it for games where I simply wouldn't recommend them in base game form. But that's very different from these, where people played them 20 times and found optimal paths and then the expansions became "necessary".

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[–] Valherich 0 points1 point2 points 10 hours ago (0 children)

An expansion can't fix a fundamentally broken game. Absolutely necessary is usually in terms of "I see no reason to ever play without it again" kind of deal.

But also, god I have so many horrible things to say to Planet Unknown. It's a great game, but with quite a number of usability pain points. For one, the corporation boards are cardstock - but Deluxe or the Deluxe Upgrade get you the double layered boards, which is CRUCIAL. Like, Terraforming Mars crucial. And then the tile storage lazy Susan comes without a lid AND is slanted so if you ever store or transport the game vertically half the tiles are gonna fall out. They put the lid into the Supermoon expansion. Incredible. And that's not even considering that the base game is already going to set you back maybe 70-80$ at retail. Like, wow, I have actually previously refrained from recommending that game to people because of money/engagement necessary to fix the usability issues, and I genuinely think it's one of the greatest people pleasers otherwise.

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[–] MattsDaZombieSlayer 0 points1 point2 points 15 hours ago (2 children)

I gotta push back on Everdell just a bit. I agree with you that some expansions have this problem (particularly Pearlbrook, which is why I usually don't play with it, and especially Mistwood) but Newleaf and Spirecrest add challenge and very worthwhile options to the game. It's difficult play without Newleaf because the yellow doors are a great mechanic and the new purple cards add more options to complete a build. There are also more cards that add card draw which is a big plus.

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[–] MasterFwiffo 0 points1 point2 points 15 hours ago (1 child)

I don’t have Newleaf, but Spirecrest seemed like a headache the one time I tried it. Pearlbrook I found a little more fun. And then there’s that Meadow expansion I thought added a few good but ultimately unnecessary things.

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[–] Shaymuswrites 1 point2 points3 points 14 hours ago (0 children)

I had the same reaction to Spirecrest as you. It's like it took the equation 33=9 from the base game and made it (6/(2+1)+1)((22)/4)+2=9.

A lot more steps to get the same result. Which to me just felt like more work, rather than more fun.

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[–] -Mage-Knight- Mage Knight 4 points5 points6 points 17 hours ago (0 children)

I used to buy expansions automatically. I couldn't stand the idea of not owning anything and everything for a game, even if I never played it.

The expansions for Heat: Petal to the Metal was the thing that finally broke the spell. The expansions are just so expensive for what they are that I just couldn't do it.

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[–] quicknir 3 points4 points5 points 16 hours ago (0 children)

One rule of thumb I have is to be very wary about multiple expansions. In general expansions are always designed assuming the base game only, so in general the design cohesion of a two expansion game is often noticably lower than just base or base + 1 expansion.

But I do usually end up getting expansions for my favorite games if there's a highly rated one. Clank, Wingspan, Dune, Everdell, all greatly enhanced for me playing with an expansion.

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[–] thornkin 2 points3 points4 points 17 hours ago (0 children)

Expansions are good when they add new elements to a game to keep it feom getting stale. It is a rare expansion that should be used before you have played many sessions of the base game.

The worst expansions are ones that water down the original. Many card games do this where the expansion adds some new element that only triggers on the expansion cards. None of the originals can participate. That means the odds of that thing are lower and it becomes hard to use.

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[–] GambuzinoSaloio 2 points3 points4 points 17 hours ago (2 children)

Do I like the game? If I do, is the game going out of print? Then... I am ashamed to say, but I will panic buy the expansions that I'm interested in.

If not going out of print... If it's simple enough to implement and features mostly new content, I'll buy it once I feel the game could use a little extra stuff.

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[–] AbbeyRoad007 0 points1 point2 points 5 hours ago (1 child)

Just don’t get into LCGs!

