What Is CATAN, the Board Game Featured on catan.com?

Updated

CATAN is a board game created by Klaus Teuber, first released in 1995 under the name "The Settlers of Catan." It has since become a modern classic, sold worldwide in over 40 languages with more than 40 million copies sold. If you are deciding whether the game or its many versions are worth your attention, the short answer is that CATAN is one of the most widely recognized modern board games, and catan.com is the official hub for its games, expansions, digital versions, and merchandise.

The basics

  • Designer: Klaus Teuber
  • First release: 1995, originally titled The Settlers of Catan
  • Status today: A modern classic available worldwide in over 40 languages
  • Copies sold: Over 40 million to date

The game's longevity comes from a simple core loop — harvesting, trading, and building — that has been extended through numerous expansions and standalone titles, letting players shape their own experience.

Recognition and awards

In its release year in Germany, CATAN received three independent awards:

  • 1st place: Deutscher Spiele Preis
  • Essener Feder award for best rules
  • German Game of the Year

These early honors helped establish it as a landmark title in the hobby.

What you can find on catan.com

The official site is a starting point for exploring the CATAN world:

  • CATAN – On The Road — a card-based version where clever cards let you build your way to victory.
  • CATAN – New Energies — a standalone game set in the 21st century, where Catanians need energy to grow but pollution threatens the island. It keeps the classic mechanics of harvesting, trading, and building. It is also available to play online via Board Game Arena in a conventional web browser.
  • CATAN Universe — the digital adaptation playable on smartphone, tablet, PC, or Mac, with online play against players worldwide or computer opponents. Expansions Seafarers and Cities & Knights add scenarios, and a two-player card game adaptation is also included.
  • CATAN Shop — games, expansions, merchandise, and accessories.
  • Newsletter — registration for news on game releases, exclusive merchandise, tournaments, events, and fan features.

Who it is for

CATAN suits players who want a well-established strategy game with a trading and building focus, and who may want to branch into expansions or digital play. Because the catalog spans physical board games, card games, standalone titles, and online versions, there is a format for different preferences — though the specific contents and availability of each should be checked on the official pages.