Objective of the Game
In Catan Histories – Settlers of America: Trails to Rails, players assume the roles of pioneers settling the new world. They must build railroad tracks and transport resources. The objective is to expand settlements and supply as many cities as possible, collecting points to win the game.
Components
The game includes:
- A board depicting the USA, divided into hexagonal tiles
- Resource cards for wood, clay, wheat, cattle, and ore
- Railway tracks with locomotives
- Settlements, cities, and goods for each player
- Number tokens representing resource productivity
- Two dice
- Ships and other components for trade
- Building and supply/trade cards
Setup
Each player starts with a predefined number of settlements and cities, railway tracks already built, and a stockpile of goods. Number tokens are placed on the board as per the instructions.
Gameplay
Each round consists of the following phases:
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Production Phase: A player rolls the dice, and all players receive resources depending on the number tokens on their settlements/cities.
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Trade and Build Phase: The active player can trade with others or use resources to build roads, tracks, settlements, cities, or locomotives.
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Goods Transport: Players can use their locomotives to transport deliveries from one city to another over completed railroads.
Special Rules
- Railroads and Locomotives: Players must build tracks to move their locomotives, and transports can only happen over these networks.
- Movement and Supply: Each city must be supplied with certain resources. Timing and efficient transport of goods are crucial for collecting points in cities.
Strategic Considerations
- Resource Management: Effective management of resources is key for executing building and transport actions efficiently.
- Trading Skills: Successful negotiations with other players can ease access to needed resources.
- Track Planning: Building a well-planned and strategically placed railroad network can provide a decisive advantage in supplying cities.
End of the Game
The game ends when a player has supplied all their cities. The player with the most supply points wins the game.
