Are you seeking for a broad game with an adventurous medieval theme? Or are you interested in playing a game of strategy with your friends or family? Then you should play this game.
There are many expansions available for the deck-building board game Dominion. You cannot, however, pick an expansion at random to experience the greatest excitement.
Because of this, we have compiled a list of the best dominion expansion collections. This game is ideal for those over the age of 13 who want to play with two to four other people.
Discover the truth behind the best-selling dominion expansions by continuing to read.
Best Dominion Expansion Reviews
You can choose the expansions you want by using the features and methods of the best expansions that are demonstrated in this section. Let’s get started on the reviews.
1. Rio Grande Dominion Expansion: 2nd Edition
If you believe that the original expansion set is all you need, you will be losing out on the upgraded edition, which has more cards and artwork and is more enjoyable to play with.
It contains more cards with updated wording, which clears up any uncertainty, as well as a trash mat for tossing out cards and a new rule book with more straightforward regulations.
This dominion expansion focuses on the fundamental, gender-neutral card idea and lays the groundwork for more expansions in the future.
If somebody already owns the original set and is ready to rock, an upgraded pack with 7 additional cards is available for them.
The second version of the game is much more enjoyable to play than the first, but the updated pack does not include the freshly updated rule book and the new and improved card set that replaces all the bad cards from the first.
It features a total of 30 cards, but only 10 are chosen for each game. Because of the greater range of themes, this deck-building game is more like a card game than a board game.
Playtime is between 30 and 45 minutes. In addition, understanding is improved after the initial attempt. Hence, don’t worry even if viewing hundreds of cards makes it seem overwhelming. It moves easily between players once everyone is familiar with the mechanics of the streamlined rule book.
Features
- Game of strategy for 2-4 players
- 30 minutes of gameplay
- includes some fresh cards, visuals, and game rules.
- adds a fresh twist and mystery to the entire game
2. Rio Grande Dominion Expansion: Seaside
That would be one of the greatest dominion sets for you if you are fascinated in seashore and pirate themes.
While not having the entire set, it does a good job of capturing the seashore feel with its rat-infested ships, pirates, and treasure map. This is a dominion and dominion intrigue expansion, but it is missing the trash, treasure, and victory cards.
Either the base game or the Intrigue version card set are required. It is made to be compatible with one or both of the sets, as well as any additional upcoming expansions.
While dominion seaside is less complicated, intrigue is a somewhat edgy game.
In between turns, it concentrates on duration cards. Despite being one of the early versions, it introduces 26 new cards and contains only a few bad ones. However it does a good job of upholding its reputation as one of the most enjoyable expansions.
The new mechanics in the expansion are one of its biggest surprises. As an illustration, it continues to place embargo tokens on the supply deck and collect coin tokens on the pirate ship. People receive curses for purchasing from one in this manner. The overall gameplay of dominion is greatly enhanced by the numerous interesting and unique cards available, such as native settlements and pirate ships.
Features
- 2-4 players.
- Playing the nautical addition to the well-liked medieval card game takes roughly 30 minutes.
- You must have basic dominion or intrigue to use it because it is an expansion.
3. Dominion Expansion: Intrigue + 2nd Edition
This Intrigue 2nd edition is for you if you’re eager for more mystery following the Intrigue expansion. New cards and rules can be found here.
This Dominion Expansion takes 30 minutes to play, just like any other Dominion Expansion. Yet it has more edge. Secret plans are in the works. The expansion series’ more organic iteration, which emphasizes interactions and card decisions, is this one.
All six useless cards are eliminated in the second edition, and seven new cards are added that are compatible with the earlier expansions. There are 26 new kingdom cards in Intrigue.
There are victory cards that perform an action before to the game’s conclusion.
The base set is necessary for the second edition because it is not a stand-alone set. It requires simple playing cards and a rulebook to play with. Use the base cards to increase to five or six players.
