Which Expansion

Orléans expansions

Base game: 2–5 players90 mindlp games4 expansions checked
  1. #1 overall

    Orléans: Trade & Intrigue

    Buy this first

    BGG rates it 8.38 from 3,908 ratings. BGG threads name it the first expansion to get; one calls it "a collection of fixes". Others say the base game needs no expansion.

    Needs: Just the base game

    Adds: New place tiles plus four modules: Order cards, 34 new event tiles, a replacement Beneficial Deeds board and an Intrigue Deeds board for attacking opponents.

    Fixes: BGG forum players say the new deeds board and Order cards make sending followers away and map travel more interesting, especially at 2 players.

    Expansion2–5 playersAbout the same rules loadFine for any group
    DetailsReference:View on BoardGameGeekBuy:Amazon
  2. #2 overall

    Orléans: Invasion

    Depends on your group

    BGG rates it 8.24 from 3,803 ratings. Forum players love the co-op and solo scenarios, while competitive players call them "okayish". Get it for co-op, solo or scenario play.

    Needs: Just the base game

    Adds: Six scenarios, including co-op, 2-player and solo ones, plus a new set of place tiles usable with or without the scenarios.

    Scenario pack1–5 playersAdds more rulesFine for any group
    DetailsReference:View on BoardGameGeekBuy:dlp games
  3. #3 overall

    Orléans: The Plague

    Depends on your group

    BGG rates it 8.06 from only 346 ratings, so evidence is thin. It is a harder variant with its own events and deeds. Forum posts about it are mostly rules questions.

    Needs: Just the base game

    Adds: Rat cards that make conditions harder, corpse tokens cleared with Indulgence cards, new events, and a plague doctor figure for each player.

    Expansion2–5 playersAbout the same rules loadBest for experienced groupsPrice: Under $20
    DetailsReference:View on BoardGameGeekBuy:Capstone Gamesdlp games
  4. #4 overall

    Orléans: 5th Player Box

    Most groups can skip

    BGG rates it 8.01 from 417 ratings. Players say 5 works well, but the 8th edition (2023) base box already includes 5-player material. Only needed for an older 4-player copy.

    Needs: Just the base game

    Adds: Black player components, extra character and technology tiles and coins for 5 players, plus a setup reminder card.

    More players1–5 playersAbout the same rules loadFine for any group
    DetailsReference:View on BoardGameGeek

Need the base game?

Reference:View on BoardGameGeekBuy:dlp gamesCapstone Games

Check before you buy

  • Printings before the 8th (2023) hold only 4 players, so the 5-Player Expansion matters only if you own an older printing.

Stuck between two?

Orléans expansions: quick answers

Which Orléans expansion should I buy first?

Orléans: Trade & Intrigue. BGG rates it 8.38 from 3,908 ratings. In BGG threads players name it the first expansion to get, and one calls it "a collection of fixes, think Orleans 2.0". Others say the base game needs no expansion at all.

Is Orléans: Trade & Intrigue worth it?

Our verdict: buy this first. It adds: New place tiles plus four modules: Order cards (a set of goods plus a city, for points), 34 new event tiles (18 used per game), a replacement Beneficial Deeds board with new rewards, and an Intrigue Deeds board that lets you attack and steal from opponents.

Can I play Orléans with more players?

Orléans: 5th Player Box extends it to 5 players. Our verdict: most groups can skip.

Orléans: Trade & Intrigue or Orléans: Invasion: which first?

We’d buy Orléans: Trade & Intrigue first. See the side-by-side comparison for what each adds and needs.

Other games’ expansion guides

Rankings are our editorial picks, built from the reviews linked on each expansion page. Last checked 2026-10-15.