Dominion Expansions

10 min readJun 18, 2024

If you’re a fan of the game Dominion, then have we got some exciting news for you! In this roundup, we delve into the world of Dominion Expansions, highlighting the best additions and enhancements to the base game. Get ready for an immersive journey as we explore the realms of treasured card decks, promising hours of strategic gameplay and fun. So sit back, relax, and join us on a journey through the ever-expanding universe of Dominion. Let’s embark on this exquisite adventure together!

The Top 7 Best Dominion Expansions

Rising Sun Board Game: Dominion Expansion (Early Bird PREORDER) — Embark on a salty sailing adventure with Rising Sun Expansion, a 2–4 player Dominion game featuring 300 new cards, Shadow and Prophecy mechanics, and an early bird PREORDER option available now!
Dominion Allies Expansion: Enhance Your Game Experience — Conquer the Dark Ages with Dominion: Allies Expansion, a thrilling strategy game that combines entertaining gameplay with stunning visuals, making it perfect for strategy enthusiasts and fans of historical adventures.
Dominion: Dark Ages Expansion — Enhance Your Dominion Experience — The Dominion: Dark Ages Expansion” elevates your Dominion gaming experience with 500 new cards, adding depth and complexity to your battles against plagues and barbarians, while maintaining fun, craftsmanship, and ease of storage.
Dominion 2nd Edition Big Box: Deck Building Game with Expansions for 5–6 Players — Immerse yourself in the world of Dominion, the classic deck-building game with the 2nd Edition Big Box, offering thrilling entertainment value, top-notch craftsmanship, and seamless storage for all ages.
Dominion Alchemy Expansion: Enhance Your Dominion Deck — Transform your Dominion experience into a mystical adventure of alchemy with the new Dominion: Alchemy expansion, perfect for 2–4 players in less than 30 minutes, featuring new Kingdom cards and crafted in impeccable quality.
Popular Dominion War Expansion for Star Trek: Ascendancy Game — Dive into the gripping Dominion War Expansion for Star Trek Ascendancy, where players explore new galaxies, form rival alliances, and discover challenging obstacles to conquer in this immersive gaming experience.
Dominion 2nd Edition Prosperity Expansion — This 4th expansion to Dominion enhances your gaming experience with 25 wealth-themed cards, two new Basic cards, and offers depth and complexity.

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Reviews

Rising Sun Board Game: Dominion Expansion (Early Bird PREORDER)

Rising Sun is a captivating expansion to the classic deck-building game, Dominion. With its unique blend of strategy and storytelling, the game takes you on a voyage where you’re the pirate king, traversing through treacherous waters brimming with all kinds of treasures. The 16th addition to the Dominion lineup, Rising Sun offers 300 cards, each bringing new dynamics to the table.

My experience with Rising Sun felt like an uncharted journey. The new Kingdom card piles, as well as the return of Debt and Events, introduced exciting twists that kept me glued to my chair. The Shadow cards added a layer of suspense, and the Prophecies sparked intrigue. However, the 25-player limit might be a minor drawback for some gamers who prefer larger groups.

Overall, Rising Sun is a fantastic addition to the Dominion family. It’s an adventure on the high seas, filled with unexpected turns and breathtaking twists that will leave gamers clamoring for more.

Dominion Allies Expansion: Enhance Your Game Experience

Meet Dominion Allies Expansion, a strategy game that takes you on a journey through the Dark Ages. In this thrilling adventure, you’ll face challenges such as looting, plague, and illiteracy, but with the help of your allies, you’ll be able to conquer them all. The lush, detailed artwork and engaging gameplay will keep you entertained for hours on end.

Although this expansion adds more complexity compared to earlier versions, it provides the perfect balance for players who are ready for a new challenge without feeling overwhelmed. With split pile kingdom cards, distance cards, and the ability to add ally cards and favors whenever you’re ready, Dominion Allies is the next step in your quest for Dominion Supreme.

Dominion: Dark Ages Expansion — Enhance Your Dominion Experience

Introducing Dominion: Dark Ages Expansion, a thrilling addition to the Dominion game that brings depth and excitement to your playing experience. With its 500 cards, you’ll find yourself immersed in the chaos of the Dark Ages as you battle against plagues, barbarians, and more. This expansion offers a unique take on the game’s themes of trash and upgrading, with cards that are not only challenging but also rewarding when used correctly.

