Cartographers: Map Pack 5 vs Map Pack 1 – Which to Buy
By Thunderworks Games | Published: 2026-10-22
Category: Comparisons
Compare Cartographers Map Pack 5 (Kethra's Steppe) and Map Pack 1 (Nebblis) to decide which expansion suits your play style best.
Quick answer
Choose Map Pack 5 (Kethra's Steppe) if you enjoy strategic beacon placement and a new scoring dimension; pick Map Pack 1 (Nebblis) if you like chaotic, destructive events that force adaptive play.
What each map pack adds to your game
Map Pack 5, Kethra's Steppe, introduces twin mountain spires with beacon ranges. Players score by surrounding these beacons, and a 5th type of scoring card adds a fresh strategic layer to every game.
Map Pack 1, Nebblis, brings a volcano that erupts during play. When volcano cards appear, you must draw destroyed spaces on your map, simulating the volcano's damage. This adds a constant, unpredictable threat that can upend your best-laid plans.
Key differences in gameplay feel
Kethra's Steppe rewards careful planning and spatial optimization around the beacons. The new scoring cards give you more ways to earn points, making it a great choice for players who enjoy tactical depth.
Nebblis forces you to react to random destruction, which can be frustrating if you prefer a predictable game. However, it injects a lively, risk-filled element that keeps every session tense and exciting.
Trade-offs at a glance
- Scoring variety: Map Pack 5 introduces a 5th type of scoring card, giving you more ways to earn points. Map Pack 1 uses standard scoring but adds a destructive event that can reduce your available space.
- Predictability: Kethra's Steppe offers controlled, strategic play around fixed beacons. Nebblis injects random volcano eruptions that force you to adapt on the fly. If you dislike randomness, Nebblis may frustrate you.
- Replayability: Both packs include 75 double-sided map sheets, providing plenty of variety. The different mechanics ensure each pack feels distinct, so owning both is viable for dedicated fans. Consider buying both if you play frequently and want maximum variety.
Product facts at a glance
- Cartographers: Map Pack 5, Kethra's Steppe: Includes 75 double-sided new map sheets featuring twin mountain spires and their beacon ranges, plus 3 new scoring cards for use with this map pack. Players light beacons by surrounding them and score points based on a 5th type of scoring card introduced here, adding a new strategic layer.
Cartographers: Map Pack 5, Kethra's Steppe - Cartographers: Map Pack 1, Nebblis: Includes 75 double-sided new map sheets featuring a volcano space and 3 volcano cards shuffled into the Explore deck. When volcano cards are revealed, players draw destroyed spaces on their map sheets, recording the damage the volcano is inflicting on the land.
Cartographers: Map Pack 1, Nebblis
Which expansion fits you?
Best for
- Players who enjoy tactical, spatial optimization and new scoring options (Map Pack 5).
- Those who like a chaotic, unpredictable challenge that forces adaptive play (Map Pack 1).
Not for
- Players who prefer a consistent, controlled game without random destruction (avoid Map Pack 1).
- Anyone looking for a simple, no-frills expansion (both add complexity, so start with the base game if you're new).
