I bought the standard Talisman game for my young cousin and I'm looking to get one expansion. Can anyone make a recommendation for the best expansion to get (either a big box expansion or small box one is fine)? Thanks!

I'd go for highlands expansion first.

Dungeon expansion is tougher so would be ideal for a later expansion to add in.

Second the Highlands. All things considered in ups and downs, best expansion so far.

JCHendee said:

Ok, I'll check it out, but I read some not-so-great reviews of the Highlands on BBG. Anyway, thanks for your recommendation.

The Reaper is definitely the recommended expansion for you. It adds loads of Adventure Cards and Spell Cards, plus the Reaper himself.

Ell.

The Highlands is indeed disliked by some. I'm the only one who enjoys it a bit in my group (because it expands the Land), and that might seem odd to those around here who know me a little. After 3 games, it wasn't going over very well with my group. I still say its the best so far, especially over the Reaper, BUT.... Talismanamsilat, makes a very valid point.

If you are after a "supplement" for what you have, vs. an "expansion" for something additional, the Reaper might be a better choice. And its more economical.

I would have to agree that The Reaper expansion is probably the best to get as a first addition to your game.

The increase in the number of potential "Adventures" in the deck helps if your base game is getting a little predictable, plus the Reaper mechanic adds a nice little twist if you choose to use it.

Reaper first...introduces the reaper more cards...

Then the Highlands...a nice add on and quicker to enter than the dungeon in terms of getting through to the other end early on in the game...

And then the much harder Dungeon...another great add on which gives more advanced adventurers a thrill...

Ok, definitely the reaper first, thanks!

Anyone played the Frostmarch expansion? I can imagine it's pretty similar to the reaper.

The smaller expansions are predominantly...

• bunches of cards not yet re-released as selected from old expansions (and some are reworked)
• possibly some new cards in that mix as well
• new AltEnds
• once in a while new "scenario' masquerading as an AltEnd (see Warlock Quests)
• new characters
• and usually one new game mechanic like the Reaper (NPC, so called).

Small box expansions may also include some cards for big box expansions if you have them, but generally the load is toward having a lot of stuff you can play with no matter how many or how few other expansions you own. They're all a good buy aside from individual preference for their theme and content.

I was in the same situation, and I have decided for Reaper expansion at the end. Altough we are not using Reaper character now, still it is lots of new Adventure cards, spells and 4 new character. So if you do not want new board, buy Reaper.

Reaper here as well..