Which Pandemic expansion should you buy next?

Buy order

Start with On the Brink.

1. 1

   Number 1: On the Brink

   Buy this first

   Adds: New roles and events, room for a 5th player, and three optional challenges: a nastier disease, a fifth disease, and a secret Bio-Terrorist player.

   Fixes: Base game stops at 4 players, and role variety wears thin. This adds both.

   The one to buy first for most groups. Extra roles alone are worth it, and it lets 5 people play.

   Usually a better fit for a different kind of group — still fine if it sounds fun.

   Expansion2–5 playersAdds more rulesPrice: $40–$60

   I own this: On the BrinkDetailsBuy On the Brink:Amazon (opens in a new tab)Asmodee Store (opens in a new tab)
2. 2

   Number 2: In the Lab

   Depends on your group

   Adds: A lab board where you collect disease samples and run them through steps to find cures. Also new roles, events, a solo mode and a team mode.

   Fixes: Curing is just handing in five cards in the base game. Here it becomes its own puzzle.

   For groups who have played Pandemic a lot and want a harder, longer game. Needs On the Brink too.

   Get On the Brink first.

   Usually a better fit for a different kind of group — still fine if it sounds fun.

   Expansion1–6 playersAdds more rulesBest for experienced groups

   I own this: In the LabDetailsBuy In the Lab:Amazon (opens in a new tab)Z-Man Games (opens in a new tab)
3. 3

   Number 3: State of Emergency

   Most groups can skip

   Adds: Five roles and three challenges: animal-borne diseases on extra boards, nasty surprise event cards, and a superbug you can't treat, only vaccinate.

   Fixes: Gives more ways to tune difficulty, including quarantine markers to make it easier.

   Usually bought last. Only chase it if you love Pandemic and want the Superbug challenge. Z-Man lists it as unavailable.

   Usually a better fit for a different kind of group — still fine if it sounds fun.

   Expansion2–4 players

   I own this: State of EmergencyDetailsBuy State of Emergency:Amazon (opens in a new tab)Z-Man Games (opens in a new tab)

Rankings are our editorial picks, built from the reviews linked on each expansion page. Last checked 2026-09-27.