Our Verdict
RECOMMENDED
If you love Catan and want a dash of faith, Zarahemla gives you that with a ever‑changing board.
Highlights
- classic Catan mechanics
- unique religious theme
- modular board
Keep in mind
- light weight, limited depth
- theme may not suit everyone
- repetitive mechanics
Rules manual not indexed yet
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About the game
What you do in a play session
The Settlers of Zarahemla brings the classic Catan mechanics into the world of the Book of Mormon, offering a familiar yet religiously flavored experience. Each game takes place in Zarahemla, where players colonize the land, build settlements, cities, roads, and also contribute to the sacred temple. On every turn dice are rolled to determine which hexes produce resources – wood, grain, brick, water, or stone – which are collected by adjacent settlements or upgraded cities. Beyond the usual constructions, players can add a stone to the temple by paying one brick and one stone; the player who contributes the most stones gains two extra victory points. The goal is to reach 12 victory points, earned from settlements, cities, the longest road, the largest army, development cards, and temple contributions. The board consists of five double‑sided strips of hexes, allowing countless configurations and ensuring each playthrough feels fresh. Trading happens at ports and between players, while a robber moves when a 7 is rolled, letting the active player steal resources and block production. With a weight of 2.5/5, the game is approachable for Catan veterans but adds a thematic layer that will please fans of the Book of Mormon or anyone looking for a religious twist on the classic. Playtime is about 90 minutes, perfect for 2‑4 players who enjoy light strategy and constant interaction.
Gallery
Box and component photos
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Best player count
BGG community vote
2
OK
3
REC
4
BEST
Soundtrack
Ambience suggested by Melodice
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Mechanics, categories, families and credits
Mechanics
Categories
Families
Publisher
Inspiration Games
Designer
Klaus Teuber
Artist
Alvin Madden, Imelda Vohwinkel, Miles Germer
Community
Data from BoardGameGeek
1,025owners
83wishlist
22want to play
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers before you buy
How many players can join?
2 to 4 players.
What is the typical playing time?
Around 90 minutes per game.
How complex is the game?
BGG weight 2.5 – light to moderate complexity.
What components are included?
Double‑sided hex tiles, resource cards (wood, grain, brick, water, stone), settlement, city, road pieces, robber, development cards, and temple stones.
Is the religious theme suitable for all players?
It appeals to fans of the Book of Mormon or those comfortable with a religious setting; players seeking a neutral theme might prefer another version.
Do I need to know Catan beforehand?
Not required, but prior Catan experience speeds up learning the mechanics.
Are there expansions or variants?
A 2003 Mini‑Expansion adds extra pieces, but the base game is fully playable on its own.
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