# Catan: Seafarers

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 1997
- **BGG Rating**: 7.2
- **BGG Rank**: —
- **Players**: 3-4 (Best with: 4)
- **Duration**: 90 min
- **Weight**: 2.37 / 5
- **Designers**: Klaus Teuber
- **Artists**: Andreas Klober, Andreas Resch, Eric Hibbeler, Franz Vohwinkel, Harald Lieske, Klaus Teuber, Matt Schwabel, Michael Menzel, Michaela Kienle, Quentin Regnes, Sabine Kondirolli, Stephen Graham Walsh, Tanja Donner, Volkan Baga
- **Publishers**: KOSMOS, 999 Games, Albi, asmodee, Brädspel.se, Brain Games, Catan Studio, Competo / Marektoy, danspil, Devir, Dexy Co, Filosofia Éditions, Galakta, Giochi Uniti, GP Games, Grow Jogos e Brinquedos, HaKubia, Hobby World, Ideal Board Games, Igroljub, IntelliGames.BG, Ísöld ehf., Kaissa Chess & Games, Korea Boardgames, Laser plus, Mayfair Games, MIPL, NeoTroy Games, Piatnik, Rozum, Smart Ltd, Spilbræt.dk, SuperHeated Neurons, Swan Panasia Co., Ltd., Tilsit, TRY SOFT
- **Categories**: Expansion for Base-game, Exploration, Nautical, Negotiation
- **Mechanics**: Dice Rolling, Hand Management, Memory, Modular Board, Network and Route Building, Trading

## Verdict
The perfect upgrade for anyone looking to break the Catan routine and sail new seas!Amazing maritime explorationHighly varied mapsFresh gameplay dynamicsVery smooth expansionRequires base gameWatch out for editionsRECOMMENDED

## Description
If you've ever felt that the Catan map was getting a bit too 'cramped' or predictable, grab your boat, because Seafarers is here to shake things up! This expansion is the ultimate upgrade for fans of the classic colonization dynamic who are craving a bit more maritime adventure and exploration. The big game-changer here is the introduction of shipping lanes, which function much like roads but allow you to sail across oceans to reach distant islands and resources that were previously out of reach.

What makes Seafarers so special is the incredible versatility of the board. Instead of just one continuous landmass, you'll be dealing with plenty of water hexes, which completely shifts your positioning strategy. You can't just expand in any direction anymore; controlling maritime routes and discovering new islands becomes vital for your survival and ultimate victory. The game offers several different map setups, ensuring that every single session feels like a brand-new expedition through uncharted waters.

But heads up, folks: this isn't a standalone game! Just like any good member of the Catan family, this is an expansion, meaning you absolutely NEED the base game to play. Also, a quick technical tip to save you some headache: keep an eye on the edition and the publisher. To ensure the pieces fit perfectly and the aesthetic stays consistent, it's best to use an expansion from the same publisher and edition as your base game. If you're working with a very old version or a different manufacturer, you might need an adapter kit. Ultimately, if you're looking to expand your horizons (literally!) and bring more dynamism to your game nights, sailing these waters is a winning move.

## How to Play
Game Objective
In Catan: The Game - Seafarers, players take on the role of settlers exploring unknown islands and seas. The goal is to build maritime routes, establish villages and cities, and accumulate victory points through territorial expansion, trade, and achieving scenario-specific objectives. The game ends when a player reaches the required number of victory points specified in the scenario during their own turn.

Setup
The setup varies depending on the chosen scenario but generally includes:

  Assembling the board with hexagonal terrain and sea tiles, following the layout illustrated in the manual.
  Placing numbered tokens on terrain hexes to determine resource production.
  Distributing harbors randomly or as indicated in the scenario.
  Each player receives starting villages, roads, and ships in their color, placed according to the scenario rules.
  Positioning the pirate and/or the robber on marked "X" spots or as specified.

Consult the manual for specific setup details for each scenario.

Game Flow
The game follows a turn cycle where each player performs the following actions:

  Dice roll: Determines which terrains produce resources.
  Trade phase: Players can trade resources with each other or through harbors.
  Building phase: Using resources, players can build roads, ships, villages, cities, or buy development cards.

Some scenarios include additional events, such as moving the pirate or exploring unknown terrains.

Actions and How to Play
Building Ships

  To build a ship, you need 1 cloth (sail) and 1 wood (hull).
  Ships can only be placed between open sea hexes or between sea and coastline.
  They cannot be placed on the same path as a road.


Relocating Ships

  Ships on open routes (not connected to villages/cities) can be relocated once per turn.
  Ships on closed routes (connected to villages/cities) cannot be moved.


Pirate and Robber

  The pirate blocks ship construction/relocation on the hex where it is placed and steals resources from players with adjacent ships.
  The robber (in scenarios with both) follows the base game rules, stealing resources from villages/cities on terrain hexes.


Gold
Gold vein hexes grant the player their choice of any resource when their number is rolled.

End of Game and Scoring
The game ends when a player reaches the specified number of victory points in the scenario (usually between 12 and 14). Points are earned by:

  Villages (1 point) and cities (2 points).
  Victory point cards or Catan tokens (in some scenarios).
  Longest trade route (including ships) or largest army (2 points each).
  Specific objectives, such as conquering pirate strongholds or building wonders.


Tips to Win

  Prioritize maritime routes: Build ships early to explore islands and gain "first village" points.
  Control the pirate: Use it to block opponents and steal strategic resources.
  Diversify resources: Gold and harbors facilitate trades to build wonders or expand quickly.

## FAQ
### Can I play this without the base Catan game?
No, this is an expansion and you absolutely need the base game to play.

### How many players can join?
It is designed for 3 to 4 players.

### How long does a game last?
Expect around 90 minutes of strategy and sailing.

### Does it work with any Catan edition?
It is best to use the same edition and publisher to ensure all components fit perfectly.

### Is it a complex game?
The weight is moderate (2.37/5), making it a natural evolution for those who know the core rules.

### How does the strategy change?
You now need to consider maritime routes and island exploration, not just land roads.

## Price Comparison
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