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[–] GambuzinoSaloio 0 points1 point2 points 1 hour ago (0 children)

I think I'm good for now, the entry price for most of them (Arkham Horror, LOTR) is way too high! Only LCG I play is Null Signal's version of Netrunner, so it should be alright!

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[–] altabelo_app 2 points3 points4 points 16 hours ago (1 child)

I used to buy expansions almost automatically, especially for games I already liked. These days I almost never do.

My main reasons are:

1. Money. Sometimes an expansion is a few cards, a couple of minis, and somehow costs half the price of the base game. No thanks.
2. “Must-have” expansions. If an expansion is needed to make the game truly great, I always wonder why that wasn’t part of the base game in the first place. It can feel like paying once for an okay game, and then paying again to get the version it should have been.
3. They often make us play the game less. We usually add an expansion once the base game starts to feel familiar, but quite often it changes rules or flow we were used to. Instead of refreshing the game, it makes it harder to get back to the table.
4. I’d often rather buy a different game. If I’m spending that much money and learning new rules anyway, a completely new game is often more exciting than adding more layers to one I already own.

So for me, a great expansion has to either fix a real problem, add variety without bloating the game, or make setup/teaching still feel manageable. Otherwise, I’d rather keep the base game clean.

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[–] ackmondual Race for the Galaxy[🍰] 0 points1 point2 points 12 hours ago (0 children)

A bg des. chimed in on some of your bullet points here...

https://boardgamegeek.com/thread/2958623/article/41051712#41051712

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[–] Caradoc729 2 points3 points4 points 17 hours ago (1 child)

Rise of Ix for Dune Imperium and Bloodlines for Dune Imperium Uprising are buys. They fixed most of the issues of their respective base games.

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[–] Lopsided-Rough-1562 0 points1 point2 points 15 hours ago (0 children)

I found that bloodlines fixed none of the flaws imo.

I play against one opponent who always uses the same strategy and that's win every combat and worms worms worms.

If I don't emulate his strategy it'll end and I'll have five or six vp to his 10+

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[–] Rayonjersey 1 point2 points3 points 17 hours ago (0 children)

If I’m really into the game then there is a 90% chance I’m going to buy the expansion unless the reviews are poor. If it’s meh reviews then I’d look carefully and maybe 50%. If poor reviews, the. It’s not happening unless I play it somewhere else and like it or watch a play through and completely disagree. Doesn’t matter if I can fit it in the box or not. If I want it, I want it.

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[–] Darkghost22 1 point2 points3 points 17 hours ago (1 child)

I think after you have a good collection of games you are happy with, it becomes more sensible to improve the ones you have and enjoy then to buy more new games

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[–] JugheadSpock 0 points1 point2 points 17 hours ago (0 children)

100% agree. Same for deluxifying/organizers, etc. can get more mileage out of that than a brand new game a lot of times.

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[–] wartmunger 1 point2 points3 points 17 hours ago (0 children)

In my experience, most expansions don't improve the games I like. I would much rather buy a new game off my list. Obviously, there are a few exceptions where the expansion greatly improves the experience (Gaia Project comes to mind) but most of the time it feels like bloat or a cash grab. My board game budget and shelf space is limited, expansions just don't cut it most of the time

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[–] Throckmorton1975 1 point2 points3 points 17 hours ago (3 children)

I think what I struggle with more is the growth of stand-alone games set in the fill-in-the-blank world of a game I really like. A prime example would be Everdell, a game I love. I have the big box - so everything for the original - but it’s very hard to hold off on the new stand-alone Edge of the Map games. It’s Cascadia for my wife. They’re similar but different and very tempting because I already know I love the game they’re based on, but can also feel like I’m getting a new game, not just more content for a game I already have.

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[–] Nefertitis_Fjord_216 Castles Of Burgundy 0 points1 point2 points 16 hours ago (2 children)

I looked at Cascadia Landmarks and decided it looks like it only adds scoring bloat to a game that's practically pristine and streamlined as it is. I'm sure I'll play it at some point because I do want to try it, but it feels extremely unnecessary to me unless maybe if you've played the game hundreds of times and reallyyyy need some new life for it.

