Next Finspan Expansion

Is a second Finspan expansion coming?

Finspan has one published expansion, Sharks & Reefs. As of 9 November 2026, Stonemaier Games has not publicly provided a product name, box image, exact release date, price or final feature list for a second expansion in the sources reviewed.

There is nevertheless meaningful evidence of another expansion in development: Michael O’Connell, a designer of Finspan, discussed his progress on the next expansion in a 27 May 2026 episode of Marine Conservation Happy Hour. He said that his design work was finished, that the artwork was largely complete and that the company’s visual designers were beginning their work. He declined to reveal the theme.

O’Connell also said he did not expect the expansion to be available for approximately another year. That suggests a possible mid-2027 or later window, but it is not a formal Stonemaier publication schedule or a promised launch date.

Finspan next expansion release date tracker

The tracker below separates what has actually happened from possible windows. In particular, a designer discussing production is not equivalent to the publisher announcing a street date.

Last reviewed: 9 November 2026. Next editorial check: January 2027, or sooner if Stonemaier Games publishes a formal product announcement. We will replace estimates with confirmed dates as soon as sources support them.

What is actually confirmed about Finspan’s next expansion?

Three pieces of information can be treated as more than rumour. First, O’Connell openly discussed a further Finspan expansion during an interview about Sharks & Reefs. Second, he described significant design and illustration work as already complete at that point. Third, he did not disclose the subject matter, and he cautioned listeners about production lead time.

The interview did not establish the expansion’s title, animal focus, component count, publisher retail price, exact rules changes or shipping markets. These details therefore remain open.

The strongest source is the original May 27 designer interview; a searchable episode transcript also exists on Podscan. We distinguish that primary interview from guesses made by fans.

What does Sharks & Reefs already add?

Finspan: Sharks & Reefs, the first expansion released in 2026, is already a real product. It adds coral reef overlays to dive sites, new fish cards including reef fish, and shark effects that interact with schools and food. Players develop coral reefs to unlock bonuses and new opportunities.

Stonemaier’s official Europe listing identifies fish cards, coral tokens, reef overlay mats, achievements, player aids and components for the Nautoma solo opponent. You still need the original Finspan base game.

We have a separate Sharks & Reefs guide covering its rules and scoring implications. This page instead tracks the next possible expansion; readers should not confuse the two products.

What has not been announced?

Theme and species: There is no verified announcement that the next box focuses on deep-sea species, bony fish, rays, freshwater creatures or another coral module. These are plausible ideas, not facts.

Rules and components: No official final rules PDF, new card count or confirmed mechanic list for the second expansion has been published in the sources checked.

2027 release: The interview makes mid-2027 a reasonable point to watch, but manufacturing and distribution could change timing. Calling it a confirmed Q2 2027 release would overstate the evidence.

Publisher project codenames: Stonemaier’s public planning shorthand can inspire speculation, but an unnamed project codename is not evidence that the project is a Finspan expansion without publisher confirmation.

Five announcements to watch for

1. Official Stonemaier reveal: a dedicated post, product listing or live announcement identifying the second expansion.
2. Title and artwork: the final name and box treatment.
3. New mechanics: a rulebook, card preview or publisher gameplay explanation showing how the design differs from Sharks & Reefs.
4. Release schedule: webstore launch, retail channels and geographic availability, clearly separated.
5. Compatibility: whether the new expansion can be combined with Sharks & Reefs, including setup changes and solo rules.

When these details appear, this page can become a more complete release and purchasing guide without changing its URL.

Will the next expansion work with Sharks & Reefs?

Unknown. The existence of the first expansion does not prove that every future module can be mixed into a single game without adjustments. Even when two expansions are compatible, publishers sometimes provide special setup limits or alternate balance recommendations.

We will look for a direct Stonemaier statement, a printed setup section or an official FAQ before claiming compatibility. Until then, players can use the existing Sharks & Reefs expansion with the base game following its own published instructions.

Should you wait before buying Sharks & Reefs?

There is no need to postpone a current Sharks & Reefs purchase merely because a designer has described further expansion work. The next product has no confirmed specifications or retail date, and there is no announced replacement edition of Finspan.

If you already enjoy the base game and want coral-reef mechanics and additional fish now, evaluate Sharks & Reefs on its published contents. If you mainly want an entirely new style of play, it may be sensible to follow the next announcement before deciding. Neither choice requires assuming an unannounced price or bundle.

Finspan next expansion FAQ

Is there a second Finspan expansion?

Designer Michael O’Connell discussed work on another expansion in May 2026. As of 9 November 2026, its official product details have not been announced in the sources reviewed.

What is the next Finspan expansion called?

No verified official title is currently available.

Will the next Finspan expansion release in 2027?

Possibly. The designer’s May 2026 interview suggested a roughly one-year-or-longer production horizon, but Stonemaier has not provided a definite release date.

Is Sharks & Reefs the second expansion?

No. Sharks & Reefs is the first Finspan expansion, released during 2026.

Will the second expansion add deep-sea fish?

There is no verified announcement of its theme or species, so this remains speculation.

Do I need Sharks & Reefs for the next expansion?

That has not been confirmed. Wait for official compatibility and component requirements.

Where should I check for news?

Use Stonemaier Games, the designer’s own statements and this article’s dated tracker.

Related Finspan guides

Sources and editorial standards

Designer interview: Marine Conservation Happy Hour — Michael O’Connell, 27 May 2026; searchable episode transcript.

Published first expansion: Stonemaier’s official Sharks & Reefs page and ICv2’s April 2026 announcement report.

Fact-check date: 9 November 2026. This is a reporting-based preview, not an official publisher announcement or a hands-on playtest. We do not treat unpublished design themes, project codenames or speculative release quarters as confirmed. See our editorial policy.