Settlers of Catan is a classic board game that has been enjoyed by many for years. It’s a game of strategy and resource management that has captivated players of all ages. The game has become so popular that it has spawned a variety of expansions that add new elements to the original game. In this article, we’ll be discussing the best expansions for Settlers of Catan.
When choosing an expansion for Settlers of Catan, it’s important to consider what you’re looking for in terms of gameplay. Some expansions add new resources, while others introduce new mechanics or scenarios. The size of the expansion is also important to consider, as some are larger than others and may require more space on your gaming table.
One critical thing to pay attention to when choosing an expansion is compatibility with your existing Settlers of Catan game. Some expansions require the base game to play, while others can be played on their own. It’s also important to note that some expansions are not compatible with each other, so it’s essential to do your research before making a purchase.
With so many expansions available, it can be challenging to know which ones are worth your time and money. In this article, we’ll be highlighting the best expansions for Settlers of Catan that offer unique gameplay experiences and add value to the original game.
Best Settlers of Catan Expansions
We have compiled a list of the best Settlers of Catan expansions that will take your gaming experience to the next level. Whether you’re a seasoned player looking for a new challenge or a beginner trying to spice up your game, these expansions will not disappoint. Our team has extensively researched and tested each product to ensure that they are worth your investment. So, without further ado, here are the top Settlers of Catan expansions that you should consider adding to your collection.
Catan Board Game Extension

If you are looking to expand your Catan game to include more players, the Catan Board Game Extension is a great choice.
Pros
- Allows up to 6 players to play the game, adding more fun and competition.
- Provides more unique terrain tiles, harbors, settlements, and cities.
- Easy to learn and offers nearly limitless replayability.
Cons
- Requires the Catan base game to play.
- Pieces may be difficult to distinguish from the original game pieces.
- A bit pricey for an extension.
The Catan Board Game Extension is a great addition to the original Catan game, allowing up to 6 players to enjoy the game together. With new terrain tiles, harbors, settlements, and cities, players can explore and settle the rich island of Catan with more friends or family.
The game is easy to learn, but offers enough depth to remain compelling for years to come. The completely variable board provides great value through nearly limitless replayability, ensuring you’ll never have to play the same game twice.
Whether you play as a family, a board game group, or via video conference as you stay at home, Catan is a social game that provides plenty of opportunities for player interaction. You may even find yourself exploring the exciting world of Catan tournaments.
Overall, the Catan Board Game Extension is a great investment for those who want to add more players to their Catan game. However, keep in mind that it requires the Catan base game to play and may be a bit pricey for an extension.
Catan Seafarers Board Game Expansion

If you’re a fan of the Catan board game, we highly recommend purchasing the Catan Seafarers Board Game Expansion. It adds a new level of adventure and strategy to the game that will keep you entertained for hours.
Pros
- Provides nearly limitless replayability with its completely variable board
- Offers a fun and social experience for families and board game groups
- Easy to learn the basics, but has enough depth to remain compelling for years to come
Cons
- Requires the Catan base game to play
- Expensive for an expansion pack
- Some players may not enjoy the added complexity
The Catan Seafarers Board Game Expansion is a great addition to the base game. It offers players the chance to explore and tame the wild, uncharted Isles of Catan, as well as build ships and chart nearby waters. With its completely variable board, you’ll never have to play the same game twice, making it a great value for the price.
The game is easy to learn, but has enough depth to keep players engaged for years to come. It’s also a social game that provides plenty of opportunities for player interaction, making it a great choice for families and board game groups.
However, it’s important to note that this is an expansion pack and requires the Catan base game to play. Additionally, it can be expensive for an expansion, and some players may not enjoy the added complexity that it brings to the game. Overall, if you’re a fan of the Catan board game, we highly recommend the Catan Seafarers Board Game Expansion.
Catan Explorers and Pirates Board Game Expansion