Dominion: Dark Ages Expansion adds intrigue and complexity to the game, making it a must-have for Dominion enthusiasts. Its 35 new Kingdom cards, Ruins, Shelters, and cards that only become available through specific others bring a fresh twist to the classic Dominion gameplay. Despite its 500-card count, the expansion is not a standalone game and requires the original Dominion base set to be played.

This expansion is designed with a balanced mix of fun, craftsmanship, and ease of storage in mind. It encourages strategic thinking and creative deck-building to help players better navigate the treacherous times of the Dark Ages. With its 23 glowing reviews and an impressive rating of 4.7, Dominion: Dark Ages Expansion is a must-try for Dominion fans and an excellent addition to any Dominion collection.

Dominion 2nd Edition Big Box: Deck Building Game with Expansions for 5–6 Players

The Dominion Big Box brings hours of fun and entertainment for both families and friends. It includes an additional base deck, the Dominion Intrigue expansion, and enough cards for 5–6 players to engage in the exciting gameplay.

This classic deck-building game is suitable for children aged 13 and above, making it the perfect gift for any occasion. With its easy-to-learn rules and craftsmanship, Dominion is a must-have for anyone seeking a thrilling, strategy-based card game.

Dominion Alchemy Expansion: Enhance Your Dominion Deck

I recently got my hands on Dominion: Alchemy, the latest expansion for this beloved deck-building game. The setting, your very own basement laboratory, is quite enchanting — where lead turns to gold and hair is the new currency. While it’s a smaller extension compared to others, it still manages to add some intriguing twists.

One of the highlights for me was the introduction of potions as a new currency. These are used to buy most of the cards in this set, and though it can feel a bit awkward at first, it adds an interesting layer of strategy to the game. I also appreciate that this expansion caters specifically to fans who are already familiar with the base sets.

However, there have been some complaints about missing cards and poor packaging. Thankfully, my copy arrived complete and without any damage. If you’re a fan of Dominion, Alchemy is definitely worth adding to your collection. But be prepared for a shorter playtime compared to other expansions.

Popular Dominion War Expansion for Star Trek: Ascendancy Game

The Dominion War Expansion for Star Trek Ascendancy takes the game to a whole new level with the addition of the Dominion as a playable civilization. Players can explore the Bajoran Wormhole, leading to the Gamma Quadrant, and discover new Exploration Cards, Space Lanes, and Resource Nodes. The expansion introduces a Dominion war variant, dividing civilizations into two rival alliances, making for an exciting gaming experience.

All the components needed to add the Dominion and another player to your game of Star Trek Ascendancy are included in this package, ensuring endless hours of entertainment. The Dominion War Expansion provides a fresh perspective on the game while maintaining the classic Star Trek feel, making it a worthy addition to any board game collection.

Dominion 2nd Edition Prosperity Expansion

The Dominion Prosperity 2nd Edition expansion is a welcome addition to my Dominion collection, replacing the original edition from 2010. The gameplay is enhanced with depth and complexity, making it a must-have for Dominion players aged 14 and up. Made of high quality materials, the cards feel sturdy and durable, a perfect companion for my gaming sessions.

One of the standout features of this expansion is the addition of new Kingdom cards, which bring in treasures with abilities, cards that interact with treasures, and powerful expensive cards. These elements significantly deepen the gameplay, making it an engaging and strategic experience. However, it can be argued that the introduction of wealth as a central theme could make it initially intimidating for some players.

Overall, the Dominion Prosperity 2nd Edition is a well-crafted and thoughtfully designed expansion that enhances the game without overcomplicating it. The high-quality materials and the immersive wealth theme create an engaging and enjoyable gaming experience for players aged 14 and up.

Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to Dominion Expansions, there are several important features, considerations, and general advice you should keep in mind. Whether you’re a seasoned Dominion player or a newcomer, understanding these aspects will help you make the most of your gaming experience.

What Are Dominion Expansions?

Dominion Expansions are additional sets of cards that can be added to the base game of Dominion. These expansions introduce new cards, tactics, and mechanics, making the game more diverse and challenging. Some expansions also include new cards that can be used to enhance the base game, providing even more variety and replayability.

Types of Dominion Expansions

There are several types of Dominion Expansions, each offering a unique experience. Some of the most popular types include: Alchemy, Seaside, Cornucopia, Dark Ages, Guilds, Prosperity, and Intrigue. Each expansion adds its own set of cards, strategies, and mechanics, so it’s essential to understand the differences before choosing which expansion to add to your game.

