Catan Histories: Rise of the Inkas (2018) Board Game

Catan Histories: Rise of the Inkas is a strategy board game that was released in 2018 by Catan Studio. It is part of the Catan Histories series, which explores different historical settings within the world of Catan. In this particular game, players take on the role of leaders of one of the ancient Incan tribes, competing to become the greatest empire in the Andes.

Game Components of Catan Histories: Rise of the Inkas

Game board: Featuring a 29-tile map of coastal and mountain Peru.

Resources: Wood, stone, wool, potato, and ore, with additional goods like feathers, coca, and fish.

Development cards: Two identical decks including Monopoly, Road Building, Invention, and Combat Arts cards.

Player pieces: Settlements, cities, roads, and other tokens.

Dice: Two six-sided dice for determining resource production.

How To Setup Catan Histories: Rise of the Inkas

To set up the game, players first assemble the 29-tile map, ensuring the correct orientation and distribution of resource-producing tiles. Each player chooses their color and places two settlements and two roads on the board according to the setup rules. The Development cards are shuffled and placed within reach of all players.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Resource Collection: Players collect resources based on the roll of two six-sided dice.

Settlement and City Placement: Players build settlements and cities, which must be at least two spaces away from other settlements.

Road Building: Players can build roads using wood and stone to expand their territory.

Development Cards: Players can purchase cards that offer special abilities, but these cannot be used on the turn they are purchased.

Era Transitions: The game is divided into three historic eras, with settlements and cities potentially being replaced as eras transition.

Victory Points: The objective is to accumulate the most victory points through settlements, cities, and Development cards.

Player Experience

**Catan Histories: Rise of the Inkas** offers a dynamic and aggressive gameplay experience, differing significantly from the standard Catan game. The game’s lack of permanence in settlements and cities introduces a high level of strategic planning and inter-player competition. Timing and placement of settlements and cities are crucial, as players must be prepared to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. The game maintains the core mechanics of Catan but adds a layer of complexity and urgency.

Pros

Dynamic Gameplay: The game’s era transitions and non-permanent settlements create a highly engaging and competitive environment.

Strategic Depth: Players must carefully plan their moves, considering both short-term and long-term strategies.

Thematic Integration: The game effectively captures the historical context of the rise of the Inkas.

Replayability: The variable setup and multiple paths to victory ensure high replayability.

Cons

High Price Tag: The game is priced at around $65, which may be a deterrent for some players.

Mediocre Components: The game’s components, such as plastic pieces and cardboard, are noted to be of mediocre quality.

Complexity: While engaging, the game’s mechanics can be overwhelming for new players.

Personal Thoughts on Catan Histories: Rise of the Inkas

**Catan Histories: Rise of the Inkas** is ideal for fans of the Catan series and those who enjoy strategic, competitive board games. It is particularly suited for players familiar with Catan mechanics but looking for a more dynamic and aggressive game experience. However, new players may find the additional complexity a bit challenging. Overall, it is a great addition to any board game collection for those who appreciate a mix of strategy, history, and player interaction.

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