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[–] Hadesrune 0 points1 point2 points 11 hours ago (1 child)

Landmarks also has new tiles and more animal cards though, which is nice for more variety. So you could even leave out the extra scoring part.

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[–] Kodama_sucks 1 point2 points3 points 8 hours ago (0 children)

This. I got it so that I could play the game at six players and it's great. The additional scoring objectives are fun, but I've only used them a couple times and probably wouldn't have gotten them if I could buy the landmarks expansion separately from the 5-6 player expansion.

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[–] ActionCalhoun 1 point2 points3 points 17 hours ago* (0 children)

It depends. If it’s a “more cards” type of expansion I’m usually all for it because more variety. Also if it’s an expansion that can be left in the game (like expedition leaders for Arnak) are good. I tend to dislike the expansions that add a bunch of new mechanics (“not this game has blind bidding and a hidden traitor element”)

Any expansion where I think “well I haven’t played the base game in a while, we’d better play that first before we add the expansion in again” is a hard pass

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[–] Khaeven04 1 point2 points3 points 16 hours ago (0 children)

Expansions can be great. Love the Fire and Ice expansion for Terra Mystica - more factions, new scoring methods, new map. Fantastic!

Some expansions end up taking a great game and making it just bigger, which im not a fan of. Some games dont need more. The base game is already perfect.

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[–] polyology Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective 1 point2 points3 points 16 hours ago (1 child)

Wizards Tower for Castle Panic is definitely more thematic fun without adding any real complexity.

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[–] fortnerd "Aaaand we're fucked."[S] 1 point2 points3 points 16 hours ago (0 children)

Ooh, a kid friendly game in fantasy setting! I'll have to look into it ⚔️

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[–] GamingVision 1 point2 points3 points 16 hours ago (0 children)

Including yet-to-deliver crowdfunding games, the games in my collection (26), I have 4 games that I have bought expansions for. A couple “add new modes” (both campaigns), a couple “make it better” (Rise of Ix/Immortality) and a couple “more of the same” (Zombicide enemies, Nemesis Aftermath, Lands of Evershade).

Pretty much everything I’m thinking about for the future are expansions that fall in the “more of the same” category (Sky Team, Old Kings Crown factions).

There are some I would pick up if I tabled the games more frequently (and if they were available). For example, Rise of the Rebellion is supposed to fix combat in Rebellion, but it’s already a big, long game as it is that I’ll only table 2-3 times a year, so it’s probably not worth adding.

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[–] ConDar15 1 point2 points3 points 15 hours ago (0 children)

Like many others I also don't buy too many expansions now, but when I do get expansions for a game I tend to go all on for all of them. The majority of the expansions I have are expansions that expand options available rather than changing the game with new features.

Games I have all the expansions for: - Spirit Island, got everything for it because it's my favourite game, the events are a very welcome addition over the base game and I love the new spirits and powers. - Lost Ruins of Arnak, the expansion introduces asymmetric characters to play as, but is a fairly minor modification to the existing gameplay instead of something brand new. - Keep The Heroes Out!, another favourite of mine, each expansion introduces new asymmetric monster clans to play as and scenarios to face, just lots more options. - Black Sonata, the expansions provide lots of new options on how to change the puzzle your playing with new twists.

Games I have some expansions for: - Marvel United, I have a handful of boxes to give additional heroes and villains to play, all mix and match - Anachrony, some of the modules appeal to me, but some of them are a tacked on additional modules which would probably be good, but I don't need in my collection

Games I have but don't have interest in the expansions for: - Quest for El Dorado, I'd love to try the expansions, but I think the base game is doesn't really need any more complexity for when I play it. - The White Castle, I really like the base game, but don't really have interest in another side board that adds in another type of resource and meeple to manage. - Nucleum, I have friends that have the expansion content, but even if they didn't I probably don't think I play it often enough to warrant the complexity and storage they would require. - Tea Garden, I'm tempted by the expansion, but again not sure it'll be worth lugging around another box for the side content it offers.

