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:
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CATAN: Treasures, Dragons & Adventurers
Expansion
All details & ratingThis 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.
3–4 90 min 8+ Easy to learn -
Catan: Seafarers Scenario – Legend of the Sea Robbers
Expansion
All details & ratingThe 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.
3–4 90 min 10+ Easy to learn -
CATAN: Seafarers – 5-6 Player Extension
All details & ratingThe 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.
5–6 120 min 10+ Easy to learn+ 26 € above the best price40 € at Amazon* -
Catan: Traders & Barbarians
3. Expansion
All details & ratingCATAN: 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.
2–4 60 min 10+ Medium complexity -
Catan: Cities & Knights – 5-6 Player Extension
All details & ratingCatan: 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.
5–6 120 min 12+ Medium complexity -
The Settlers of Catan: The Colonies Anniversary Scenario
Expansion
All details & ratingPlayers 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.
3–4 90 min 10+ Easy to learn -
Catan: Seafarers - 20th Anniversary Edition
All details & ratingPlayers 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.
3–4 10+ Medium complexity - + 3 € above the best price46 € at Amazon*
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Catan: Explorers & Pirates
4. Expansion
All details & ratingCatan: 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.
2–4 90–120 min 12+ Medium complexity+ 14 € above the best price48 € at Amazon* -
Catan: Traders & Barbarians – 5-6 Player Extension
All details & ratingFive 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.
5–6 90 min 12+ Easy to learn+ 4 € above the best price18 € at Amazon* -
The Settlers of Catan: Historical Scenarios
All details & ratingThis 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.
3–4 90 min 10+ Medium complexity -
Catan: Explorers & Pirates – 5-6 Player Extension
All details & ratingThis 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.
5–6 120–150 min 12+ Medium complexity+ 3 € above the best price17 € 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.
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