The 5-6 player expansion pack adds 2 new characters, 3 new locations, new spells/counterspells/companions, and some new mechanics into the game (in particular, freeze and stun status effects, which is why it comes with status effect tokens). It does let you expand the game for up to 6 people, but the 2 new characters and hex tiles can still be used even instead of characters and hex tiles from the base game even if you're playing with fewer people. The Freeze status effect prevents an enemy from using the Travel action on their next turn The Stun status effect reduces the number of resource dice an enemy gets to roll on their next turn. This Casting Shadows expansion introduces 2 new playable Characters and 3 new Hex tiles, allowing you to play with up to 6 players on an expanded map. With this expansion, you can Freeze and Stun your enemies to limit their movement and Resource Pools. Will this new magic lead you to victory, or will it bring you to demise? Expansion Includes: 34 cards, 3 Hex tiles, 10 Status tokens, 2 double-sided Player Boards, 2 Meeples, 1 Hex tile Reference Sheet, 1 rule book of Players: 2-6