11 Amazing Games Like Catan

If you’re a fan of the classic board game Catan, but wanting something new then check out these games like Catan. Catan is a game full of strategy, negotiation, and a little luck. From placing your initial settlements and roads to rolling dice for resource production and trading with fellow players, every decision you make influences your path to victory. The goal is simple: be the first to earn 10 victory points. But getting there? That’s where the fun begins.

Now, as much as we love Catan, it’s always exciting to discover new games that offer similar thrills. That’s why we’ve curated a list of 11 amazing games like Catan. These games borrow elements from Catan’s unique blend of strategy and luck, yet they introduce their own twists to keep things fresh and exciting.

Whether it’s the thrill of dice-rolling for resources, the tactical challenge of building structures, or the intense negotiations that can make or break alliances, these games have something to offer every Catan enthusiast. So if you’re ready to expand your gaming horizons while staying true to the spirit of Catan, this list of games like Catan is for you. Let’s embark on this journey together!

---

Quick Peek

• Carcassonne
• Concordia
• Ticket to Ride
• Splendor
• Plunder
• Castles of Burgundy
• Sheriff of Nottingham
• Terraforming Mars
• Dominion
• Space Base
• 7 Wonders

---

Carcassonne

Carcassonne takes you on an immersive journey through the charming landscapes of southern France. Much like Catan, it’s a game that beautifully blends strategy with simplicity, making it a wonderful addition to any board game collection.

In Carcassonne, each player takes turns drawing and placing tiles that depict a piece of the French landscape. These could be cities, roads, cloisters, grasslands, or a combination of these elements. The trick here is to match the tiles in such a way that the cities connect to cities, roads to roads, and so on. But the fun doesn’t stop there! After placing a tile, you get to decide where to place your meeple – as a knight in the city, a robber on the road, a monk in the cloister, or a farmer on the grassland. Each placement is a strategic move, bringing you one step closer to victory.

The game keeps you on your toes with decisions like “Should I place my last meeple here?” or “Do I use this tile to expand my city, or do I place it near my opponent to make their game tougher?”. It’s these moments that make Carcassonne so engaging. Even though each turn involves placing only one tile and possibly one meeple, the array of options and possibilities keep every game session fresh and exciting.

With its beautifully illustrated tiles, easy-to-learn rules, and quick gameplay, Carcassonne is a game that’s easy to pick up but hard to put down. And with the addition of The Abbot mini-expansion and a new version of The River, the fun never ends. So if you’re looking for some games like Catan with the same strategic depth, but with a unique twist, give Carcassonne a try.

---

---

---

Concordia

If you’re a fan of Catan and looking for another game that will challenge your strategic thinking, then Concordia might just be the ticket. Like Catan, it’s a strategy game, but this time you’re whisked back to Roman times, tasked with expanding your dynasty’s reach across the Mediterranean.

In Concordia, you’ll send out colonists from Rome to settle in cities, produce resources, and develop your trade network. But unlike Catan, luck doesn’t play a significant role here. There aren’t any dice or cards that can turn the tide in an instant. Instead, it’s all about your strategic abilities. You have to keep a keen eye on your rivals, anticipate their moves, and outpace them wherever possible.

Each player starts with an identical set of playing cards, and throughout the game, you’ll acquire more. These cards serve a dual purpose – they allow you to choose actions during the game, and they earn you victory points at the end. The game board is modular, meaning it changes every time you play, adding an extra layer of excitement and unpredictability.

Concordia is perfect for 2-5 players aged 13 and up, and each game lasts around 90 minutes. So whether you’re planning a game night with friends or a family gathering, Concordia promises an engaging and enjoyable experience. Just like in Catan, every decision matters, and every move counts. And when the game ends, it’s not just about who has the most victory points. It’s about who played the smartest, planned the furthest ahead, and adapted best to the changing circumstances.

So if you’re ready to step into the sandals of a Roman dynasty and make your mark on history, give Concordia a try. After all, the Roman Empire wasn’t built in a day – but with a bit of strategy and a dash of daring, you might just build your own empire in 90 minutes!

---

---

---

Ticket to Ride

Ticket to Ride is a fantastic board game that brings an exciting twist to strategy gaming. Just like Catan, it’s all about smart planning and strategic moves, but instead of gathering resources and building settlements, you’re racing to build your train routes across iconic American cities. It’s a bit of a departure from the island of Catan, but one that offers a unique and enjoyable experience.

