Skulls of Sedlec vs Monstrance: Which Should You Choose?

Quick answer

If you already own the base game and want more variety, the Monstrance expansion is a worthwhile addition. If you're new to Skulls of Sedlec, start with the base game to see if you enjoy the puzzle-like gameplay before expanding.

Skulls of Sedlec is a popular wallet game from Button Shy that challenges players to arrange skulls in a cathedral ossuary. The base game offers a tight, strategic experience, but the Monstrance expansion adds new layers of decision-making. This comparison breaks down the differences to help you decide which to pick up.

We'll look at what each product includes, how the expansion changes gameplay, and who will benefit most from adding it to their collection.

What's in the base game?

The Skulls of Sedlec base game is a compact, 18-card game that fits in a wallet. It's designed for 1 to 4 players and plays in about 15 minutes. The core mechanics involve drafting skull cards and placing them in a 3x3 grid to score points based on their positions and the rules of the cathedral.

The base game is praised for its elegant rules and deep strategy despite its small size. It's a great introduction to Button Shy's wallet game line, offering high replayability with a variable setup and scoring conditions.

What does the Monstrance expansion add?

The Monstrance expansion introduces a new central card that players build around, adding a new scoring dimension and spatial puzzle. It also includes additional cards that modify the base game's rules, such as new scoring opportunities and player interaction.

This expansion is designed to enhance the base game without overcomplicating it. The new mechanics are easy to integrate, making it a seamless addition for players who want more depth without a significant rules overhead.

Key differences at a glance

The base game is a standalone experience, while Monstrance is purely an expansion that requires the base game to play. The expansion changes the spatial dynamics by adding a new card type that affects scoring, encouraging players to adapt their strategies.

Monstrance also increases the game's complexity slightly, making it a better fit for players who have mastered the base game and are looking for a fresh challenge. The base game remains the more approachable option for newcomers.

Trade-offs to consider

• Cost: The base game is priced at $12, while the Monstrance expansion is typically $6. If you're on a budget, the base game is a lower-risk entry point. Start with the base game if unsure.
• Complexity: The base game is simple to learn, while Monstrance adds new rules and strategies. If you prefer lighter games, stick with the base. Choose Monstrance if you want more depth.
• Replayability: The base game already offers high replayability, but Monstrance increases it further with new cards and scoring options. Expansion is worth it for frequent players.

Product facts

• Battlecrest: Deadrock Base Game: Battlecrest: Deadrock Base Game is a hand-assembled tabletop game from Button Shy, designed for players ages 14 and up. This base game offers a compact and strategic experience, perfect for those who enjoy head-to-head challenges. While this isn't directly related to Skulls of Sedlec, it shows Button Shy's commitment to quality and compact design, which is consistent across their wallet game line.
• Sprawlopolis: Expansion Collection: In Sprawlopolis, 1-4 players work together to build a new city from the ground up. Using only 18 cards and a variable scoring system, the game is never the same twice. This example illustrates how Button Shy expansions typically add replayability through variable scoring, similar to what Monstrance does for Skulls of Sedlec.

Which should you get?

Best for

• New players who want to try Skulls of Sedlec without investing in extra content.
• Players who enjoy lighter, quicker games and don't mind a smaller variety of strategies.

Not for

• Players who already own the base game and are looking for more variety—consider the Monstrance expansion instead.
• Those who prefer more complex, strategic challenges—the expansion offers more depth.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your experience level and appetite for complexity. The base game is a solid, standalone purchase that offers plenty of fun. If you find yourself wanting more after several plays, the Monstrance expansion is a natural next step that enriches the game without overwhelming you.