Top 10 Reasons to Not Buy Expansions for Board Games

[@BobLee-df4zh]

#1 is a huge one. The amazing thing to me are the people that back Kickstarters with expansion add-ons. A game you've obviously never even played, but you're going to drop an extra $30-40 for "additional" content, that probbaly should've just been part of the base game in the first place. The more popular board gaming gets, the more it's becoming a racket.

[@tabletopforone]

Yeah, unfortunately that goes with anything where money can be made. And many publishers are deploying tactics that manipulate people psychologically and emotionally to spend more money than they ought.

[@86Disab]

11 - thinking an expansion means a game will hit the table

[@tabletopforone]

100% agree. It's easy to think that buying an expansion will help bring it to the table, but I wonder if it has the opposite effect, especially when it comes to adding complexity. Thanks for watching!

[@khiarastales2091]

Making my own expansion (or variant, as I like to call it) is my fav way to explore the game I already have, not only because the base game itself is already expensive, it could be a good practice before designing my own game from scratch.

[@tabletopforone]

That's so great that you make your own variants!

[@agonyuncle879]

I agree with most of the points made in this video. I do have a few exceptions. Adding a 5th player expansion sometimes can open up a game and get more people involved (blood rage, chaos in the old world come to mind). I also think that the expansion for Star Wars Rebellion is an absolute necessity. it fixes the horrible combat system and it adds more star wars characters and ships.

[@tabletopforone]

I've heard that about Rebellion. It's really unfortunate that they sell an expansion to fix things they likely could have fixed if more playtesting was done.

[@HarleyFirestorm]

I agree with most of what you said. With sleeping gods I would add the expansions after playing the core box, to make a second play-through different. Marvel champions, I only buy the characters and expansions I want/like. Some games I always want the expansions, but some are just a waste of time, sadly when it comes to crowdfunding games I get the FOMO, I have played ISS Vanguard and couldn't care less if the expansions I paid for never turn up, I wont be playing them.

[@tabletopforone]

Same here. The FOMO gets me too often. That's one of the big reasons why I'm not backing games anymore.

[@Artem_Safarov]

Thanks for the video, really good arguments and I love the fact that you're steering people towards enjoying the content they already have rather than chasing down more stuff for shelves of shame. Also, the gradual population of your table by the games you mentioned was a really nice touch. Keep up the great work!

[@tabletopforone]

Thank you so much! It also corresponds with the direction of my channel. I haven't talked about it much, but I'll soon stop making preview videos for crowdfunding games. I want to help people enjoy the games they have or games that are available, rather than encourage the crowdfunding scene. Thanks so much for watching!

[@AcceberSk]

​@@tabletopforoneOooh, I love that direction!

[@justinc882]

I agree with all of your points. There are only a few games I've gotten expansions for that I felt were worth it. Seasons has an expansion that adds some new mechanics and spices things up, Nidavellir has a great expansion called thingavellir that my wife/son love using. I'd say don't buy an expansion unless it's a game you play frequently and really enjoy. No reason pumping money into a game you're only going to play once every few years.

[@tabletopforone]

I have not played either of those games, but they look quite fun. I think I have heard that about the Seasons expansion. Thank you so much for watching!

[@nydaloth]

What I hate more about expansions is when you have to make substantial changes to the base game. For example when it says rule changes, or place this sticker in the board, or swap this card.

[@tabletopforone]

Yeah, those changes can cause a game you love to become a game you avoid. 😔

[@cyberdaikaiju]

These are good and valid points worthy of consideration. For me personally, I look at it as a ratio of how much I enjoy the game and how much it gets played vs how much of my shelf it takes.

[@tabletopforone]

I thought that would be the case for me. Spirit Island is my most played game, and I own everything but Incarnate. Yet, I don't feel like I want to buy Incarnate.

[@stenolebrretzen675]

A well-presented video! The main thing about expansions that bothers me is the hard choice you have to face when getting them. The motivation for me to get an expansion is really that the base game has lost its luster a little bit. It needs something extra or I'm just not going to play it anymore. I am "forced" to either shelf it permanently, sell it or get an expansion. There is a danger when getting that first expansion that you will first realize when you try to sell the game later. You will in no way get a fair price for your game in this state unless you own EVERY expansion that exists. That first expansion doesn't have an "undo button" like the base game does. The answer usually isn't to get all the expansions if your motivation is to retain its sales value. Firstly, you're probably going to sell the expansions at a loss anyway. Also, publishers will cruelly offer new expansions in a steady trickle, thereby ruining the completeness of your game. My advice is to be extremely critical when buying that first expansion. Make sure you're happy to keep the game long term if you do. Something else I want to point out is that some games are at their best without expansions. Not objectively, but often subjectively. Terraforming Mars is a very different game in its base game form than playing with all expansions. The expansions add more depth, but it takes away elegance, accessibility and streamlinedness (Yes, that is a word). If you like your lightweight simple games, don't buy expansions to turn them into convoluted heavy combinatorial puzzles.

