Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
If you love Catan and a Scottish flavor, this themed edition will hit the spot.
Highlights
- same core gameplay as Catan
- unique Scotch theme
- high‑quality components
Keep in mind
- no new mechanics introduced
- requires Catan familiarity
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
Das Wasser des Lebens, or "The Water of Life," is a re‑themed version of Settlers of Catan created with Scotland's Glen Grant Distillery. The core mechanics are virtually identical to Catan: players act as Highlanders gathering wood, stone, barley, peat and clear spring water to build roads and distilleries. The familiar robber is renamed the "oppressive force" but still blocks resources as usual. A modular board is assembled each game, delivering fresh maps and new trade routes every time. Trading remains the engine of the game, as exchanging resources decides who can erect the most profitable distillery. The artwork has been completely redone to evoke the misty Scottish Highlands and Glen Grant's whisky bottles. The game comes in the same metal cylinder used to ship the whisky, and even includes a tiny bottle of Glen Grant whisky for a post‑game toast. Designed for 3‑4 players, a 60‑minute playtime and a light complexity (weight 2.7/5), it’s perfect for Catan fans who want a Scottish twist. Its BGG score of 7.6 and Ludopedia rank 6 indicate that both Catan enthusiasts and lovers of civilization‑trade themes enjoy it.
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Best player count
BGG community vote
3
REC
4
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
KOSMOS
Designer
Klaus Teuber
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
189owners
66wishlist
38want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can join?
3 to 4 players.
What is the typical play time?
About 60 minutes.
Do I need to know Settlers of Catan first?
It helps, as the rules are essentially the same.
What components are included besides the board?
Resource pieces, cards, a metal cylinder and a small bottle of Glen Grant whisky.
Does the Scottish theme change the rules?
Only the names; the robber becomes the "oppressive force" but functions identically.
How complex is the game?
Light, with a BGG weight of 2.7 out of 5.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes, provided they have played Catan or are willing to learn the basics.
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