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[sblock]Settlers of Catan Quick Guide: Part I
Settlers of Catan is probably the most recognizable Euro-game, followed closely by Carcassonne and Ticket to Ride. Since it’s explosive introduction in 1994, Settlers has spawned a large number of expansions and line extensions that could confuse even a seasoned veteran. As such, following is a quick guide on the Settlers of Catan series with very brief descriptions of how the various expansions and extensions fit.
Part I will deal with the base series and all expansions on the series itself. Part II will deal with the line extensions of this great game.
The Settlers of Catan Base Game Settlers of Catan the base game plays up to 4 players and is required to play with all the expansions. Any of the major expansions (Seafarers, Cities & Traders) can be added directly to the base game and played with 4 players.
Settlers of Catan is a development game with players expanding their settlements into cities across the land of Catan. Each turn, dice are rolled to determine which of the terrain hexes will produce (each terrain being numbered) their resources, with different resources required to build / expand different buildings.
Settlers of Catan 5 + 6 player expansion
The 5 + 6 player expansion introduces more land masses and pieces to allow up to 6 players to join in the fun. This expansion is required if you wish to play any of the other 5 + 6 player expansions.
Seafarers of Catan
Seafarers of Catan introduces a new island and sea routes to Settlers of Catan while keeping the base game-play the same. This is a great expansion to purchase if you regularly have 4 players and feel the need to introduce a subtle change to the game. Seafarers is an extremely popular expansion as it does not increase the complexity of the game unlike Cities and Knights.
Seafarers of Catan 5 + 6 player expansion
Should only be bought if you have the original 5 + 6 player expansion and regularly have more than 4 players.
Cities and Knights of Catan
Cities & Knights of Catan is the first expansion to change the way Settlers of Catan was played, introducing new complexities to the game with new events and city developments. This is an expansion for those who prefer more complexity in their games and do not mind increased lengt due to this complexity. City developments allow players to specialize their cities while the victory conditions have also been increased.
This expansion can be combined with the original base game or the Seafarers of Catan for an epic Settlers of Catan session.
Cities and Knights of Catan 5 + 6 player expansion
Should only be bought if you have the original 5 + 6 player expansion and regularly have more than 4 players. Players should be warned that with the Cities 5 + 6 player expansion, game play time increase to at least an hour and a half.
Traders & Barbarians
The latest expansion, Traders & Barbarians combines numerous small expansions together and introduces a few new expansions as well. These expansions to the game include:
The Fishermen of Catan- Fish in the great lake or try casting in rich coastal shoals. A fresh, expanded, and updated version!
The Rivers of Catan- Not one, but two, great rivers invite flourishing commerce. Bridge them en route to glory and wealth.
The Caravans- Nomads of the oasis seek wool and grain. Camel caravans offer trade.
Barbarian Attack- Eager for booty, vile barbarians land and occupy Catan's fertile shores. Brave knights unite and ride to battle.
Traders & Barbarians- Your wagons transport fine marble, glass, tools and sand to help restore Catan's castle to splendor.
Settlers of Catan Event Cards – replace your dice with these cards and add new excitement to your game
Traders & Barbarians is a great expansion to purchase if you have been hankering after the smaller expansions. It does not need to be played with any of the other expansions and can be added to all expansions.
The Fishermen of Catan
The Fishermen of Catan expansion replaces coastal sea cards with ‘fishing grounds’ that provide a new resources – fish! Trade fish in to gain special benefits, determined by the number fish traded in.
By only adding a single resource, this small expansion adds to the game much like Seafarers of Catan while not changing the basics of game play. It is also an expansion that can be added to the base game alone or with any of the other expansions.
The Great River of Catan
The Great River of Catan is another mini-expansion that is part of the larger Traders & Barbarians expansion. However, in this mini-expansion, only 1 River (3 tiles) is provided. Settlements or cities constructed alongside the river provide a gold, 3 of which can be traded in for a victory point. The expansion however increase the victory conditions by two additional victory points.
Like the Fishermen of Catan, the Great River can be added to the base game or with any of the other expansions.
Settlers of Catan Event Cards
The Settlers of Catan Event Cards deals with an on-going grouse of some players – the luck factor in the game. Players replace dice rolls with a draw of the card, individually numbered in direct proportion to their probability of coming up. As such, your 12 is guaranteed to come up once every 36 cards. Also included are actual events that add spice to the game.
The Event Cards can be added to the base game or with any of the other expansions.
Settlers of Catan pre-2007 adapter kit
Only required for pre-2007 (4th edition of the Mayfair Games releases), the adapter kit provides a frame to hold the hex tiles together. This also allows you to purchase the latest expansions to combine with your pre-2007 base game.
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