Box cover of "Carcassonne: Catapult", an expansion for the Carcassonne board game, featuring illustrated medieval characters operating a catapult and others juggling on stilts, against a backdrop of wooden structures and a crowd of onlookers.
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Carcassonne: Expansion 7 – The Catapult (2008)

ByMichail

Carcassonne: Catapult

“Carcassonne: Catapult” is an expansion for the popular tile-based German-style board game Carcassonne, designed by Klaus-Jürgen Wrede and published in 2000 by Hans im Glück. The expansion was released in 2016 and introduces a new aspect to the game. Carcassonne itself has been sold over 12 million copies and has been officially translated into 22 languages.

Why is Carcassonne: Catapult Popular?

Carcassonne is a significant board game because it has changed the landscape of tabletop gaming and has been widely popular since its release. The game has a simple yet strategic gameplay, which makes it accessible to players of all skill levels.

Game Components of Carcassonne: Expansion 7 – The Catapult

  • 12 new land tiles** with fair symbols
  • 1 wooden catapult**
  • 24 catapult tokens** (6 tokens of 4 different types)
  • 1 measuring board (ruler)**
  • 4 different action tokens** (Knock out, Seduction, Catch, and another type)

    How To Setup Carcassonne: Expansion 7 – The Catapult

    To set up, mix the 12 new land tiles with the existing tiles. Place the catapult and the measuring board to the side. Each player receives one of each type of catapult token, totaling four tokens per player.

    Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

  • Tile Placement: Players draw and place tiles according to the usual Carcassonne rules.
  • Fair Tiles: When a land tile with a fair symbol is drawn, it triggers a ‘catapult round’.
  • Catapult Round: Players take turns hurling catapult tokens using the wooden catapult.
  • Token Effects:
  • Knock out: Remove followers hit by the token.
  • Seduction: Swap a follower closest to the token with one of your own.
  • Catch: Players take turns hurling and catching tokens.
  • Objective: The game continues with the standard Carcassonne objective of scoring points by building landscapes, placing followers, and completing features.

    Player Experience

    The Catapult expansion adds a dynamic and often chaotic element to the traditional Carcassonne game. It introduces physical interaction and a bit of luck, making the game more engaging and unpredictable. However, the expansion was not well-received by all players and was not included in later editions of the game.

    Pros

  • Adds Physical Interaction: Introduces a fun and active element to the game.
  • Unpredictability: The catapult mechanics can significantly alter the game state.
  • New Strategies: Players must adapt to the new challenges and opportunities presented by the catapult.

    Cons

  • Poor Reception: Many players found the expansion too chaotic or disruptive.
  • Complexity: The additional rules and components can complicate the game setup and flow.
  • Not Included in New Editions: Due to its poor reception, it was not reprinted in later editions.

    Personal Thoughts on Carcassonne: Expansion 7 – The Catapult

    This expansion is for players who enjoy a bit of unpredictability and physical interaction in their board games. It is ideal for those looking to shake up the traditional Carcassonne experience with something new and potentially chaotic. However, fans of the game who prefer a more strategic and predictable experience might find this expansion less appealing.

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    • 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