Board Game Expansions vs. Standalone Games: What's the Difference?

Quick Answer

Board game expansions add new content to an existing base game, while standalone games include a full experience on their own. If you love a game and want more variety, expansions are great; if you're new or want a complete game in one box, choose a standalone.

When browsing board games, you'll often see terms like 'expansion' and 'standalone' used to describe products. Understanding the difference can save you money and prevent disappointment. Expansions require a base game to play, while standalone games are complete experiences that work right out of the box.

In this comparison, we'll break down the key differences, explore the tradeoffs, and help you decide which type fits your gaming habits. We'll also look at some examples from Greater than Games to illustrate the concepts.

What Is a Board Game Expansion?

A board game expansion is additional content designed to be played with a specific base game. It typically adds new components, rules, or scenarios that enhance or extend the original experience. Expansions assume you already own and enjoy the base game, so they don't include the full rules or all the components needed to play from scratch.

For example, the Bunny Express Micro Expansion for Bunny Kingdom adds a railroad-building element to the base game. It's designed for players who already have Bunny Kingdom and want to add a new layer of strategy. Because expansions are smaller in scope, they often have a lower price point than full games.

• Requires the base game to play
• Adds new mechanics, components, or scenarios
• Usually cheaper than a full game

What Is a Standalone Board Game?

A standalone board game is a complete game that includes everything needed to play: board, pieces, rules, and all necessary components. It doesn't require any other product to enjoy. Standalone games can be original designs or part of a series where each entry is self-contained.

For instance, Runemasters is a cooperative game for 1 to 4 players that works on its own. Similarly, Weirdwood Manor offers a full experience with six characters and three Fae Monsters, all included in the box. These games are great for players who want a complete experience without investing in multiple products.

• Includes everything needed to play
• No additional purchases required
• Often higher price, but more content

Key Differences and Tradeoffs

The main difference is dependency. Expansions rely on a base game, while standalone games are self-sufficient. This leads to tradeoffs in cost, convenience, and value. Expansions are cheaper upfront, but you must already own the base game, which can be a significant investment. Standalone games have a higher initial cost but offer a complete experience.

Another tradeoff is variety. Expansions can breathe new life into a game you love, adding replayability without learning a whole new set of rules. Standalone games offer fresh experiences but may not deepen an existing favorite. Consider your budget and whether you prefer to enhance what you own or explore something new.

Types of Expansions

Expansions come in various forms. Some are micro expansions that add a single new mechanic or component, like the Bunny Express Micro Expansion. Others are larger expansions that introduce new boards, factions, or campaigns. There are also standalone expansions that can be played alone or combined with the base game, offering flexibility.

Understanding these types helps you choose the right expansion for your needs. If you're unsure, read the product description to see if it requires a base game. For example, the Bunny Express Micro Expansion clearly states that the Bunny Kingdom base game is required to play.

Tradeoffs to Consider

• Cost: Expansions are cheaper individually but require an existing base game. Standalone games cost more but include everything. If you already own a base game, expansions can be a budget-friendly way to add variety.
• Replayability: Expansions can significantly increase the replayability of a game you love. Standalone games offer new worlds but may not deepen a specific favorite. Think about whether you want to enhance an existing collection or start fresh.
• Convenience: Standalone games are easy to bring to game night—no need to remember extra components. Expansions require packing both the base game and expansion. If you travel with games, standalone titles might be more practical.

Product Examples

• Runemasters: RUNEMASTERS is a cooperative game for 1 to 4 players, each taking on the role of a rune guardian. Roll the dice, use the power of the runes along with the powers of the guardians and thwart the inexorable march of the monsters towards the temple. This is a standalone game that offers a complete cooperative experience without needing any other product, making it easy to jump into.
• Weirdwood Manor: Enter the world of Weirdwood Manor, where the magical and dangerous realm of the Fae intersects with the everyday world of the Real. You’ll assume the role of one of 6 different characters and coordinate strategies with your companions to battle against one of 3 asymmetrically designed Fae Monsters. As a standalone game, it provides a rich, self-contained adventure with multiple characters and monsters, offering high replay value out of the box.
• Bunny Express Micro Expansion: BUNNY KINGDOM: BUNNY EXPRESS MICRO EXPANSION - Attention! The Train is entering the Kingdom! Come aboard the Bunny Express and conquer the West! Construct the Railroad along your Cities and Fiefs and harvest the riches of the New World to amass more Golden Carrots! The Bunny Kingdom base game is required to play. This expansion requires the Bunny Kingdom base game, making it a great choice for fans who want to add new strategic elements to a game they already enjoy.

Which Should You Choose?

Best for

• Players who already own the base game and want to extend its life.
• Collectors who enjoy adding new content to a familiar system.

Not for

• New players who don't own a base game and need a complete experience.
• Those who prefer a single, self-contained game without extra purchases.

Understanding the difference between expansions and standalone games helps you make smarter purchases. If you're new to a game, start with a standalone title. If you're a fan of a specific base game, expansions can keep it fresh. Evaluate your collection, budget, and preferences to find the perfect fit.