Quick answer

Choose Works of Wonder if you want a solo mode and a new Influence mechanic; pick Age of Artisans if you regularly play with five players or want more building variety.

What each expansion brings to the table

Both expansions add new layers to the base game without replacing it. Works of Wonder focuses on a central board extension with Contribution/Consequence Cards and Influence tracking, plus a complete solo system. Age of Artisans introduces Craft Cards, a dual-layered Guildhall Board, and enough components for a fifth player. The choice depends on your typical player count and whether you value solo play or extra building options.

Trade-offs at a glance

  • Solo play: Works of Wonder includes an entirely new solo system with 6 unique opponents, making it the only choice if you play alone. If you mostly play solo, pick Works of Wonder.
  • Player count: Age of Artisans adds a fifth player; Works of Wonder stays at four. If your group often has five, Age of Artisans is essential. Need a fifth player? Age of Artisans is the only option.
  • New mechanics: Works of Wonder adds Influence and Wonder construction; Age of Artisans adds Craft Cards and a Guildhall Board. Both deepen the game but in different directions.

Expansion highlights

  • Architects: Works of Wonder: Works of Wonder introduces an extension to the main board to hold the new Contribution/Consequence Cards, and keep track of players' Influence. This adds a political layer where you compete for Princess and Profiteer tokens, making each round feel more dynamic.

    Architects: Works of Wonder

    Architects: Works of Wonder

  • Architects: Age of Artisans: Age of Artisans includes components for an extra player, new Craft Cards, a dual-layered Guildhall Board, two new Player Boards, and a variety of new Apprentices and Buildings. It expands the player count to five and gives you more strategic paths through crafts and guilds, which is ideal for larger groups.

    Architects: Age of Artisans

    Architects: Age of Artisans

Which expansion fits you?

Best for

  • Solo players or those who enjoy a political Influence mechanic
  • Players who want a self-contained solo opponent system

Not ideal for

  • Groups of five players who need the extra components
  • Players who prefer more building and craft variety over Influence