Settlers of Catan

About the Game

This multiplayer civilization building game was designed by Klaus Teuber and made its debut in Germany in 1995, the same year that it was recognized as an outstanding product in that country. With wild acclaim, the game spread around the globe, conquering fans just as players attempt to conquer its simple yet surprisingly strategic concepts. Today, the game is sold in more than two dozen languages and has spawned numerous expansion sets and related products, including a card game, video games, live online gaming, and even a novel based on the fictional island of Catan. Listed in Games Magazine’s 100 Best Games for 1996, 1997, and 1998, Settlers of Catan quickly became a family favorite and today is just as popular for board game aficionados of all ages.

Playing Settlers of Catan

In this mild-mannered strategy game, players attempt to outmaneuver their opponents to establish a stronghold on Catan, a fictional island that is initially uninhabited but becomes the centerpiece of the game as players build settlements, roads, and cities. The game is suitable for all players because there is no combat and no one is eliminated as in many other strategy games; instead, success in the game ultimately depends on a player’s ability to build a thriving civilization. Because of the level of strategy involved, the game is recommended for three or four players ages 12 and older, though expansion sets enable additional players to compete as well and many younger players can quickly pick up the rudimentary game concepts with great success.

Hexagonal tiles form the island.

Basic Setup

The basic setup involves creating the island of Catan by randomly joining the hexagonal resource and land tiles together to form the landmass. As the game is played, a roll of the dice determines which resources are most valuable during each turn, and players must collect resources in order to expand their civilizations. Resources can be traded to other players or traded offshore, and strict requirements about where cities and roads may be placed lead to strategic play to capture the most valuable parcels of land.

Strategy

Because there are no battles or eliminations in this game, the best strategies involve careful placement of cities and roads to block other players from necessary resources, therefore establishing control over critical supplies. Cities, for example, must be built on the corners of tiles, but no additional cities may be build on adjacent corners, which can keep opposing players from valuable resources. Through calculated expansion, shrewd trades, and appropriate resourcefulness, players can severely limit the options of their opponents and simultaneously increase the riches of their own settlements.

Victory

Settlers of Catan is not a strategy game where the last player standing is the winner – because no one is eliminated, the key to victory is in establishing a thriving civilization. For each settlement built, city expanded, and many other accomplishments, players are awarded points, and traditional rules dictate that the first player to gain ten points during a single turn is victorious. Many players, however, adopt their own definitions of victory to prolong game play or to adjust to different modes of play.

Expansions, Scenarios, and Related Games

The great success of Settlers of Catan has led to a wide variety of expansion and scenario packs as well as related spinoff games that have similar rules and guidelines but are set in different geographical circumstances. Popular add-on packs include:

Expansion Sets

These expansion sets require the original Settlers of Catan game to play.

• Basic expansions with more tiles and resource cards so a greater number of players can participate simultaneously.
• The Seafarers of Catan game based on oceanic expansion rather than land colonization.
• Cities and Knights of Catan that introduces additional resources and challenges.

Additionally, there are some minor expansion packs that have appeared mostly as inserts in gaming magazines or at game conferences:

• The Fishermen of Catan game that focuses on aquatic resources.
• The Great River which adds a three hex river tile to the island.

Related/Specialty Versions

• The Starfarers of Catan that spreads colonization to the stars.
• A travel edition of the original game to allow players to hone their skills no matter where they go.
• Historical scenario packs focused around specific periods such as the fall of Rome, the Trojan War, building the Great Wall of China, the Stone Ages, or Biblical times.
• A 3D collector’s edition with highly detailed game tiles and other aesthetic features.

Where to Buy

Because of its popularity and general appeal, the game is available at most major board game retailers, including:

• Toys R Us
• Amazon.com
• Fun Again Games
• Games For Less
• Game Outfitter
• ebay

Some specialty editions or expansions may be more difficult to find; dedicated game stores frequently have access to more unique products and can also offer advice and guidance for novice players. Prices for the Catan series of games ranges from $20 to over $200 depending on the edition of the game and its exclusivity.

The Settlers of Catan is a multiplayer strategy game with a wide appeal for many players interested in cunning game play coupled with a sense of adventure in colonizing a new world. With multiple expansion packs and different scenarios available, the Catan world is sure to continue growing and offers something for everyone to explore and enjoy.