As you can see from the above, if it will fit largely in the base box and smoothly expands the options the base game provides without alot of additional overhead I will probably get the expansion, but if not then I probably won't.

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[–] boardgamejoe 1 point2 points3 points 10 hours ago (0 children)

I look at the box and if it says Expansion on it, I skip.

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[–] pubsky 0 points1 point2 points 17 hours ago (0 children)

If a game has been designed for regular expansions, I wont touch them until it seems clear that a final version is coming out that repackaged the base game with all expansions into one box.

There are too many ways it goes sideways.

For example: Concordia, Dune imperium, and power grid all have different expansion, base game repackaged, and changes that make it very difficult to know exactly what one would even need to pick up for a full game experience, and then certain expansions only work with the version that has the expansion packed with base game and doesnt work with the OG base game anymore, etc.

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[–] Inconmon 0 points1 point2 points 17 hours ago (1 child)

Expansions aren't equal to expansions.

Good expansions are released years after the original, genuinely improve the gameplay with new options or address shortfalls. Very often they are must-haves. First examples that come to mind is Sorcery expansion for Barony, Rise of Ix for Dune Imperium, The Crystal Path for Evenfall, New Discoveries and Data Era for Underwater Cities, Expansion of Influence for A War Of Whispers, and many many more.

There's bad expansions. They are usually included in large Kickstarter pledges and you sometimes haven't touched them after years because they aren't good or fun or needed.

And then there's endless modular games with a constant stream or content. Aeon's End with it's never ending standalone expansions is the number one example here. Kind of makes them lifestyle games in a way.

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[–] foxlover93 0 points1 point2 points 17 hours ago (0 children)

This is a great question and one I ask myself a lot when I look at games I'm interested in. Cost is the biggest one - is it the same cost as the game? Cause at that point I could just buy another game. What does it add? Does it increase player count? Change mechanics? Update rules? Another big one for me is just plain ole availability. I've been waiting to pick up Thunder Road Vendettas expansion that adds more map tiles and the fire mechanism - feels impossible to get but feels so necessary to get even just for the map tiles.

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[–] Zephkel 0 points1 point2 points 17 hours ago (0 children)

When it adds more players, personally!

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[–] TotalWarspammer 0 points1 point2 points 17 hours ago* (0 children)

Isn't the obvious answer to this "when it makes a good game, or even a game you adore... better?

Lots of expansions are significant upgrades to a game. Lots also suck. That's why we have reviews.

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[–] Dear-Examination-507 0 points1 point2 points 17 hours ago (0 children)

Mostly depends on how much I play the game. If I love the base game, I rarely dislike an expansion. They often make the game longer and more complex, which is something my game group likes.

If the game is my #1, then yeah, I'm just going to back that kickstarter campaign for the new expansion.

Otherwise, if I play the base game regularly, I'm going to get expansions when I have an opportunity. Someone gives me an Amazon or game store gift card? Might as well get that expansion.

On the other hand, if I don't play a game more than once or twice a year, I feel no need to get expansions. But I still might pick it up if I come across a good opportunity (on sale somewhere)

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[–] Letartean 0 points1 point2 points 17 hours ago (0 children)

I don’t like the fact that sometimes expansions don’t stay on the market long enough for me to take the time to evaluate if they’re worth it. One example is Thunder Road Vendetta; I wanted to play the game enough before I could see if I wanted expansions. Now that I’ve played enough and considered options, I think the Shoppe Shoppe expansion would be a great fit for my group. It’s now impossible to buy around me. This encourages a FOMO in me that I really don’t like…

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[–] ackmondual Race for the Galaxy[🍰] 0 points1 point2 points 17 hours ago (0 children)

First off, shameless plug for my blog post on why expansions are a good thing....

https://boardgamegeek.com/blog/2107/blogpost/77898

The decision to get an expansion or not is not unlike whether or not I should get a (regular) base game. It needs to be done on a case-by-case basis. I don't have any simplistic evaluation such as "all expansions are bad" nor "all expansions or required". ON a related note, that's how I feel about the likes of Kickstarter/Game Found as well. Some factors include but not limited to...

