Claim Expansions Guide: Maps, Mercenaries, and Magic
By Asmodee – Asmodee USA | Published: 2026-10-30
Category: Buying Guides
Deciding which Claim expansion to buy? We break down Maps, Mercenaries, and Magic Reinforcements to help you choose based on your playstyle and faction needs.
Quick answer
Start with the expansion that matches the playstyle you enjoy most: Magic Reinforcements for artifact-focused strategy, Mercenaries Reinforcements for aggressive unit recruitment, or Maps Reinforcements for location-based tactics.
Each expansion adds a different flavor
All three Reinforcements packs bring new cards to Claim and Claim 2, but they emphasize different mechanics. Magic introduces artifacts and spell-like units, Mercenaries focuses on dual-faction Elves/Orcs and powerful single units, and Maps adds location cards that change how you control the board.
Compatibility first
Each expansion works with both the original Claim and Claim 2. If you own only one base game, any of these packs will integrate smoothly. However, if you plan to collect multiple expansions, consider how the new card types interact—Maps locations and Magic artifacts can create complex synergies, while Mercenaries units are more straightforward.
How to choose your expansion
- You love location-based tactics: Choose Maps Reinforcements. The location cards change how you deploy forces and claim areas, rewarding players who think about board control.
- You want flexible unit synergies: Choose Mercenaries Reinforcements. The dual-faction Elves/Orcs let you mix normally opposing factions, opening up new combo opportunities.
- You prefer artifact and spell-like effects: Choose Magic Reinforcements. Artifacts add powerful one-time or ongoing effects that can turn the tide, appealing to players who enjoy resource management.
Expansion overview
- Claim: Maps Reinforcements: Maps Reinforcements introduces Basilisks, Unicorns, Phoenix, and magical locations for each faction. If you enjoy controlling territory and using location-based effects, this expansion adds a new layer of strategic positioning.
Claim: Maps Reinforcements - Claim: Mercenaries Reinforcements: Mercenaries Reinforcements adds Heroes, Cyclops, and dual-faction Elves/Orcs. Perfect for players who want versatile unit options and the ability to field mixed-faction armies without sacrificing faction identity.
Claim: Mercenaries Reinforcements - Claim: Magic Reinforcements: Magic Reinforcements brings Wizards, Druids, Shape Shifters, and powerful magical artifacts. Ideal if you prefer a more tactical, spell-driven game with artifacts that can swing the outcome of battles.
Which expansion fits you?
Best for
- Players who already own Claim or Claim 2 and want to expand their strategic options without buying a full new game
- Collectors who enjoy building a complete set of faction-specific cards
Not for
- Players who don't own Claim or Claim 2 and are looking for a standalone game
- Those who prefer purely competitive, no-expansion gameplay without additional card types
