Best Catan Expansions Ranked – Which One Should You Get First?
Catan has grown far beyond the base game, offering several expansions that add new mechanics, scenarios, and strategies to keep gameplay fresh. Whether you enjoy exploration, deeper tactical decisions, or narrative-driven campaigns, there’s an expansion that fits your playstyle.
In this guide, we rank the best Catan expansions from beginner-friendly to advanced, helping you decide where to start based on your experience level and preferences. If you’re new to the game, check out our Catan rules guide first to learn the basics before diving into expansions.
Created by Adam D Fernsby
How We Ranked the Expansions
We considered several factors when ranking the top Catan expansions:
- Gameplay depth & new mechanics – How much the expansion changes and enhances the game
- Beginner-friendliness – How easy it is to learn and integrate
- Replay value – Variety and flexibility in scenarios
- Popularity – Community ratings and player feedback
Best Catan Expansions Ranked
1. Catan: Seafarers (Most Recommended for Beginners)
- What It Adds: Introduces ships, exploration, and new islands
- Why It’s Great: Expands the board, adds variety, and keeps gameplay simple
- Player Count: 3–4 players (5–6 with extension)
- Best For: Beginners and families wanting to take the next step beyond base Catan
Key Strategy Tip: Prioritize shipbuilding early to access islands with rare resources.
2. Catan: Cities & Knights (Best for Experienced Players)
- What It Adds: Introduces knights, city upgrades, progress cards, and barbarians
- Why It’s Great: Offers more depth, player interaction, and strategic planning
- Player Count: 3–4 players (5–6 with extension)
- Best For: Competitive players who enjoy a more tactical Catan experience
Key Strategy Tip: Balance defending against barbarians while upgrading your cities for maximum growth.
3. Catan: Traders & Barbarians (Best for Replay Variety)
- What It Adds: Five modular mini-scenarios that allow customizable gameplay
- Why It’s Great: Perfect for players who like experimenting with different rule sets
- Player Count: 2–4 players (5–6 with extension)
- Best For: Groups who want flexibility and variety in their games
Key Strategy Tip: Start with one scenario at a time to avoid overwhelming new players.
4. Catan: Explorers & Pirates (Best for Adventure Lovers)
- What It Adds: Includes missions, harbor settlements, and island-hopping exploration
- Why It’s Great: Introduces a thematic, adventure-driven twist to classic Catan
- Player Count: 3–4 players (5–6 with extension)
- Best For: Players who enjoy exploration-focused gameplay with changing objectives
Key Strategy Tip: Prioritize mission completion early to stay ahead in victory points.
5. Catan: Legend of the Sea Robbers (Best for Campaign Play)
- What It Adds: A linked four-chapter campaign with evolving storylines and objectives
- Why It’s Great: Ideal for groups who want a longer, story-rich Catan experience
- Player Count: 3–4 players
- Best For: Fans who enjoy campaign-style board games and cooperative elements
Key Strategy Tip: Work closely with other players early, but plan ahead for later chapters where competition increases.
Comparison Table – Best Catan Expansions
| Expansion | Complexity | Best For | Player Count | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seafarers | Easy | Beginners, families | 3–4 (5–6 with extension) | Ships, exploration, multiple islands |
| Cities & Knights | Advanced | Competitive players | 3–4 (5–6 with extension) | Knights, progress cards, barbarians |
| Traders & Barbarians | Medium | Variety seekers | 2–4 (5–6 with extension) | Five modular scenarios, flexibility |
| Explorers & Pirates | Medium | Adventure fans | 3–4 (5–6 with extension) | Missions, harbor settlements, island hopping |
| Legend of the Sea Robbers | Medium | Story-driven groups | 3–4 | Campaign-style gameplay, evolving objectives |
Tips for Choosing the Right Expansion
- Start with Seafarers if you’re new to Catan
- Choose Cities & Knights if you want deeper strategy and interaction
- Pick Traders & Barbarians for replayable scenarios and flexibility
- Go for Explorers & Pirates if you enjoy adventure-driven gameplay
- Select Legend of the Sea Robbers for story-based campaigns
- Check if you need a 5–6 player extension before purchasing
Conclusion
Catan expansions breathe new life into the base game, offering unique ways to explore, compete, and strategize. If you’re a beginner, Seafarers is the perfect starting point, while experienced players looking for more complexity should try Cities & Knights. Over time, you can branch out into the other expansions to customize your Catan experience.
