Best Munchkin Expansion: Reviews, Buying Guide and FAQs 2023

by Lindsey Carter

Munchkin is a card game designed and written by Steve Jackson and illustrated by John Koyalic. It is a dungeon adventurous role-playing game, where you backstab your enemy, grab their treasure, and move forward. Munchkin is a fictional character that is derived from the American's children novel "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz".

If you know little more about Munchkin expansions, you will go crazy for grabbing the best munchkin expansions.

Munchkin got the "Origin Award" in 2001 for "Top Traditional Card Game". After got mass-popularity, Munchkin has released several expansion packs and sequels. There are several munchkin guest artist editions as well. It became the most dominating game of Steve Jackson's Games. So, it is now available in many other languages.

Munchkin card game always reveals some mysterious pack for Munchkin lover. Here we discussed some top Munchkin expansions pack for you.

What is Munchkin Expansion?

Munchkin is a card game for up to six players designed by Steve Jackson and illustrated by John Kovalic. Players initially deal out a standard 52-card pack among them and place the remaining cards face down to form a draw pile. A number of Monster cards are then dealt out facing up according to the prescribed numbers per player, usually three. The players simultaneously select one of their characters, each with his or her own special abilities, and play by taking turns attempting to kill monsters and take their stuff. As they do so, they draw treasure cards from the deck or the discard pile and fight over them, cast spells on themselves or each other, and generally get into trouble and play tricks on each Other.

A typical turn has a player drawing one card from the deck and optionally playing one card to attack another player and/or to help himself or herself. When the deck runs out, play continues with each player drawing a card from the discard pile and taking turns in order around the table. The first player to run out of hit points loses. This process is repeated until one of the players defeats (or "kills") all the monsters and becomes the winner.

An Expansion-Heavy Game

Munchkin is an expansion-heavy game, with hundreds of different cards and thousands of combinations possible. The game started out as a simple parody of Dungeons & Dragons, but over the years has evolved into its own creature (though it still pokes fun at other popular tabletop RPGs). Munchkin's gameplay is based on players trying to level up their characters by fighting monsters and taking their treasure, all while keep the other players from becoming more powerful than themselves.

There are many different types of cards that can be included in Munchkin games.

Monsters

Monsters are just what they sound like, cards that represent creatures that must be defeated before the player is able to take the treasure card. Treasures are cards that players collect and can use to boost themselves, give bonuses in fights, or allow them to level up. Some treasures also act as curses which hinder the player who gets the card.

Treasure Cards

Some treasure cards also act as weapons. These cards can be used by a player during their turn after they drew an action for their active character. Weapons vary in type and point value, allowing for a player to pick which one is most appropriate for the monster card they are fighting.

Locations

Locations are a special type of card that must be placed on a player board after being drawn from the item deck. Locations give players permanent bonuses as long as it remains face-up on their side of the board.

Events

Players also come across events while playing Munchkin. Events are like curses, but they can be broken by paying a fee to the game master (aka the person who shuffles the item deck). If players cannot pay this price, they must suffer some kind of negative effect or penalty.

Top 7 Best Munchkin Expansion Reviews

You don't need a profound skill to find the top munchkin expansions pack for your next buying. Just have a look at our selected munchkin expansion reviews to find your special one.

Image Product Name Price
Steve Jackson Games Munchkin Deluxe
Steve Jackson Games Munchkin Deluxe Price Check
Munchkin 2 - Unnatural Axe
Munchkin 2 - Unnatural Axe Price Check
Munchkin 6 - Demented Dungeons Expansion Deck Pack
Munchkin 6 - Demented Dungeons Expansion Deck Pack Price Check
Munchkin 7 - Cheat With Both Hands
Munchkin 7 - Cheat With Both Hands Price Check
Munchkin 5 - De-Ranged
Munchkin 5 - De-Ranged Price Check

Munchkin Deluxe


Steve Jackson Games Munchkin Deluxe
Steve Jackson Games Munchkin Deluxe

Munchkin Deluxe is an independent version, so no expansion is needed to play this game. A huge gameboard makes it different from others, where you can place your cards. Although you can use it in other expansion as well.