[@tabletopforone]

Such great points added to the discussion! Being critical about the FIRST expansion is definitely a great way to put it. I agree that there are some games better without the expansions. I'm trying to think of an example in my collection. Maybe Teotihuacan. I don't ever play with the Teotihuacan expansions anymore, because I don't like how they change the game. Thanks for watching!

[@joesleavy9435]

12 - what you actually intend to buy is the main game It had to happen eventually. I pulled out Warp's Edge earlier today, eager to check it out for the first time. Realized shortly after that the full game I thought I had purchased was in fact the Anomaly expansion. Don't know what sort of brain f*rt made me misclick that purchase. And ... it turns out the main game is not currently sold online in my country (Norway). So I was left with a useless expansion with no solid path to get the main game expansion to the expansion. The solution: I rage ordered it from overseas, at twice the cost due to customs and international shipping. If you feel USD 75 is expensive for the tiny box that is Warp's Edge, I wholeheartedly agree.

[@tabletopforone]

Ouch, I'm sorry that happened and that availability is an issue where you live. I've been there done that as far as buying what I thought was the base game. Like you, I was in for a penny, in for a pound and ordered the base game to go along with the expansion I had purchased.

[@AcceberSk]

We did this with Cosmic Encounter!

[@ChadHensley]

Great list! When someone says an expansion is essential I always think of Kingsburg. Sure enough, when Kingsburg second edition was released it came with the expansion included. I actually went through a period of time trying to save shelf space in my early board game days and would only purchase expansions unless I replaced a base game. Quickly found out that many of the things you mentioned were true and quickly moved away from that focus.

[@tabletopforone]

Thanks, Chad. I didn't know that about Kingsburg, but I have seen that in other games. I definitely prefer expansions that fit in the box.

[@konikniov7069]

I totally agree with you. I have ark nova and Revive just sitting on the shelf . I was eager to buy the expansions for those games but I stopped. I had second thoughts about why not to buy them and you helped me with my decision. I have to play with them a lot before I consider to buy any expansion! I have CoB deluxe edition that I haven’t played yet and other games that need my attention 😊. Now I’m playing pirate of Maracaibo, and the sleeping gods distant skies . So I need to stop from buying new games or expansions and focus on those I have 😊.

[@tabletopforone]

Ooh, I have the same situation with Revive and Ark Nova. I'm not sure if I like Ark Nova. I absolutely love Revive. Even then, I don't know if I want to expand it. Such a tough decision. Thank you for watching!

[@pauls3585]

I buy expansions that I never seem to play. They still make me happy, and I know, that is just crazy 😁

[@tabletopforone]

Nah, it's not crazy 🙂, because I do it too! (Or we're both crazy 🤣). Nothing wrong with being a collector and a gamer.

[@NismoDSM]

Thanks for the heads up on the DCeased game. It’s one of my favorite comics. And super excited for it. But maybe I should wait until it’s in stores

[@tabletopforone]

No problem! If I was still crowdfunding games, I'd definitely pick up DCeased. It looks really fun.

[@markdandridge4433]

Oh this was a great episode. I have been creating for a kind of Campaign for Dwellings of Eldervale since July. I was just looking at expansion for Everdell and the things you brought up are right on point.

[@tabletopforone]

Thank you so much for your creation! If you post it, I hope others find enjoyment in it.

[@wiblick]

#8 is a rule I am now embracing… mainly because i’ve done a lot of #1 😅. I will buy an expansion if it adds a solo mode or like Ark Nova marine: fits in the box and improves the game for beginners like me…. which is an unfortunate collusion with #4….

