How to Determine Which Board Game Expansion to Buy First

Quick Answer

To choose your first board game expansion, start by identifying games you play most often and still enjoy. Then, look for expansions that add meaningful variety or fix known issues, and consider cost per play. Avoid buying expansions for games you rarely play, no matter how tempting they look.

So you’ve fallen in love with a board game and are eyeing an expansion. But with so many options, how do you pick the right one? Buying the wrong expansion can be a waste of money and shelf space. This guide will help you make a smart choice that enhances your favorite games without breaking the bank.

We’ll walk through a step-by-step process to evaluate expansions based on your gaming habits, the game’s design, and practical factors like cost and player count. By the end, you’ll know exactly which expansion deserves your hard-earned cash.

Step 1: Assess Your Play Frequency

The most important question: How often do you play the base game? If you play a game once a month or more, an expansion is a great investment. For example, if you regularly play a quick two-player game like Watergate (a tense card-driven game about the Nixon scandal), an expansion could add fresh scenarios or mechanics. But if you only play a game once a year, you’re better off saving your money.

Checkpoint: If you haven’t played a game in the last six months, don’t buy its expansion. Instead, focus on games you play regularly.

• Track your plays over a month to see which games hit the table most.

Step 2: Identify What the Base Game Lacks

Every game has strengths and weaknesses. Does your favorite game feel too long? Too short? Does it lack variety? Read reviews and forum discussions to see what players wish was different. Some expansions fix balance issues, add new maps, or introduce modules that change the game significantly.

For instance, if you love a game but find it’s always the same strategy, look for an expansion that adds asymmetric goals or new paths to victory. The Gold Country: Bona Fide Bonanza Mini Expansion does exactly that by adding company goals that function like bets—if you achieve them, you get major payouts. This kind of expansion can reinvigorate a game you’ve played to death.

• Make a list of your game’s flaws and see if an expansion addresses them.

Step 3: Consider Player Count and Group

Expansions often change the best player count. Some add new players, others are designed for solo or two-player. Think about your typical group size. If you usually play with two, a five-player expansion is useless. Conversely, if your group is growing, an expansion that supports more players might be worth it.

Also consider whether your group enjoys complexity. Expansions can add rules overhead. If your group prefers light games, a heavy expansion might not get played. Start with small, simple expansions that add variety without overcomplicating things.

• Check the expansion’s player count and complexity rating before buying.

Step 4: Evaluate Cost vs. Value

Expansions range from $5 mini-expansions to $75 deluxe editions. Calculate the cost per additional play. A $5 expansion that you use in 20 games adds only 25 cents per play—great value. A $75 expansion for a game you play twice might not be worth it.

Also, consider what’s included. Some expansions are just extra cards, while others add boards, miniatures, or scenarios. Look at the components and see if they justify the price. For example, a magnetic dice tray at $8.49 might be a better investment than a $30 expansion if it improves your gaming experience every session.

• Set a budget for expansions and stick to it.

Step 5: Read Reviews and Watch Gameplay

Before buying, read reviews from both critics and regular players. Look for consensus on whether the expansion improves the game. Watch gameplay videos to see the expansion in action. This can reveal if the expansion is fiddly, unbalanced, or just not fun.

Pay attention to expansions that are considered 'essential' by the community. These are often ones that fix a core issue or add so much variety that you’ll never play without them. But beware of expansions that are just cash grabs—they add little and dilute the game.

• Search for 'expansion name review' and read at least three different opinions.

Step 6: Make a Shortlist and Compare

After evaluating your top candidates, compare them side by side. Look at the content, price, and how they fit your gaming group. If you’re torn between two, think about which one you’ll use more often. Sometimes the cheaper mini-expansion is a better first choice than a big box expansion.

For example, if you enjoy party games, the Totally Human: Planning Committee Mini Expansion adds 36 new cards for more variety—a low-cost way to refresh a game. On the other hand, if you’re into deep strategy, a full expansion like Alien Frontiers Edition X (which celebrates 10 years of the game with the Outer Belt included) might be worth the higher price if you play often.

• Rank your top three expansions by cost, replayability, and fit.

Your Step-by-Step Expansion Selection Process

1. Track your plays: For one month, note which games you play most. This gives you a clear idea of which games deserve an expansion. Only consider expansions for games you play at least once a month.
2. List game weaknesses: Write down what you wish was different about the base game. Look for expansions that address those specific issues. Choose an expansion that fixes a known problem, not just adds content.
3. Check player count and group: Verify the expansion supports your typical player count and group’s complexity preference. If it doesn’t fit your group, skip it.
4. Compare cost per play: Estimate how many times you’ll play the expansion. Divide the cost by that number to see the value. A cheaper expansion you’ll play often is better than an expensive one you’ll rarely use.
5. Research thoroughly: Read reviews, watch gameplay, and ask in forums. Look for consensus on whether the expansion is essential. Avoid expansions that are poorly received or considered unnecessary.

Related Products to Consider

• Gold Country: Bona Fide Bonanza Mini Expansion: This mini expansion adds asymmetric company goals to the experience! Players can commit to one or more company goals (or even double down on the same company goal) which function like a bet of sorts. If a goal is achieved — major payouts are in store for those who... If you love Gold Country and want to add strategic depth without a huge investment, this mini expansion is a low-cost way to introduce new goals and betting mechanics.
• Magnetic Dice Tray Rectangular Black/Purple: This premium rectangular Magnetic Dice Tray is perfect for tabletop and board games. It is compact and has strong embedded magnets, which allow you to conjure a magical Dice Tray in a split second. The Dice Tray lays completely flat, fitting in a vast variety of standard game boxes. While not an expansion, this accessory can enhance your gaming experience by protecting your table and speeding up dice rolls. It’s a practical alternative if you’re on the fence about expansions.

Choosing your first expansion doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By focusing on your play habits, identifying what your game needs, and evaluating cost and value, you can make a confident choice. Remember, the best expansion is one that gets played, not one that sits on your shelf. Happy gaming!