Deluxe also includes 168 cards, 6 standees for indicating your level up. To remember who's what color and gender, a card will go with each standing. It also includes rules and dies.

Since Munchkin is a competitively adventurous card game, usually it takes 1 - 2 hours to finish the game. However, Time depends on your gaming skills and the number of players.

If you are a newbie to munchkin expansions and play with the maximum player then it takes a little longer for you.

Munchkin Deluxe version recommended 3-6 players at a time. The number of players can be more or less. But to get the maximum pleasure in your gaming time, you should run the game with more than 2 players.

Since Munchkin Deluxe is a strategically mind-bending game, that's why it is recommended the age level more than 10.

Deluxe is the complete version of munchkin. If you grab this version then you no longer need any other Munchkin, because it is Stand-alone and completely detailed version of Munchkin.

Highlighted Features

  • Massive Gameboard
  • Stand-alone version
  • 168 cards
  • Colored Standies

Munchkin Expansions 2: Unnatural Axe


Munchkin 2 - Unnatural Axe
Munchkin 2 - Unnatural Axe

Munchkin 2 - "Unnatural Axe" is an expansion version of the original Munchkin. To play the game you will need the Munchkin original version or Deluxe or any other else. You will experience a thrilling adventure as it is designed with a fantasy adventure theme.

In addition to the original Munchkin, you will get another 112 new cards with this pack to take your experience to a new level.

Munchkin 2 - "Unnatural Axe" unveils some new characters and tools in this expansion to defeat your enemies. You will find some new enemies namely Hydrant and Tentacle Demon. To save yourself from these foes you can use Spiked Codpiece armor.

The eye-catching feature of this pack is Unnatural Axe. You can also able to use some dreadful weapons like Slug Thrower and Druid Fluid.

Other additional features and munchkin expansions rules are almost identical to other versions. For instance, 3-6 players are preferable at a time. Plus, the time requirement is 1-2 hours as usual. If you are not a new player it may take longer than usual time. The age requirement is also similar (10+) to other Munchkin packs.

If you are a passionate or serial Munchkin player, you would love it. After Original the Munchkin, it brings some new features. That's why it also considers one of the best munchkin expansions.

Highlighted Features

  • 112 New Cards
  • Brings new Tools
  • New Adventure Theme
  • Supplement to Munchkin

Munchkin Expansions 3: Clerical Errors - Link

Munchkin 3 - Clerical Errors
Munchkin 3 - Clerical Errors

This game has gone through many iterations, but in Third Ed it has become more streamlined and easier to learn/teach to new players. It takes less time to play each game, and the rules/card text make more sense. I've played versions 1, 2, and 3 of this game. I love all three for different reasons.

1 is a great intro into the Munchkin universe, but it lacks some balance between classes and races.

2 has a little more going on with classes and items to care about, and in my opinion it's a little more balanced.

3 is just all around better in my opinion.

There are only two races to choose from (Human & Dwarf). Human has no special abilities, and Dwarf gets you +1 when fighting against Goblins. Classes have been reduced to 9, each giving you the ability to ignore the effects of one type of card. All classes have a name, minimal artwork on the card itself, and are color-coded for your convenience. This is all printed right there on the card so it's very easy to teach new players what each class does just by looking at it.

Classes - There are nine different classes available in Clerical Errors: Fairy Godmother, Game Designer, Kobold, Leprechaun, Ninja, Nurse, Priest, Professor, and Sorceress. Each class has a special ability that lets you ignore the effects of one type of card. For example if you are a Fairy Godmother you can ignore any Curse cards. Here's what each class does:

Nurse: ignore any Bad Stuff from monsters Kobold: ignores all Traps, including the Trap Door.

