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Catan, originally known as Settlers of Catan, is a modern classic in the world of board games. Designed by Klaus Teuber and first published in 1995, Catan has become a gateway game for many into the world of strategy board games.
But what about those times when you want to play Catan but fancy something a little different? That’s where these board games that are like Catan but a bit different will come in!
How to Play Catan
In Catan, players take on the roles of settlers establishing colonies on the island of Catan. The game board consists of hexagonal tiles representing different terrains that produce resources. Players build settlements, cities, and roads to expand their territory and gain victory points. The key to success lies in strategic placement of settlements and cities to maximize resource collection, as well as trading with other players to acquire needed resources.
Key elements of gameplay:
- Set up a modular board with hexagonal terrain tiles
- Roll dice to determine resource production each turn
- Collect and manage resources (wood, brick, ore, grain, wool)
- Build roads, settlements, and cities to expand and score points
- Trade resources with other players
- Use development cards for additional actions or points
- First player to reach 10 victory points wins
Catan’s popularity stems from its perfect balance of strategy, luck, and player interaction. The modular board ensures that each game is unique, while the resource management and trading aspects keep players engaged throughout. Its relatively simple rules make it accessible to newcomers, but the depth of strategy appeals to experienced gamers as well.
New to Catan? Check out these 10 things you need to know about Catan to get started!
Alternatives to Catan
For those looking to expand their board game horizons beyond Catan, here are some excellent alternatives:
Ticket to Ride
Players build railway routes across various countries, focusing on strategic planning and competition. It accommodates 2-5 players and takes about 30-60 minutes to play. The game’s tension comes from racing to complete routes before opponents and deciding when to reveal your plans.
Who it’s for: Ideal for families and casual gamers who enjoy geography and a mix of strategy and luck.
7 Wonders
In this card drafting game, players develop their civilizations over three ages. It requires resource management and strategic planning, suitable for 3-7 players with a playtime of around 30 minutes. The simultaneous play keeps everyone engaged throughout the game.
Who it’s for: Perfect for larger groups who enjoy quick decision-making and building civilizations without direct conflict.
Puerto Rico
Set in the colonial era, players manage resources and build their settlements. This game is for 2-5 players and lasts about 90 minutes, emphasizing strategic resource use. Its role selection mechanic adds depth to player interactions.
Who it’s for: Suited for more experienced gamers who enjoy deep strategy and economic simulations.
Lords of Waterdeep
A worker placement game where players act as secret rulers in a fantasy city, completing quests and managing resources. It supports 2-5 players and has a playtime of about 60 minutes. The game’s blend of strategy and theme makes it engaging for both casual and serious gamers.
Who it’s for: Ideal for those who enjoy fantasy themes and strategic worker placement without overwhelming complexity.
Dominion
A deck-building game where players expand their card decks to gain victory points. It is for 2-4 players and takes approximately 30 minutes to play, appealing to those who enjoy evolving gameplay. The vast number of card combinations ensures high replayability.
Who it’s for: Great for players who like customizing their strategy on the fly and enjoy games with a shorter playtime.
Agricola
This farming game involves resource allocation to expand farms and raise families. It supports 1-4 players and lasts around 45 minutes, requiring careful planning. The game’s depth comes from balancing short-term needs with long-term strategy.
Who it’s for: Suitable for players who enjoy complex resource management and don’t mind a bit of stress in their gaming experience.
Stone Age
Players lead prehistoric tribes, competing for resources and building structures. This game accommodates 1-4 players and takes about 45 minutes. It offers a good balance of luck and strategy through its dice-rolling mechanic.
Who it’s for: A great choice for those new to worker placement games or families looking for a step up from gateway games.
Concordia
A resource management game where players build networks and acquire resources through card play. It is slightly more complex but offers deep strategy, suitable for 2-5 players. The game’s elegance lies in its simple rules that lead to complex decisions.
Who it’s for: Ideal for strategy enthusiasts who appreciate games with minimal luck and enjoy optimizing their actions.
Space Base
A dice rolling game where players build their space fleets and earn resources even on opponents’ turns. It is quick to learn and ideal for those who enjoy the dice mechanics of Catan. The constant engagement during other players’ turns keeps the game exciting.
Who it’s for: Perfect for groups who like fast-paced games with elements of chance and enjoy building engine-like systems.
Bohnanza
A trading card game focused on managing bean crops and negotiating with other players. It’s light and suitable for 2-7 players, making it a fun option for those who enjoy the trading aspect of Catan. The forced trading mechanic ensures lively player interaction.
Who it’s for: Great for social groups who enjoy negotiation and don’t mind a bit of chaos in their games.
Conclusion
The world of board games has exploded in popularity since Catan’s introduction, offering a wealth of options for every type of player. Whether you’re drawn to the trade negotiations of Catan, the route-building of Ticket to Ride, or the civilization development of 7 Wonders, there’s a game out there to suit your tastes. These alternatives to Catan each bring their own unique mechanics and themes to the table, providing countless hours of entertainment and strategic challenge.
As you explore these games, you’ll find that each offers a different experience, from quick, family-friendly sessions to more complex, lengthy campaigns. Don’t be afraid to try several – you might just discover your new favorite game night staple. Remember, the best game is ultimately the one that brings you and your friends or family together for an enjoyable evening of fun and friendly competition.
So gather your group, choose a game that intrigues you, and embark on your next board game adventure. Happy gaming!