In the realm of board game expansions, few have stirred as much anticipation and excitement as the release of Settlers of Catan: Cities & Knights. This masterful addition to the beloved classic introduces a wealth of strategic depth, transforming the familiar Catan landscape into a vibrant tapestry of new challenges and possibilities.
Cities & Knights expands the game’s original mechanics, adding layers of complexity that cater to the most discerning strategy enthusiasts. With the introduction of city building, players can strengthen their positions, establish trade networks, and unlock potent new abilities. Knights, the expansion’s titular additions, serve as powerful defenders against the invading barbarians and hostile knight orders that threaten the island of Catan.
Beyond the core mechanics, Cities & Knights enriches the Catan experience with a host of captivating scenarios. These narrative-driven challenges transport players to unique settings, each with its own distinct objectives and obstacles. From the perilous depths of the Great Canal to the besieged shores of the Pirate Coast, these scenarios offer endless replayability and a fresh perspective on the classic Catan gameplay.
Seafarers: Expanding the Horizons
Embark on a thrilling maritime adventure with Seafarers, the expansion that transforms your Catan game into a vast archipelago. Navigate treacherous waters, build ships to transport resources, and establish distant outposts on uncharted islands. This expansion introduces a plethora of new gameplay mechanics that add depth, strategy, and excitement to your Catan experience.
Charting Uncharted Waters
With the addition of hex-shaped water tiles, the Catan landscape is dramatically altered. These tiles create impassable barriers or connectors, forcing players to adapt their strategies. The introduction of ships allows for the transportation of resources between settlements, opening up new trading opportunities and making resource distribution more flexible.
To build a ship, players must use 1 lumber and 1 sheep. Ships can be upgraded to transport more resources by adding additional lumber to their construction cost. This upgrade system provides an incentive for players to invest in their naval capabilities and establish trade routes across the sprawling archipelago.
| Ship Level | Lumber Cost | Resource Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 1 |
| 2 | 3 | 2 |
| 3 | 5 | 3 |
Cities & Knights: Building a Civilization
The Cities & Knights expansion for Settlers of Catan introduces a new layer of complexity and strategy to the game. Players can now build cities and knights, which provide new abilities and advantages. The expansion also includes new resources and buildings, as well as a new victory condition.
Cities are built on top of settlements, and they provide additional production, trade, and defense benefits. Knights can be purchased with resources, and they can be used to defend your cities or attack your opponents. The expansion also includes new resources, such as paper and glass, which can be used to build new buildings and units.
New Buildings and Units
The Cities & Knights expansion includes a number of new buildings and units that can be used to enhance your strategy.
| Building | Cost | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| City | 3 Ore, 2 Wheat, 2 Brick | Increases production, trade, and defense |
| Knight | 3 Ore, 1 Wheat, 1 Sheep | Can be used to defend your cities or attack your opponents |
In addition to the new buildings and units, the Cities & Knights expansion also includes a new victory condition. Players can now win the game by building three cities or by controlling all of the victory point hexes on the board.
Traders & Barbarians: Enriching the Base Game
Traders & Barbarians is an expansion pack for Settlers of Catan that adds two new scenarios to the game: Traders and Barbarians.
Traders
The Traders scenario introduces a number of new elements to the base game, including new resources, new buildings, and new ways to trade.
- New Resources: The Traders scenario includes two new resources: gold and silver. Gold can be used to purchase new buildings and silver can be used to purchase development cards.
- New Buildings: The Traders scenario includes three new buildings: the Market, the Bank, and the Caravansary. The Market allows players to trade resources with each other, the Bank allows players to store their gold and silver, and the Caravansary allows players to move their caravans across the board.
- New Ways to Trade: The Traders scenario also includes a number of new ways to trade, including the ability to trade with the barbarians and the ability to trade with the traders.
| Resource | Use |
|---|---|
| Gold | Purchase new buildings |
| Silver | Purchase development cards |
Explorers & Pirates: Adventuring the Unknown
In the depths of Catan lies a world ripe for adventure, where the lure of the unknown beckons explorers and pirates alike. The “Explorers & Pirates” expansion introduces a plethora of new gameplay elements that add depth and excitement to the classic Settlers of Catan experience.