Game Designer: ignores ALL Traps and Curses on a one-for-one basis (not cumulative), also can play a card of your choice instead of drawing when you lose a combat (similar to the Rogue from 2 Ed).

Leprechaun : ignores all Effects when you fight a monster.

Ninja : ignores all Bad Stuff from monsters.

Nurse: lets you draw an extra face-up Treasure card when you Kick Open The Door, and also lets you keep that card.

Priest: makes you immune to all Curses, and if anyone else in the game is Cursed, you ignore it.

Professor : lets you look at the card on top of any deck at any time, and let's you play that card (keeping it face-up in front of you).

Sorceress: makes all other players lose a turn, but only if they are Good.

So there are 9 classes. Remember how there used to be dozens? That doesn't seem to be the case anymore. I don't think it's possible anymore to have a pure class-based game, but this is still pretty close.

Items are about the same. There are only 6 weapons, only 16 one-use items, and there are no longer any cards that let you equip an item in your hand or anywhere other than in front of you. When I first heard about these changes, I was really sad. However, once I got the cards in my hands, it's obvious that this was done for a reason. There are 104 different one-use items available now instead of over 100 unique gear cards (like Boots Of Butt-Kicking and Staff Of Napalm). There's a lot more treasure to be found and fighting is much faster.

Scoring has been shortened

he only way you can score points in this game now is through Cheating (when someone dies) and Going Up A Level (drawing the Go Up A Level card after reaching level 10). You no longer have to worry about stealing gems from other players.

Death has been simplified

No more stalling for time on your turn when you are re-spawning somewhere else on the board, or trying to get back into combat with another player who just killed you. I've had games where people have stalled so long that the game ended first because someone else ran out of cards.

Every class has a different way to deal with Death

Fairy Godmother: lets you ignore the effects of Death and go straight into combat (even if there's a monster in front of you, or traps). Game Designer: you can play any card from your hand as if it was the one on top of the deck, then draw a new card from the deck. Kobold: you can discard a monster from in front of you and go into combat again (just like Fairy Godmother). Leprechaun : lets you discard any one card and redraw it (also just like Fairy Godmother), and you get to keep that card. Ninja : lets you play any card from your hand as if it was the one on top of the deck, and redraw a new card from the deck. Nurse: gives you an extra life. Priest: allows you to "Go Up A Level" by turning in two Treasures instead of just one (see below for details). Professor : play any card from your hand as if it was the one on top of the deck, and redraw a new card from the deck. Sorcerer: you automatically go into combat with whoever killed you (just like Ninja).

Munchkin Expansions 4: Need for Steed - Link

Munchkin 4 Need for Steed expansion
Munchkin 4 Need for Steed expansion

This expansion introduces one new player character, Steed, that Steve Jackson Games originally wrote for an RPG using their GURPS game engine. The character has three special abilities (Fast, Strong and Tough) that give the player an advantage or disadvantage depending on which of those abilities they use.

The set comes with a rules card explaining how to "level" Steed up as players progress through the dungeon. For those familiar with Munchkin, this is essentially like leveling up a Class.

The new artwork on the cards is perfect and really reminds us of the style we have seen in previous versions of Munchkin.

The expansion comes with a new 20-card Dungeon: "Necropolis," and six Door and Treasure cards that match the Necropolis theme. A few examples are: Coffin Nail, Noxious Gas Trap and Brittle Serpent. The new Dungeon cards include all the ones we "need" to complete our Munchkin collection ;-)

The expansion comes with a custom six-sided die. It is cool looking, but not really necessary. We would have preferred something more useful than a pretty decoration for this edition of Munchkin.

If you are like us, this expansion will be an instant purchase when it becomes available. If you play with six players (and six hands), we recommend passing on the expansion. This is because of how many cards that need to be distributed among all the players in a game. For example, if there are six players in a game and each receives two Door and Treasure cards, there will be twenty total. This is not an ideal scenario because if one player gets a lot of good stuff early on in the game, it can have a negative effect on the other players. In our opinion, this could lead to problems with envy or even table talk about what cards another player has received which could possibly lead to a player being eliminated from the game.

