Quick answer
Start with a base game that matches your group's preferred complexity and theme, then add promos only when you want small twists without committing to a full expansion. For most players, Viscounts of the West Kingdom offers a solid mix of strategy and replayability, while Secret Societies provides a fresh standalone experience with bidding and engine-building.
Secret Societies
Garphill Games is known for its rich, historically inspired strategy games, from the West Kingdom series to standalone titles like Secret Societies. With a growing catalog of base games, expansions, and promos, it can be tricky to know where to start or what to add next.
This guide breaks down the differences between base games, expansions, and promos, and gives you clear decision rules so you can build a collection that fits your group's tastes and budget.
Base games: your starting point
A base game is the complete experience—everything you need to play out of the box. Garphill's base games each offer a distinct theme and mechanics, so your first choice should match the kind of strategy your group enjoys. For example, Viscounts of the West Kingdom focuses on building, writing manuscripts, and managing townsfolk, while Secret Societies revolves around bidding, deploying agents, and starting projects.
If you're new to the West Kingdom series, Viscounts is a strong entry because it balances worker placement with a unique moving-viscount mechanic. Secret Societies, on the other hand, is a standalone game that doesn't require any prior knowledge, making it a great pick for groups that want a fresh challenge without diving into a series.
- Check the player count and playtime on the box to ensure it fits your typical game night.
- If your group prefers a specific historical era, choose a base game that matches that interest.
Expansions vs. promos: what's the difference?
Expansions add substantial content—new mechanics, modules, or components—that extend replayability and depth. Promos, by contrast, are small additions like alternate cards or mini-expansions that tweak the base game without changing its core. They often come from Kickstarter campaigns or events and are usually inexpensive, making them a low-risk way to refresh a game you already love.
For example, the West Kingdom Mini Card Set includes promotional cards for both Architects and Paladins of the West Kingdom, adding variety without altering the base rules. Similarly, Scholars: Starting Translators offers 11 alternative starting translator cards for Scholars of the South Tigris, giving you more setup variety. Promos are perfect for players who want a little extra without the commitment of a full expansion.
- If you're unsure, start with a promo that adds variety to a game you already play often.
- Expansions are better when you want a deeper, more complex experience that changes the game's strategic landscape.
How to build a Garphill collection that fits your group
The key is to match your purchases to your group's play style and frequency. If you play weekly with the same group, a base game plus a promo or two can keep things fresh without overwhelming your shelf. If you play less often, a single base game might be enough, and you can add promos later as a treat.
Consider the complexity level your group enjoys. Viscounts of the West Kingdom is medium-weight, while Secret Societies offers a different kind of strategy with bidding and investments. Promos like Ezra and Nehemiah: Altar Cards add small twists that veteran players will appreciate, but they're not essential for newcomers.
- Set a budget: promos are usually under $5, so they're an easy way to test a game's expansion potential.
- Think about storage: promos are small and fit easily in the base game box, while expansions may require more space.
Decision rules for your Garphill purchase
- New to Garphill?: Pick a base game that matches your group's preferred complexity. Viscounts of the West Kingdom is a balanced medium-weight choice; Secret Societies offers a different style with bidding. Start with one base game, not multiple.
- Love a game but want more?: Add a promo first to test if you enjoy the added variety. Promos like West Kingdom Mini Card Set are cheap and easy to integrate. Promos are a low-risk way to refresh a favorite.
- Ready for a bigger change?: If you want to significantly alter gameplay, consider an expansion. If you're unsure, check the expansion's description to see if it adds modules or just a few cards. Expansions are for when you want a deeper, more complex experience.
- Budget-conscious?: Promos are usually under $5, making them an affordable way to expand your collection. Base games are a bigger investment, so choose carefully. Set a budget and prioritize a base game that will get repeated plays.
Key products to consider
- Viscounts of the West Kingdom: The aim of Viscounts of the West Kingdom is to be the player with the most victory points (VP) at game's end. Points are gained by constructing buildings, writing manuscripts, working in the castle and acquiring deeds for new land. This is a full base game that offers multiple paths to victory, so it suits players who enjoy strategic variety and replayability.
- Secret Societies: The aim of Secret Societies is to gain the most Power by outbidding and outsmarting your opponents to establish your institute as the one most deserving of total governance. A standalone base game with a bidding and engine-building focus, ideal for groups that like direct competition and tactical decisions.
- West Kingdom Mini Card Set: This product is a promotional card set including cards from both Architects of the West Kingdom and Paladins of the West Kingdom, such as the Cathedral Reward, Black Market Card, Tavern Card, King's Order, and more. A low-cost promo that adds variety to two popular West Kingdom games, perfect for fans who want small twists without buying a full expansion.
- Scholars: Starting Translators: This product is a promotional card set which can optionally be used with the game Scholars of the South Tigris. It includes 11 Alternative Starting Translator Cards (54 x 86mm). Provides more setup variety for an existing game, making it a great pick for players who want to change their starting options without altering core rules.
Which option fits you best?
Best for
- Groups that want a complete, standalone experience with multiple strategies—start with Viscounts of the West Kingdom.
- Players who enjoy direct competition and bidding mechanics—Secret Societies is a strong fit.
- Fans of a specific Garphill game who want small, inexpensive additions—promos like West Kingdom Mini Card Set are ideal.
Not for
- Those who prefer minimal complexity and quick playtimes—some Garphill base games are medium-heavy.
- Players who want a full expansion's worth of new mechanics—promos are not a substitute.
Building a Garphill collection is about matching your purchases to how you play. Start with a base game that excites your group, then use promos to add variety without overcommitting. With clear decision rules and fit guidance, you can create a collection that brings years of tabletop enjoyment.
