Catan review

Catan is the classic group strategy game and the one with the most talking at the table, because every turn can include trades between players. You gather resources from the terrain around your settlements, then trade and spend them to build your infrastructure, while rivals can block your path or send the robber after your resources. GameNerdz says the new 6th edition, from designer Klaus Teuber, can be learned in 15 minutes and calls it the NPD #1 Family Strategy Board Game. The box has 19 hexes, a sea frame, 120 cards, 96 player pieces and new card trays. It lists at $49.99 and was $39.99 when we checked. Catan ranks fifth here because the base game only seats 3 to 4 players, runs 60 to 120 minutes and can leave an unlucky player waiting on dice for several turns.

Who it is for

Groups of 3 or 4 who enjoy trading and negotiation

Price

$49.99 list price; $39.99 at GameNerdz when checked.

1 robber 96 player pieces 2 card trays $39.99 $49.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• 3 to 4 players, ages 10 and up, 60 to 120 minutes per game
• Variable board of 19 hexes, so setups change every game
• Players trade resources with each other to build roads, settlements and cities
• 6th edition adds card trays, an overhauled rulebook and new art
• Designed by Klaus Teuber

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: GameNerdz describes it as the NPD #1 Family Strategy Board Game
• Strength: Trading keeps every player involved on other players' turns
• Strength: 6th edition adds card trays that speed up setup
• Weakness: Base game is for 3 to 4 players only; 5 and 6 need an extension
• Weakness: 60 to 120 minutes is the longest family game here apart from Terraforming Mars
• Weakness: Dice rolls can leave one player short of resources for long stretches

Key facts

• Publisher: Catan Studio / KOSMOS
• Designer: Klaus Teuber
• Players: 3 to 4
• Play time: 60 to 120 minutes
• Age: 10+
• Price: $49.99 list, $39.99 at GameNerdz

Where it ranks

Catan is No. 5 in our Best Board Games verdict.