Munchkin Expansions 5: De-Ranged


Munchkin 5 - De-Ranged
Munchkin 5 - De-Ranged


De-Ranged is another adventure theme-based munchkin expansion series, which includes some sort of exotic twisted humor. Enthusiastic Munchkin players will go crazy about this expansion. Because of, De- Ranged brings with some new features for Munchkin lover.

For instance, De-Range includes A new class! as well as Rangers can train their monsters and ride them. You will encounter some terrifying monsters, so you have to escape from Undead Clowns, Poultry Geist, and Telemarketer. In addition, you will encounter a unique monster that is imported from Europe (design by European writer).

You will discover some treasure as well. By putting down Racing Stripes on your Steed, you can explore the Philosopher's Scone and fill up your Canteen of Spleen by Carbonated Holy Water.

De-Ranged includes 112 new cards. As it is a munchkin expansions version so you need original Munchkin or Munchkin Deluxe to play.

The recommended players for this set are 3-6 players at a time. And the preferable age limit is 10+ since it demands a lot of mental effort during play.

Munchkin lovers are always waiting for new munchkin expansions, so, for your next buying, it should get your attention to unlock the new mystery.

Key Features

  • Bring A New Class!
  • 112 Cards
  • Introduce new Items
  • Imported Monsters

Munchkin Expansions 6: Demented Dungeons


Munchkin 6 - Demented Dungeons Expansion Deck Pack
Munchkin 6 - Demented Dungeons Expansion Deck Pack

Munchkin 6 - Demented Dungeons is another expansion version of the original Munchkin. It works well with Munchkin 2, 3, Deluxe, or other munchkin expansions. Demented Dungeons come up with a new exciting mystery for you since it is added some adventurous theme.

In Munchkin 6 you can get the Dungeon of Elvish Excess, where you can counter a lot of Elf. Moreover, if you want to face more horrible tentacles, just take the Portal of Dungeon of Manga Wrangling.

20 new double-size Dungeon card brings something mind-blowing. It added some new rules, which affects the all-party even the monsters as well.

You can experience another 16 Portals cards, by which, you can explore Dungeon to Dungeon for gaining huge treasuries.

Demented Dungeons prefer 3-6 players for a single game. However, if you want to make a challenging game you can take 6 players at a time. Along with this, you can add Munchkin- 2, 3, Deluxe version, or any other munchkin expansions to accelerate the contest.

As it is a mind-bending game it takes usually 1-2 hours. Play with the maximum number of players may take time longer than usual. Munchkin-6 also recommended the player who's age 10 or more.

If you like many variations on Munchkin classical or any other version, this is absolutely for you. You will encounter a lot of new entanglement as you move on.

Key Feature

  • Twisted Adventure
  • 20 double-size Dungeon cards
  • 16 Portals cards
  • Compatible with 1,2,3, Deluxe

Munchkin Expansions 7: Cheat With Both Hands


Munchkin 7 - Cheat With Both Hands
Munchkin 7 - Cheat With Both Hands

Munchkin 7- Cheat With Both Hands! is called an Ultra Munchkin version. It is not a stand-alone pack, it's a supplement version which is combined with two or more Munchkin expansions. Its fantasy adventure theme makes it a more twisted humor game.

Those who are like to play a combined Munchkin set, this is the finest Munchkin expansions for you. For instance, you can make a combo pack with Star Munchkin, Munchkin Zombies, Munchkin Legends, Cthulhu, Booty, Though, it is exciting, but it is a bit awkward and time-consuming too.

That's why the Ultra Munchkin expansions, I mean Munchkin 7 come up with a new solution so that you can Cheat With Both Hands!

Munchkin 7 has taken over the earlier version such as Munchkin Blender and More Good Cards, which were different designs on the card back part. However, this pack set a Munchkin standard design on the card back part.

