The best Settlers of Catan expansions 2026

The Settlers of Catan will be 31 years old in 2026. In this list we have picked out the best Catan expansions 2026 for you. With these expansions, every Settlers game will be different.

Order of the settlers expansions

  1. Seafarers
  2. Cities & Knights
  3. Traders & Barbarians
  4. Explorers & Pirates

In addition, there are some mini-expansions and so-called scenarios. But more about that below in our Catan top expansions list.

Extra 5-6 Player Catan Expansions

Catan is actually designed for 3-4 players. However, extra 5-6 player expansions exist for all major expansions as well as for the Catan Basic Game:

Looking for a completely standalone Settlers variant?

Not only are there expansions of Catan, there are also completely standalone Settlers games apart from the original. We have created an extra list for you: The best Settlers of Catan variants.

Which is the best Settlers expansion?

Which one do you think is the best Settlers of Catan expansion? Write us at tibi+brettspiele@cephea.de.

List with the best Settlers of Catan expansions

Enclosed now our overview with the best Settlers of Catan expansions 2026:

This list was last updated on June 1, 2026. There's also a print version for this list .
  1. CATAN: 3D Edition

    Players strive to dominate the island of Catan by building settlements, cities, and roads. Each turn, dice are rolled to determine the resources produced: sheep, wheat, wood, brick, and ore. The 3D edition features intricately designed terrain and hand-painted tiles, providing a visually stunning experience that enhances gameplay. Players can earn points through their constructions and by achieving specific objectives, with the first to 10 points declared the winner.

    More details for CATAN: 3D Edition
    • 👥 3 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 60 - 120 Minutes
    • 🧒 10+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  2. Catan: Junior

    Catan: Junior offers a captivating introduction to the world-renowned Catan series, specifically designed for younger players. This game simplifies the classic Settlers of Catan mechanics to create an accessible, engaging, and educational experience for children aged five and up.

    Nominated for 3 awards and won 1.

    More details for Catan: Junior
    • 👥 2 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 30 Minutes
    • 🧒 6+ years old
    • 🧩 Immediately playable
  3. Catan: The Duel – Dark & Golden Times (Expansion)

    The expansion features six thematic sets that enhance Rivals for Catan. Players can fend off barbarian raids, explore new islands, and much more.

    More details for Catan: The Duel – Dark & Golden Times (Expansion)
    • 👥 2 Players
    • ⏱️ 60 - 75 Minutes
    • 🧒 10+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  4. Catan (Spiel des Jahres 1995 winner)

    CATAN, formerly known as The Settlers of Catan, is a highly acclaimed and award-winning strategy board game where players aim to become the dominant force on the island of Catan. The game is renowned for its appeal to both experienced gamers and newcomers to the board game hobby.

    Nominated for 11 awards and won 9.

    ⭐️ Spiel des Jahres 1995

    More details for Catan (Spiel des Jahres 1995 winner)
    • 👥 3 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 60 - 120 Minutes
    • 🧒 10+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  5. CATAN: Seafarers (1. Expansion)

    Catan: Seafarers is an expansion to the popular board game CATAN, adding new elements and strategies to the base game. This expansion focuses on exploration and building across water, introducing shipping lanes and various water-based scenarios.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for CATAN: Seafarers (1. Expansion)
    • 👥 3 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 90 Minutes
    • 🧒 10+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn

    Video reviews for CATAN: Seafarers (1. Expansion)

    • YouTube Review for the game "CATAN: Seafarers (1. Expansion)" by BoardGameGeek
      Video
  6. Catan Dice Game Deluxe Edition

    The Catan Dice Game XXL Boxed Set includes a box with six dice, a marker, a dice cup that also serves as a container, and four laminated, reusable score sheets featuring both the original and the variant maps. This set should not be confused with the Catan Dice Game XXL variant, which offers a printed game board for up to 4 players and features interactive rules available for download. Consider subscribing to the components of Catan Dice Game and Catan Dice Game Plus for complete information.