The game is fast-paced, engaging, and competitive. Each player needs to collect train cards that they can then use to claim railway routes between cities. The longer the route, the more points they earn. And just like in Catan, every move counts. You’re not just racing against the clock – you’re trying to outpace your friends and family, making each round a thrilling adventure.

In addition to claiming routes, players also have to fulfill their Destination Tickets – special tasks that ask you to connect two distant cities. Completing these tickets earns you bonus points, but be careful: any uncompleted ticket will result in negative points. And for an extra twist, the player who builds the longest continuous railway gets additional points at the end of the game. It’s a bit like having the longest road in Catan, adding another layer of strategy to the mix.

What makes Ticket to Ride so appealing is its simplicity and replayability. The rules are easy to pick up, the game board is beautifully designed, and no two games are ever the same. Whether you’re a seasoned tabletop enthusiast or new to the hobby, Ticket to Ride is sure to provide hours of entertainment. So if you’re looking for some games like Catan that offer the strategic depth but with a fresh, exciting theme, give Ticket to Ride a go. It’s time to embark on a cross-country train adventure!

---

---

---

Splendor

Splendor is a gem of a game, pun intended! It’s a strategy board game that transports you back to Renaissance Europe, where you step into the shoes of a wealthy merchant. You’re competing with other players racing to build the most prestigious jewelry business.

You start by collecting gems, represented by unique poker-like tokens. You then use these gems to acquire cards. These cards represent mines, boats, caravans, and even guild storefronts – all the things you need to build your empire. Each card gives you a permanent gem bonus for future buys, which adds an extra layer of strategy to the game. Do you go for the card with an immediate payoff, or do you invest in a card that will benefit you later on?

But it’s not just about amassing wealth. As you accumulate more ways to produce gems, you also attract the attention of nobles. These nobles can provide you with additional prestige points, propelling you towards victory. And just like in Catan, every point counts. The first player to reach 15 prestige points wins the game.

What sets Splendor apart is its replayability. Thanks to its variable setup, no two games are ever the same. So whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the world of board games, Splendor offers a fresh challenge every time. Plus, it’s quick to learn and play, making it a perfect choice for game nights.

So if you’re looking for some games like Catan that combines strategic depth with a unique theme and gameplay, give Splendor a try. It’s a game of careful planning, smart decisions, and a little bit of luck.

---

---

---

Plunder

If you’ve ever dreamt of being a swashbuckler ruling the high seas, Plunder: A Pirate’s Life might just be the board game for you. It’s a competitive strategy game that will have you navigating your fleet across a modular ocean map, battling rival captains, and conquering islands to gain valuable resources. But unlike Catan, where you’re competing for land and resources on an island, in Plunder, you’re out at sea, commanding ships and aiming for ten Plunder Points to win the game.

Plunder is easy to learn but offers endless replay possibilities. The game board is made up of six different double-sided ocean tiles, so each time you play, the map will be unique, encouraging you to explore new strategies. You’ll find yourself drawn into the thematic and intuitive gameplay, whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the world of board games.

In Plunder, every turn is an adventure. You start by drawing a Resource card for each island you own, then trade and manage your resources – wood, iron, rum, gold – to build and upgrade your fleet. Ships sail openly via roll and move, and battles with enemy ships and island conquests are decided by dice combat.

What sets Plunder apart is its high replay value and player interaction. Whether you’re buying cannons, sinking rivals, reaching buried treasures, or conquering islands, there are plenty of opportunities for engagement and friendly competition. And since there’s no player elimination, everyone stays in the game until the end. So if you’re looking for a game night crowd-pleaser that offers a fresh take on strategy games like Catan, give Plunder: A Pirate’s Life a try. It’s time to unleash your inner pirate and rule the seas!

---

---

---

Castles of Burgundy

The Castles of Burgundy is a captivating board game that takes you on a journey to the High Medieval France. As an influential prince, you have the power to shape your small princedom into a prosperous realm.

You start with a small princedom and your goal is to expand it. You do this by taking settlement tiles from the game board and placing them in your realm. Each tile has its own function and contributes to your princedom’s growth in different ways. For instance, some tiles might help you build powerful castles or develop cities, while others could boost your academic progress or agricultural production. Every move you make affects your overall strategy and can either bring you closer to victory or set you back.

The game is played in five phases, each composed of five rounds. At the beginning of each round, players roll their dice to determine their actions for that turn. The actions vary from acquiring settlement tiles and delivering goods to taking worker tokens that can adjust your dice rolls. What’s more, you can earn victory points through these actions, which are crucial for winning the game. There’s a trading aspect too. You can buy settlement tiles and place them in your staging area, waiting for the perfect moment to integrate them into your princedom.