New Terrain Tiles
The expansion introduces three new terrain tiles: the Jungle, the Desert, and the Volcano. Each tile offers unique challenges and opportunities, encouraging players to adapt their strategies accordingly.
Explorers
Players now have the option to hire Explorers, who can venture into the unknown to discover new islands and gather resources. Explorers can also be used to raid settlements, providing a new layer of interaction and potential conflict.
Pirates
Pirates roam the seas of Catan, seeking to plunder the wealth of unsuspecting players. Players must build ships or hire Seafarers to protect their trade routes and keep the pirates at bay.
New Resources
The expansion also introduces two new resources: Gold and Pearls. Gold can be used to purchase special abilities, while Pearls are valuable trade goods that can be sold for victory points.
| Resource | Effect |
|---|---|
| Gold | Can be used to purchase special abilities |
| Pearls | Valuable trade goods that can be sold for victory points |
Catan: Anniversary Edition – A Special Celebration
To commemorate the 25th anniversary of Catan, Catan Studios released the Anniversary Edition. This special release includes a redesigned game board, custom wooden components, and a unique collectors’ box. It’s a must-have for any Catan enthusiast.
Special Components
The Anniversary Edition features beautifully crafted wooden components, including roads, settlements, cities, dice, and robber. The wooden components are made from sustainable birch wood and feature a vibrant, colorful design.
Updated Game Board
The game board in the Anniversary Edition has been redesigned with a more modern look and feel. The new design features a more vibrant color scheme, clearer typography, and enhanced graphics.
Collectors’ Box
The Anniversary Edition comes in a unique collectors’ box that is perfect for storing the game and its components. The box is made from high-quality cardboard and features a stylish design that will look great on any shelf.
Exclusive Content
The Anniversary Edition includes exclusive content that is not available in the regular edition of Catan. This includes a set of special anniversary cards and a commemorative coin.
Special Anniversary Cards
The Anniversary Edition includes a set of five special anniversary cards that can be used to add new elements to the game. These cards include:
| Card | Effect |
|---|---|
| Improved Road Card | Allows a player to improve a road to a paved road for free. |
| Market Card | Allows a player to trade resources with the bank at a more favorable rate. |
| Culture Card | Allows a player to build a new city without paying the normal cost. |
| Banker Card | Allows a player to take control of the bank and manipulate the flow of resources. |
| Diplomat Card | Allows a player to negotiate with other players and resolve conflicts peacefully. |
Legends of Catan: Uncovering the Origins
Join us on an exciting journey as we delve into the origins of the legendary game, Settlers of Catan. From its humble beginnings to its captivating gameplay, we will explore the fascinating history behind this beloved board game.
A Creation of German Engineering
Settlers of Catan was born in the mind of Klaus Teuber, a German dentist with a passion for game design. Inspired by his experiences playing board games with friends, Teuber began crafting a game that would combine strategy, resource management, and a dash of luck.
The Birth of Catan
The first prototype of Catan emerged in 1993, initially known as Die Siedler von Catan (The Settlers of Catan). It quickly gained popularity among friends and family before making its official debut at the Essen Spiel trade fair in 1995.
A Global Phenomenon
Within a few years, Settlers of Catan became a global phenomenon, winning numerous awards and accolades. It was translated into over 30 languages and sold millions of copies worldwide.
Expansion Packs: A New Era
As the popularity of Catan soared, so too did the demand for new challenges. In 2002, the first expansion pack, Seafarers of Catan, was released, introducing boats and new resource types. This marked the beginning of a series of expansions that would significantly expand the gameplay experience.
Origins of Catan: A Historical Exploration
The island of Catan is shrouded in mystery and intrigue. Its unique geography and rich resources have drawn settlers from far and wide. Join us on an expedition to uncover the secrets of Catan’s captivating history.
The People of Catan
The inhabitants of Catan are a diverse and resourceful people. From the Catanian settlers to the nomadic tribes, each group brings a unique culture and perspective to the island.
The Terrain of Catan
Catan is a land of striking contrast, with rolling hills, dense forests, and treacherous deserts. Its varied landscapes provide both opportunities and challenges for its inhabitants.
