Settlers of Catan: A Game Changer in the World of Board Games

These days, digital entertainment can dominate a lot of our leisure time. And that’s not a bad thing – anyone who reads our articles regularly will know that we are here for all the video games, movies, TV shows, and any other digital media we can get our hands on. But there is something nostalgic and captivating about sitting around a table with friends and plotting their demise within the well-defined rules of a board game. And not just friends and family – this game is the basis for tournaments, leagues, and championships all over the world. Over nearly thirty years, Settlers of Catan has become the medium through which families, friends, and complete strangers can wage polite war with one another – most often in the comfort of their own homes. 

Settlers of Catan (known simply as Catan) was first released in 1995 and has carved out a space for itself in the homes and hearts of millions across the world. It was created by Klaus Teuber, a board game enthusiast who gave up his job as a dental technician to pursue his passion and saw his creation become one of the most celebrated board games in recent years. Catan is a strategy game in which players build settlements on new land using resources (brick, lumber, wool, ore, and grain). It’s been described as a “competitive resource management and economic negotiation board game”, which doesn’t fully capture the gleeful satisfaction of controlling the exact resource your friend or family member desperately needs. 

One of the reasons for Catan’s phenomenal success is its incredible range of expansions and extensions. To date, there are four major expansions, the most popular being Cities and Knights. This expansion, along with Seafarers, Traders and Barbarians, and Explorers and Pirates, plus the countless extension packs, scenarios, and card games (called Rivals for Catan), introduce new locations, game mechanics, and rules, keeping the game fresh and dynamic for new players and old. The expansions and additional scenarios also mean that the Catan universe has something for everyone, appealing to an increasingly diverse audience with every new release.  The newest release, Catan: New Energies, is a stand-alone game where players choose between clean energy and fossil fuels as they seek the resources they need to win. It will hit shelves this summer and fans are eagerly awaiting its launch.

Remember we mentioned digital entertainment? Well, Catan has also adapted to the world of online gaming. The franchise includes console editions suitable for Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, a browser-based board game arena, and Catan Universe, which allows players to pit their skills against people all over the world. Reviews of these online excursions have been mixed, but it shows Catan’s willingness and ability to adapt to the world around it. The physical board game remains by far its most popular medium. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many friend and family groups gathered to play Catan over video calls, bringing a sense of connection at a time when many were isolated. 

Whether it’s with the people closest to us or strangers competing in a world championship, Catan is one of the most popular board games of our time. New expansions and editions ensure the gameplay is ever-evolving and challenging to even the most seasoned player. With different scenarios and varying mechanics, the franchise truly has something for everyone. There’s no doubt Catan will continue to dominate board games in the future – one settlement at a time.

Are you a fan of Catan? Tell us about your favorite board game in the comments section below. And don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for all things gaming, pop culture, online deals, and more.

Check out our Top Finds page for the best online deals!

This article contains links to external sellers and affiliate marketing. By purchasing through these links, you help support us to continue producing content and expanding our site.