Quick answer

Check the product title and category first. If it says 'Expansion' and the description mentions adding modules or new phases to an existing game, you need the base game. If it's a standalone title with its own rulebook and components, you can play it on its own. For Rock Manor Games titles, always verify whether the box is an expansion or a full game before buying.

You're browsing board games and spot a great-looking title, but then you notice the word 'Expansion' on the box. Do you need to own something else first? This guide gives you clear decision rules to tell the difference between an expansion and a standalone game, so you can buy with confidence.

We'll use real examples from Rock Manor Games to show how to read product pages, what clues to look for, and when an expansion is worth adding to your shelf.

Read the product title and category

The fastest way to tell is to look at the product title and the store category. If the title includes 'Expansion' or the category is 'Expansion', it's almost certainly an add-on that requires a base game. For example, https://rockmanorgamesdz.com/products/seas-of-havoc-first-mates-expansion-01ab5e1d359b28a8ccc274c7-1730802Seas of Havoc: First Mates Expansion is listed under Expansion and its description says it 'adds two new captains and a variety of modules that you can add to Seas of Havoc' — that phrasing tells you it extends an existing game.

Standalone games, by contrast, are listed under Board Game or Card Game and have their own complete rules. They don't say 'adds to' another product. If you're ever unsure, check the description for phrases like 'requires the base game' or 'expansion for'.

  • Look for the word 'Expansion' in the title or category.
  • Read the first sentence of the description for 'adds' or 'requires'.

Check the description for base-game requirements

Product descriptions often state directly whether you need the base game. For example, Merchants of Magick: Draught of the Dragons is an expansion that 'collects several different smaller expansions into one box adding a ton of variety and intrigue' and 'adds a new phase to the game'. That language confirms it's not standalone — you need the base game Merchants of Magick: A Set a Watch Tale to use it.

If the description says 'you are the owner of a magic item shoppe' and describes a full game loop, that's a standalone. If it says 'adds new cards and modules' to an existing game, it's an expansion. When in doubt, search the product name plus 'requires base game' or check the publisher's official page.

  • Look for 'adds', 'expands', or 'requires' in the description.
  • Standalone games describe a complete play experience from setup to scoring.

Understand standalone expansions

Some expansions are standalone, meaning they can be played on their own without the base game. These are less common but exist. A standalone expansion usually contains everything you need to play, often with a different player count or mode. However, the product page will explicitly say 'standalone' or 'can be played on its own'. If it doesn't say that, assume you need the base game.

In the Rock Manor Games catalog, none of the current expansions are labeled as standalone. Seas of Havoc: First Mates Expansion and Merchants of Magick: Draught of the Dragons both require their respective base games. Always verify before buying.

  • Standalone expansions will say so clearly in the title or description.
  • If the word 'standalone' is missing, treat it as a traditional expansion.

Decide if you need the base game first

If you're new to a game, start with the base game. Expansions assume you already know the rules and often add complexity. For example, Lawyer Up is a standalone asymmetrical two-player courtroom drama card game. You can buy it and play immediately. But if you want to add more variety later, you'd look for an expansion — though Lawyer Up currently has no expansion in this catalog.

If you already own and enjoy the base game, an expansion can breathe new life into it. Seas of Havoc: First Mates Expansion adds new captains, First Mate cards, Wild Flag market cards, ship upgrade tech trees, and advanced Sea Monsters. That's a lot of new content for players who have exhausted the base game.

  • New players: buy the base game first.
  • Existing fans: buy the expansion when you want more variety.

Which expansion to buy first

If a game has multiple expansions, prioritize the one that adds content you'll actually use. For Merchants of Magick, Draught of the Dragons adds a new phase where players pick an action: brewing more potions, advertising to a central pool of customers, stealing them from opponents, or grabbing potion recipes. If you enjoy the base game's crafting and want more interaction, this is a strong first pick.

For Seas of Havoc, First Mates Expansion adds two new captains and modules like new First Mate cards and advanced Sea Monsters. If you want more asymmetry and variety in your battles, this expansion delivers. Check the player count and playtime — expansions sometimes increase both.

  • Match the expansion's new content to what you like about the base game.
  • Consider if the expansion increases setup time or complexity.

Decision rules: expansion or standalone?

  • Title contains 'Expansion': If the product title includes the word 'Expansion' or the category is 'Expansion', it is an add-on. You will need the corresponding base game to play it. Buy the base game first if you don't own it.
  • Description says 'adds' or 'requires': Read the first two sentences. If it says 'adds new cards' or 'requires the base game', it's an expansion. If it describes a complete game from setup to scoring, it's standalone. When in doubt, assume it's an expansion.
  • No 'standalone' label: Standalone expansions are rare and always labeled as such. If the product page doesn't explicitly say 'standalone' or 'can be played on its own', treat it as a traditional expansion. Check the publisher's official page if unsure.
  • You already own the base game: If you own and enjoy the base game, an expansion is a good buy when you want more variety, new modules, or additional players. Check what the expansion adds and whether it matches your play style. Prioritize expansions that add content you'll use.

Product facts

  • Seas of Havoc: First Mates Expansion: The First Mates expansion adds two new captains and a variety of modules that you can add to Seas of Havoc including new First Mate cards, Wild Flag market cards, ship upgrade tech trees, advanced Sea Monsters and more. This is a traditional expansion: you need the Seas of Havoc base game to use it. It adds significant variety for existing players.
  • Merchants of Magick: Draught of the Dragons: Draught of the Dragons collects several different smaller expansions into one box adding a ton of variety and intrigue. It adds a new phase to the game where players pick an action: Brewing more potions, advertising to a central pool of customers, stealing them from your opponents, or grabbing potion recipes that provide powerful new abilities. This expansion requires the base game Merchants of Magick: A Set a Watch Tale. It adds a new action-selection phase, so it's best for players who already know the base game.
  • Lawyer Up: Lawyer Up is an asymmetrical two-player courtroom drama card game where one player is the noble prosecution and the other the steadfast defense. This is a standalone game. You can buy it and play without any other products. No expansion is required.

Is this for you?

Best for

  • Players who already own a base game and want more variety.
  • Gamers who enjoy adding new modules and phases to a familiar game.
  • Groups looking to increase replayability without learning a whole new game.

Not for

  • New players who don't own the base game yet.
  • Those who prefer standalone experiences with no prior purchases.
  • Players who want a complete game in one box without expansions.

Use these rules to shop confidently: check the title, read the description, and verify whether you need a base game. When you're ready, explore Rock Manor Games expansions like Seas of Havoc: First Mates Expansion and Merchants of Magick: Draught of the Dragons — just make sure you have the base game first.