The intrigue version’s base cards were all present in the first edition, but they were not in the second. However, it was intended to be an expansion. Lurker, Courtier, Mill, Patrol, Diplomat, Secret Passage, and Replace are among the cards in the expansion. The cards Saboteur, Coppersmith, Scout, Secret, Great Hall, Tribute, and Chamber have been eliminated from the first edition.
To have more fun, play the basic game first, then this expansion. This expansion features extra Copper, Silver, and Gold and can be used with any of the other versions rather well.
Features
- between 2-4 players
- Playing time of 30 minutes
- updated rules, artwork, and cards
- This is an addition and not a stand-alone
4. Big Box II: BEST DOMINION EXPANSION
This dominion extension is exactly what its name suggests. It contains all of the cards from the second editions of Dominion and Dominion Intrigue. It features all of the base cards and may be played with two to six people.
With 500 dominance cards, 300 intrigue cards, and 100 cards for 5 and 6 players, this version can be extremely scary. It is the modernized version of the traditional one and includes a trash mat and a simplified ruleset.
This game is old and cumbersome to transport because it is large and intimidating to new players.
But, if you enjoy expansions, you will adore it because it adds additional diversity to the games and makes each one unique.
Players adore the intrigue variation of this set, despite the fact that it initially appears complicated and is not as smooth as prosperity. Although having a large amount of strategy that varies with every game, it is simple to learn.
Once the mechanics are understood, the cards are easily found because they are arranged according to expansion. The instructions provide a number of pre-built game configurations that are suggested as a place to start for everyone.
Features
- Dominion and Intrigue Second Edition are included in Big Box II.
- Can play 2–6 players and includes new base cards.
- The game lasts 30 minutes.
- Playable with further Dominion expansions
5. Rio Grande Dominion Expansion: Dark Ages
This dominion version is for you if you’re seeking for the expansion version with the greatest amount of deck building kingdoms.
At 500 cards, it is a sizable expansion that emphasizes card interactions, trashing, and card interactions with the trash heap. It contains new negative cards called Ruins that can be switched out for Shelters as well as cards that can only be obtained through particular other cards. Trash and upgrading are the main ideas.
With this expansion, players engage more than with some other sets.
Your opponent will attempt to force you to discard beneficial cards that add to the game’s pleasure and difficulty. With a lot to offer, this game is a powerful addition to the expansion.
This collection is about the dregs of society, in contrast to expansions like prosperity, which are about wealth and fortune, and many of the card names match nicely with the subject (Beggar, Death Cart, Graverobber, Hermit, Junk Dealer, Rats, Scavengers, Vagrant, etc.)
Dark Ages offers a rich array of gameplay elements, including systems, tactics, and strategies. Dark Ages will be enjoyable for dominion fans as well.
Since it is not a stand-alone game, it might not be your best first choice if you are new to this. Try to use the original or full version, such as the second edition, to play the Dark Age expansion.
Features
- 30 minute game with 2-4 players
- contains 500 cards
- includes a twist and is complex
- This is not a stand-alone game; it is an expansion.
6. Rio Grande Dominion Expansion: Adventures
Here is some excellent news if you enjoy duration cards. Dominion adventures bring you back this special entertaining feature!
In addition to this, it features three new cards: Events, Reserve, and Traveler cards, all of which have the ability to get stronger, as well as Events, which are potent effects that can be bought directly rather than using cards.
30 kingdom cards and 20 Events are included in the adventures. There are six mats, 60 tokens, and 400 cards in this collection. The Reserve cards may be stored until they are activated at the appropriate time.
Events can have a strong impact and Traveler cards have the potential to become more potent.
A brand-new class of cards called event cards gives both your turn and subsequent turns bonuses. The card is not included in your deck when you buy an event. To buying an event does take up one of your buys. The same event, as well as others, may be bought in succession. These appear to be a fantastic method to make the domino game more challenging.
The Traveler cards are another another fantastic inclusion in this expansion. Power increases each time a player uses it. For instance, after playing, it transforms into a Treasure Hunter, then a warrior, hero, and finally a Champion. This is a fun addition, but it works best in games that last longer.