Considerations When Choosing a Dominion Expansion

When selecting a Dominion Expansion, consider the following factors: the complexity level, the number of players, the type of cards included, and your personal preferences. Some expansions are more challenging than others, so ensure that the expansion you choose aligns with your skill level and the skill levels of the other players. Also, consider the number of players you’ll be playing with, as some expansions are better suited for a specific number of players.

General Advice for Dominion Expansions

To get the most out of your Dominion Expansion, follow these general tips: read the instructions carefully, familiarize yourself with the new cards and mechanics, experiment with different strategies, and most importantly, have fun. Remember that the goal of the game is to enjoy yourself, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t win every time. Whether you’re playing with friends or family, Dominion Expansions provide hours of entertainment and excitement.

FAQ

What is Dominion?

Dominion is a deck-building card game designed by Donald X. Vaccarino. It challenges players to strategically collect and play cards to develop their own kingdoms, with the ultimate goal of having the most victory points. The base game covers two kingdoms of 25 cards each, with a total of 50 cards. Dominion has been praised for its balance, strategic depth, and replay value.

The game features various themes, such as the Seaside expansion, and additional kingdoms like Hinterlands or Cornucopia to add to the original Dominion set. The deck-building experience can range from simple to complex, attracting players of all skill levels to explore the game’s multitude of combinations and interactions.

What are Dominion expansions?

Expansions for Dominion are additional sets of cards, containing 25 cards each, that introduce new cards, actions, kingdoms, and rules to the original game. They enhance and expand the gameplay by offering fresh game mechanics, alternative ways to gain victory points, and additional strategic options. Expansions allow players to experience the game in new ways and keep the experience engaging and interesting.

Some popular Dominion expansions include Seaside, Alchemist, Cornucopia, Hinterlands, and Dark Ages. Each expansion brings its own unique flavor and mechanics to Dominion, introducing new challenges and tactics for players to explore and master. Dominion expansions are designed to be mixed and matched with the base set, so players can choose which expansions they’d like to incorporate in their games.

What are the rules for Dominion?

The rules for Dominion are relatively simple and intuitive. Players start with a basic deck consisting of 10 cards — one action from each of the five types: Actions, Treasures, Victory, Kingdom, and Trash. Actions allow players to draw cards, gain resources, or interact with the game board, while Treasures serve as a form of currency that can be traded in for victory points. Victory cards are worth points for their owner, and Kingdom cards create a shared pool of victory points.

Players draw five cards from their deck, and then discard one card from their hand. Players take turns playing cards from their hands to the game table, which creates a shared pool of cards called the “play area. “ The card in the play area has its effect resolved, and then it is returned to the player’s hand. This process continues until a player’s deck runs out of cards, at which point they will shuffle their discard pile back into their deck and continue playing.

Can Dominion expansions be played together?

Yes, Dominion expansions can be combined and played together with the base set. The game is designed to be flexible, allowing players to choose which expansions they’d like to introduce to the game. Some people prefer to mix and match different combinations of expansions to create unique gameplay experiences, while others will only play with a single expansion at a time.

Ultimately, the decision of which Dominion expansions to use is up to the players and depends on their preferences, the number of players at the table, and the desired level of complexity. Since Domion is a modular game, players can enjoy the core experience and then gradually incorporate additional expansions as they become more familiar with the game and its mechanics.

What are some tips for beginners playing Dominion?

Although Dominion’s basic rules are quite straightforward, it can be challenging for beginners to grasp the various interactions and strategies involved in the game. Here are some tips for new players to help them get started and make the most of their Dominion experience:

Learn the types of cards: Familiarize yourself with the five types of cards in Dominion — Actions, Treasures, Victory, Kingdom, and Trash — and their respective functions. This understanding will help you make better decisions when deciding which cards to play and which cards to discard or keep in your deck.

How many expansions can be played together in Dominion?

There is no strict limit on the number of Dominion expansions that can be played together. However, it is recommended to start with one or two expansions and gradually incorporate additional expansions as you become more familiar with the game and its mechanics. As the number of expansions increases, so will the complexity of the game, so players should be prepared for a more challenging experience.

It is also important to consider how well the expansions complement each other. Some expansions may contain cards that interact poorly with others, which could result in an unbalanced or frustrating gameplay experience. Players should be mindful of the interactions between the expansions and choose combinations that create a smooth and enjoyable game for all involved.