Quick answer
Choose Swords of the Coin if your group wants a light resource-management twist with merchant purchases. Choose Forsaken Isles if you prefer a darker challenge with the Doom mechanic and a shorter game mode.
Coin vs Doom: different twists on the same core
Both expansions build on the same acclaimed co-op puzzle gameplay, but they add pressure in different ways. Swords of the Coin centers on collecting coin and buying items from the merchant, giving you a tangible reward loop that can reduce some randomness. Forsaken Isles introduces a Doom mechanic that adds a countdown-style tension, pushing your party to act before the situation worsens.
That difference matters for the feel of each session. If your group enjoys planning purchases and incremental upgrades, the merchant system in Swords of the Coin will give you clear goals. If you prefer a race against an escalating threat, the Doom mechanic in Forsaken Isles will keep everyone on edge.
Play time and mode options
Forsaken Isles adds a short game mode, which is a big deal for groups that rarely have 90 minutes. The original game runs 60-90 minutes, and the short mode lets you squeeze in a session when time is tight. Swords of the Coin does not list a short mode, so plan for the standard length when you bring it to the table.
If you often play with different group sizes or have a regular game night with limited time, the short mode in Forsaken Isles is a practical advantage. For groups that enjoy a full-length session and don't mind the commitment, Swords of the Coin delivers the standard experience with the added merchant layer.
Replayability and mixing content
Both expansions are stand-alone, meaning you can play them without the original game. They are also fully compatible with other Set a Watch games, so you can mix creatures, locations, and characters across the line. That compatibility is a strong point if you already own the base game or plan to collect multiple expansions.
Forsaken Isles brings at least four new Adventurer classes, each with their own dice and abilities, which adds variety for players who like to experiment with different roles. Swords of the Coin focuses on the coin-buying twist, so the novelty comes from the merchant interactions rather than a large influx of new classes. Think about what your group values more: new character options or a new resource layer.
Trade-offs to weigh
- Coin economy vs Doom pressure: Swords of the Coin gives you a clear resource goal with merchant purchases; Forsaken Isles adds a countdown-style Doom mechanic that increases urgency. Decide whether your group prefers planning purchases or racing against a threat.
- Standard length vs short mode: Swords of the Coin plays the standard 60-90 minute session; Forsaken Isles includes a short game mode for quicker plays. If time is often tight, Forsaken Isles is the safer pick.
- New classes vs new mechanics: Forsaken Isles adds at least four new Adventurer classes; Swords of the Coin focuses on the coin and merchant system without listing new classes. Choose based on whether your group wants more character variety or a new gameplay mechanic.
Expansion facts at a glance
-
Set a Watch: Swords of the Coin: Swords of the Coin is a stand-alone expansion featuring the same critically-acclaimed gameplay with new twists centered around collecting coin and buying items from the merchant. This adds a strategic shopping layer that can make each decision feel more rewarding, especially for players who enjoy optimizing purchases.
Set a Watch: Swords of the Coin
-
Set a Watch: Forsaken Isles: Forsaken Isles introduces a new Doom mechanic and a new short game mode, plus at least 4 new Adventurer classes with unique dice and abilities. The Doom mechanic raises tension and the short mode fits tighter schedules, while the new classes offer more variety for repeated plays.
Set a Watch: Forsaken Isles
Which expansion fits your group?
Best for
- Groups that enjoy resource management and planning purchases
- Players who like a lighter twist on the core co-op gameplay
Not for
- Groups that want a shorter playtime option
- Players seeking a higher-tension, race-against-the-clock experience
