Game Bundle vs Buying Separately: What Saves You More?

Quick Answer

If you want every game in a bundle, buying the bundle saves you money compared to separate purchases. But if you only want one or two titles, buying separately is cheaper and avoids shelf clutter. Check the bundle contents against your wishlist before you commit.

Board game bundles promise convenience and savings, but are they always the smartest buy? At Stonemaier Games, bundles combine popular titles like Between Two Cities Essential Edition and Rolling Realms at a discount. Yet the real value depends on how many games you actually want.

This comparison breaks down the costs and trade-offs of buying a bundle versus individual games, using real Stonemaier products as examples. You'll learn when a bundle is a great deal and when buying separately is the better move.

Understanding Bundle Pricing

Bundles typically offer a lower per-game price because the retailer passes on savings from packaging and shipping. For instance, a bundle that includes Between Two Cities Essential Edition (usually $27.50) and Rolling Realms (usually $12.50) might be priced at $35, saving you $5 compared to buying separately. However, the exact savings depend on the bundle composition.

The key is to calculate the total cost of the individual games you want. If the bundle contains games you don't plan to play, the savings vanish. Always compare the bundle price to the sum of the individual prices for the games you actually want.

• Check the bundle contents against your wishlist before buying.
• Calculate the total cost of individual games you want to see real savings.

Convenience and Storage Trade-offs

Bundles offer convenience: one purchase, one shipment, and often a unified storage solution. But they also mean more games to store. If you live in a small space or prefer a curated collection, buying separately lets you choose only the games you love.

For example, wingspan-pocket-8258489efaf33d2cf498418d-898326">Wingspan Pocket at $10 is a compact, travel-friendly game. Bundling it with larger games like Scythe Natural Rubber Playmat might not make sense if you don't need the mat. Separately, you can pick just the pocket game for your next trip.

• Consider your storage capacity and how often you play each game.
• Separate purchases allow you to build a focused collection.

Risk of Duplicates and Unwanted Games

If you already own some games in a bundle, buying the bundle means paying for duplicates. This is a common pitfall. Before purchasing, list which games you already have and which you truly want.

For instance, if you already own Rolling Realms and only want Tokaido Duo ($12.50), buying a bundle that includes both is wasteful. You'd spend more than the $12.50 for Tokaido Duo alone. In such cases, separate purchases are the clear winner.

• Always check your current collection before buying a bundle.
• If you'd only play one game from the bundle, buy it separately.

Trade-offs at a Glance

• Cost per game: Bundles usually lower the cost per game, but only if you want all included titles. Example: A bundle with two $25 games might cost $40, saving $10. But if you only want one, you're overpaying. Calculate the sum of individual games you want before committing.
• Variety vs. Focus: Bundles add variety to your shelf, which is great for exploring new games. But they can also distract from mastering a few favorites. Separate purchases let you build a focused collection. Think about your gaming habits: do you prefer depth or breadth?
• Gift potential: A bundle can be a generous gift for a new gamer, offering multiple games at once. But if the recipient already owns some, it's wasted. Separate gifts give more control. For gifts, check the recipient's collection first.

Product Facts

• Between Two Cities Essential Edition: Between Two Cities is a 30-minute tile-drafting game for 1-7 players in which each tile is part of a city. You work with the player on your left to build one city center while simultaneously working with the player on your right to build a second city center. This game shines with groups of 3-7, so if your game night is large, it's a high-value addition. In a bundle, it's a great centerpiece, but if you rarely have many players, you might skip it.
• Rolling Realms: In Rolling Realms, players compete to earn the most stars in a series of minigames over 3 rounds. This is a roll-and-write game, meaning that players will write on the game components using dry-erase markers. Rolling Realms is a quick, portable filler that works for 1-6 players. It's a versatile addition to a bundle, but if you already have similar roll-and-write games, buying it separately might be redundant.

Which Option Fits You?

Best for

• Gamers who want to try multiple Stonemaier titles and don't own any yet.
• Those who host regular game nights and need a variety of games for different group sizes.

Not for

• Collectors who already own some of the bundled games and would end up with duplicates.
• Players with limited storage space or a specific gaming niche who prefer a curated shelf.

In the end, the best choice between a game bundle and buying separately comes down to your personal collection and gaming preferences. If a bundle matches your wishlist and offers real savings, it's a smart buy. If not, buying separately ensures you get exactly what you want without waste. Check the contents, do the math, and choose what fits your game shelf best.