    More details for Catan Dice Game Deluxe Edition
    • 👥 1 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 30 Minutes
    • 🧒 7+ years old
    • 🧩 Immediately playable
  7. Catan: 25th anniversary edition

    A special edition celebrates the 25th anniversary of Catan. It includes the base game, Catan: Seafarers, and two scenarios: Catan: Hawaii and Catan: Iberian Peninsula.

    More details for Catan: 25th anniversary edition
    • 👥 3 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 60 - 120 Minutes
    • 🧒 10+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  8. Catan: Big Box (2016)

    Catan: Big Box includes the classic Catan board game and an expansion that allows up to six players to compete. It features the scenario of the irregulars, the mini-expansion "Helpers of Catan" which grants each player a character with a bonus ability, as well as the Mallorca scenario (printed on paper) and the Germany scenario (printed on the game board, showcasing city landmarks).

    More details for Catan: Big Box (2016)
    • 👥 3 - 6 Players
    • ⏱️ 75 Minutes
    • 🧒 10+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  9. CATAN: Treasures, Dragons & Adventurers (Expansion)

    This expansion pack provides additional materials for scenarios that could previously only be played with some modifications. It includes components for various scenarios and a new scenario called "Setting Off into the Unknown." The expansion also offers enough materials for a larger game of Catan without needing a second base game.

    More details for CATAN: Treasures, Dragons & Adventurers (Expansion)
    • 👥 3 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 90 Minutes
    • 🧒 8+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  10. CATAN: 5-6 Player (Expansion)

    The Catan: 5-6 Player Extension is an expansion that allows you to add up to two additional players to the base game of The Settlers of Catan. This expansion broadens the scope of the original game, making it suitable for larger groups and family gatherings.

    More details for CATAN: 5-6 Player (Expansion)
    • 👥 5 - 6 Players
    • ⏱️ 120 Minutes
    • 🧒 10+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  11. Rivals for Catan: Age of Enlightenment (Expansion)

    The expansion set Goldene Zeiten for Die Fürsten von Catan includes 125 new cards and introduces three thematic sets: "The Era of Explorers," "The Era of Sages," and "The Era of Prosperity."

    More details for Rivals for Catan: Age of Enlightenment (Expansion)
    • 👥 2 Players
    • ⏱️ 75 Minutes
    • 🧒 10+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  12. Catan Geographies: North Rhine – Westphalia (Expansion)

    The edition of Catan - North Rhine-Westphalia is part of a series of historical regional map expansions for the classic Catan line. It features the area of North Rhine-Westphalia, known for its industrial region along the Rhine, including the city of Essen, famous for its gaming fair.

    More details for Catan Geographies: North Rhine – Westphalia (Expansion)
    • 👥 2 - 6 Players
    • ⏱️ 60 Minutes
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  13. Catan Junior Madagascar

    Players take on the role of characters from the film Madagascar 3 and build circus tents and vehicles on the island of Madagascar. The game accommodates 2 to 4 players, generating resources like wood, sandbags, popcorn, wool, and juice cocktails. The goal is to be the first to set up all seven circus tents while expanding your network and avoiding the controlling zookeeper.

    More details for Catan Junior Madagascar
    • 👥 2 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 30 Minutes
    • 🧒 6+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  14. EXIT: The Game – Adventures on Catan

    • 👥 1 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 45 - 90 Minutes
    • 🧒 10+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  15. Catan: Big Box (2019)

    The 2019 edition of Catan: Big Box includes the classic Catan board game and an expansion that allows up to six players to join in. It features the Catan dice game, the "Frenemies" scenario, the mini-expansion "Helpers of Catan" which gives each player a character with a bonus ability, and scenarios based in Mallorca and New York, both printed on paper.

    More details for Catan: Big Box (2019)
    • 👥 3 - 6 Players
    • ⏱️ 75 Minutes
    • 🧒 10+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  16. Catan: Cities & Knights (2. Expansion)

    Embark on a strategic journey in CATAN: Cities & Knights, an expansion that enriches the classic Settlers of Catan experience. Two major additions elevate gameplay - the creation of knights to fend off barbarian invasions and the construction of city improvements providing unique benefits. As part of the Catan Series, this expansion introduces tactical complexity and extends the game length.