If you’re a fan of Catan, we highly recommend this expansion as it adds a whole new level of excitement and adventure to the game.
Pros
- The expansion is entirely dedicated to exploration, which makes the game more exciting and challenging.
- The game includes 5 new scenarios, each of which builds upon your previous experience.
- The components are made of high-quality wood and the game is suitable for ages 12 and up.
Cons
- You need to have a Catan base game in order to play with this expansion.
- The directions booklet can be intimidating looking, but as long as you’ve played the game before, you should be able to figure it out.
- The game can take up to 90 minutes to play, which might be too long for some people.
In this expansion, players set out for uncharted areas to build new outposts. The sketchy information available indicates that dangerous pirate lairs, rich fishing grounds, and helpful indigenous villages await you beyond the horizon. The game includes 16 harbor settlements, 32 adventurers, 12 ships, 8 settlers, 12 markers, 4 pirate ships, 6 fish, 24 spice sacks, 76 gold coins, 12 frame pieces, 6 gold field hexes, 6 fish shoal hexes, 6 spice hexes, 6 terrain hexes and 6 number tokens (green backs), 6 terrain hexes and 6 number tokens (orange backs), 6 pirate lair tokens, 3 mission cards, 3 mission victory point cards, and 4 building cost cards.
Overall, the Catan Explorers and Pirates Board Game Expansion is a great addition to the Catan board game and adds a new level of excitement and adventure. If you’re a fan of Catan, we highly recommend this expansion.
Catan Seafarers Board Game Extension

If you are a fan of Catan and want to play with more friends and family members, the Catan Seafarers Board Game Extension is a great option.
Pros
- Allows 5 to 6 players to play Catan Seafarers
- 9 new scenarios to try
- Enhances the drama of the game with more seafaring, discovery, and trade
Cons
- Not a complete game, requires Catan base game, Catan 5-6 player extension, and Catan Seafarers expansion
- Some components may not match the base game and Seafarers expansion
- Price is higher than some other expansions
The Catan Seafarers Board Game Extension is an exciting addition to the Catan game that allows more players to join in on the fun. With new scenarios and enhanced gameplay, it’s a great option for game night.
The extension requires the Catan base game, Catan 5-6 player extension, and Catan Seafarers expansion, so keep that in mind before purchasing. Some components may not match perfectly with the base game and Seafarers expansion, but this is a minor issue.
Overall, the Catan Seafarers Board Game Extension is a valuable addition to any Catan collection and is sure to provide hours of interactive fun.
CATAN Cities & Knights Board Game 5-6 Player EXTENSION

If you’re a fan of Settlers of Catan, you should definitely consider purchasing the CATAN Cities & Knights Board Game 5-6 Player EXTENSION.
Pros
- Allows for 3-6 players to play CATAN Cities and Knights
- Adds even more excitement to the game without sacrificing ease of play
- Perfect for family game night
Cons
- A little difficult to learn due to multiple directions
- Expensive due to the need to buy multiple games and expansions
- Takes time to learn
This extension to the CATAN Cities & Knights board game expansion is perfect for those who want to play with more friends and family. It allows you to progress, develop, and defend with more players, adding even more excitement to the game without sacrificing ease of play.
The CATAN Cities & Knights Board Game 5-6 Player EXTENSION is a strategy board game that is easy to learn but remains compelling as you explore strategies and tactics for years to come. It’s perfect for family game night and has been called the “Perfect Social Game”.
This extension allows a total of 3 to 6 players to play CATAN Cities and Knights and is suitable for ages 12 and older. Average playtime is approximately 60 to 90 minutes.
In conclusion, if you’re a fan of Settlers of Catan and want to play with more friends and family, the CATAN Cities & Knights Board Game 5-6 Player EXTENSION is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best expansion for Settlers of Catan, there are a few factors to consider. We recommend taking the following into account before making a purchase:
Compatibility
First and foremost, ensure that the expansion you’re interested in is compatible with your base game. Some expansions require specific versions of the base game, so be sure to double-check before making a purchase.
Theme
Consider the theme of the expansion and whether it aligns with your interests. Some expansions introduce new mechanics that may not appeal to everyone, so make sure you’re interested in the theme before investing in an expansion.
Replayability
Look for expansions that offer high replayability. This can be achieved through a variety of means, such as introducing new strategies, mechanics, or objectives. Expansions that offer a wide range of gameplay options will keep the game fresh and exciting over multiple plays.
Components
The components of an expansion can greatly impact the overall gameplay experience. Look for expansions that include high-quality components that are durable and well-designed. Additionally, expansions that include new player pieces or game boards can add an extra layer of immersion to the game.
Price
Finally, consider the price of the expansion and whether it aligns with your budget. Some expansions may offer a lot of content but come with a higher price tag, while others may offer fewer components at a lower price point. Decide what you’re willing to spend and look for expansions that offer the best value for your money.
By taking these factors into consideration, you can make an informed decision when choosing the best expansion for Settlers of Catan.