Potion Explosion: The Fifth Ingredient

Horrible Guild, BoardM Factory, Edge Entertainment · Board game · 2017
2–4 · best 2 30–60 min Weight 2.0/5
8.3 rating Ludopedia
7.5 rating BGG
Buy
8.3 rating Ludopedia
7.5 rating BGG
Our Verdict

Perfect for base game owners seeking more chaos; the wild card ingredient shifts the game's pace.

Highlights
  • Ectoplasm works as a brilliant wild card
  • New professors refresh the strategy
  • More variety of available potions
  • Keeps the base game's simplicity
Keep in mind
  • Requires the base game to play
  • Increases gameplay randomness
RECOMMENDED
Rules manual not indexed yet Upload the PDF rulebook to ask questions about this game with AI.
About the game
Get your cauldrons ready because the Horribilorum Sorcery Academy is turning things up a notch! In Potion Explosion: The Fifth Ingredient, potion class just got a lot spookier with the introduction of Ghost Ectoplasm. If you thought mixing ingredients was already fun, things just got serious: this new component acts as a wild card, allowing you to complete your recipes much more flexibly and, of course, trigger even more chaotic explosions on the table.

But it's not just the ectoplasm shaking things up. The expansion introduces new Professors who dramatically change the way potions are brewed, forcing players to adapt their strategies on the fly. Additionally, new potions are added to the menu, diversifying the combinations and making the fight for the title of best alchemist even more intense.

The game maintains its core focus on pattern recognition and set collection, but with an added layer of unpredictability. It's the perfect dose for those who already love the base game and want to add more depth and fun without overcomplicating the rules. If you enjoy watching your friends desperately trying to organize their ingredients while you drop some ectoplasm into the mix, this expansion is a must-have. More chaos, more magic, and definitely more explosions for your game night!
BEST PLAYER COUNT
2 BEST
3 REC
4 REC
WHERE TO BUY
Finding best prices...
Game details

Families

Digital Implementations: Board Game Arena Game: Potion Explosion Theme: Wizards
Publisher Horrible Guild, BoardM Factory, Edge Entertainment, Ghenos Games, Heidelberger Spieleverlag, Hobby Japan, Rebel Sp. z o.o.
Designer Andrea Crespi, Lorenzo Silva, Stefano Castelli
Artist Giulia Ghigini
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need the base game to play?
Yes! This is an expansion, so you must own Potion Explosion to use these new components.
Does it make the game much harder?
Not really. The complexity remains low (weight ~1.9), but the new professor rules add new strategic layers.
What does the Ectoplasm actually do?
It acts as a wild card, making it easier to complete potions and triggering more interesting explosions.
How many players can play?
2 to 4 players, following the same player count as the original game.
Does the game time increase significantly?
No, games remain fast, typically lasting between 30 and 60 minutes.