Expansions: what makes a buy vs a skip

GidimXul · 2026-06-19T16:29:58+00:00

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.

Fireblend · 2026-06-19T16:17:02+00:00

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.

Cookie_Eater108 · 2026-06-19T16:20:52+00:00

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.

Ohhellnowhatsupdawg · 2026-06-19T16:12:01+00:00

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.

GIVE_ME_YOUR_HAT · 2026-06-19T16:33:14+00:00

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.

ansible47 · 2026-06-19T16:34:06+00:00

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.

MasterFwiffo · 2026-06-19T16:42:56+00:00

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.

-Mage-Knight- · 2026-06-19T16:46:21+00:00

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.

quicknir · 2026-06-19T17:24:48+00:00

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.

thornkin · 2026-06-19T16:19:05+00:00

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.

GambuzinoSaloio · 2026-06-19T16:31:56+00:00

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.

altabelo_app · 2026-06-19T17:27:06+00:00

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

My main reasons are:

Money. Sometimes an expansion is a few cards, a couple of minis, and somehow costs half the price of the base game. No thanks.
“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.
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.
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.

Caradoc729 · 2026-06-19T16:22:14+00:00

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.

Rayonjersey · 2026-06-19T16:15:53+00:00

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.

Darkghost22 · 2026-06-19T16:18:20+00:00

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

wartmunger · 2026-06-19T16:24:00+00:00

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

Throckmorton1975 · 2026-06-19T16:28:25+00:00

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.

ActionCalhoun · 2026-06-19T16:50:41+00:00

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

Khaeven04 · 2026-06-19T17:26:06+00:00

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.

polyology · 2026-06-19T17:39:37+00:00

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

GamingVision · 2026-06-19T18:03:45+00:00

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.

ConDar15 · 2026-06-19T18:59:18+00:00

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.

boardgamejoe · 2026-06-19T23:32:20+00:00

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

pubsky · 2026-06-19T16:21:54+00:00

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.

Inconmon · 2026-06-19T16:26:54+00:00

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.

foxlover93 · 2026-06-19T16:35:24+00:00

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.

Zephkel · 2026-06-19T16:49:07+00:00

When it adds more players, personally!

TotalWarspammer · 2026-06-19T16:50:54+00:00

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.

Dear-Examination-507 · 2026-06-19T16:57:06+00:00

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)

Letartean · 2026-06-19T17:01:32+00:00

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…

ackmondual · 2026-06-19T17:07:27+00:00

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.

EdgarVerona · 2026-06-19T17:13:57+00:00

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! 😆

jrec15 · 2026-06-19T17:17:41+00:00

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

quempe · 2026-06-19T17:23:05+00:00

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.

Vardakula · 2026-06-19T17:56:13+00:00

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.

DCDHermes · 2026-06-19T18:13:45+00:00

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.

dodecapode · 2026-06-19T18:48:39+00:00

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!

Amirashika · 2026-06-19T19:19:30+00:00

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.

phr0ze · 2026-06-19T19:23:27+00:00

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

beldaran1224 · 2026-06-19T20:03:15+00:00

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.

dman1298 · 2026-06-19T20:18:19+00:00

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.

RadicalDog · 2026-06-19T20:24:02+00:00

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.

Motor-Dentist3410 · 2026-06-19T20:25:21+00:00

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

DeliciousBid4535 · 2026-06-19T20:57:02+00:00

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

ilario_entertainment · 2026-06-19T21:00:43+00:00

I like expansions that change game mechanics.

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

siposbalint0 · 2026-06-19T22:19:14+00:00

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.

ThePowerOfStories · 2026-06-19T22:19:34+00:00

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!

cibum · 2026-06-19T22:20:48+00:00

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.

socratez174 · 2026-06-20T00:25:29+00:00

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.

AmuseDeath · 2026-06-20T00:59:05+00:00

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.

derkyn · 2026-06-20T01:14:24+00:00

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.

John_Hunyadi · 2026-06-20T02:10:51+00:00

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).

TropicalKing · 2026-06-20T03:49:44+00:00

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.

e37d93eeb23335dc · 2026-06-20T04:47:22+00:00

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.

TreezFrosty · 2026-06-20T07:22:42+00:00

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.

daveknockwin · 2026-06-19T16:33:09+00:00

If it's good.

JonnyLawless · 2026-06-19T16:18:01+00:00

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.

GM_Pax · 2026-06-19T16:18:32+00:00

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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