The Settlers of the Stone Age
- Designer Klaus Teuber
- Publisher KOSMOS , 999 Games , Mayfair Games , Zvezda
- Illustration Tanja Donner , Franz Vohwinkel
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Players lead a branch of early humans through the challenges of the Stone Age, developing food preparation and hunting skills to expand settlements. Collecting resources like meat, hides, and flint is vital. Trading with others and building routes to new lands like Australia and America is key to victory. The game combines strategic planning with dice rolling and negotiation in a race to colonize the most productive areas.
Who Is This Game For?
Designed for 3 to 4 players aged 10 and up, this is a medium to heavy strategy game suitable for those with some experience. Its approximately 120-minute playtime demands patience and strategic thinking. It's recommended for players familiar with Catan or similar civilization games, rather than casual family play.
How It Works
The game uses dice rolling to determine actions and resource collection. Players build networks of settlements and routes, expanding their reach. Trading is essential to obtain missing resources. The mixture of dice luck, network and route building, and trading shapes the gameplay, rewarding those who manage resources and routes efficiently.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Klaus Teuber, this game is a historical variant within the Catan series. It won the 2003 Origins Awards Gamers' Choice for Best Historical Game. Its unique blend of dice rolling, network building, and trading sets it apart in the Catan Histories line. It was also nominated for the Meeples Choice Award in 2002 and the International Gamers Awards in 2003.
Awards
2003
- 2003 Origins Awards Gamers' Choice Best Historical Game — Winner
- 2002 Meeples Choice Award — Nominated
Pro
- Combines Dice Rolling, Network and Route Building, and Trading
- Part of the renowned Catan series by Klaus Teuber
- Winner of the 2003 Origins Awards for Best Historical Game
- Strategic depth through resource management and negotiation
Contra
- Limited to 3-4 players
- Relatively long playtime around 120 minutes
- Requires strategic thinking and patience
Setting & Atmosphäre
Set in the Stone Age over 100,000 years ago, players simulate the spread of Homo sapiens across continents, facing challenges like hunting, gathering, and colonizing new lands such as Australia and America.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Focus on expanding your network and trading effectively to secure necessary resources.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, The Settlers of the Stone Age supports 3 to 4 players and has no solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
A typical game lasts about 120 minutes, offering an extended play session.
What prior experience do I need?
Experience with medium-weight strategy games or the Catan series is helpful but not mandatory.
How does this compare to similar games?
It uniquely combines dice rolling with network building and trading within the Catan Histories series and its historical setting.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to its complexity and length, it is better suited for experienced players aged 10 and up rather than casual family play.
What mechanic makes it special?
The integration of Dice Rolling, Network and Route Building, and Trading defines the gameplay.
Fazit
The Settlers of the Stone Age is recommended for players seeking a strategic civilization game with negotiation elements. Its longer playtime and complexity suit experienced groups of three or more.