--Does your group want to play expansions?
--Can you afford to buy expansions?
--Do you have places to store exps in your home?
--will you have the boxes/containers to take exps with you? - you may need to shell out extra money, or extra time as a DIY project
--accounting for extra space taken in your bag, and the extra weight it adds as you're traveling to and from game meet ups.

Some examples of mine to draw upon...

Pandemic The Cure - YES. The exp. was 60% off! 😮 😎 Incredible deal since the exp. itself is more expensive than the base game (although the des. defended that saying it comes with 2 optional modules that originally would've been released separately and would've costed more altogether). Funny thing was, I had to go out and buy the base game after getting the exp.! I got it for 20% off, but I was still coming out ahead in discounts.

It added extra roles and event cards so this alone was worth it! We did play the Mutation strain (Purple dice) and Hot Zones (them funky looking green dice) before, but never again since too many groups are new otherwise.

Yggdrasil - YES. The Asgard exp. is practically mandatory. More gods to choose from, but the trancing ability makes 4p to 6p games much more manageable and exciting! I ended up having to make this on my own since I couldn't find it :|

Glory To Rome - NO. Accusations that the exp. cards weren't playtested, or not long enough, which I do believe, but I more so gotten used to just the base cards. I think the game is long enough in terms of the end condition of running out of cards to draw.

Dominion - YES. There wasn't enough variety after you ended up playing dozens of base games (esp. back when it was just First Edition). Thank goodness for the Temple Gate Games app!

If you only play a few games per year, than no to exps. since base game will last you plenty

Race for the Galaxy - YES. I think the base game is OK, but adding exps. is where this series shine. Esp. their optional modules... Goals in the first arc. Orb Scenario for Alien Artifacts. Invasion Module for Xeno Invasion. And that new longer game with Xeno Counterstrike now out. Fingers crossed we get the rest of the expansions for the TGG app.

Roll for the Galaxy - YES. Having a plethora of Faction and Homeworld tiles alone was great! But having other colors of dice really spiced up game play. Hoping exps. here can make it to the app with AI opponents.

Lords of Waterdeep - YES. I didn't like how the noble cards in the base game were just "5 choose 2" amongst the different quest categories, with one of them granting extra pts for buildings.

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[–] EdgarVerona 0 points1 point2 points 16 hours ago (0 children)

If I think I could convince my friends to play it - though sadly more than half the time even my guess in that regard is wrong! 😆

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[–] jrec15 0 points1 point2 points 16 hours ago (0 children)

I evaluate if it seems like bloat (skip), if it adds variety to game i want more variety in (buy), or new mechanics that im interested in (buy)

I buy them a lot, and in general am a pretty big fan of expansions. While i do think that as far as bang for your buck buying new games gives more novel experiences, i live in a reality where teaching and learning a new game is a huge barrier to get over. So expansions give me new content while barely adding any overheard of teaching/learning

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[–] quempe Great Western Trail 0 points1 point2 points 16 hours ago (0 children)

I'll say what I always say - the more "essential" an expansion is, the more the base game is apparently lacking something that it maybe shouldn't be lacking to begin with, and I can't help but feel that the release of it was too rushed to some extent. More so the sooner the expansion comes out after the base game.

As others have commented, I probably like the expansions that are "more of the same" the best, that don't expand the footprint on the table by adding some tacked on side module but just extend the life of the game without adding to the game length.

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[–] Vardakula 0 points1 point2 points 16 hours ago (0 children)

Im the same, if i like a game enough to get expansions for it i dont want to change it. Just give me more of the same, ala more options.

