Stonemaier Games has revealed Finspan: Sharks & Reefs, the first expansion for its ocean-themed board game Finspan, bringing new depth to the underwater experience!
In an official announcement, Sharks & Reefs introduces coral reef habitats, allowing players to cultivate vibrant ecosystems within their ocean tableau. These reefs play a key strategic role - attracting new fish, unlocking additional abilities and offering endgame scoring opportunities.
However, the expansion doesn’t just add serenity to the seas. Sharks make their presence known by disrupting schools of fish, scattering them and leaving behind food scraps. These scraps can then be consumed by other fish, creating new tactical decisions and interactions between players’ ecosystems.
As with other expansions in the series, Sharks & Reefs requires the base Finspan game to play. It also includes a thoughtfully designed card tray, built to store both current and future expansion content within the original game box - keeping everything neatly organised for repeat plays.
Designed for 1–5 players aged 10 and up, the expansion plays in approximately 45–60 minutes. Pre-orders are scheduled to open on April 27, 2026, with orders from Stonemaier’s website expected to ship in May. A wider retail release is planned for mid-June.
Expanding the World of Finspan
Finspan continues to build on the success of Wingspan, offering a fresh aquatic perspective on the beloved game system. Designed by David Gordon and developed by Michael O’Connell, the game places players in the role of marine researchers exploring the depths of the ocean - from the Sunlight Zone to the mysterious Midnight Zone.
Players discover new species, hatch eggs, raise young fish, and form schools to earn points through a variety of strategies and achievements. The game features a wide array of components, including over 150 cards, diver pawns, tokens and beautifully illustrated player mats.
While Wingspan designer Elizabeth Hargrave did not lead the design of Finspan, she contributed feedback during development, helping ensure the game retains a familiar feel while offering a distinct and engaging experience of its own.
With Sharks & Reefs, Stonemaier Games continues to expand this underwater world, adding new layers of strategy and interaction for both new and returning players.
