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CATAN box image

CATAN

Catan is a strategic board game where players collect resources and build settlements, cities, and roads on a hexagonal island. The first player to reach 10 victory points wins.

7.10 / 10
BGG Rating
10+
age
1995
published year
3 - 4
player count
3 - 4
Recommended player count
60 - 120 mins
play time

How Complex is CATAN?

2.29 / 5

Catan has moderate complexity, with simple rules but strategic depth. It may take a few games to fully understand the mechanics and optimal strategies.

How much Luck is involved in the gameplay of CATAN?

3 / 5

Luck plays a moderate role in Catan as dice rolls determine resource production, but players can mitigate luck through strategic placement and trading.

How much Player Interaction does CATAN offer?

4 / 5

Catan offers moderate player interaction through trading, building on shared spaces, and blocking opponents. Negotiation and diplomacy can also play a role.

How much Replayability does CATAN offer?

3.5 / 5

Catan offers high replayability due to the random board setup, variable player strategies, and expansion options. No two games are the same.

Why you should play CATAN

Strategic gameplay

Catan 1995 is a game that requires strategic thinking and planning. Players must manage resources, build settlements and cities, and trade with other players to gain an advantage.

Easy to learn

Despite its strategic depth, Catan 1995 is relatively easy to learn. The game comes with clear instructions and players can quickly pick up the rules and start playing.

Replayability

Catan 1995 has a high replayability factor. The game board is different every time, and players can use different strategies to win. This means that players can play the game multiple times without getting bored.

Social interaction

Catan 1995 is a social game that encourages players to interact with each other. Players must trade resources and negotiate with each other to gain an advantage, which makes the game more engaging and fun.

Family-friendly

Catan 1995 is a family-friendly game that can be enjoyed by players of all ages. The game is not overly complex, and the rules are easy to understand, making it a great game to play with family and friends.

Expansion possibilities

Catan 1995 has several expansion packs that can be added to the base game to increase the complexity and replayability of the game. This means that players can continue to enjoy the game even after they have played it multiple times.

Award-winning

Catan 1995 has won several awards, including the prestigious Spiel des Jahres award in 1995. This is a testament to the quality of the game and its popularity among players.

Why you should avoid CATAN

Luck-based gameplay

While Catan requires strategic thinking, luck also plays a significant role in the game. The roll of the dice can determine whether a player gains resources or not, which can be frustrating for some players.

Lengthy gameplay

Catan can be a lengthy game, especially with a larger number of players. The game can take up to 2 hours to play, which may not be suitable for players who prefer shorter games.

Limited replayability without expansions

While Catan has a high replayability factor, this may be limited without the addition of expansion packs. Players may find that the game becomes repetitive after playing it multiple times without any new elements.

Not suitable for solo play

Catan is a multiplayer game and is not suitable for solo play. Players who prefer to play games alone may not enjoy this game.

Where to find the Rules of CATAN

Check the rules of CATAN in a PDF file.

You can also find the community-driven rules summary, player aid, etc., in the CATAN files section on the BoardGameGeek website. You need an account on BGG to download files.

Beginner Strategies for CATAN

These strategies are for players who have either not played or played one or two games of CATAN.

Focus on expanding your settlements

In the early game, it's important to focus on expanding your settlements to gain more resources. Try to build settlements on intersections that have a high probability of rolling numbers that match the resources you need.

Build roads strategically

Roads are important for connecting your settlements and expanding your reach on the board. Try to build roads in a way that allows you to reach new resources or block your opponents from expanding.

Trade wisely

Trading with other players can be a great way to get the resources you need, but be careful not to give away too much. Try to negotiate fair trades that benefit both parties.

Keep an eye on the robber

The robber can be a real nuisance, so make sure to keep an eye on where it's placed. If it's on a hex that's blocking your resources, consider using a knight card to move it.

Plan ahead

Catan is a game of strategy, so it's important to plan ahead. Think about your long-term goals and how you can achieve them, whether it's building the longest road or collecting the most victory points.

Don't be afraid to take risks

Sometimes, taking a calculated risk can pay off big time. Whether it's trading for a rare resource or building a settlement in a risky spot, don't be afraid to take chances if you think it will help you win the game.

Remember, Catan is a game that rewards both strategy and luck, so don't get discouraged if things don't go your way at first. With practice and experience, you'll soon be a master of the game!

Advanced Strategies for CATAN

Focus on diversifying your resources

As you become more experienced with the game, you'll start to realize the importance of having a diverse range of resources. Try to build settlements on intersections that give you access to multiple resources, and don't be afraid to trade with other players to get the resources you need.

Pay attention to the development cards

Development cards can be a powerful tool in Catan, so make sure to keep an eye on them. If you have a lot of resources and aren't sure what to do with them, consider buying a development card to give yourself an edge.

Be aware of your opponents' strategies

As you play more games of Catan, you'll start to notice patterns in your opponents' strategies. Pay attention to what they're doing and try to anticipate their moves. If you see someone building towards a certain goal, try to block them or beat them to it.

Don't neglect the ports

Ports can be a great way to get the resources you need, especially if you're struggling to collect a certain type of resource. Try to build settlements near ports that give you access to the resources you need, and don't be afraid to trade with the bank if you have a good port bonus.

Keep an eye on the victory points

Victory points win you the game, so make sure to keep an eye on it. If you're falling behind, try to focus on collecting victory points through settlements, cities, and development cards.

Be flexible

Catan is a game that requires you to be flexible and adapt to changing circumstances. If your initial strategy isn't working out, don't be afraid to switch things up and try something new.

Remember, the key to success in Catan is to be strategic, adaptable, and aware of your opponents' moves. With practice and experience, you'll soon be a master of the game!

Mechanics

Trading
Modular Board
Hexagon Grid
Dice Rolling
Network and Route Building
Race
Variable Set-up
Income
Random Production
Negotiation
Chaining

Categories

Economic
Negotiation