    More details for Catan: Cities & Knights (2. Expansion)
    • 👥 3 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 90 - 150 Minutes
    • 🧒 12+ years old
    • 🧩 Medium difficulty
  17. Rivals for Catan: Age of Darkness (Expansion)

    The expansion includes three thematic sets that can be combined with the base game. In the Age of Intrigue, players engage in religious conflicts that affect their resources. The Age of Trade Lords focuses on controlling commerce with key buildings and improved trade ships. In the Age of Barbarians, players build defenses and recruit new heroes to fend off barbarian attacks and thwart rivals.

    More details for Rivals for Catan: Age of Darkness (Expansion)
    • 👥 2 Players
    • ⏱️ 60 - 75 Minutes
    • 🧒 10+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  18. CATAN 3D Collector's Edition

    A special edition is being created to commemorate this significant and joyful event. It includes Settlers of Catan and Cities & Knights for 3-4 players, featuring 3D hand-painted tiles made from dense, heavy resin and a complete interlocking border. Each player receives a set of hand-painted settlements, cities, metropolises, city walls, knights, and roads, all housed in a hardwood box designed for safety with felt-lined slots for the tiles.

    More details for CATAN 3D Collector's Edition
    • 👥 3 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 45 Minutes
    • 🧒 10+ years old
    • 🧩 Medium difficulty
  19. Rivals for Catan

    Rivals for Catan reinvents the classic Catan Card Game for a new generation of players. Designed by Klaus Teuber, this card game was released in honor of the 15th anniversary of the original card game. It introduces players to the competitive world of Catan, where each player assumes the role of a prince, striving to develop their provinces and outshine their rivals. The game offers a fresh take on the original mechanics, making it more accessible to newcomers while retaining the essence of the beloved Catan universe.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Rivals for Catan
    • 👥 2 Players
    • ⏱️ 45 - 60 Minutes
    • 🧒 10+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  20. Catan: Seafarers Scenario – Legend of the Sea Robbers (Expansion)

    The scenario "Legend of the Pirates" offers four interconnected scenarios celebrating the 20th anniversary of Catan: Seafarers. Players can enjoy each scenario individually while aiming to collect ten victory points, and they can also track their scores at the end of each scenario, influencing the next game. This expansion requires both the base game of Catan and the Seafarers expansion.

    More details for Catan: Seafarers Scenario – Legend of the Sea Robbers (Expansion)
    • 👥 3 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 90 Minutes
    • 🧒 10+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  21. CATAN: Starfarers

    Twenty years ago, settlers ventured into the depths of the galaxy to discover unknown planets and explore the uncharted universe before them. They might find planets rich in ore or carbon, or barren ice worlds instead. Encounters with aliens can lead to profitable trade, while pirates and wormholes pose constant challenges. This new version of Catan: Starfarers features completely revamped graphics, updated materials, revised rules, and a variable game board for even greater variety in space exploration.

    More details for CATAN: Starfarers
    • 👥 3 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 120 Minutes
    • 🧒 14+ years old
    • 🧩 Medium difficulty
  22. The Settlers of Catan: Junior

    Players take on the role of pirates instead of settlers while collecting and trading resources to build pirate ports and ships around the islands of Catan. Resource gathering occurs through pirate ports when a die roll matches the number displayed on the island, and players can use these resources to build or buy development cards. The goal is to be the first to build seven ports while navigating around the threat of a ghost pirate that can block resource allocation.

    More details for The Settlers of Catan: Junior
    • 👥 3 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 30 Minutes
    • 🧒 6+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  23. Catan Dice Game

    Catan Dice Game is a dice-driven adaptation of the classic board game series "Settlers of Catan". In this version, players focus on building settlements, roads, cities, and hiring knights, similar to the original game, but without the use of a physical board. Instead, players have their own score card, or "building sheet," to track their progress and developments in their mini version of Catan.

