Settlers of Catan(often called Catan) is a strategy-based board game designed by Kalus Teuber. It falls under the category of Eurogames and offers exciting features in the form of Territory Building, Resource Management, Negotiation, and Social Interactions. Catan is a classic vintage board that still retains its popularity and cult status. However, let’s face it, Catan is history. Most board game enthusiasts have played it countless times and want something new.
We have compiled a list of the best board games like Catan that resemble the classic board game in various ways. Be it resource trading or negotiations, these Settlers of Catan alternatives are a must-try for any board game enthusiast.
Here are the top board games like Settlers of Catan that are perfect alternatives for newbies and even seasoned board game enthusiasts.
| Game | Google Play Rating | Downloads |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket to Ride | 4.6/5 | 500K+ |
| Catan Junior | 4.4/5 | 10K+ |
| Carcassonne | 4.6/5 | 100K+ |
| Terraforming Mars | 4.8/5 | 50K+ |
| Pyramido | N/A | N/A |
| Crescent Moon | N/A | N/A |
| Agricola | 4.4/5 | 50K+ |
| Monopoly | 4.2/5 | 10M+ |
If you want a similar game to Catan that includes planning and fulfilling objectives, Ticket to Ride is a great alternative for you. Similar to Catan, Ticket to Ride is a classic board game and one of the best options to dive into the world of strategic tabletop games. The gameplay seems simple at first glance. Players have to connect cards and connect cities by building trains. However, it gets very strategic as you have to figure out the best way to connect your routes without bumping or colliding with others.
As the name suggests, Catan Junior is a simplified version of the game designed for younger players and non-gamers. It is a great gateway board game for those who want to introduce their non-gamer friends to the strategic world of Catan.
If you are looking for an exciting game like Catan for your kids, Catan Junior is probably the best option. It is a lightweight version of the classic board game designed for players who were overwhelmed by the various components and strategies of the original Catan.
Carcassone is a tile-placement strategy game set in a medieval landscape. Players take turns to draw a tile and place it to build roads, cities, and fields, creating a unique map for each game. After placing a tile, the player can place his ‘meeple’ in one of the areas- a Knight in the city, a farmer in the field, a robber on the road, and a monk on the cloister. When the area is completed, the meeple scores points for the player.
By strategically placing meeples, players can earn points for completing them. While the mechanics are simple, mastering Carcassone requires deep strategy, making it a great option for beginner as well as advanced players.
Terraforming Mars is basically a space version of Catan. It is a highly strategic engine-building and resource management board game set in a futuristic sci-fi setting where players work together to terraform Mars. The game features hexagonal tiles and tokens along with cards that are used to claim water, collect resources, and build cities.
These cards come with special bonuses and abilities that players can use to beat other corporations. Players fund and manage projects like raising Mars’ temperature and creating an atmosphere while also building green zones and cities to claim extra points.
As the name suggests, Pyramido is set in Ancient Egypt and the objective is simple- create the most impressive pyramid anyone has ever seen. The game uses worker and tile placement mechanics that require players to build pyramids. While its mechanics are simpler than Catan, that does not mean it’s easier. The game does not tolerate any mistakes and if you constantly make wrong decisions, you can also get eliminated.
Crescent Moon is a resource management game that forces players to betray each other. It is an asymmetric strategy board game set in a fantasy medieval Middle Eastern world. The game takes place in a kingdom filled with suffering and players assume various roles with distinct goals and unique abilities to take control of the land.
If it sounds too complicated, it’s because it is. The game has an average playtime of 180 minutes, depending on the mode players choose. For board game enthusiasts, Crescent Moon is a perfect game like Catan with strategic gameplay and head-racking complexity.
Agricola is like if Harvest Moon was a board game. Players have to tend to a farm, grow crops, raise cattle, and build structures. Collecting resources and upgrading your farm will help score points. This is essentially a survival game where players have to set up and upgrade their farm from scratch.
You will play as a farmer who has to transform a farmland into a bustling agricultural hub by collecting resources and upgrading buildings.
Who doesn’t know Monopoly? The classic board game requires no introduction as it is the most successful board game in the world. It shares a number of similarities with Catan, featuring strategic gameplay and territory building. Both games revolve around negotiation and upgrading living spaces.
While the core premise is different, both games feature the same mechanics. Monopoly is a strategic board game like Catan where players circle the board, acquire properties, build hotels, and collect rent. The primary objective is to force other players to go bankrupt while maintaining your bankroll.
Also Read :- 15 Board Games Like Monopoly to Play in 2025
Board games like Settlers of Catan, Carcassone, and Terraforming Mars offer players the chance to experience a whole new world of strategy, creativity, and social interaction. Whether you’re a newbie seeking accessible gameplay or a seasoned strategist craving depth and strategy, these games provide endless opportunities for fun and engagement. Each Catan alternative offers something unique, from resource management and tile management to futuristic terraforming challenges. So what are you waiting for, pick a game, gather your friends, and embark on a new adventure.
Ans. There are a wide range of board games like Catan that offer strategic and competitive gameplay. Some of the best Settler of Catan alternatives include Ticket to Ride, Terraforming Mars, Carcassone, Crescent Moon, Pyramido, and more.
Ans. Catan is a classic vintage board game that offers exciting features like territory building, resource management, negotiation, and strategy. It is a highly competitive gameplay that forces players to think out-of-the-box and win.
Ans. Catan is a strategic multiplayer board game that requires multiple players. It cannot be played solo.
Ans. A typical game of Settlers of Catan typically lasts one to two hours.
Ans. Catan has various game expansions including Catan Seafarers, Catan: Cities and Knights, Catan 5-6 Player Extension, and Catan Seafarers + Cities and Knights expansion.
