Settlers of Catan: The City-Building Board Game
Settlers of Catan, or simply Catan, is a hugely popular board game that involves building cities. Designed by Klaus Teuber and first published in Germany in 1995, the game has sold over 22 million copies in 30 languages worldwide. Catan is a multiplayer game that can be played with three to four players, or up to six with the extension packs.
The Basics of Settlers of Catan
The game is set on a fictional island called Catan, and players compete to build the most profitable cities and settlements. The game board is made up of hexagonal tiles that represent different resources, such as wood, brick, and wheat. Players must use these resources to build roads, settlements, and cities, and to acquire development cards that give various advantages.
Strategy and Chance
One of the things that makes Settlers of Catan so popular is the combination of strategy and chance. While players must use their resources and placement of buildings strategically, the roll of the dice determines which resources are available each round. This element of chance keeps the game exciting and unpredictable.
Catan and the Rise of Eurogames
Catan is often credited with helping to launch the popularity of “eurogames,” a style of board game that originated in Europe and emphasizes strategy, player interaction, and minimal luck. Eurogames like Catan have become increasingly popular in the United States and other countries, and have inspired a new generation of board game enthusiasts.
The Endless Fun of Catan
Settlers of Catan is not only a game, but a cultural phenomenon. The game has spawned numerous expansion sets, digital versions, and even a Catan World Championship. While there are many different board games that involve building cities, Catan remains one of the most enduring and beloved. So gather some friends, roll the dice, and see who can build the best city on Catan!