At the end of the fifth phase, the game concludes and victory points are tallied up. Points can be earned from various sources, including unused money and workers, undelivered goods, and certain settlement tiles. The player with the most points wins, having successfully led their realm to fortune and prestige.

The Castles of Burgundy offer a unique blend of strategic planning, resource management, and historical immersion. It’s a game that’s easy to learn but offers a depth of strategy that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re a fan of other games like Catan, but are looking for a new challenge, or a board game enthusiast keen to try something different, The Castles of Burgundy is sure to provide hours of engaging gameplay. So why not take a trip back to 15th-century France and see if you have what it takes to build the most prosperous realm?

---

---

---

Sheriff of Nottingham

If you’re a fan of games that mix strategy and social interaction, then Sheriff of Nottingham could be just the game for you. Picture this: You’re a merchant in bustling medieval Nottingham, trying to get your goods to market. You’ve got a bag full of items – but some of them might not be exactly legal. The catch? The Sheriff is on the lookout for any contraband, and it’s up to you to bluff, bribe, or even tell the truth to get your goods past him.

The fun part is, that the role of the Sheriff changes each round, so everyone gets a turn to play both sides of the law. This means you’ll need to adjust your tactics depending on who’s wearing the Sheriff’s badge. One round you might be sweet-talking your way past the Sheriff, the next you could be playing hardball with a tough negotiator.

This edition of Sheriff of Nottingham comes with updated rules that are easier to understand, making it more accessible for players of all ages. Plus, the fresh artwork brings a new lease of life to the game, enhancing the overall playing experience. But what sets this edition apart are the expansions included in the box. There are components to include a 6th Merchant, allowing for larger groups to play, and the Black Market expansion introduces a high-risk, high-reward dynamic that can really shake things up. Not to mention the Sheriff’s Deputies expansion, which lets players become the Sheriff’s sidekick, adding another layer of intrigue to the game.

In terms of gameplay, it’s a bit different from Catan, but fans of that game will appreciate the strategic elements and player interaction that Sheriff of Nottingham offers. Plus, with an average playtime of around 60 minutes, it’s perfect for those game nights when you want something engaging but not overly long. So why not give Sheriff of Nottingham a try? It’s a game of wits and bluffing that’s sure to keep everyone on their toes!

---

---

---

Terraforming Mars

Venture into the cosmos with the Terraforming Mars board game, a space adventure that captivates players with its strategic gameplay. This game is perfect for teens and adults aged 14 and up, making it an ideal choice for family game nights. In Terraforming Mars, you’re not just playing a game; you’re embarking on a thrilling competition to reshape the destiny of the Red Planet.

As the game begins, you’ll find yourself in the 2400s, working for a giant corporation sponsored by the World Government on Earth. Your mission? To terraform Mars and make it habitable for humans. You’ll engage in massive projects to increase the planet’s temperature, oxygen level, and ocean coverage. But while you’re working together with your fellow players to terraform Mars, you’re also competing against them to earn victory points. These points are awarded not only for your contribution to terraforming but also for advancing human infrastructure throughout the solar system.

The gameplay is unique and engaging. You acquire project cards that give you immediate bonuses or increase your production of different resources. But be careful – buying cards is costly, so you’ll need to strike a balance between acquiring new cards and playing the ones you have. The game board is another area of competition, where you vie for the best spots to place your city tiles, ocean tiles, and greenery tiles.

Each round, or generation, consists of several phases including research, action, and production. You’ll buy cards, take actions like playing a card or claiming a Milestone, and gather resources according to your terraform rating and production parameters. The game ends when Mars is fully terraformed, and the player with the most victory points wins!

Much like Catan, Terraforming Mars offers a rich strategic experience with high replay value, ensuring a fresh and exciting adventure every time you play. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to the world of board games, Terraforming Mars is sure to provide an unforgettable journey across the stars.

---

---

---

Dominion

Dominion: 2nd Edition is a deck-building game that’s sure to make your game nights more exciting. It’s a game that combines the thrill of building an empire with strategic gameplay, making it a must-have for board game enthusiasts. You start as a ruler of a small kingdom, but your dreams are much bigger. You want to expand your dominion, adding more rivers and different types of trees, making your kingdom more pleasant.

