Catan is the game a lot of people play first when they get into modern board games. Then they walk into a game store and find a whole shelf of boxes with "Catan" on them. This guide sorts out what each one is, so you can pick the right box for your table.
The quick answer
New to Catan? Start with Catan (6th Edition): 3–4 players, ages 10+.
Playing with younger kids? Catan Junior: 2–4 players, ages 6+, about 30 minutes.
Just the two of you? Rivals for Catan: a 2-player card game, ages 10+.
Already own Catan? Look at the expansions below, and match the edition on your base game box.
Start here: the base game
Catan (6th Edition) is the classic: gather resources, trade with the table, build roads and settlements. It plays 3–4 people and is rated for ages 10+. If you've never played, this is the box to get. Everything else on this list either builds on it or offers a different take on it.
Playing with younger kids
Catan Junior keeps the feel of Catan with a simpler set of rules. It plays 2–4 people, ages 6+, in about 30 minutes, which makes it a good first game for families who want to play together now and graduate to the full game later.
Only two players
- Rivals for Catan is a card game built for two: 2 players, ages 10+, 45–60 minutes. It also comes in a Deluxe edition.
- Catan: Starfarers Duel is a 2-player game with a sci-fi setting, for pairs who like space more than sheep.
- If you already own Catan (6th Edition), Traders & Barbarians (6th Edition) includes rules for a two-player variant.
Taking Catan on the road
Catan Traveler is made for trips and small tables: 2–4 players, ages 10+.
Already own Catan? Expansions
Expansions add new rules and pieces to a base game you already have. You'll need the base game to play any of them.
- Cities & Knights (standard listing · 6th Edition) is the deeper, longer option for experienced players. The standard listing is 3–4 players, ages 12+, about 90 minutes.
- Traders & Barbarians (standard listing · 6th Edition) is a collection of scenarios and variants. The standard listing is 3–4 players, ages 12+, about 90 minutes.
- Explorers & Pirates takes the game out to sea, with a more adventure-style feel. 3–4 players.
- Bigger group? The Traders & Barbarians 5–6 Player Extension is for tables that already own Traders & Barbarians and want more seats. Ask us which other boxes it needs before you buy.
Saga Help Tip: match your edition
Catan expansions are made for a specific edition of the base game. Before you buy one, check the edition printed on your base game box. Not sure? Snap a photo of your box and show us at the counter, or send it with your order question, and we'll point you to the right one.
Standalone Catan games with a twist
These are complete games. You don't need the base game to play them.
- Catan: New Energies puts Catan in a modern setting: 3–4 players, ages 12+, about 90 minutes.
- Catan: Settlers of America is a longer, history-themed game: 3–4 players, about 120 minutes.
- Catan: Dawn of Humankind gives Catan a prehistoric setting.
FAQ
Which Catan should I buy first?
Catan (6th Edition), unless you're playing with kids under 10 (Catan Junior) or only ever play with two (Rivals for Catan).
Can you play Catan with 2 players?
The base game is for 3–4. For two, pick Rivals for Catan or Starfarers Duel, or add Traders & Barbarians (6th Edition), which includes two-player rules.
Do I need the base game for expansions?
Yes. Expansions add to a base game. Match the edition on your base game box.
Where can I buy Catan in New Jersey?
At Saga Concepts in Englewood, NJ, or online at sagaconcepts.com.
Looking for more game night ideas? Read The Family Game Night Starter Kit or Best Board Games for Adults (2026).
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Ready to settle the island? Find your next Catan, from the base game to the expansions. |
