Intriguing puzzles, mysterious clues, and horrifying monsters from the beyond await you in the darkness of the Mansions of Madness. This tabletop adaption of H.P. Lovecraft’s world and works is full of compelling, thematic scenarios against which you and your team of one to five investigators will test your mettle. However, there’s so much more to the Mansions of Madness board game than the core box. In this guide, we’re reviewing all the expansions, DLC, and other add-ons you can purchase to help you experience the best of what this game has to offer.
Where to Begin: Mansions of Madness 2nd Edition
The core Mansions of Madness box includes eight investigators and four scenarios, along with dozens of variable map tiles and minatures. The creaking hallways and darkened rooms of the game’s initial setup bring a high level of claustrophobic horror and atmospheric tension that will surely have you addicted right from the start. It’s also worth noting here that the second edition includes some substantial upgrades compared with the original release. The most significant of these is the companion app, which removes the need for one player to serve as the keeper and thus allows for solo gameplay.
How many Mansions of Madness expansions are there?
There are five major expansions for Mansions of Madness 2nd Edition, along with a trio of DLC scenarios available through the game’s app. Three of the five boxes are larger expansions with three new scenarios. The other two additions only contain two additional scenarios apiece. There is also a pair of expansions for the first edition, though these have long been out of print and are notably not considered a part of the current game. In the list below you’ll find our suggested purchasing order for the game’s additional content. However, keep in mind that you can just as easily skip to the expansions with the stories and themes that speak to you the most.
1. Mansions of Madness DLC Expansions
The Mansions of Madness companion app offers three additional DLC-based scenarios that utilize the same physical components as the base game. In order they are: What Lies Within, Dark Reflections, and Altered Fate. If you’ve already completed the original scenarios and want to continue exploring what the game has to offer without spending too much, then these DLC are a must. However, they aren’t as thematically unique as the boxed content that’s further down this list.
2. Beyond the Threshold
The first expansion for Mansions of Madness, Beyond the Threshold, adds two fantastic scenarios to your collection and is a great place to start exploring new game tiles. The first scenario, Vengeful Impulses, is a classic murder mystery that will be a guaranteed hit on game night. The Gates of Silverwood Manor is also awesome, and takes full advantage of the new moving tiles and key token mechanics that the box introduces. Like the DLC expansions, the atmosphere is relatively consistent with the base game.
3. Streets of Arkham
The town of Arkham, Massachusetts roars to life in this big box expansion for Mansions of Madness. Warring gangs, strange break-ins, and mysterious happenings on the grounds of the Miskatonic University take center stage across three fun, completely distinct scenarios. Unlike in the other two larger expansions, the map tiles from this box can also show up in the core game’s scenarios and give them further replay value. The improvement tiles mechanic here is also great.
4. Horrific Journeys
The Horrific Journeys expansion for Mansions of Madness deviates significantly in theme and setting from the original game, but it’s all the better for it. The three scenarios in this box take place aboard a zeppelin, a train, and a steam liner. This might not be everyone’s cup of tea, especially considering that the claustrophobic horror of the original is not as present. However, most gamers will likely enjoy the change of pace and appreciate the developer’s creativity in designing these new spaces. The 10:50 to Arkham scenario is a personal favorite.
5. Path of the Serpent
Paths of the Serpent, the final expansion release for Mansions of Madness, takes players out of Arkham and into the jungles of South America. Deadly plants, cursed artifacts, and a thrilling showdown in the Lost Temple of Yig await you. Beware the difficulty of these encounters; they certainly aren’t for the faint of heart. The four investigators that this box adds are solid additions to the game as well, though perhaps not essential.
6. Sanctum of Twilight
Sanctum of Twilight adds two new scenarios along with a pair of decent strength investigators and the wraith monster. However, it’s the Behind Closed Doors scenario that keeps this box at the bottom of the list. Its mechanics are frequently frustrating, and though the app only gives it a three out of five difficulty rating, it feels significantly more challenging than that, especially when you’re playing solo. However, there’s still plenty to enjoy here, which means Sanctum of Twilight can still be worth picking up even if you aren’t just after a complete collection.
7. Mansions of Madness Dice Pack
The Mansions of Madness dice pack is an incredibly underrated addition to your game experience. If you’re typically playing with four to five players, you may have noticed that passing the dice for every skill check can get old fast. The dice pack essentially prevents the game from getting too long because of this process, and for that reason alone, it’s worth picking up if you’re going to play the game on a consistent basis.
Ready to explore more of this dark and gripping universe? We’ve also got a list of the best Lovecraft board games for your table.