As you play, you’ll find yourself hiring minions, constructing buildings, and filling your treasury. But you’re not alone in this race to expand. Other monarchs have the same idea and you’ll need to fend them off to claim unclaimed land. The gameplay is quite engaging. Your deck starts off modest, filled with Estates and Coppers, but as the game progresses, you’ll hope to see it brimming with Gold, Provinces, and various kingdom inhabitants and structures.

This second edition of Dominion has upgraded its covers and cards, making it more visually appealing. The rules have also been streamlined and the card text amended to eliminate confusion, making the game easier to understand and more fun to play. Just like in Catan, each decision you make impacts your overall strategy and success. However, unlike Catan where the gameboard is static, in Dominion the game evolves as your deck grows, providing endless variety and replayability. Overall, Dominion: 2nd Edition is a fantastic addition to any game night, offering a unique blend of strategy and fun that will keep players coming back for more.

---

---

---

Space Base

Space Base is a fantastic game that’s sure to light up your game nights. Imagine being the commodore of an intergalactic fleet, managing cargo vessels, mining ships, and carriers across 12 sectors. Your job? To grow your fleet and earn profits while expanding your influence in the cosmos. It sounds like a big responsibility, but don’t worry—Space Base is as easy to learn as it is fun to play.

The game begins with each player drafting ships into their Space Base. What’s great is that every turn, regardless of who rolled the dice, everyone gets to harvest rewards from their Space Base. These rewards can be anything from an increase in your baseline income, credits for the next turn, or some other powerful effect that could lead you to victory. The game keeps you engaged on every player’s turn, right from the first roll of the dice to the last.

The gameplay involves a lot of strategic decision-making. When it’s your turn, you’ll roll two six-sided dice and claim rewards based on the outcome. For instance, if you roll a 5 and a 6, you could claim rewards for the 5 sector and the 6 sector cards on your board, or you could claim the reward of only the 11 sector card on your board. After claiming rewards, you can buy a new card to place on your board, which will then deploy the existing card in that sector above your board. As you continue to buy and deploy new cards, your base will improve at a faster rate. But remember, scoring points is crucial because in the end, the player with the most points wins!

Much like Catan, Space Base is a game of strategy and resource management. However, it adds a unique twist with its space theme and dice-rolling mechanism. Whether you’re a fan of Catan looking for something new, or you’re new to the world of board games, Space Base is a game that’s sure to provide hours of fun.

---

---

---

7 Wonders

7 Wonders is a strategy board game that’s all about leading one of the seven greatest cities of the Ancient World. Picture this: you’re at the helm of an ancient city, tasked with gathering resources, developing commercial routes, and affirming your military supremacy. And it’s not just about survival – you’re aiming to build an architectural wonder that will transcend future times.

The gameplay is engaging and keeps you on your toes. You start with a hand of cards, each offering different resources or abilities. The trick is to pick one that aligns with your long-term goals and pass the rest to your neighbor. But keep an eye out, your neighbors are building their own cities and could be eyeing the same milestones as you. It’s a delicate balance of focusing on your own city while keeping a watchful eye on others.

Over three ages, you’ll be drafting cards, paying resources, and interacting with other players. Some cards have immediate effects, like providing military strength, while others offer bonuses or upgrades for later in the game. The fun part? The game keeps you involved regardless of player count, and there’s no downtime. It’s quick, engaging, and offers renewed fun every time you play.

Now, if you’re a fan of games like Catan, you’ll find some similarities here. Like Catan, 7 Wonders requires strategic resource management and offers different paths to victory. But it’s the unique card drafting mechanism and the individual player boards that make 7 Wonders stand out.

---

---

---

Conclusion

We’ve journeyed through 11 amazing games like Catan, each offering unique elements that echo the spirit of our beloved classic. Whether you’re trading resources, vying for strategic advantage, or simply laughing over a surprising turn of events, these games promise to keep the essence of Catan alive while adding their unique flavor.

As we wrap up this board game adventure, we encourage you to explore these games like Catan further. Remember, the beauty of board games lies not just in winning, but in the shared moments of joy, laughter, and friendly competition they bring. So whether you’re planning a game night with friends or a cozy family evening, these games are sure to create memories that last a lifetime.

So go ahead, dive into these new adventures, and don’t forget… keep those Board Game Smiles shining bright! Nothing beats the thrill of rolling the dice, plotting your next move, and sharing a hearty laugh with your loved ones over a great board game.

---

Check out my other posts!

Top 6 NASCAR Board Game List For Amazing Races

7 Board Games Like Tetris You Will Love

Star Trek Board Games That Are Out of This World

How To Play Pictionary: Easy Step by Step Guide

---