Quick Answer

If you want more strategic depth and tech trees, choose First Mates. If you prefer unpredictable threats and scoring opportunities, go with Sea Monster.

Different Flavors of Variability

Both expansions add two new captains and modular content, but they change the game in different ways. First Mates focuses on player-driven options like First Mate cards, Wild Flag market cards, and ship upgrade tech trees. Sea Monster introduces board-level threats and obstacles, including the Kraken, Sea Serpent, and sharks that block worker placement spots.

Your choice depends on what kind of chaos you enjoy. First Mates gives you more control and long-term planning. Sea Monster throws environmental hazards into every round, forcing you to adapt on the fly.

The Trade-Off: Strategy vs Chaos

  • First Mates: Pick this if you want more control over your strategy. The tech trees and market cards reward planning and long-term upgrades. If you already own Sea Monster, First Mates adds a different layer of depth without overlapping content.
  • Sea Monster: Pick this if you enjoy reacting to changing board states. The Kraken, Sea Serpent, and sharks create new obstacles and scoring chances every game. If you already own First Mates, Sea Monster introduces a more chaotic, event-driven experience.
  • Both?: They are designed to mix and match, so you can combine them for maximum variability. Just be ready for longer setup and more rules to track. Start with one to learn the new modules, then add the second once you're comfortable.

Expansion Facts

  • Seas of Havoc: First Mates Expansion: The First Mates expansion adds new First Mate cards, Wild Flag market cards, ship upgrade tech trees, and advanced Sea Monsters. This expansion deepens strategic choices and gives you more paths to customize your ships and crew.

    Seas of Havoc: First Mates Expansion

    Seas of Havoc: First Mates Expansion

  • Seas of Havoc: Sea Monster Expansion: The Sea Monster expansion adds the Kraken and Sea Serpent to the board, plus sharks that obstruct worker placement spots. This expansion increases unpredictability and forces you to adapt your plans to new threats and scoring opportunities.

    Seas of Havoc: Sea Monster Expansion

    Seas of Havoc: Sea Monster Expansion

Which Expansion Fits You?

Best For

  • Players who enjoy planning ahead and optimizing ship upgrades (First Mates)
  • Players who like unpredictable threats and adapting to the board (Sea Monster)

Not For

  • Players who want minimal added complexity and prefer the base game's simplicity