This combo pack consists of 112 cards and rules in a box. 56 cards from the previous Munchkin Blender version are included with 112 cards. As a result, you no longer need to look for the two earlier munchkin game.

The recommended player for Cheat With Both Hand! version 2-6. As it is a combo pack, you can play with 6 players to get the crazier excitement.

Highlighted Features

  • Ultra-Munchkin version
  • 112 deck cards
  • Unveiled mystery
  • Work as Combo

Buying Guide for The Best Munchkin Game

Best Munchkin Expansions
Best Munchkin Expansions


Munchkin is one of the popular role-playing game around. The people who are already the member of Munchkin's family, the can easily make a buying decision for their next munchkin expansions.

However, for a new player, initially, it seems a little bit bothering. But if you have a proper buying guide then I would be an easy matter for choosing the desire munchkin packs.

Classic Version

For every Munchkin's beginner, Classic Munchkin would be the right choice. It is wise to start with an earlier version of any game to get absolute pleasure.

As it is the fundamental collection of Munchkin expansions, so it is preferable to stat with this version to get a complete understanding of the game. Every next version of munchkin expansion introduces a new mystery. Therefore, to get the full potential you should place it first in your Munchkin list.

Deluxe

For a new user, Munchkin Deluxe should get the first priority. Because of its extraordinary formulation. This is a combination of a very early version of munchkin.

Deluxe is the Stand-alone version, no other munchkin expansions are needed here. You will get a lot of other accessories only with this pack.

Therefore, in your Munchkin's cart, it should be on the top list.

Combo

Existing Munchkin players could consider this pack before buying any new munchkin expansions. Because it is designed for them who are actually looking for a combo pack.

Munchkin 7 is sometimes calling as a combo pack since it made by the combination of two earlier versions of munchkin.

It works fantastic with the other munchkin expansions as well.

Serial Buying

In the Munchkin game, serial buying is not necessary. Though Munchkin is a sequential game that's not mean that you have to buy the pack sequentially.

After collecting the original pack or Deluxe pack, you can buy any munchkin expansions as you want, because it works well with any other versions. Therefore, this is not mandatory to buy the munchkin game serial by serial.

Munchkin Game Rules & Strategies

In Munchkin, you are an adventure hero knocking down the dungeon door for looting treasures and defeat monsters. Be careful from your enemy to escape backstab, otherwise, you will lose. There are 2 decks of cards "Door card" (includes Monsters and curses) and Treasure Card (equipment and Items for bonuses).

On your turn, knock "Door Card" if you face a monster, you have to fight and another player helps the monster until you escape or other players agree that you are stronger. You will win a level if you defeat the monster.

If you do not face a monster, there will be 2 options, you can play "Look for Trouble" by defeating a monster or you can play "Loot the Room" by drawing a face-off card from the deck.

How Does the Munchkin Expansion Change the Game and What Are Some of the New Cards and Monsters That Are Introduced?

The Munchkin expansion changes your game by introducing new cards and monsters. The new cards introduce a lot of the same things that the original base set did: weapons, items, and armor to make you stronger in fights with baddies, curses to make you weaker when fighting baddies, ways to kick open doors to escape from fights with baddies, and store cards that can be used to give you a leg up when fighting against the bad guys.

One of the major strategies with this version of Munchkin is to attempt to win monster fights as quickly as possible, which makes items that let you skip over monsters very valuable. There are many new ways to fight monsters instead of engaging them head-on. One new way is to use the Cheat! card, which lets you keep all of your cards but also skip fighting this monster. Another thing you can do with the new Munchkin expansion is kill monsters by adding a counter to them when they go out of play (i.e., on top of a discard pile).

Two new monsters in the expansion are quite powerful. The first is called the Man eating a pie, who eats opponents' hands when they lose a fight with it. The second is the Schadenfreude card, which empowers opponents to add cards from their discards to their hands. Another less powerful but equally fun new monster is the Pantsgiving card, which eats your armor when you lose a fight with it.

