The best Settlers of Catan variants⎇ and versions 2026

The Settlers of Catan will be 25 years old in 2020. In this list we have picked out the best Catan variants 2026 for you. With these variants⎇ or spinoffs, every Settlers game will be different.

Looking for a good Settlers expansion?

Besides the completely independent Settlers variants, there are of course expansions for the Catan Basic Game. We created an extra list for you: The best Settlers of Catan expansions.

Which is the best Settlers version?

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

List with the best Settlers variants⎇ 2026

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

This list was last updated on June 22, 2026. There's also a print version for this list .
  1. CATAN: Treasures, Dragons & Adventurers

    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.

    All details & rating
    3–4 90 min 8+ Easy to learn
  2. Catan: Seafarers Scenario – Legend of the Sea Robbers

    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.

    All details & rating
    3–4 90 min 10+ Easy to learn
  3. CATAN: Seafarers – 5-6 Player Extension

    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.

    All details & rating
    5–6 120 min 10+ Easy to learn
    + 26 € above the best price
    40 € at Amazon*
  4. Catan: Traders & Barbarians

    Catan: Traders & Barbarians

    3. Expansion

    CATAN: Traders & Barbarians is the third major expansion for The Settlers of Catan, offering a collection of various small expansions and scenarios. This expansion adds new dimensions to the base game, providing players with more variety and strategic options. It is compatible with the base game and can be combined with other expansions like Seafarers and Cities & Knights.

    All details & rating
    2–4 60 min 10+ Medium complexity
  5. Catan: Cities & Knights – 5-6 Player Extension

    Catan: Cities & Knights – 5-6 Player Extension

    Catan: Cities & Knights – 5-6 Player Extension expands the beloved Catan series, allowing up to six players to engage in the strategic building and trading game set in the world of Catan. This extension not only accommodates more players but also enhances the depth and complexity of the Cities & Knights expansion by adding new dimensions to the gameplay.

    All details & rating
    5–6 120 min 12+ Medium complexity
  6. The Settlers of Catan: The Colonies Anniversary Scenario

    The Settlers of Catan: The Colonies Anniversary Scenario

    Expansion

    Players explore a large island filled with exotic resources, aiming to profit from them. They must transport these resources to the coast and then overseas, creating a logistical challenge. The expansion, based on a scenario from the Catan book, complements the original game and requires the Seafarers expansion.

    All details & rating
    3–4 90 min 10+ Easy to learn
  7. Catan: Seafarers - 20th Anniversary Edition

    Catan: Seafarers - 20th Anniversary Edition

    Players explore water routes in a new expansion for Catan, incorporating sea witches and various maritime scenarios. The 20th Anniversary Edition introduces four new scenarios under "The Legend of the Sea Robbers," which feature a connected narrative about pirates arriving in Catan and brings a fresh gameplay experience to the Catan universe. Additional scenario expansions will be available separately in select stores.

    All details & rating
    3–4 10+ Medium complexity
  8. CATAN: New Energies
    3–4 90 min 12+ Easy to learn
    + 3 € above the best price
    46 € at Amazon*
  9. Catan: Explorers & Pirates

    Catan: Explorers & Pirates

    4. Expansion

    Catan: Explorers & Pirates is the fourth major expansion for the game, featuring five scenarios and three missions, with some scenarios utilizing missions while others do not. Players explore three islands, starting on one known island, then building ships and settlers to discover new lands. Instead of cities, players can construct harbor settlements that provide resources, and when lacking resources during production, they receive gold as compensation, which can be exchanged for resources or used to escape pirates.

    All details & rating
    2–4 90–120 min 12+ Medium complexity
    + 14 € above the best price
    48 € at Amazon*
  10. Catan: Traders & Barbarians – 5-6 Player Extension

    Catan: Traders & Barbarians – 5-6 Player Extension

    Five to six players dive into new adventures on the island of Catan. The expansion includes new scenarios and offers up to six players paths to even greater wealth or bitter poverty.

    All details & rating
    5–6 90 min 12+ Easy to learn
    + 4 € above the best price
    18 € at Amazon*
  11. CATAN: Soccer Fever
    3–4 75 min 10+ Easy to learn
  12. The Settlers of Catan: Historical Scenarios

    The Settlers of Catan: Historical Scenarios

    This is an expansion featuring two scenarios: Cheops and Alexander the Great. The first scenario involves building pyramids, while the second focuses on the imperial expansion of Alexander.

    All details & rating
    3–4 90 min 10+ Medium complexity
  13. Catan: Explorers & Pirates – 5-6 Player Extension

    Catan: Explorers & Pirates – 5-6 Player Extension

    This expansion allows a fifth and sixth player to join in building, trading, colonizing, fishing, sailing, battling pirates, and spice trading in Catan: Explorers & Pirates. It adds components for two additional players to the game, enhancing the experience of this fourth major expansion for the Settlers of Catan series.

    All details & rating
    5–6 120–150 min 12+ Medium complexity
    + 3 € above the best price
    17 € at Amazon*

Frequently asked questions

Which game ranks first on this list?

CATAN: Treasures, Dragons & Adventurers (Expansion) currently tops our list. The ranking is derived from player community ratings and is recalculated continuously.

How many players do the games on this list support?

Most games on this list support 3 to 4 players. The exact player count is listed with each game.

What age are these games suitable for?

Publisher age recommendations on this list start at 8 years. Each game carries its own age rating.

How long does a game take?

A typical game takes about 90 minutes. Each game's playing time is listed individually.

Didn't find the game you were looking for?

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