    More details for Catan Dice Game
    • 👥 1 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 15 - 30 Minutes
    • 🧒 7+ years old
    • 🧩 Immediately playable
  24. Star Trek: Catan

    Star Trek: Catan transports players into the vast universe of Star Trek, combining the strategic gameplay of Klaus Teuber's classic Catan with the iconic characters and settings of the Star Trek series. This game offers a unique twist on the familiar formula of building and trading, set against the backdrop of the Final Frontier. Players work to expand their influence through building Outposts and Starbases, trading resources like dilithium and tritanium, all while navigating the challenges posed by the Klingon ship on a roll of 7.

    More details for Star Trek: Catan
    • 👥 3 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 75 Minutes
    • 🧒 10+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  25. CATAN: Seafarers – 5-6 Player Extension

    The Catan: Seafarers – 5-6 Player Extension expands the possibilities of the original Seafarers of Catan game, allowing for 1-2 additional players to join in. This extension maintains the ease of play of the original game while introducing ten new scenarios, designed to enhance the experience of seafaring, exploration, and trade in the world of Catan. With this expansion, 5-6 players can now engage in the strategy and adventure of settling mysterious islands near Catan.

    More details for CATAN: Seafarers – 5-6 Player Extension
    • 👥 5 - 6 Players
    • ⏱️ 120 Minutes
    • 🧒 10+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  26. Struggle for Catan

    The Struggle for Catan is a dynamic, multi-player card game that captures the essence of the Catan universe, offering a new way to experience the classic resource management and development strategies familiar to fans of the original The Settlers of Catan board game. Designed by Klaus Teuber and released by Kosmos and Mayfair Games in 2011, this game introduces a streamlined, dice-less gameplay that emphasizes strategic planning over luck.

    Nominated for 1 award.

    More details for Struggle for Catan
    • 👥 2 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 30 Minutes
    • 🧒 10+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  27. Baden-Württemberg Catan

    In 1952, three German federal states voted to merge into one, and to commemorate this event's sixtieth anniversary, a special edition of Teuber's Settlers of Catan was released. Players roll dice to determine resource production, trade resources, and use them to build settlements, cities, roads, and purchase development cards. The game features the southwestern state of Baden-Württemberg, where players can construct significant landmarks like the Stuttgart TV tower and Heidelberg Castle.

    More details for Baden-Württemberg Catan
    • 👥 3 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 60 Minutes
    • 🧒 10+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  28. The Settlers of Catan: The Chocolate Market

    Ritter Sport, a German chocolate manufacturer, introduces a mini-expansion for the Settlers of Catan. Players can trade five new goods: cocoa, sugar, milk, grapes, and hazelnuts. With the right combination, they can produce one of five special chocolates to earn new materials, cards, or victory points.

    More details for The Settlers of Catan: The Chocolate Market
    • 👥 3 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 75 Minutes
    • 🧒 10+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  29. Catan: Traveler – Compact Edition

    Catan: Compact is a travel version of Catan that replicates the gameplay experience with some limitations due to the smaller board size. Players aim to be the first to reach ten victory points, primarily earned through cities and settlements built on the board. The game features adjustable land tiles and includes a two-player variant with cards that allow one player to enforce a trade with the other.

    More details for Catan: Traveler – Compact Edition
    • 👥 2 - 4 Players
    • ⏱️ 75 Minutes
    • 🧒 10+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn
  30. CATAN: Starfarers Duel

    Players explore the vastness of space, traveling to distant planets, buying and selling resources, founding colonies, and establishing trade relations while watching out for pirates. Upgrading their spaceship to face potential threats is also an option. The game features five introductory missions and offers a variable setup.

    More details for CATAN: Starfarers Duel
    • 👥 2 Players
    • ⏱️ 75 Minutes
    • 🧒 12+ years old
    • 🧩 Easy to learn

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