Last but not least, dominion Adventures cannot be played independently; one needs to own the basic set, second edition, or intrigue. But if you’re a lover of Dominion, you must have this.
Features
- Ages: 13+
- includes 20 events and 30 kingdoms.
- two to six players.
- 30 minutes of playing time.
7. Dominion Expansion: Renaissance
This is one of the top dominion sets, if that is what you are searching for. With 300 cards and 25 kingdoms, this is Dominion’s 12th expansion.
Do you understand the appeal of playing? Since it introduces us to projects that significantly boost replay value. Your initial action might be initiated automatically, for instance, if you pay a certain sum for a particular project. That is how it greatly increases value.
It also introduces us to villages and coffers, which may be used to store resources for subsequent turns.
Coffers, for instance, are actual coins that can be saved for the future, whereas villagers are action tokens that have the same function.
A player uses the artifacts, cards that give passive abilities, to cling onto them in order to stay out of the deck. There aren’t many assault cards in this expansion.
But, this growth tactically alters the dominion world. It features good complexity, power moves that can be readily escalated, and artifacts that can spark conflict. Have a base-game set on hand so you can play as it is not a standalone set.
Features
- 2-4 players.
- 12th expansion of a dominion
- 300 cards total, 25 of which are new kingdom cards.
- Many tokens allow you to hold onto your funds and actions for later.
8. Dominion Expansion: Nocturne Board Game
This game is for you if you enjoy the horror-based theme and are looking for the best dominion expansion for even just two players. It is a game with vampire and werewolf themes. Also, those who enjoy the dark and the supernatural will undoubtedly enjoy this one. There are 500 cards total, including 33 kingdom cards.
It’s got a fantastic motif. But, if you are new to dominion, you could find it a little challenging. Having said that, it is unquestionably a worthwhile enlargement of the domain.
The original notions of the previous expansions are not broken, despite the fact that the concept of boons, spirits, and hexes is a new mechanism.
Playing this expansion with 2 to 6 people is enjoyable. The Heirloom cards also switch out copper for richer money. The game remains intriguing thanks to the novel night phase, which prolongs turns. The bat and vampire pairings are very entertaining. A Fool card is also present.
That is a fantastic addition to the dominion universe overall. It is merely an expansion, like other expansions, not a standalone. Also, if you enjoy dominion games, you will enjoy this one as well.
Features
- 33 new Kingdom cards are included in the eleventh expansion’s 500 card total.
- Playing period of 30 minutes for 2–6 players
9. Dominion Expansion: Cornucopia & Guilds
This particular eighth expansion to the dominion expansions is simple to understand and offers numerous winning opportunities. The first two modest expansions are sold separately.
Guilds offers coin tokens that let players spend more money later and cards that a player can overpay for a special effect, whereas Cornucopia focuses on card diversity.
If you enjoy dominion, you can have two expansions active at once with this expansion. This expansion adds 13 new Kingdom cards that completely alter the games, along with Cornucopia & Guilds in one big box.
A player might purchase additional cards and save money to spend later by utilizing the coin tokens. These two minor expansions provide a lot of diversity to the game, even though all expansions are worthwhile and enjoyable to play.
Variety is the main concept, and there are some cards that reward a player for having a diverse collection of cards in their deck. It does not contain the foundational cards, like other expansions do. So, in order to play with it, you need to own either the first edition, second edition, or Intrigue set.
Overall, it offers a wide range of intriguing elements that are sufficient to bend your logic and give you the maximum enjoyment when playing the game.
Features
- permits 2-4 players
- 30 minutes of gameplay
- Seeking a unique dominion game to play? Simple rules and enlightening puzzles
10. Dominion Expansion: Intrigue
This set is for you if you’re looking for a solo set in addition to the first, second, or dominion Intrigue. Not only does it include a full deck of cards, but it also allows 8 players to play simultaneously at two tables or 6 players at one table.
The set is fantastic and the greatest extension for beginners without the basic set because it includes a whole set. A full set of Treasure and Victory cards, as well as 25 new Kingdom cards, are included in this game. This addition offers interactions, camaraderie, and challenges as a stand-alone game set.
