Objective of the Game

CATAN – Seafarers Expansion is an expansion to the classic game "The Settlers of Catan". Players take on the role of seafarers aiming to explore and settle new islands. The objective of the game is to reach 10 victory points by expanding settlements and cities and holding the longest trade route.

Game Board

The game board is made up of hexagonal tiles. In the Seafarers expansion, besides the usual terrain tiles, there are also sea tiles. The board can now include additional islands, which can be reached via ship routes.

Starting the Game

Each player begins with two settlements and two roads, which they place on the board. At the start, players take turns choosing a location for their first settlement and road, then choosing a location for their second settlement in reverse order.

Game Turn

The player whose turn it is rolls the dice: 1. Resource Production: Based on the rolled number, resources are produced by corresponding tiles and given to players whose settlements border these tiles. 2. Trading Phase: The active player can trade resources with other players or with the bank (4:1 or, with a port, 3:1 or 2:1 depending on the type of port). 3. Building Phase: The player can build settlements, cities, roads, and ships or buy development cards.

Building

• Settlement: 1 brick, 1 wood, 1 wheat, 1 wool
• City: 2 wheat, 3 ore (upgrade from a settlement)
• Road: 1 brick, 1 wood
• Ship: 1 wool, 1 wood (used to explore sea routes)

Special Rules for Seafarers Expansion

• Building Ships: Similar to roads, but on water fields. They connect islands and are necessary for new settlements on different islands.
• Pirates: Analogous to the robber, pirates block sea tiles for resources. They are moved by rolling a 7 or by using knights.
• Gold Fields: Highly lucrative fields where players can choose the resource they want upon production.

Strategy Tips

• Island Settlements: Settling new islands often enhances resource production and offers additional victory points.
• Plan Ship Routes: Be careful where you place your ships to create multiple building options.
• Promote Trade: Use ports early for strategic advantages in resource trading.

Understanding these rules and cleverly planning and trading are crucial for success in CATAN – Seafarers!