Catan Dice Game (2007) Board Game

The Catan Dice Game is a standalone game in the popular Settlers of Catan series designed by Klaus Teuber. Released in 2007, this dice rolling game offers a quicker, more portable alternative to the original board game, allowing players to enjoy the Catan experience in a shorter amount of time.

Game Components of Catan Dice Game

Six wooden dice: Each die features one of the major Catan resources (brick, wood, wheat, sheep, ore) or a gold nugget.

Game Sheet Pad: A 60-page pad of double-sided sheets depicting a miniature version of the island of Catan, including potential buildings and a score track.

Rulebook: A short 6-page rulebook with examples to facilitate easy learning.

How To Setup Catan Dice Game

Setup involves each player receiving a sheet of paper from the game sheet pad, which shows a map of Catan with potential roads, settlements, cities, and knights. The dice are the only other components needed. Players start with no buildings or knights constructed, and the game is ready to begin.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Rolling the Dice: Players roll six dice up to three times per turn, choosing which dice to keep or reroll.

Modifying Rolls: Two gold nuggets can be traded for any resource, and constructed knights can be used to alter a die’s resource once per game.

Building: Resources are used to build roads, settlements, cities, and knights, each with specific resource requirements.

Road: 1 brick, 1 wood

Knight: 1 ore, 1 sheep, 1 wheat

Settlement: 1 brick, 1 wood, 1 sheep, 1 wheat

City: 3 ore, 2 wheat

Scoring: Points are awarded for each built item (roads: 1 point, settlements: 3-11 points, cities: 7-30 points, knights: 1-6 points). Points are deducted if no building is constructed in a turn.

Game Objective: The player with the highest total score after 15 rounds wins.

Player Experience

The Catan Dice Game is a quick and portable adventure, suitable for 1-4 players and ages 7+. It combines luck and strategy, similar to Yahtzee, making it easy to learn and fun to play. The game is ideal for on-the-go due to its compact size and minimal components. However, it lacks direct player interaction, making it a form of “multiplayer solitaire.”

Pros

Portable and Compact: Perfect for travel and quick games.

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to all skill levels.

Quick Gameplay: Games last between 15-30 minutes.

Strategic Depth: Combines luck and skill in a dynamic gaming experience.

Cons

Luck-Dependent: Game outcomes are heavily influenced by dice rolls.

Limited Interaction: Players do not interact with each other directly.

Simple Components: Some reviewers find the dice and paper sheets to be of lower quality.

Personal Thoughts on Catan Dice Game

The Catan Dice Game is ideal for fans of the Catan series looking for a quick, portable alternative, as well as for those new to the world of Catan. It serves as a great introduction to the series and is particularly suitable for travel or casual gaming sessions. However, players seeking more complex gameplay or direct player interaction might find this game less satisfying.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.