Asking For Trobils vs Expansions: How to Choose What to Buy

Quick Answer

If you're new to Asking For Trobils, start with the base game. When you want more variety, pick a ship package that matches your play style: Scoundrels for aggressive tactics or Bounty Hunters for pursuit. For a deeper challenge, Trobil Makers adds a strategic layer for experienced players.

Asking For Trobils is a worker placement game with a playful space theme. Once you've played the base game a few times, you might wonder whether expansions are worth it. This guide breaks down what each expansion adds and who it suits best, so you can buy with confidence.

We'll cover the two ship packages and the Trobil Makers expansion, focusing on how they change gameplay and what kind of player will enjoy them most.

Understanding the Base Game and Expansions

Asking For Trobils is a worker placement game where players send their ships to collect Trobils (cute creatures) from Paradise. The base game establishes the core mechanics: placing workers, gathering resources, and fulfilling orders. Expansions typically add new ships, cards, or rules that introduce fresh strategies without overhauling the game.

When choosing an expansion, consider your group's experience level and what you want from the game. Some expansions add more players or complexity, while others simply provide variety. Knowing the difference helps you avoid buying something that doesn't fit your needs.

Ship Packages: Scoundrels vs. Bounty Hunters

The ship packages add new ship types to your fleet. Each package includes one ship card and four plastic ships for two ship types. The Scoundrels Ship Package #1 includes The Alyssa and The Centurion Hawk, while the Bounty Hunter Ship Package #3 includes The Knife's Edge and The Seeker.

Thematically, Scoundrels might appeal to players who enjoy a bit of mischief or aggressive play, while Bounty Hunters suggest a more pursuit-oriented style. However, the actual gameplay differences depend on the ship cards' abilities, which you'll want to read carefully before buying. If you enjoy customizing your fleet and trying new abilities, these packages are a low-cost way to expand.

• Check the ship card abilities to see if they match your preferred strategy.
• If you play with the same group often, new ships can keep the game fresh.

Trobil Makers: A Deeper Strategic Layer

Trobil Makers is an expansion for Asking For Trobils that adds a new dimension to the game. It's designed for 2-7 players and takes 60-90 minutes, so it's for longer, more involved sessions. The expansion introduces the Sagan Colony, a group of geniuses who want to eliminate all Trobils in Paradise, which changes the game's objectives and adds new strategic choices.

This expansion is best for players who have mastered the base game and want a fresh challenge. It's not for casual or new players, as it increases complexity and playtime. Also, note that Trobil Makers was a Limited Edition Kickstarter component, and Breaking Games has no plans to make more, so availability may be limited.

• Consider your group's attention span: 60-90 minutes is longer than a typical session.
• If you enjoy deeper strategy and don't mind a longer game, this is a great pick.

Decision Rules for Buying Asking For Trobils Expansions

• Rule 1: Start with the base game: If you haven't played Asking For Trobils yet, don't buy expansions first. The base game gives you the core experience and helps you understand if you like the mechanics. Play the base game at least a few times before expanding.
• Rule 2: Match expansions to your group's style: Consider what your group enjoys: if you like direct competition or thematic roles, ship packages are a quick add. If you prefer deeper strategy and longer sessions, Trobil Makers is better. Think about your group's preferences before purchasing.
• Rule 3: Check availability and value: Trobil Makers is a limited edition, so if you're a collector or love the game, buy it soon. Ship packages are more affordable and always available, making them a low-risk way to test new content. Prioritize limited items if you want them, and use cheaper expansions for experimentation.

Expansion Details at a Glance

• Asking For Trobils: Scoundrels Ship Package #1: Scoundrels Ship Package! Each ship type comes with one ship card and 4 plastic ships. The two ship types included are The Alyssa and The Centurion Hawk. This package gives you two new ship types to add variety to your fleet. If you like the idea of flying under a scoundrel flag, these ships might offer abilities that suit a more aggressive or sneaky playstyle.
• Asking For Trobils: Bounty Hunter Ship Package #3: Bounty Hunter Ship Package! Each ship type comes with one ship card and 4 plastic ships. The two ship types included are The Knife's Edge and The Seeker. This package adds ships with a bounty hunter theme. If you enjoy chasing goals or targeting specific objectives, these ships may provide abilities that help you pursue victory more directly.
• Asking For Trobils: Trobil Makers: Limited Edition Kickstarter Components!! Breaking Games has no plans to make more of this product. NOW PLAY VIRTUALLY ON TABLETOPIA! Number of Players: 2-7, Age Group: 12+, Time to Play: 60-90 Minutes. Trobil Makers is an expansion to Asking for Trobils. The small Sagan Colony, full of the galaxy's most ridiculously intelligent people, has taken it upon themselves to get rid of all the Trobils in Paradise by... This is a limited edition expansion that adds a new faction and objectives, significantly changing the game. Because it's not being reprinted, if you're interested, you should grab it while it's available. It's also playable on Tabletopia, so you can try it virtually first.

Who Should Buy What

Best for

• Players who want to add variety to the base game without complexity: ship packages.
• Experienced groups who enjoy longer, more strategic games: Trobil Makers.

Not for

• New players who haven't mastered the base game: skip expansions until comfortable.
• Groups that prefer short, casual sessions: Trobil Makers may be too long.

Choosing between Asking For Trobils expansions comes down to your group's experience and appetite for new mechanics. Ship packages offer easy variety, while Trobil Makers adds depth for veterans. Start with the base game, then add what fits your table.