The Resources of Catan
The island’s wealth lies in its abundant resources. From fertile fields to rich mines, Catan’s resources are the lifeblood of its settlements.
| Resource | Usage |
|---|---|
| Wood | Building houses, cities, and boats |
| Brick | Building roads, cities, and settlements |
| Sheep | Producing wool for trading |
| Wheat | Producing bread for sustenance |
| Ore | Producing metal for tools and weapons |
| Gold | Purchasing special cards and paying for resources |
The Legends of Catan
Over the centuries, tales have been passed down about Catan’s legendary heroes and events. From the founding of the first settlement to the discovery of new lands, these stories shape the rich tapestry of Catanian folklore.
Traders & Barbarians: Expanding the Economy
Traders & Barbarians is an expansion to Settlers of Catan that adds a wealth of new content to the game, including new resources, events, and scenarios. One of the most significant changes introduced by this expansion is the addition of a new kind of resource: gold. Gold can be traded for new technologies that can give players a significant advantage in the game. Pirates and Barbarians In addition to gold, Traders & Barbarians also adds new scenarios to the game, including the Pirates & Barbarians scenario. This scenario introduces a new element of risk and danger to the game, as players must now contend with pirate raids and barbarian invasions. Traders & Barbarians also includes a number of new event cards that can trigger special events during the game, adding even more variety and unpredictability to the gameplay.
Building on the Basics
One of the things that makes Traders & Barbarians such a great expansion is the way it builds on the core mechanics of Settlers of Catan. The new resources and scenarios all fit seamlessly into the game, and they add a new level of depth and strategy to the gameplay.
7. Exploring the New Scenarios
The Pirates & Barbarians scenario is a particularly noteworthy addition to the game. It adds a whole new level of excitement and challenge to Settlers of Catan, and it’s sure to keep players on the edge of their seats. The other new scenarios are also well-designed and offer a variety of new ways to play the game.
| Scenario | Description |
|---|---|
| The Great Canal | Players must build a canal to connect two bodies of water. |
| The Fishermen of Catan | Players can now fish for food, which can be traded for other resources. |
| The Traders of Catan | Players can now trade with each other using a new currency system. |
The Great River Expansion: Exploring Uncharted Waters
A River Runs Through It
The Great River meanders through the Catan landscape, creating new possibilities for trade and exploration. This expansion introduces a new river tile that can be placed anywhere on the board, connecting two bodies of water. Rivers provide a faster and more convenient way to transport resources, allowing players to reach far-flung settlements more easily.
New Resource: Fish
Along the riverbanks, players can now harvest fish, a new resource that serves as a valuable trading commodity. Fish can be exchanged for other resources at a ratio of 2:1, making it a sought-after resource in the early game.
Ferries and Boats
To traverse the river, players can build ferries or boats. Ferries are placed on river tiles and allow players to move their units across the river for free. Boats, on the other hand, can be built at shipyards and sailed along the river, allowing players to transport resources and troops more efficiently.
New Development Cards
The Great River Expansion also introduces new development cards that provide unique advantages to players. These cards include the “Ferryman,” which grants free passage across the river, and the “Fisherman,” which gives players a bonus when harvesting fish.
Fish Markets
Players can build fish markets in their settlements or cities to further capitalize on the fishing industry. Fish markets allow players to trade fish at a more favorable rate, making them a valuable asset for players with access to the river.
Barbarian Invaders
Along with the new opportunities, the Great River also brings new challenges. Barbarian invaders can now spawn along the river, threatening settlements and disrupting trade. Players must be vigilant in defending their territory against these unwelcome guests.
New Scenarios and Variants
The Great River Expansion includes two new scenarios and three variants that offer unique gameplay experiences. The scenarios provide different starting conditions and objectives, while the variants introduce new rules and mechanics to the game.
The “Great River” variant, for example, requires players to build roads along the river in order to gain access to fish. This variant adds an extra layer of strategy and competition to the game.
