The popular board game Catan, also known as Settlers of Catan, has captivated players for decades with its combination of strategy, luck, and social interaction. One of the reasons for its longevity is the variety of expansions available, each introducing new gameplay elements and increasing the replayability of the game. We have narrowed them down to the best Catan expansion.
In this article, we will explore the best Catan expansions, specifically focusing on the top 5 picks that are guaranteed to elevate your next game night. From seafarers to cities and knights, these expansions add depth and strategy to the base game, making it even more enjoyable and challenging. Whether you are a seasoned Catan player or new to the game, these expansions are sure to bring new life to your gaming experience.
Best Catan Expansions
Without further ado, let’s dive into the top 5 must-have Catan expansions that you need to add to your collection. But first, if you are here because you love Catan, then be sure to check out our list of other board games like Catan.
Expansion #1: Seafarers
Seafarers is one of the most popular Catan expansions, and for good reason. This expansion allows players to explore and settle on new islands and build ships to travel between them. The expansion adds a whole new dimension to the game, allowing players to explore new resources, discover hidden treasures and expand their territory.
One of the most notable features of Seafarers is the introduction of gold fields, which can be used to purchase development cards and can be a game changer in terms of strategy. Additionally, players can now build ships to travel between islands, which opens up new trade opportunities and expands the potential for settlement.
While Seafarers adds a lot of new elements to the game, it also increases the complexity and the game length. This can be a pro or a con depending on the preferences of the players. It is recommended to have some familiarity with the base game before trying this expansion. Overall, Seafarers is a must-have expansion for Catan players who are looking for a new challenge and want to explore the seas.
Expansion #2: Cities & Knights
Cities & Knights is another highly rated Catan expansion that adds a new level of depth and strategy to the game. This expansion introduces city improvements, which allow players to upgrade their settlements to cities and gain special abilities. It also introduces the barbarian invasion, which adds a new level of tension to the game as players must work together to defend their settlements.
One of the most notable features of Cities & Knights is the introduction of the Knight card, which can be used to defend against barbarian invasions or to claim resources from other players. This can create some exciting and unexpected twists in the game. In addition, players can also build city walls to protect their settlements.
Cities & Knights is considered to be one of the most challenging Catan expansions and it is recommended to be familiar with the base game before trying it. It also increases the game length and complexity and it may be less suitable for players who prefer shorter and simpler games. Overall, Cities & Knights is a great expansion for experienced Catan players who want to add a new level of depth and tension to their games.
Expansion #3: Traders & Barbarians
Traders & Barbarians is a versatile Catan expansion that offers a variety of new gameplay elements. This expansion includes several new scenarios that can be played separately or combined to create a customized gaming experience. Some of the scenarios include:
- The Fishermen of Catan: introduces new fishing grounds and a new way to gain victory points
- The Rivers of Catan: adds a new terrain type and a new way to gain victory points
- The Caravans: introduces camels and a new way to trade with other players
Traders & Barbarians is considered to be a great expansion for players who are looking for a more customizable gaming experience. The different scenarios can be tailored to the group’s preferences and skill level, making it a great option for different type of players. It is also a great expansion for players who are looking for a shorter game or for those who are new to the game.
Overall, Traders & Barbarians is a great expansion for Catan players who are looking for a more flexible and customizable gaming experience. With a variety of scenarios to choose from, it offers something for everyone.
Expansion #4: Explorers & Pirates
Explorers & Pirates is an exciting Catan expansion that brings a new level of adventure to the game. This expansion introduces the ability to explore new lands, discover new resources and fight against other players in naval battles.
One of the most notable features of Explorers & Pirates is the introduction of the “Explorer” figure, which allows players to discover new islands and resources. These new islands can be settled, providing players with new resources to trade and expand their settlements. Players can also build ships and engage in naval battles with other players, adding a new level of excitement and tension to the game.
