Catan: Cities & Knights
Catan: Cities & Knights at your next game night?
Add Catan: Cities & Knights to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
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- Designer Klaus Teuber
- Publisher KOSMOS , 999 Games , Albi , asmodee , Brädspel.se
- Illustration Volkan Baga , Tanja Donner , Jason Hawkins , Eric Hibbeler , Michaela Kienle , Andreas Klober
The description, FAQ and assessments for this game were generated with the help of artificial intelligence from the game data and reviewed editorially. Spotted a mistake? Let us know.
What to Expect
This expansion introduces knights to defend the island from barbarians and city improvements that provide various benefits. Players manage new commodities—paper, cloth, and coins—alongside resources. Tactical hand management and dice rolling grant access to multiple development card decks. The gameplay becomes more complex and longer than the base game.
Who Is This Game For?
Designed for players aged 12 and up familiar with Catan, this is a medium to heavy strategy expansion with about 150 minutes playtime. It requires patience and strategic thinking, making it less suitable for newcomers without Catan experience.
How It Works
The game adds dice rolling, hand management, and network building mechanics. Players collect new commodities to build city improvements and deploy knights along roads to defend against barbarians. Development cards come from three decks tied to commodities, drawn based on dice rolls, adding tactical depth.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Klaus Teuber in 1998, this expansion enriches Catan with hand management and network building. While it has no awards, it’s a core part of the Catan series, known for integrating knights as defenders against barbarian attacks.
Pro
- Adds significant strategic depth to base game
- Introduces new commodities and city improvements
- Includes knights as tactical units
- Enhances player interaction with barbarian events
Contra
- Only for 3-4 players
- Long playtime around 150 minutes
- Requires familiarity with base Catan
Setting & atmosphere
Set in the medieval world of Catan, players develop cities, build infrastructure, and defend their land from barbarian invasions.
Tips for beginners
Master the base game before tackling this expansion to better understand the new mechanics.
Frequently asked questions
Can I play this solo?
No, Cities & Knights is designed for 3 to 4 players and has no solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
Games last about 150 minutes, longer than the base game due to added complexity.
What prior experience do I need?
You should be familiar with the base game Catan as this expansion adds complexity and length.
How does this compare to similar games?
It adds knights and city improvements, providing more tactical depth and interaction than base Catan.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and length, it’s better suited for experienced players aged 12 and up rather than families with young children.
What mechanic makes it special?
Hand management of new commodities and network building with knights defending against barbarians stand out.
Fazit
Catan: Cities & Knights is a valuable expansion for players seeking deeper strategy and more options. It demands experience with the base game and patience for longer sessions.
Catan: Cities & Knights at your next game night?
Add Catan: Cities & Knights to your collection, let your group vote on what to play, and keep track of winners and scores. Free, no credit card.
Add Catan: Cities & Knights to my collectionAlready have an account? Log in
