Catan Scenarios: Frenemies

Catan GmbH, 999 Games, Galakta · Board game · 2012
3–6 · best 4 45–60 min Weight 2.2/5
7.5 rating Ludopedia
6.9 rating BGG
Buy · from US$ 4.00
7.5 rating Ludopedia
6.9 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

If you love Catan and want to spice up interactions with a dash of suspicion and calculated moves, this scenario is for you! The 'helping' mechanic with ulterior motives adds a fun new layer.

Highlights
  • Enhanced social interaction
  • New strategic decisions
  • Twisty 'helping' dynamic
  • Useful bonus components
Keep in mind
  • Requires Catan base game
  • Can breed suspicion
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Get ready for a twist on Catan! In 'Frenemies,' apparent altruism hides ulterior motives. You'll help that player falling behind, but is it purely out of kindness? Or are you planning something sneakier? This expansion introduces a dynamic where 'helping' can have a flip side, and sometimes, assisting a fellow player might worsen their situation (and perhaps benefit you even more!). With every act of 'generosity' – like giving resources, moving the robber away, or even connecting your roads to theirs – you can earn 'Favor Tokens.' These tokens come from different guilds and can give you a hand with extra roads, development cards, random resources, more advantageous trades, or even Victory Points. It's an extra layer of interaction and strategy that will make Catan tables more... interesting. With components supporting up to 6 players (in more recent re-releases), this expansion is perfect for those who've already mastered the base game and want to add a dash of suspicion and calculated moves. Can you be the 'friendliest' (or the cleverest) of them all?

In essence, Catan Scenarios: Frenemies adds a layer of negotiation and manipulation where seemingly altruistic actions can have unexpected consequences. Earn Favor Tokens by helping other players, but beware, as your intentions might not be as pure as they seem. This expansion is ideal for groups who enjoy a Catan with more social interaction and a touch of 'who's pulling the rug out from whom?' The complexity increases slightly, but the fun and laughter (or frustration!) are guaranteed.

Expansion for

Published additional content

2 items

Best player count

BGG community vote

3–6 players
3 BEST
4 BEST
5 OK
6 OK

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Game: Catan Series: Catan Scenarios
Publisher Catan GmbH, 999 Games, Galakta, KOSMOS, Mayfair Games
Designer Benjamin Teuber, Klaus Teuber
Artist Benjamin Teuber, Michael Menzel

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

1,969owners
99wishlist
18want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
Do I need the Catan base game to play?
Yes! Catan Scenarios: Frenemies is an expansion and requires the Catan base game to be played.
How many players can participate?
The scenario is for 3 to 6 players. More recent re-releases include components for 5-6 players.
What is the complexity of this expansion?
The complexity is slightly higher than the base game, adding an extra layer of strategy and social interaction. It's accessible for those who already know Catan.
What are the 'Favor Tokens'?
They are rewards you earn by performing certain 'altruistic' actions. They can be exchanged for benefits like roads, development cards, resources, or even Victory Points.
Does this expansion change the game significantly?
It adds a new dynamic and specific rules for the 'Frenemies' scenario, focusing on how helping actions can have ulterior motives and generate different rewards.
Is it worth it for those who don't like a lot of negotiation?
While negotiation is an element, the focus here is more on social interaction and calculated moves arising from the 'helping' mechanic. It can be interesting even for those who aren't the biggest fans of direct bargaining.