Scrum Guide 2025 Expansion Pack Simplified
What is added to the 2020 Scrum Guide and why it matters. Explained in simple words.
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Scrum just got an upgrade!
The newly released Scrum Guide 2025 Expansion Pack builds on the foundation of the 2020 Scrum Guide, authored by Ken Schwaber and Jeff Sutherland.
The 2020 Scrum Guide remains the official reference. This 2025 document, created by Ralph Jocham, John Coleman, and Jeff Sutherland, isn’t a replacement, but an adaptation of the original guide.
But why does this matter?
And what should you actually pay attention to?
In simple language, I’ll break down:
What’s been added in the 2025 Scrum Guide Expansion Pack
How it builds on (not replaces) the 2020 Scrum Guide
What do these updates mean for you
No jargon, no confusion. Just what you need to know to stay ahead.
Let’s get started.
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#1: Philosophy and Level of Prescription
The 2025 Expansion Pack softens the rigidity of Scrum.
2020 Scrum Guide
Used strict “must” language for core elements
Scrum was described as an “immutable framework,” i.e. meant to be followed exactly
2025 Expansion Pack
Now there’s more flexibility:
Shifts from “must” to “should” in many places
Clearly says that Scrum is evolving and open to adaptation
Offers more context-dependent guidance, which may depend on your situation
Frequently remind teams to “consider the context” before making decisions
The Expansion Pack is more open about “embracing fuzziness,” that is, accepting that not everything in Scrum will be clear-cut or fit perfectly in every context.
Why does this matter?
Remember when experts on LinkedIn used to fight, saying “Scrum is immutable…”
Well… they won’t do that anymore… Officially!
If you have been a part of Winning Strategy for some time, you know that we left behind the idea that “Scrum is immutable” long ago...
Now you can “officially” adapt Scrum to fit your unique situations as long as you’ve mastered the core principles. This makes Scrum “officially” more practical and effective in real-world, ever-changing environments.
#2 Scrum Theory
Scrum still stands on the same foundation. The Expansion Pack makes that base richer.
2020 Scrum Guide:
Scrum is built on empiricism (make decisions based on what you see and learn) and lean thinking (focus on what matters, cut out the rest). It all revolves around three main pillars: Transparency, Inspection, and Adaptation.
2025 Expansion Pack:
Now, there’s more depth. The Expansion Pack adds a few new ideas:
Complexity theory (Cynefin framework)
Emergence: Solutions arise from complex interactions, not central design
Systems thinking: Viewing work in the context of broader organizational and social systems
Product thinking: Emphasizes long-term care of the Product, not just projects
Discovery: Explicit activity for learning what Stakeholders need, validating assumptions, and avoiding building the wrong things
First principles thinking: Breaking problems down to fundamentals
Leadership: Broader, more distributed; not just for Scrum Masters
Why does this matter?
Scrum has officially recognized that most real-world work is messy and unpredictable. The above tools give teams permission to experiment, learn, and adapt their way forward.
Note: We will cover these tools in detail in future posts.
#3 Scrum Values
The values of Scrum remain the same, but the 2025 Expansion Pack gives them deeper meaning.
2020 Scrum Guide
Scrum emphasizes five core values:
Commitment: Dedicate yourself to achieving goals
Focus: Concentrate on what matters most
Openness: Be transparent and willing to share
Respect: Value each other’s contributions
Courage: Take bold steps when needed
2025 Expansion Pack
These go a step further:
Each value is explained more clearly, both psychologically and practically
Links these values to John Boyd’s OODA loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act), showing how these values help teams make better decisions
There is a strong focus on psychological safety
The values are shown as important for real teamwork, not just nice words on a poster
#4 Scrum Team and Accountabilities
The structure of the Scrum Team remains the same.
But the 2025 Expansion Pack refines terminology and emphasizes “professionalism.” Meaning anyone unable or unwilling to fulfill their role professionally is encouraged to step down.
2020 Scrum Guide
Scrum Team: Product Owner, Scrum Master, and Developers (previously called the "Development Team")
Developers: Cross-functional and self-managing, responsible for creating usable Increments
Product Owner: Maximizes value and owns the Product Backlog
Scrum Master: Establishes Scrum, ensures team effectiveness, and acts as a “true leader.”
2025 Expansion Pack
Terminology changes:
“Developers” are now referred to as Product Developers
Stakeholder is an explicit role, with a subtype called Supporter (a Stakeholder who actively enables the team)
Roles clarified: