Board game box for "Catan Adventures: Candamir – The First Settlers" depicting a twilight scene with silhouetted trees, settlers around a campfire, and a partially constructed wooden structure against an orange sky. The Kosmos logo is in the bottom left corner and the designer's name, Klaus Teuber, is at the bottom right.
| | | | | | |

Candamir: The First Settlers (2004)

ByMichail

Candamir: The First Settlers

Candamir: The First Settlers is a German board game created by Klaus Teuber and distributed by Kosmos in German and Mayfair Games in English. It is the first game of the Catan Adventure series of games, which share a common theme (but not mechanics) with the Settlers of Catan games. The name “Candamir” comes from the Settlers of Catan novel by Rebecca Gablé, where Candamir is the name of the main character. The same character is prominently featured in this game. In this game, each player takes the role of a settler on the newly settled island of Catan, having lost most of their belongings in a shipwreck. The game details the adventures of these players as they settle in a nearby village.

Why is Candamir: The First Settlers Popular?

Candamir: The First Settlers is significant because it is the first game of the Catan Adventure series of games, which share a common theme with the Settlers of Catan games. The game is popular among fans of the Settlers of Catan games and those who enjoy adventure board games.

Game Components of Candamir: The First Settlers

  • Game board featuring the island of Catan and the village
  • Character cards with varying attributes and abilities
  • Movement cards for navigation and encounters
  • Resource cards (ore, lumber, hides)
  • Ingredient cards for brewing potions
  • Victory point cubes
  • Goal tokens
  • Adventure cards
  • Healing potions and other special items
  • Small hexagon tiles with resources and livestock
  • Villager wish lists and reward charts

    How To Setup Candamir: The First Settlers

    To set up the game, players start by placing the game board, which is divided into two main sections: the island of Catan and the village. Each player selects a character card and places their pawn on the village square. Players receive ten victory point cubes and a goal token. The small hexagon tiles are placed face down on the board according to the terrain types and numbers on the squares. The movement cards, ingredient cards, and adventure cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Exploration: Players move their pawns using movement cards, encountering various events, resources, and adventures.
  • Resource Collection: Gathering raw materials (ore, lumber, hides) and livestock (cattle, goats) from the hexagon tiles.
  • Building and Brewing: Using resources to build goods (swords, chests, window coverings) and brew potions.
  • Character Development: Characters gain experience points to improve their strength, intelligence, or charisma.
  • Trading: Players can trade resources, ingredients, and potions with each other or with the bank.
  • Victory Points: Players earn victory points by fulfilling the wishes of the village settlers and completing adventures.
  • Game Objective: The first player to place all 10 of their victory point cubes on the board wins the game.

    Player Experience

    In **Candamir: The First Settlers**, players take on the roles of settlers on the island of Catan, navigating through a shipwreck and rebuilding their lives. The game offers a dynamic mix of exploration, resource management, and social interaction. Players must balance their need to explore the island for resources with the necessity of returning to the village to build and trade. The character development aspect adds a personal touch, as players can enhance their characters’ abilities over time, making them more adept at overcoming challenges.

    Pros

  • Engaging Exploration Mechanic: The use of movement cards and encounters keeps the game exciting and unpredictable.
  • Character Development: Players can customize and improve their characters, adding a layer of depth to the game.
  • Balanced Gameplay: The game balances resource collection, building, and trading, offering a well-rounded experience.
  • Social Interaction: Trading and competing with other players adds a social element to the game.

    Cons

  • Complex Rules: The game has a steep learning curve due to its unique mechanics and numerous components.
  • Lengthy Gameplay: Games can take around 60 minutes, which may be too long for some players.
  • Limited Player Count: Designed for 2-4 players, which might limit its appeal for larger groups.

    Personal Thoughts on Candamir: The First Settlers

    **Candamir: The First Settlers** is ideal for fans of the Settlers of Catan series looking for a new twist on the traditional gameplay. It suits players who enjoy exploration, resource management, and character development. The game is best for those who appreciate a mix of strategy and social interaction, and are willing to invest time in learning the rules. However, it may not be the best choice for casual gamers or those seeking a quick, simple game experience.

    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. 

    • Michail, a seasoned tabletop enthusiast, dives headfirst into worlds of fantasy and strategy. Whether commanding a party of adventurers through perilous dungeons or engaging in tactical showdowns on the board, Michail is the maestro of the tabletop realm. Michail's gaming table is a realm where the clatter of dice and the shuffle of cards create a symphony of strategic chaos.

    Hobby: Miniature painting guru, turning pewter into masterpieces
    Preferred Game: Dungeons & Dragons, but always up for a board game brawl