SETTLERS OF CATAN
BOARDGAME
Theme: Resource Management / Strategy
3 – 4 Players
Playtime 60-120 Min.
Expansion available
Overview
Settlers of Catan, often referred to simply as Catan, is a resource-management and strategy board game where players compete to establish settlements, cities, and roads on a fictional island. The goal is to accumulate 10 victory points by expanding their territory and utilizing resources efficiently.
It is known for its blend of strategic depth, player interaction, and resource management. Its modular board ensures replayability, while the balance of luck (dice rolls) and skill (trading and building) makes it accessible for new and seasoned gamers alike.
Setup
The game board is modular, consisting of hexagonal tiles that represent different terrains and resources. Each game begins with players constructing the island from these hexes, ensuring a unique layout each time.
Terrain Types & Resources:
– Fields (Wheat)
– Hills (Brick)
– Mountains (Ore)
– Forests (Wood)
– Pastures (Sheep)
– Desert (No resource)
Number Tokens:
Each hex (except the desert) is assigned a number token (2–12). These determine when resources are produced based on dice rolls.
Initial Settlements & Roads:
Each player places two settlements and two roads at the start of the game, alternating in a predetermined order.
Gameplay
Each turn consists of three phases:
Resource Production:
Players roll two six-sided dice. Hexes with a number matching the dice roll produce resources, distributed to players with adjacent settlements or cities.
Trading:
Players can trade resources with each other or use maritime trading (4:1, 3:1, or 2:1 depending on the harbor).
Building & Development:
Players can spend resources to:
Build roads (1 brick + 1 wood)
Construct settlements (1 brick + 1 wood + 1 sheep + 1 wheat)
Upgrade settlements to cities (2 wheat + 3 ore)
Buy Development Cards (1 sheep + 1 wheat + 1 ore) which can grant various bonuses (e.g., knights, victory points, or special abilities).
Key Features
Victory Points (VP):
Players earn VP by building settlements (1 VP each), cities (2 VP each), and acquiring certain Development Cards. The first player to reach 10 VP wins.
Robber Mechanic:
If a 7 is rolled, no resources are produced. Instead, the player who rolled moves the robber token to any hex, blocking resource production there. They can also steal a resource from a player with a settlement or city adjacent to that hex.
Trading & Diplomacy:
Resource scarcity drives player interaction, with trading being central to success. Negotiation and alliances can be crucial.
Longest Road & Largest Army:
Two special awards grant 2 VP each:
Longest Road: Awarded to the player with the longest continuous road (minimum of 5 segments).
Largest Army: Awarded to the player with the most knight cards (minimum of 3).