Because Intrigue supports up to 6 players concurrently and is more adaptable when other expansion packs aren’t, it is recommended as the first expansion pack to purchase. It significantly improves the gameplay without introducing new features, making it simpler to pick up.
Playing this game alone or in conjunction with the original set is enjoyable. The player can play with a total of 8 players at once by combining with the original set. If the players are familiar with dominion or the fundamentals of the game, they can play this game alone.
Features
- Exclusive style and superior quality
- With 6–8 players, lots of replay
- Game can stand alone or be an addition to the original dominion game.
Dominion Rules for Gameplay
The basic rules of the dominion series remain the same despite the fact that several expansions contain unique sets of cards with new features.
It’s as easy to learn the ABCs of action, buying, and cleanup as it is to understand the rules for dominion expansion.
Action
The player must follow the instructions on any action cards they choose to play if they have any in their hand. This could entail taking extra actions, drawing extra cards, upcycling cards, assaulting opponents, obtaining more treasure during the buy phase, or getting the chance to make multiple purchases.
A player may only play one Action card during their turn, unless they play an Action card that instructs them differently.
Buy
The treasure cards in a player’s hand must be used, in part or in full. Use whatever prize that the Action cards have offered as well. To purchase a card from the stock, he must act during the Action phase.
The lower-left corner of each card has the card’s price printed on it. The player may purchase any card with a value equal to or lower than the number of treasures he currently owns on the board.
A player may occasionally purchase additional buys using action cards. But if there are fewer riches, it will be wise to keep in mind that copper is always available for free purchase.
Clean-up
The bought card should be taken by the player and placed in his discard pile. The cleanup phase is now. He should also put any cards that he played during his turn here.
The player should draw five fresh cards from the draw deck while adding his cards to the discard pile. He should shuffle his discard pile and place it beneath his draw deck if the draw deck is empty of cards.
The player cannot do any actions during the first two turns since they do not have any Action cards in their hand. This could happen at any time during the game, and if it does, the player can move on to the buy and clean-up phase without stopping here.
The dominion expansion game will finish whenever one of these three circumstances takes place. The following are these terms:
- if there was no more province material.
- if, when using the Prosperity to Colonies, the colony pile becomes empty.
- If any three of the supply piles get empty, the game is ended (a game has four supply piles).
Players should total the wins points in their own decks at the conclusion of the game. The winner is whoever has the highest score after all the results are in. If two players have the same score, the one who played the fewest turns wins.
FAQs – Frequently Asked Question & Answer
1. What is the difference between the I, II, and Intrigue edition? Which would be the best dominion sets for me?
While the second edition is only an expansion, Dominion Intrigue is a stand-alone game. The second edition is more enjoyable to play if you already own the basic set because it works nicely with the base set and features more modernized cards.
But if you’re just getting started, you may buy the first edition because it comes with all the cards you need. But, the defective cards were deleted from the revised edition, giving this one additional improved features.
2. Does Dominion’s second edition come with everything players need to play a complete game?
Yes!
It is a stand-alone game set that may be played with the included playing cards.
3. Which one is better, Dominion Intrigue or Seaside?
Everything is fully up to the players. A player should choose Intrigue if they enjoy tense video games. The seaside is all about strategy and colonialism. So choose Seaside for a kinder game.
4. When do I shuffle my discard pile?
whenever you need a card and discover that your deck is empty.
5. Is Dominion Expansion worth purchasing?
Yes, if you have children or siblings who are older than 13 and like the medieval atmosphere and the strategic deck-building game. That will be rewarding.
Final Words
A fun game for two to four players, Dominion Expansion is played with deck-building strategy, interaction, and camaraderie. Both children and their parents will enjoy playing this game. So, it’s great for both family get-togethers and friend parties.
The regulations are quite straightforward to understand and master. Also, for those who enjoy theme-based board games, dominion expansion would be a fantastic pleasure. You should now be able to select the best dominion expansion thanks to this review, hopefully.
Enjoy Your Playing!