[@tabletopforone]

Don't worry, I break all the rules 🤣😅

[@pascalcharland1403]

😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@pascalcharland1403]

Awesome video idea! Thanks for being our wallet and sanity guardian angel! You're great! To me, if it won't fit in the box, I always pass. 1 game = 1 box. I don't fall for Kickstarters anymore and I try to play a game at least 10 times before expanding it... But... More of the same tends to get me all the time especially if I really like the base "same"! And I love the scenario creation. I did one with scenarios (goal to reach) for Agricola Creatures and I love it! Played it way more cause of it!

[@tabletopforone]

That's so great you made your own scenarios. I'm glad it helped you enjoy the game more. Did you share them on BGG? If so, thank you!

[@j.v.1093]

This video is great_ not only for the important and spot-on info regarding expansions, but for your amazing shout-outs to those far and wide that enjoy this awesome community!

[@tabletopforone]

Thank you so much for your kind words, my friend 🙂

[@jonathanantscherl]

Fantastic video as always -#5 costs as much as a new game is my reason along with one that kind of is touched on but not explicitly.. I find a lot of expansions I’ve tried actually detract from the things about the base game I love. So something simple and quick, becomes longer and more complex. Or a tricky solo puzzle, suddenly has ways that help you or things that give more variables and therefore remove the core puzzle that requires only one solution kind of. Holding my hands up and talking mostly about very small games but all the points made apply no matter the size or cost of the game. Great vid again and hope you are keeping well!

[@BobLee-df4zh]

Cough... Everdell... Cough.... That's the most absurd example of this. $60 expansions is insane.

[@tabletopforone]

Yeah, the added complexity of an expansion often comes stealthily, since they don't advertise that it increases complexity. Even games where only a small amount of complexity gets added (think keywords in Marvel Champions or Marvel Legendary), over time it can add up to a significant amount of rules to remember.

[@allfour1]

#1 is precisely why I walked away from Secrets of the Lost Tomb. Why should I pay for a pledge which includes 4 expansions when I have no idea if I even enjoy the core game? Sell me the base game for a reasonable price and then come back and sell me expansions for a game I love. I get the business logic but it sucks.

[@tabletopforone]

Yeah, it makes sense from the business side, but it really isn't helping the consumer make an informed decision. Thanks for watching!

[@PlayGamzWithMe]

Excellent vid my brother! Well thought out

[@tabletopforone]

Thank you so much, my friend!

[@MerlinsManor]

#1 is a big one. My wife has suggested for several of our games we've played 1, 2, maybe 3 times and have had the game for a year or more. I'm often like, we don’t need the expansion because we don’t play the game enough... i did however buy Red Cathedral's expansion on sale the other day despite us having played it 3 or 4 times.

[@tabletopforone]

Yeah, it really is good to play the base game first. And to have a plan to sell games if they don't hit the table or if you don't like them. Then you save money and space and have a chance to buy something you might enjoy more.

[@MerlinsManor]

@tabletopforone They are games we enjoy; they just for 1 reason or another don't hit the table often.

[@MasterRaccoon9000]

I like this. thank you. You are 100% right. The frequency of games coming out and expansion content is too much. It is making the gaming space unfun these days.

[@tabletopforone]

Thank you so much! Unfun is right. Even for me, it can be stressful to have boxes sit around on tables, or the floor, with no place to put them 😬. Time to sell a bunch.

[@Ian-R-Wilz]

I’m not sure I consider exclusive content (like miniature) as expansions. There are instances of exclusive expansions, but things that aren’t actually gameplay related I’m not sure I consider as expansions

[@tabletopforone]

You're right. I'm sure quite a few people don't consider upgrades like minis to be expansions. I've always personally felt they were in a way. But I can be backwards in my thinking sometimes 😆.

[@helenshepherd165]

Great thoughts, and alot of things i should consider more often but don't lol

[@tabletopforone]

Haha, neither do I. Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@markusbiewer2756]

Thanks for the video! I'm a big offender of your #1 reason: when I order a game, I will also buy the expansions, even though I do not know if I enjoy the base game at all. I'm trying to dial it down. Regarding KS: I'm staying away from it. Like you, to many games still coming in and so many unplayed games. Also, I hate all this crazy exclusive s**t, designed only to make you spend more money.

[@tabletopforone]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I'm a big offender of them all 😆. It really is unfortunate that more and more Kickstarters are pushing expensive addons and exclusive content, preying on FOMO. I just can't support it anymore. Thank you for watching!

[@dangerindesign]

These are all good points! I personally don't believe in "Big Box" haha! Those always feel like a cash grab to me, no matter how good the game is!

