Steve Jackson Games

Munchkin Mini-Expansions

by Phil Reed, Steve Jackson Games

In 2009, we released two Munchkin 15-card expansions, Fairy Dust and Waiting for Santa. These Munchkin mini-expansions were packed in the classic foil packaging often used for collectible cards and, ultimately, the sets sold incredibly well. Over the following years, we published several mini-expansions in this format, providing Munchkin players with bite-sized snacks between our larger expansions and full game releases.

In the mid-2010s, retailer feedback directed a change in format from the foil packs to blister cards that could be easily pegged with the numbered Munchkin tuckbox expansions. That switch gave us more flexibility when it came to determining which new expansions to create, as well as when choosing outof-print card sets to bring back from the dead. It looked like the perfect package for the smaller 15-card and 30-card packs . . . for the first few years.

As often happens, we slowly collected feedback once the blister packs fell into more and more hands. Over a few years of use, we received the same two basic comments: • Gamers: The packaging is tough to open. • Retailers: The blister cards look a little out-of-place next to the other Munchkin expansion packs on our pegs.

On top of that, we noticed the manufacturing price on the blister packs climbing each year. After a close review of the numbers – and comparing the costs vs. the manufacturing cost of the traditional tuckbox expansions, we put two and two together and realized that it was time for another change.

Starting this summer and continuing through the fall, we're bringing back eleven out-of-print Munchkin mini-expansions in the ever-popular tuckbox format. These reprints go a long way toward putting some of the harder-to-find sets back in stores, making it possible for Munchkin players to buy them without paying unreasonable after-market prices for the cards.

The eleven sets and estimated release dates are: • Munchkin Unicorns - May 2021 • Munchkin Kittens - May 2021 • Munchkin Puppies - June 2021 • Munchkin Cheats - July 2021 • Munchkin Princesses - July 2021 • Munchkin Clowns - August 2021 • Munchkin Side Quests - August 2021 • Munchkin Curses - September 2021 • Munchkin Fowl Play - September 2021 • Munchkin Dragons - October 2021 • Munchkin Knights - November 2021. In several instances, we've also updated the retail price to reflect today's world better. (Some of these have been unavailable for a few years now and our costs – manufacturing and especially freight – are significantly higher today than when these sets were first published.)

Which Ones Sell Best?

With so many Munchkin titles in our catalog, we understand that not every store has space for the entire line and must focus on the absolute top-sellers. When it comes to these reprints, we recommend that, at the very least, you bring in Munchkin Kittens, Munchkin Puppies, and Munchkin Unicorns. Illustrated by Katie Cook, these sets stand out as some of the cutest, most lovable of the many Munchkin mini-expansions we’ve published over the years.

If you want to broaden your selection of mini-expansions, the second tier is dominated by Munchkin Princesses, Munchkin Dragons, and Munchkin Knights. All three of these shuffle perfectly into the Munchkin Deluxe set – without adding any other packs – and inject fresh humor and gameplay into the experience. If you’re guiding a new player this holiday season, pairing Munchkin Deluxe with any of these mini-expansions makes for a great gift + stocking stuffer one-two punch.

Regardless of which mini-expansions you choose to add to your store’s inventory, the upgraded packaging makes these reprints far more attractive when displayed alongside the top-selling Munchkin tuckbox expansions.

If you have any questions about these reprints or would like more information on the entire Munchkin line, please email retailers@sjgames.com, and we’ll help as best we can.