This expansion also includes new terrain types such as gold fields, spice islands and pirate lairs which can provide unique opportunities and challenges.
Explorers & Pirates is considered to be a great expansion for players who are looking for a more adventurous and action-packed game. It increases the game length and complexity, and it may be less suitable for players who prefer shorter and simpler games. It also requires some familiarity with the base game before trying it.
Overall, Explorers & Pirates is a great expansion for Catan players who are looking for a new level of adventure and excitement in their games. With the ability to explore new lands, discover new resources and engage in naval battles, it offers a unique and thrilling gaming experience.
Expansion #5: The Rise of the Inkas
The Rise of the Inkas is a unique Catan expansion that takes players back in time to the ancient civilization of the Inkas. This expansion introduces new gameplay elements such as terrace farming, religious cults, and the Inca emperor.
One of the most notable features of The Rise of the Inkas is the introduction of terrace farming, which allows players to build terraces on the hills to gain resources and victory points. This adds a new level of strategy to the game, as players must balance their resources and decide when and where to build terraces. Additionally, players can gain favor with religious cults by building temples, which can provide them with special abilities and bonuses.
The Rise of the Inkas also includes new terrain types such as gold mines and sacred places which can provide unique opportunities and challenges.
This expansion is considered to be a great option for players who are looking for a different historical and cultural theme. It increases the game length and complexity, and it may be less suitable for players who prefer shorter and simpler games. It also requires some familiarity with the base game before trying it.
Overall, The Rise of the Inkas is a great expansion for Catan players who are looking for a different cultural and historical experience. With new gameplay elements such as terrace farming, religious cults and the Inca emperor, it offers a unique and captivating gaming experience.
Other Catan Expansions
There are several other Catan expansions that were not mentioned in this article, each of them adding new gameplay elements and increasing the replayability of the game. Here is a list of some of the other expansions available for Catan:
- “Catan: 5-6 Player Extension” – Allows for an additional one or two players to join the game, providing a new level of social interaction.
- “Catan: Cities & Knights – 5-6 Player Extension” – An extension for the Cities & Knights expansion that allows for an additional one or two players to join the game.
- “Catan: Starfarers” – This expansion takes players into space and introduces new gameplay elements such as alien races, new technologies, and space exploration.
- “Catan: Ancient Egypt” – This expansion takes players to ancient Egypt and introduces new gameplay elements such as irrigation, monuments and pharaohs.
- “Catan: Traders & Barbarians – 5-6 Player Extension” – An extension for the Traders & Barbarians expansion that allows for an additional one or two players to join the game.
- “Catan: Explorers & Pirates – 5-6 Player Extension” – An extension for the Explorers & Pirates expansion that allows for an additional one or two players to join the game.
- “Catan: Scenarios – Oil Springs” – This scenario introduces oil as a new resource and introduces new gameplay elements such as oil rigs, drilling and refineries.
- “Catan: Scenarios – Helpers of Catan” – This scenario introduces helpers of catan, special cards that allow players to gain a one-time advantage, such as extra resources or development cards.
Each of these expansions offers new and unique gameplay elements and challenges. They are great options for players who are looking for a new level of depth and replayability to their Catan games.
The Best Catan Expansion
From Seafarers to Cities & Knights, these Catan expansions add depth and strategy to the base game, making it even more enjoyable and challenging. We have also listed other expansions that are available for Catan, each of them adding new gameplay elements and increasing the replayability of the game.
It’s worth noting that these expansions are not mutually exclusive and can be combined to create a customized gaming experience. For example, you can combine Seafarers with Cities & Knights to create a more challenging and in-depth game.
No matter which expansion you choose, it’s guaranteed to bring new life to your Catan game. These expansions are great for experienced Catan players who want to add a new level of depth and tension to their games, as well as for players who are new to the game and want to explore different scenarios and gameplay elements.
So, gather your friends and family, set up your board and get ready for an exciting and challenging game night with one of these top Catan expansions.