[@tabletopforone]

Often times they are, with the rare exception that they don't make money. I think I heard that the Wingspan Big Box doesn't make much money if any due to the cost, but I'm not sure I always trust such things. I just don't personally like "here's a big box to keep everything organized," but they fail to mention it will take more space than what is currently being taken up.

[@nydaloth]

If you are going to buy a board game, and it says "Core Game" in the box do you buy it? Yes that's why it rarely happens!

[@mihancic]

Nice vide - very good list!

[@tabletopforone]

Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@mabos555]

Thanks for everything will see it later Are you familiar with the game shake up? Can you do a solo review on it?

[@tabletopforone]

I am not familiar with it, but now I'm interested. I'll have to pick it up the next time I order from Noble Knight. Thank you for the recommendation!

[@mabos555]

Thanks, please let me know if you are planning to do a video about it You are the only one who did a video about after the virus the long cold so I deeply appreciate you here on KZbin ❤❤❤

[@tabletopforone]

Well, I decided to order it 🙂. Now, when I can get it to the table is a different story 😆

[@MerlinsManor]

TM Prelude not being essential is blasphemy!!! Lol. Ok technically not "essential," but definitely elevates the gameplay (IMO) so very much it is practically essential. And often, I think that is what is meant when people use the term essential - improves the game so much (while being simple enough to implement) why would you not play with it every time. I think our first game might be the only time we've played without Prelude (other than digital before they added prelude).

[@tabletopforone]

Hahaha, someone had to call me out on it 😉

[@kosterix123]

Never buy an expansion for the money, you’ll never get back that money when reselling your copy. When buying base game along with expansion, selling it might recoup half the cost of the expansion but no more. If base game isn’t enough, it’s going to leave your collection faster than yo could dream it.

[@tabletopforone]

So true. It's definitely good to have a plan on how and when to sell games from your collection. It makes it easier to part with them and make room for other games.

[@kosterix123]

@@tabletopforone from the field of finance, in investing terms it's called having an exit strategy. Since board games are like assets in terms of cost, this applies to bg as well. Don't buy a game unless you have good confidence that you can sell it at the same price it cost you (ex a few bucks that are amortized over /hours/players amusement). So if you buy a legacy game, make sure to add a few reset packs. One for the greater fool, two is better for a bigger market.

[@kosterix123]

@@tabletopforone oouch... in hindsight I'm a hypocrite, I bought the expansions for xia and arydia 😞

[@darbyl3872]

I actively avoid IP games. If it has a superhero on the cover, or movie characters, I'm turned off. Totally agree about 99% of the expansions, not interested.

[@tabletopforone]

I try to avoid them as well, but have been pleasantly surprised by some Marvel ones and the Bloodborne one (never played the video game). Thanks for watching!

[@andrewjames4346]

Hey don't upgrade your wife and relationship, just get a new one and start again.

[@tabletopforone]

😆 Reading between the lines? Haha

[@wyatth2992]

What do you mean when you're talking about Gabby's when you say that she provides an inclusive space? I don't understand what that means.

[@tabletopforone]

She welcomes anyone and everyone and tries to treat them as a part of a big family. She doesn't tolerate any kind of discrimination or mistreatment of others. She also provides a safe and positive space for kids to hang out after school. For me, when I have rough days, I can go there, feel safe, welcomed, and relaxed.

[@wyatth2992]

@tabletopforone Cool cool. That just sounds like running a business to me. I guess Walmart provides an inclusive space as well? I'm genuinely interested. I know you can't discern tone or sarcasm through text, so I just want you to know that I'm asking genuine questions.

[@tabletopforone]

@wyatth2992 I suppose Walmart could be. But Gabi makes it feel like home. She doesn't say "all are welcome here," she makes sure you always feel welcome. Her staff are trained with that mindset as well. On top of that, she runs a charity for children, constantly giving children food, clothes, backpacks, and more. I've been to quite a few game shops where you don't feel welcome or important. Gabi breaks the mold here and goes above and beyond.

[@tabletopforone]

@wyatth2992 on a side note, I never feel safe or welcome at Walmart.

[@wyatth2992]

@@tabletopforone So you could wear a MAGA hat or a BLM shirt and not get yelled at? That's nice. I currently live in a city where only one point of view is tolerated. It would be nice to have a public area where all opinions were allowed. In which state/city or county is Gabby's located?

[@michelecarroll6355]

Over🎁 💖🔆🤪