Simply Catan

SimplyFun · Board game · 2006
— Ludopedia 6.8 BGG 2–4 · best 4 30 min Weight 2.4/5
Buy
— rating Ludopedia
6.8 rating BGG
Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED

Want a taste of Catan without spending hours? Simply Catan is the right choice for those seeking quick, strategic fun with that beloved negotiation twist!

Highlights
  • Fast and easy to learn
  • Just the right amount of luck
  • Perfect for introductions
  • Great for a Catan fix
Keep in mind
  • Luck can decide the game
  • Less depth than original
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About the game

What you do in a play session

Hey everyone! Check out Simply Catan, a leaner and quicker version of the classic game that conquered the world. Imagine this: you and a few friends on the Island of Catan, trying your luck and strategy to become the master of the island. The goal is simple: gather wood, brick, wheat, wool, and ore to build roads, settlements, and cities. Each construction brings you closer to victory, but don't be fooled, it's not just about rolling the dice and hoping for the best. The trick here is knowing how to negotiate! Trading resources with other players is crucial, so prepare your arguments and try to make the best deal. The luck of the dice always adds that spice of excitement, but smart negotiations and a good memory to recall what happened will make the difference.

The cool thing is that it's super fast to set up – less than 5 minutes – and a game lasts about 30 minutes. Perfect for those who want a dose of Catan without committing to a long game. It's ideal for newcomers to board games or for fans of the series looking for something more casual for everyday play. And guess what, there are even some advanced rules for those who enjoy an extra challenge, with a variable board and development cards. In other words, even though it's simple, it has enough depth to keep everyone engaged. If you enjoy games with a touch of luck, strategy, and lots of social interaction, Simply Catan is a sure bet to put on the table!

Best player count

BGG community vote

2–4 players
2 OK
3 REC
4 BEST

Where to Buy

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Game details

Mechanics, categories, families and credits

Families

Game: Catan
Publisher SimplyFun
Designer Klaus Teuber
Artist Damon S. Brown

Community

Data from BoardGameGeek

338owners
62wishlist
16want to play

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers before you buy

6 questions
What's the main difference between Simply Catan and the original Settlers of Catan?
Simply Catan is a faster, simplified version with fewer components and more straightforward rules, ideal for 30-minute games and for beginners. The original is more complex and time-consuming.
How many people can play Simply Catan?
The game is for 2 to 4 players, perfect for gathering family or friends for a quick game.
Are the rules difficult to learn?
Not at all! Simply Catan was designed to be accessible. Setup takes less than 5 minutes, and the basic rules are quite easy to grasp, making it great for beginners.
How long does a game usually take?
A game of Simply Catan lasts about 30 minutes on average, which is great for those short on time or who want to play multiple games in a row.
Do I need to know how to play the original Settlers of Catan to enjoy Simply Catan?
No, you don't! Simply Catan is completely standalone and was designed to be an easy entry point into the Catan universe. You'll get the hang of it quickly.
Is there a lot of luck involved, or is it more strategy?
It's a good balance! Dice rolls bring in the luck element, but strategy in building and, especially, in negotiating with other players is what truly leads you to victory.

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