Quick Answer
Promo packs are a valuable way to add fresh content and variety to your favorite board games. While they aren't essential to core gameplay, they offer unique experiences and support the community, making them worth considering if you enjoy a game and want more.
Promo packs often spark debate among board game enthusiasts. Some see them as essential collectibles, while others dismiss them as unnecessary extras. The truth lies somewhere in between. Understanding what promos actually do—and don't do—can help you decide whether they're worth adding to your collection.
Stonemaier Games releases a variety of promo packs, from bird cards for Wingspan to realm cards for Rolling Realms. These small expansions can breathe new life into games you love, but they also come with myths that deserve a closer look.
Rolling Realms
Myth: Promo Packs Are Just Cash Grabs
A common misconception is that promo packs exist solely to make money. While they do generate revenue, many promos are created in collaboration with fans and designers, adding genuine value to the game. For example, the Wingspan Fan-Designed Bird Promo Packs were developed with fan creation coordinator Travis Willse and selected designers, offering 150 new birds that fit seamlessly into the game's existing style.
These promos aren't just random additions; they're thoughtfully designed to enhance gameplay and provide variety. Whether you're a completionist or simply want more content, promo packs can be a meaningful investment in your gaming experience.
Myth: Promo Packs Are Required for a Complete Game
Some players worry that without promos, their game is 'incomplete.' This isn't true. Core games are fully playable on their own. Promos are optional expansions that add extra layers of fun, not necessities. For instance, the Rolling Realms Promo packs, like the Tokaido or Terraforming Mars sets, each add six new cards but require the core game to function.
If you're new to a game, focus on mastering the base content first. Promos can be a delightful addition later, but they won't fix a game you don't enjoy in the first place.
Myth: All Promo Packs Are the Same
Not all promos are created equal. Some offer entirely new components, while others provide alternative art or minor tweaks. The Between Two Castles Essential Edition, for example, isn't a promo pack but a standalone game that combines the original and its expansion. Understanding what a promo includes helps set expectations.
When evaluating a promo, check what's inside and how it integrates with the base game. This ensures you're getting content that adds value rather than redundant fluff.
Promo Pack Verdicts
- Are promos worth it?: Yes, if you love the base game and want more content. They offer unique experiences and often support community creators. Consider promos as a treat, not a must-have.
- Do promos make the game 'complete'?: No. Core games are fully playable without promos. They're optional enhancements. Enjoy the base game first.
- Do promos have hidden value?: Some promos include charitable donations or fan-designed content, adding value beyond gameplay. Check what a promo supports before buying.
Promo Packs in Practice
- Wingspan Fan-Designed Bird Promo Packs: Set 1: This is a box of ALL 6 promo packs, each containing 25 completely new birds in continents already covered by Wingspan, for a total of 150 new cards. The art is consistent with the general style of all other birds in the game. If you enjoy Wingspan and want more variety without breaking the game's aesthetic, this all-in-one pack is a convenient way to expand your bird collection.
- Rolling Realms Promo: Terraforming Mars: Expand your copy of Rolling Realms with this set of 6 promo cards inspired by Terraforming Mars! This promo pack requires the Rolling Realms core game. As a special accompaniment for this realm, we have made a $500 donation to the National Center for Transgender Equality. Beyond adding gameplay variety, this promo supports a charitable cause, showing that promos can have a positive impact beyond the table.
Promo packs are a fantastic way to deepen your connection to a game you already enjoy. They offer new challenges, support creative communities, and sometimes even give back to good causes. So next time you see a promo pack, don't dismiss it—consider the fun it could add to your game nights.
