“Settlers of Catan is a great game”, you probably must have heard many people make this statement. But, when it comes to board games, the words great or fun hold little value because in the digital world, board games for many have sentimental value. Settlers of Catan is one such family board game that holds sentimental value because a large number of special “party-time” and “family-time” is associated with it. Settlers of Catan is game that many people say got them into playing board games. Now, this is a good way to describe the greatness of a board game.

First a little overview

The game is based on a fictional island of Catan. Players play as a settlers who want to establish their settlement on the island. To do that, players have to compete with each other and collect bricks, lumber, ore, grain etc needed to build the settlement. The standard game can accommodate four players and it be expanded upto six players.

Let’s hop on to why this classic game should be in everyone’s game closet

1. It’s really easy to learn

   If you have friends or family who are hesitant to play board games because they are difficult and requires a lot of time and effort to actually understand and begin playing then, Catan is the best game to start with. It is easy to learn and accommodates a wide variety of skill levels, hence, it’s the best for a game night.

2. This game is for everyone

   The Catan board game is easy to learn and accommodates a blend of strategy, luck and interesting choices, hence, can be played by both young and old alike. The best thing about the game is that it keeps everyone engaged throughout. Rather than sitting and waiting for someone to take their turn, people can engage and gather resources even if it isn’t their turn. Players don’t get eliminated here, so it keeps everyone hooked until the end of the game.

3. Its straightforward

   The game is pretty straightforward. You roll/collect resources and then utilize those resources. The goal is to spend the resources to get a total of ten victory points. However, even with a simple game play, it is quite challenging. It starts out easy but eventually gets competitive when trading starts, players compete for resources or when there’s a shortage of resources.

4. The game is interactive

   The Catan board game does a great job at getting people to interact. To win you have to interact and trade, in a way the whole set up of the game takes you through a great segue which is creative and thrilling. Trading gets creative, tension is ratcheted and it really gets players to play together.

5. It’s a bestselling board game

   The settlers of Catan first appeared in 1995 and ever since, its popularity has only grown. It has highly been rated by critics and sincere board game players absolutely love it! Various editions have also grown out from the success of the first game – Catan family edition, Catan traveler edition, Settlers of Catan Star Trek version and many more. In a way, Catan has evolved with time and have catered to what’s in vogue.

Final Thoughts

If you are new to board games, Catan is the best place to start. Once you try it, you’ll come back wanting more. No collection is complete without it.