Additional Features
The Great River Expansion also includes a number of additional features to enhance the gameplay experience, including:
| Feature | Effect |
|---|---|
| New hexagonal river tile | Connects two bodies of water and facilitates trade |
| Fish resource | New resource that can be traded for other resources |
| Ferries and boats | Allow players to traverse the river |
| New development cards | Provide unique advantages to players |
| Fish markets | Allow players to trade fish at a more favorable rate |
| Barbarian invaders | Threaten settlements and disrupt trade |
| New scenarios and variants | Offer unique gameplay experiences and challenges |
Deities & Titans: Invoking Divine Powers
The Deities & Titans expansion introduces 13 powerful beings to the world of Catan. These beings can be invoked by players to gain access to special abilities that can give them an edge in the game. Each deity or titan is associated with a specific resource or aspect of the game, and their abilities are tailored accordingly.
To invoke a deity or titan, a player must have a temple dedicated to that being in one of their settlements. Temples can be built using the resources associated with the deity or titan, and they provide a number of benefits, including increased production, protection from attacks, and the ability to invoke the deity’s or titan’s special ability.
The following table lists the 13 deities and titans, their associated resources, and their special abilities:
| Deity/Titan | Resource | Special Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Erebos | Sheep | Sacrifice a sheep to steal a resource from an adjacent player. |
| Gaia | Brick | Build a city on a desert tile without paying the resource cost. |
| Hestia | Wood | Protect one of your settlements from attack for one turn. |
| Hermes | Ore | Move one of your roads for free. |
| Kronos | Grain | Steal a victory point from another player. |
| Oceanus | Water | Place a new harbor on the board. |
| Persephone | Gold | Gain a gold coin. |
| Poseidon | Fish | Move the robber to a new location on the board. |
| Rhea | Clay | Gain one random resource card. |
| Selene | Moon | Build one additional road or settlement during your turn. |
| Tartarus | Desert | Destroy one of your own roads or settlements to steal a resource from another player. |
| Uranus | Iron | Gain a victory point for every city you have. |
| Zeus | All | Gain one of any resource you want. |
Wonders of Catan: Constructing Epic Achievements
### Constructing Wonders
To construct a Wonder, a player must have the necessary resources and pay to purchase it from the bank. Each Wonder has a unique blueprint that lists the required resources and the cost in gold. Once a Wonder is purchased, it is placed on the game board and grants the player a special power.
### Available Wonders
There are six Wonders available in the Wonders of Catan expansion:
| Wonder | Blueprint | Cost (Gold) | Special Power |
|—|—|—|—|
| Pyramid | 2x Grain, 2x Ore, 2x Wood, 2x Brick | 3 | Allows the player to convert any resource into another type of resource at a rate of 2:1. |
| Colossus | 3x Lumber, 2x Ore, 2x Brick | 4 | Gives the player a +3 bonus to all Strength rolls. |
| Lighthouse | 2x Ore, 3x Sheep, 1x Lumber | 3 | Grants the player the ability to see the hand of one other player. |
| Library | 3x Wood, 2x Grain, 2x Sheep | 4 | Allows the player to draw an additional two Development Cards after they play a Development Card. |
| Oracle | 2x Ore, 3x Lumber, 1x Sheep | 3 | Grants the player the ability to know the next two numbers that will be rolled by the dice. |
| Workshop | 3x Brick, 2x Grain, 2x Ore | 4 | Gives the player a +2 bonus to all Production rolls. |
Best Settlers Of Catan Expansion
There are many great Settlers of Catan expansions, but which one is the best? It depends on what you’re looking for. If you want more variety in your games, then the Cities & Knights expansion is a great option. It adds new resources, buildings, and units, as well as a new victory condition. If you’re looking for a more challenging game, then the Seafarers expansion is a good choice. It adds a new map with water tiles, as well as new ships and fishing boats. If you’re looking for a more cooperative game, then the Traders & Barbarians expansion is a good option. It adds new scenarios that require players to work together to achieve victory.
People Also Ask
What is the most popular Settlers of Catan expansion?
The most popular Settlers of Catan expansion is Cities & Knights.
Why is Cities & Knights the most popular expansion?
Cities & Knights is the most popular expansion because it adds a lot of new content to the game, including new resources, buildings, units, and a new victory condition. It also makes the game more challenging and strategic.
