Catan: Junior (2011) Board Game

Catan: Junior is a children’s adaptation of the popular board game Settlers of Catan. Released in 2011, it is designed for younger players aged 6 and up. The game retains the core elements of resource management and strategic thinking from the original game but simplifies the rules and gameplay to make it more accessible to kids.

Game Components of Catan: Junior

106 die-cut markers representing resources and specials

4 player cost boards

1 two-sided game board

28 Pirate hideouts (7 each of 4 colors)

32 Ships (8 each of 4 colors)

1 pirate ghost (Ghost Captain)

1 die

1 tray

1 box

1 rule book

Coco the Parrot tiles (simplified development cards).

How To Setup Catan: Junior

To set up Catan: Junior, players start by placing the game board, which features a fixed map of 12 hexes with pre-printed numbers. Each player selects a color and places two pirate hideouts on predetermined starting spots, with a ship adjacent to each hideout. The Ghost Captain and Coco the Parrot tiles are also prepared according to the rules. Unlike the full Settlers of Catan, there is no complex board setup, making it quick and easy to get started.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: The goal is to be the first player to build all 7 of their pirate hideouts.

Resource Collection: Players roll a single die to determine which hexes produce resources (wood, goats, molasses, or swords). Resources are used to build ships, hideouts, or to get help from Coco the Parrot.

Coco the Parrot Tiles: These tiles are simplified development cards that can be used immediately after purchase, providing benefits such as free hideouts, ships, or additional resources.

Ghost Captain: Activated when a 6 is rolled, the Ghost Captain can disrupt other players’ resource collection.

Trading: Simplified trading system where players can trade 2:1 with the supply, but not with other players.

Player Experience

Catan: Junior is designed to be an accessible and enjoyable introduction to the world of Catan for younger players. The game is quick, lasting about 30 minutes, and features a pirate theme that appeals to kids. The rules are simplified, eliminating complex trading negotiations and development cards, making it easy for children to understand and play. While it may feel too simple for seasoned gamers, it serves as an excellent gateway game to more complex strategy games.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simplified rules make it perfect for young children.

Quick Gameplay: Most games finish in under 30 minutes.

Engaging Theme: The pirate theme and Coco the Parrot tiles add fun and excitement.

Educational: Teaches basic math concepts and strategy.

Accessible Trading: Simplified trading system that does not require negotiations with other players.

Cons

Too Simple for Adults: The game is not engaging enough for experienced gamers.

Potential for Blocking: Slow-building players can get blocked on the board, especially near the end of the game.

Organizational Issues: The box insert is not well-designed, making it difficult to store game components.

Personal Thoughts on Catan: Junior

Catan: Junior is ideal for young children and families looking to introduce their kids to strategy games. It strikes a great balance between simplicity and engagement, making it perfect for children up to about 4th grade. For older children and adults, it may lack the depth and complexity they seek, but it serves as an excellent stepping stone to more advanced games in the Catan series. It is also a good introduction game for adults who are new to modern board games and need a gentle learning curve.

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.