Objective of the Game
The goal in The Settlers of Catan - Atlantis remains the same as in the base game: to be the first to reach a certain number of victory points. Players achieve this by building settlements and cities, constructing roads, or collecting development cards that can provide additional victory points.
Game Components
- Game Instructions
- Victory Point Cards for the new scenarios
- Additional landscape and ocean tiles as well as game pieces, which enhance the new scenarios
Basics of the Base Game (Briefly)
In The Settlers of Catan, each game starts with a hexagonal game board consisting of different terrain hexes with number tokens on them. Each player begins with two settlements and two roads. Resources are determined by the roll of the dice and the production numbers of the hexes players have access to.
Special Rules of the Atlantis Expansion
Scenarios
The Atlantis expansion provides several new scenarios that enrich the classic game with additional elements and strategies. Some notable scenarios include:
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Battle against the Flood: In this scenario, parts of the land are threatened by the ocean, which affects the strategic construction and development of settlements and roads. Players must alternate actions to protect the land.
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The Great Breakout: This scenario introduces new island tiles that can be explored later in the game, allowing players to plan different routes and discover uninhabited areas.
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Atlantis Sinks: Over time, parts of the game board succumb to the ocean, meaning players must dynamically adjust their strategy to a changing playing field. Here, not only expansion but also timing is crucial.
New Rules & Challenges
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Flood Stones: These mark areas that will get flooded during the game. Players must ensure they tap new resource locations in good time.
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Conquest Mechanic: Some scenarios involve the possibility of taking land from a player if their settlements need evacuation.
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Special Resources: Some scenarios include rare resources that offer unique advantages but are difficult to obtain.
Strategic Tips
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Forward Planning: Early on, plan which areas are strategically crucial and which may affect the sustainability of your settlements in the medium term.
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Risk Assessment: Decide when it is worthwhile to exploit risky areas temporarily before they are lost to flooding.
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Adaptation: Since the board is dynamic, adaptability and responsiveness to unforeseen events are key to success.
Summary
The Atlantis Expansion for The Settlers of Catan presents new and exciting challenges that require both strategy and adaptability. The various scenarios provide variety and greatly enhance the replay value of the game through added complexity.
