Description

In the context of games, “stand-alone” refers to a game that is self-contained and does not require additional content, expansions, or a base game to be played. Here are some key points about stand-alone games:

1. Self-Contained: A stand-alone game includes everything needed to play within one package. Players do not need to purchase any other game or expansion to enjoy the full experience.
2. Examples:
   • Video Games: Many video games are released as stand-alone titles, meaning the game is complete as is. Examples include “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” “The Last of Us,” and “Hades.”
   • Board Games: In the realm of board games, examples of stand-alone games include “Catan,” “Ticket to Ride,” and “Carcassonne.” These games come with all necessary components and rules to be played without requiring any additional purchases.
3. Contrast with Expansions:
   • Expansions: These are additional content packs that enhance or add to the base game but require the original game to be played. For example, “Settlers of Catan” has several expansions like “Seafarers” and “Cities & Knights,” which add new mechanics and pieces but need the base game to function.
   • DLCs: In video games, downloadable content (DLC) acts similarly to expansions, adding new missions, characters, or features to an existing game.
4. Benefits:
   • Accessibility: Stand-alone games are often more accessible to new players because they do not require previous knowledge or ownership of other games.
   • Complete Experience: They provide a complete experience out of the box, making them appealing to players who prefer not to invest in multiple products to get the full gameplay experience.
5. Examples of Stand-Alone Expansions:
   • Sometimes, expansions are designed to be played on their own, without needing the original game. For instance, “Ticket to Ride: Europe” is a stand-alone expansion that doesn’t require the original “Ticket to Ride” to play.

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