Unfortunately i might be alone on this in my group. I "strongly dislike" expansions that add new mechanics. Id rather play other game, donr change the one i already love.

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[–] DCDHermes 0 points1 point2 points 15 hours ago (0 children)

Usually won’t buy them, unless they add another player, or it’s generally agreed that it improves the game and doesn’t just make it more complex.

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[–] dodecapode Sad cowboys 0 points1 point2 points 15 hours ago (0 children)

For me, these days, it would have to be a Feast for Odin: The Norwegians level of game changing for me to really consider an expansion. I went through a phase of severe expansionitis and now I have too many game boxes with expansion stuff crammed in that just makes it harder to set up the base game, which is mostly what people want to play anyway.

I'm having trouble thinking of expansions other than The Norwegians that I think are really worth it now - I used to say Rails to the North for Great Western Trail was essential but I kind of got sick of the branchlet mechanic and how the branchlet auxiliary action almost became a must-unlock. I'd rather just play plain 2nd ed now.

I guess Prophecy of Kings for Twilight Imperium is probably another fairly essential one, but that's kind of a once-per-year at most game for me these days so it barely signifies.

I might actually go through some of my game boxes, pull out the expansion stuff, and stick it in a bag somewhere out of sight. I have a feeling a few more games will get played more if I do that!

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[–] Amirashika 0 points1 point2 points 14 hours ago (0 children)

I am not much for expansions where the game changes meaningfully, I prefer just getting a bit more of the original game feel. This usually comes in extra factions, extra cards, etc. The only game changing expansions I like are the ones for already insanely complex games, so Spirit Island and Twilight Imperium.

And even then, I usually have to really like the game to justify spending that money on an expansion instead of a new game.

One thing I'm pretty proud of is that I have all of my game expansions crammed into the base game boxes, that is also a big deciding factor in getting something.

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[–] phr0ze Power Grid 0 points1 point2 points 14 hours ago (0 children)

A similar thread came up yesterday. Perhaps some comments in there can help too. https://www.reddit.com/r/boardgames/s/rJg4JQuSoO

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[–] beldaran1224 Worker Placement 0 points1 point2 points 14 hours ago (0 children)

I really like expansions. I enjoy expansions that add variable player powers, ones that add solo modes, ones that extend to more players, and so on. I also like "more of the same" expansions.

I don't tend to like expansions that take a game that shines because it's so easy to teach and play and add more mechanics to it, like, say, Splendor.

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[–] dman1298 0 points1 point2 points 13 hours ago (0 children)

If a game can't be good without expansions, I typically skip.

That said, if a game I already really like has expansions that add more variety without added complexity (i.e. Prelude or Map expansions for Terraforming Mars) I will usually buy those. Other expansions that i enjoy are Everdell: Spirecrest (although I play without the season detriments as a house rule), Cash n' Guns expansions (if nothing else than people love the fun foam guns), upcoming Downfall expansion for Slay the Spire (adds 4 new characters and more variety in events without any real new rules), and the 4-in-1 Splendor Expansions that has probably 2 that are fun to introduce.

Also, don't be afraid to take parts of expansions you like and ignore the rest for what makes you and your friends have fun.

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[–] RadicalDog Millennium Encounter 0 points1 point2 points 13 hours ago (0 children)

I teach a lot, so I value low rules bloat. Different scenarios for Arkham Horror 3rd, different packs for Millennium Blades, bigger decks in Race For The Galaxy, sure. Extra board that makes the game longer and more complicated in Bunny Kingdom, pass. Extra mechanic to interact with in a euro, probably also a pass.

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[–] Motor-Dentist3410 0 points1 point2 points 13 hours ago (0 children)

Almost never buying expansions, it's adding bloat. But I have dune imperium bloodlines with uprising (coz of such many recomendations, and seems like it's great, played 2 times and love new battle mechanics). Also will buy starwars rebellion expansion, I love this game, but every play seems like it missing some deepnes and variety (a little, especially in combat regards), I hope expansion will fix it.