FAQs for the Reviewed Munchkin Expansion

FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

1. Can any family/friends play the game who haven't played like this game before?

Yes! They can.

Munchkin is a bit twisted role-playing game than others. So, for a new player initially, it seems complex, but once you understand the munchkin game rules and get the overall game flow, it will be flexible for you after a while.

For the new players, it will take a little longer time than usual. However, once you get the flow it will be much easier and make you able to play tricks to defeats your enemies.

2. I have a normal box can I skip 2,3,4,5 boosters and use 6 only?

Yes! You can. It will work.

Munchkin is designed in such a way that it can work with any other munchkin pack, once you have the original Munchkin. Hence, you have a normal box and you can skip directly to 6. It will work well since munchkin expansions are compatible with each other.

3. This card says one thing, the rules say another thing, what do I do?

In a word, you have to follow the card commandment first.

Because rules are general things to follow for all. But the card is the most crucial thing that can drive your game to another way. The card can any time override the general's rules in any munchkin expansions.

4. In curse card, if it says, Lose Your Armor, and I have another Armor card sideways, which one I should lose to fulfill the curse?

You should follow according to its commandment.

For instance, If Curse card says, "Lose Your wearing Armor" then you must lose this armor that you were wearing. If it simply says Lose One Armor, then you should lose anyone that you had in your hand.

5. What is the best version of munchkin collection?

For the new player, you should go with the very first version of the munchkin series. If you do that you will enjoy the sequence of the game.

On the other hand, You can start with the Delux pack. It is a standalone version of munchkin. For new players, it would be an adventurous pack. The pack comes with huge boards and extra cards.

For all, if getting the very first version or the Delux one you could go with any expansions. Every version of the munchkin reveals some new mystery.

6. If it says, draw a face-up card, but the discard cards pile is empty, what should I do?

You should draw a face-up card instead.

Because in munchkin expansions, it should not be wise to draw a discard card unless you got the specific command. If you draw a face-up card, you have to show it to everyone. And If you draw a face-down card you haven't show it to everyone, you can play the card or follow the other's instructions.

Buy them at Walmart, Etsy, eBay (quality guaranteed)

Steve Jackson Games Munchkin Deluxe - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Munchkin 2 - Unnatural Axe - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Munchkin 3 - Clerical Errors - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Munchkin 4 Need for Steed expansion - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Munchkin 5 - DeRanged - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Munchkin 6 Demented Dungeons Expansion Deck Pack; 20 Double-Sized Cards, 16 - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Munchkin 7 - Cheat With Both Hands - Walmart, Etsy, Ebay

Munchkin Expansions 4: Need for Steed - Walmart, Etsy, eBay

Conclusion for Munchkin Expansion Buyers

These days, People are being busy, and we constantly forget about our traditional games. Some of the traditional games like munchkin expansions are still surviving in these modern days because of its multifarious benefit.

Munchkin is such a game which does not only provide pleasure but also helps our mind to think critically. It is a great practice for our minds to perform better and help us to make a quick decision.

In other words, if you want to spend a better pastime with your friends and family, it is a better option to choose the munchkin game. Along with the fun, which gives you numerous benefits for your mental health. Therefore, to get a better experience, I hope that you can pick up the best munchkin expansions pack for you.

Additional Resources

About Lindsey Carter

Lindsey and Mike C. grew up in the same neighborhood. They also went to the same Cholla Middle School together. The two famillies from time to time got together for BBQ parties...

Lindsey's family relocated to California after middle school. They occasiotnally emailed each other to update what's going on in their lives.

She received Software Engineering degree from U.C. San Francisco. While looking for work, she was guided by Mike for an engineering position at the company Mike is working for. Upon passing the job interview, Lindsey was so happy as now she could finally be back to where she'd like to grow old with.

Lindset occasionally guest posted for Mike, adding other flavors to the site while helping diverse his over-passion for baseball.

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