Our Verdict
If you love castle parties and crave more competition, this expansion is your next move.
Highlights
- More rooms, more fun
- Easy solo mode
- Increases player count
Keep in mind
- Moderate complexity
- Optional rules may confuse
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Picture the mad king throwing the ultimate neighborhood bash – and you, along with up to seven friends, battle to build the grandest castle! The *Between Two Castles of Mad King Ludwig: Secrets & Soirees* expansion raises the player count from 4 to 8, adding two new rooms: the **Activity Room** and the **Secret Room**. Each offers unique bonuses and demands different tactics, while the new **Ballroom** becomes the showstopper for glamour‑seekers and extra points. It also brings more bonus cards, a revamped throne, and a solo *Automa* mode that simulates neighbors if you prefer to play alone. For the adventurous, optional rules let you build your own castle instead of sharing a single structure – great for personalization and head‑to‑head competition. The game stays true to its castle‑building charm, with construction cards, resources, and closed drafting that make each match distinct.
The expansion adds new building pieces, bonus cards, and a set of castle components that fit seamlessly into the existing board. Playtime stays brisk, with each round taking about 3–4 minutes, and the complexity sits at 2/5 – easy to learn yet still demanding strategic thought. If you already own the base game or are considering a purchase, this add‑on is a solid upgrade that keeps the fun high while layering new strategic depth.
For solo enthusiasts, the *Automa* mode offers a convenient option: you can play against the AI, which acts like a real neighbor, without needing more players. If you prefer team or small‑group play, the expansion works great with 2–4 players, maintaining the same fun. In short, *Secrets & Soirees* turns the party into a showcase of building, strategy, and friendly rivalry.
The expansion adds new building pieces, bonus cards, and a set of castle components that fit seamlessly into the existing board. Playtime stays brisk, with each round taking about 3–4 minutes, and the complexity sits at 2/5 – easy to learn yet still demanding strategic thought. If you already own the base game or are considering a purchase, this add‑on is a solid upgrade that keeps the fun high while layering new strategic depth.
For solo enthusiasts, the *Automa* mode offers a convenient option: you can play against the AI, which acts like a real neighbor, without needing more players. If you prefer team or small‑group play, the expansion works great with 2–4 players, maintaining the same fun. In short, *Secrets & Soirees* turns the party into a showcase of building, strategy, and friendly rivalry.
Expansion for
Published additional content
Gallery
Box and component photos
Tap any photo to open fullscreen. Photos submitted by the community or publisher.
Rules videos
Learn by watching before you open the box
Best player count
BGG community vote
1
REC
2
REC
3
REC
4
BEST
5
BEST
6
BEST
7
BEST
8
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Stonemaier Games, Maldito Games, Matagot
Designer
Ben Rosset, Matthew O'Malley
Artist
Agnieszka Dabrowiecka, Bartłomiej Kordowski, Laura Bevon
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
2,349owners
187wishlist
27want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How long does a game last with the expansion?
Games typically run between 45 and 60 minutes, depending on player count and optional rules you choose.
Can I play with just 2 players?
Yes, it works smoothly with 2 to 4 players, keeping the same fun and dynamics.
Do I need anything special to play solo?
No, just enable the Automa mode – it simulates neighbors for solo play.
What new rooms does the expansion add?
The Activity Room, the Secret Room, and the Ballroom, plus more bonus cards.
Does the expansion add more building pieces?
Yes, new building tiles fit into the existing board, enriching the experience.
How does the own‑castle rule work?
It’s an optional rule that replaces the shared structure with individual castles for each player.
Does the draft mechanic change?
No, drafting stays closed, but new rooms alter the card options available.