Also got fenris for scythe, but only coz of campaign.

Also got Europe birds for wingspan for more actions, feels like no additional bloat, just few new cards and win conditions.

And that's basically it.

What I'm looking for: - Fixed minor/major flaw or controversial mechanics in great games - adding new content without bloat (like more adventure/story cards for scyth/witcher old world/etc): basically few new cards with text/story

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[–] DeliciousBid4535 0 points1 point2 points 13 hours ago (0 children)

Honestly a big part of why I enjoy expansions is that if there is a game I already know I enjoy, I can get an expansion, and learn it much easier than I could a brand new game. Being able to increase my enjoyment of a game I already like, with pretty minimal effort, usually beats out trying a brand new game, learning it, and teaching it to my group

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[–] ilario_entertainment 0 points1 point2 points 13 hours ago (0 children)

I like expansions that change game mechanics.

e.g. 7 Wonders: Cities. Way more player interaction.

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[–] siposbalint0 0 points1 point2 points 11 hours ago (0 children)

If I like the game enough that we play the game regularly and the expansion has good reviews, I get it, otherwise I don't see the point.

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[–] ThePowerOfStories Spirit Island 0 points1 point2 points 11 hours ago (0 children)

Expansions that cram in more mechanics, especially entirely new self-contained subsystems on side boards, are often meh, diluting what made an elegant base game good with unneeded distractions that unsurprisingly don’t feel fully integrated into the game’s flow.

Expansions that offer more interchangeable content units for games built around that, like new asymmetric factions, adversaries, maps, and scenarios—gimme! More variety for games I already love and will play to death is great! I want all the Spirit Island spirits, Sentinels of the Multiverse heroes, Root factions, and so on! More!

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[–] cibum 0 points1 point2 points 11 hours ago (0 children)

I'm someone that likes to play a game over and over again, so when a game that I like has an expansion, I will tend to get it to add some variety. But that said, I usually only get one expansion. Any more than that and I feel like it becomes too much and makes it harder for me to take it out and play it. And then there are games where I think the base game is better without the expansion, like White Castle or Photosynthesis.

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[–] socratez174 0 points1 point2 points 9 hours ago (0 children)

When I get a game I usually end up compelled to get all the expansions. Sometimes they get played and sometimes they don’t but I like having the option. I’ve had the expansions for Puerto Rico (which came with them) for 15 years and haven’t tried them yet.

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[–] AmuseDeath logic, reason, facts, evidence 0 points1 point2 points 9 hours ago (0 children)

I mean generally if you love the base game and see yourself playing the base game a ton of times, the expansion is likely a no-brainer.

If you don't really like a game, despite playing it a lot, an expansion is unlikely to suddenly fix the game and make it a great one.

It's not too hard for me in this manner. I generally know what games I like and so I mainly only buy those games. And since I like those games, I'm almost certainly going to buy the expansions for them.

You just have to know your tastes and only buy the games that you will like. If you do that, you will likely always buy any expansions. The caveat is if the expansion is incredibly bad.

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[–] derkyn 0 points1 point2 points 8 hours ago (0 children)

I don't want more game modes or more tules, I want factions or more characters. Those games with a lot of expansions with different asymmetric characters are my doom, but sometimes the characters are not that different so my wallet can survive.

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[–] John_Hunyadi 0 points1 point2 points 7 hours ago (0 children)

The only game I ever got really into the expansions for was Dominion. For the most part I don’t like the additional complexity. Its the opposite of how I feel about video games, where I’ll buy almost every DLC that is bigger than a microtransaction (if its a game I actively played and liked).

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[–] TropicalKing 0 points1 point2 points 6 hours ago (0 children)

I never buy expansions. As I already have enough games, and so do my friends. I don't want to buy a $40 expansion, only for it to get played once. I have Lords of Waterdeep, and I don't get the expansion because the base game is already big enough as it is.

