14 expansions, one ranked guide. Here's where to start.
Dominion practically invented the deck-building genre and has more expansions than almost any other game, 14 and counting. The good news: every expansion works with every other expansion, so you can build up slowly over time. The tricky part is knowing which ones to buy first. This guide ranks the best expansions by how well they play with the base game and how much fun they add. New to Dominion? Read the full rules first.
Expansion | 2-4 players
Seaside is the best Dominion expansion and the most recommended second purchase. It introduces Duration cards, cards that stay in play and do something on your next turn, which add a satisfying planning dimension to the game. The new cards are powerful without being oppressive, and the theme is light enough not to get in the way. Start here.
Expansion / Standalone | 2-6 players
Intrigue is unique in that it can function as a standalone game (it includes a full set of basic cards) or as an expansion. The cards focus on choices, many Intrigue cards make you choose between two effects, adding interesting decisions. It also supports up to 6 players when combined with another set.
Expansion | 2-4 players
Prosperity adds Treasure cards and Colony/Platinum, higher-tier money and a new victory card worth 10 points. It makes games feel grander and more economic. The Treasure-focused cards are a nice contrast to the action-heavy cards in other expansions. Great for players who enjoyed the base game's economic puzzle.
Expansion | 2-4 players
Empires is one of the more complex expansions, it introduces Events, Landmarks, Debt tokens, and Split piles. It's best for players who've exhausted several other expansions and want more mechanical variety. The Landmark cards change victory point scoring in interesting ways, making every game feel different.
Expansion | 2-4 players
Nocturne has a dark fairy-tale theme and introduces Night cards, a new card type that can only be played after the Buy phase. It also adds Boons and Hexes (random buffs and debuffs), Heirlooms, and Spirit cards. The most thematic Dominion expansion, though also one of the more complex ones.
Seaside is the most widely recommended first expansion. It introduces Duration cards which add a new strategic layer without overwhelming complexity.
As of 2026 there are 14 major Dominion expansions, plus several mini-expansions. You won't run out of content.
Yes, Dominion is designed for it. Most tables randomly select 10 Kingdom cards from their combined collection for each game.
No, Intrigue (2nd Edition) is a standalone game that includes basic cards. It can also be combined with other Dominion sets.
This is subjective, but Seaside and Prosperity are most commonly cited. Renaissance and Menagerie are also highly regarded by experienced players.