The classic board gameCATANis getting a new look, with a new edition of the game launching this week.CATAN(originally known asThe Settlers of Catan) is one of thebest-known board gamesof all time, influential in transforming the board game hobby when it launched back in 1995 and popularizing the Euro-style of board game internationally. The game is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and CATAN Studio and Asmodee are celebrating the anniversary with a brand-new edition of the game.
CATAN: 6th Editionwill keep the mechanics of the original game intact, with players still competing to score victory points by building settlements and roads and collecting resources from various tiles.The new edition will incorporate a new look,with more inclusive and eco-conscious design choices that are meant to help make the game appeal to a bigger audience.
“CATAN has always been a game about strategy, challenge and connection,” said Guido Teuber, CEO of CATAN GmbH, in a press release announcing the new edition. “With this evolution of the game, we are modernizing the CATAN brand, opening the doors to new audiences, and breaking down barriers to get people who may have never played a board game before excited about CATAN.”
What’s New In CATAN: 6th Edition
CATAN Is Getting Visual And Tactile Upgrades, But Rules Remain The Same
The new edition ofCATANwill feature modernized and brighter artwork, featuring character illustrations that reflect greater diversity. There are also several changes to the game’s packaging and components, including less plastic in the packaging and redesigned box trays.The hex tiles that make up the island of Catan are also now textured,and there are new “premium” card trays designed for better organization. The game’s storage now fits the 5-6 Player Extension Pack as well, making it easier for players to transport the game.
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What isn’t changing is thecore rules of the game.Players will still recognize the rules ofCATANas being the same as before. While the rules themselves aren’t changing, the new edition comes with a streamlined rulebook, aimed at making onboarding new players even easier.
“For CATAN’s 6th edition, we aimed to enhance the player experience while preserving the game’s core mechanics,” said Benjamin Teuber, managing director and game designer at CATAN GmbH. “With updated packaging, refreshed artwork, and a streamlined rulebook, we’re honoring our father’s legacy while making the game more approachable for new and longtime players alike.”
Our Take: CATAN Jumps Forward With A New Edition
CATAN Doesn’t Need New Rules, But New Artwork Makes The Game Look Better Than Ever
CATANis a timeless game, one that doesn’t need continuous rules revisions to stay relevant and popular and hascrossed to different mediums. By releasing a new edition that leaves the core rules intact, CATAN Studio is wisely choosing to honor the game’s legacy.The visual upgrades to the game look fantastic and keep the game looking fresh and relevant,butCATANwill ultimately still feel the same to anyone who plays it, with crucial sheep for wood trades still garnering the same amount of laughs and strategy still on the forefront of every player’s mind.
Source: CATAN (press release)