There are a few expansions I really like, like the Tiny Epic Dungeons expansion, and the many expansions to Arkham Horror. I mostly like expansions if they have new characters and new stories.

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[–] e37d93eeb23335dc 0 points1 point2 points 5 hours ago (0 children)

For a game like Spirit Island or Civilization A New Dawn where the base game feels incomplete without it, I will buy the expansion.

For a game like Istanbul or Five Tribes where the expansions make it so the central board is expanded for replayability, I will buy the expansion.

For games with map expansions for different player counts - Concordia, Power Grid, Railways of the World, etc. - I will buy the expansion.

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[–] TreezFrosty 0 points1 point2 points 2 hours ago (0 children)

If you LOVE the game, buy all the expansions. Chances are other people love it too. Wait and you'll want them in 10yrs, and have to drop a fortune for them.

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[–] daveknockwin 0 points1 point2 points 17 hours ago (1 child)

If it's good.

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[–] SoochSooch Mage Knight 1 point2 points3 points 17 hours ago (0 children)

Brilliant insight

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[–] JonnyLawless Tigris And Euphrates 0 points1 point2 points 17 hours ago (2 children)

As someone who has been into board games for 20 years now, and owned 1000+ games in that time, I've probably come across single digit numbers of expansions that are must own. The only ones that come to mind are race for the Galaxy (and hundreds of plays in I'm still fine with the base game), outer rim unfinished business, and terraforming Mars prelude.

Bottom line is every game needs to stand on its own without the expansion. Only the ones you truly love will need it later on. Heck, I still play the bass game of Lords of water deep dozens of plays later, despite everyone saying you need the expansion, which I have, to make the game feel complete.

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[–] Nefertitis_Fjord_216 Castles Of Burgundy 0 points1 point2 points 16 hours ago (1 child)

Which expansion do you feel is necessary for RftG, and why? I'm assuming Gathering Storm?

It's one of my favorite games that I haven't played in a long time. Not 100s of plays, but a few dozen. Obviously the base game is phenomenal, but I'm curious on the reason for your opinion on it.

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[–] JonnyLawless Tigris And Euphrates 0 points1 point2 points 12 hours ago (0 children)

Yes gathering storm would be the one I would say is the most necessary. And that's only because we've played the base game so much that it's nice to make things up. We like all the expansions in the first run, but haven't really needed to explore the other expansion series. We played them all and like everything, but just don't feel sick of the first run enough to really dig into the other experience yet.

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[–] GM_Pax Eclipse -1 points0 points1 point 17 hours ago (0 children)

# Meaningful additional content.

Strong stress on the word meaningful. I don't just want some tacked-on afterthought, I don't want something that detracts from the core of the base game.

FIRST EXAMPLE: Quacks of Quedlinburg

- The Herb Witches was an immediate buy. First, it added the components for a fifth player. Second, it added more Recipes, increasing the replayability of the base game. Third, it added an interesting new Ingredient (Locoweed). And finally, it added the eponymous Witches, adding yet more options that interacted directly with existing gameplay.
- The Alchemists got a hard pass after I was able to look over what it brought to the table (a friend had bought the mega box with both expansions in it). And it amounted to an entirely separate second game, played simultaneously with Quacks itself, only much more complex ... and draining resources / effort away from the original core gameplay loop in order to operate.

Second example, Talisman 5th Edition.

- Alliances was a solid "yes, please"; it adds new characters, a new gameplay mode (that still uses the original gameplay mechanics), and even has a Legacy-esque deal with mystery boxes / envelopes that are opened in sequence across multiple games.
- Nemesis started out as a "meh, maybe someday" until I dug into it, and realized it had more to offer than JUST a one-versus-many twist on gameplay (one new character, and six companion animals). It is a "sure, eventually" now, because the character and those Companions are interesting enough on their own.

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