Catan
Catan
Build. Trade. Settle. Catan is the modern board game classic that combines strategy, negotiation, and chance into one unforgettable experience.
In Catan, players compete to settle an uncharted island by gathering and trading resources. Each game feels different thanks to its modular board and dynamic economy. Whether you're new to hobby games or a seasoned strategist, Catan is easy to learn — but hard to master.
How to Play Catan
The goal of Catan is to be the first to reach 10 victory points by building settlements, cities, and roads. Here's a high-level overview:
- Setup: Arrange hex tiles to form the island. Place number tokens on each resource tile (except desert). Each player places 2 settlements and roads.
- Roll & Collect: On each turn, roll 2 dice. All players collect resources from tiles matching the rolled number, if they have settlements/cities adjacent.
- Trade: Players may trade resources — with each other or using ports at fixed rates.
- Build: Spend resources to build roads, settlements, cities, or buy development cards.
- Robber: Rolling a 7 activates the robber. Move it to a tile to block production and steal a resource.
- Victory Points: Settlements, cities, certain development cards, and achievements (Largest Army, Longest Road) all grant points. First to 10 wins.
➤ Our detailed strategy section breaks down beginner setups, early-game priorities, and trade advice.
Core Mechanics
Catan blends resource management with spatial planning and player negotiation. These are its defining gameplay features:
🌾 Resource Production
Hexes generate wood, brick, sheep, wheat, and ore. Dice rolls determine output, making settlement placement critical.
🧱 Building Infrastructure
Spend resources to expand your network. Roads unlock new spots, settlements earn points, and cities upgrade production.
🔄 Trading Economy
Tabletalk and negotiation make up half the game. Smart trades can accelerate your strategy — or slow down a rival.
💥 Robber & Conflict
Use the robber to block high-value tiles and apply pressure. Development cards add surprise tactics and edge plays.
🏆 Race to 10 Points
There's no elimination — every decision moves you closer to winning. Victory can come fast if you stay flexible and efficient.
Beginner Tips
Starting your first Catan game? Here are tips to help you avoid frustration and stay competitive from turn one:
- 1. Prioritize variety in your starting placements.
Cover at least 3–4 resource types if possible. Being blocked out of one slows everything. - 2. Pay attention to number frequency.
Tiles with numbers 6 and 8 produce more often — they're valuable spots. - 3. Build roads early.
Expansion is limited by others. Secure key paths before you're cut off. - 4. Trade smart, not generously.
Don’t give rivals what they need unless it clearly benefits you. - 5. Don’t ignore development cards.
Knights, points, and progress cards are powerful tools — especially mid-game.
Strategy Tips
Experienced Catan players win through foresight, adaptability, and clever timing. These strategies offer long-term advantages:
📈 Build Toward Ports
2:1 ports match your strongest resource. 3:1 ports help convert excess. Plan routes that give you options.
🛡️ Watch for Longest Road Threats
Block your opponents’ road extensions if they're close to the 5+ mark. Denying that 2-point swing is huge.
🧠 Read the Table
Track who’s collecting what. Players may hide their plans — don’t trade blindly.
🧱 Know When to Upgrade
Build cities where high-frequency resources are collected. A city on an 8-wheat tile can carry your economy.
💥 Rob Proactively
Don’t wait to use the robber defensively. Use it to block growth and create leverage in trades.