The Settlers of Zarahemla (2003)

The Settlers of Zarahemla

“The Settlers of Zarahemla” is a board game inspired by “The Settlers of Catan,” a popular German board game designed by Klaus Teuber. It is a licensed adaptation of the original game, set in the world of the Book of Mormon. The game was produced by Mayfair Games and released in 2003.

Why is The Settlers of Zarahemla Popular?

The game is popular due to its social interaction, strategy, and just enough luck to keep players engaged. It is a thematic variant of “The Settlers of Catan,” with high-quality components and slightly increased strategy, thanks to the Temple. The game has sold millions of copies worldwide, with the original “The Settlers of Catan” selling over 3 million copies.

Game Components of The Settlers of Zarahemla

**Board Structure**: Uses five strips of hexes (one five-hex strip, two four-hex strips, and two three-hex strips) which are double-sided and placed on a fixed board containing harbors (trading posts) and a scoring track.

**Resources**: Brick, Wood, Stone, Wheat, and Water, replacing the traditional Catan resources.

**Development Cards**: Includes Temple Building and Liahona cards, along with Stripling Warrior cards similar to the Knight/Soldier cards in Catan.

**Mini Expansion**: Two-card expansion featuring “King Noah’s Tax” and “Escape from Bondage” cards, originally available by submitting email addresses of potential buyers.

How To Setup The Settlers of Zarahemla

The game setup involves laying out the five strips of hexes on the fixed board, ensuring each hex is correctly oriented and numbered. Players start with ten Temple Stones and their initial settlements and roads. The board is arranged to include the trading posts and the scoring track. Numbered markers are placed on the hexes to determine which hexes produce resources based on dice rolls.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

**Resource Collection**: Players collect resources (Brick, Wood, Stone, Wheat, Water) based on dice rolls, similar to Catan.

**Building**: Players build settlements, cities, and roads using these resources. Cities are upgrades of settlements and provide more resources.

**Trading**: Players can trade resources with each other or with the bank using trading posts.

**Development Cards**: Players can use cards like Stripling Warriors to move the Gadianton Robber and steal resources or gain free resources and structures.

**Temple Building**: Players contribute to the Temple by placing stones, with the player contributing the most earning two victory points.

**Victory Points**: The game is won by achieving twelve victory points, which can be obtained through settlements, cities, the longest road, the largest army, and contributions to the Temple.

Player Experience

The Settlers of Zarahemla offers a similar yet distinct experience compared to the original Catan. It is designed to work well with two players, although it is noted that the game is more dynamic with three or four players. Players appreciate the high-quality components and the thematic integration with the Book of Mormon, which adds a unique layer to the gameplay. However, the two-player game can be slower due to resource scarcity and limited trading opportunities.

Pros

**Unique Theme**: Integrates the Book of Mormon theme, making it appealing to those familiar with the text.

**Adaptability**: Designed to be playable with two players, which is not common in Catan adaptations.

**High-Quality Components**: Praised for its well-made game pieces and board.

**Additional Mechanics**: Includes unique development cards and the Temple building mechanic, adding depth to the game.

Cons

**Rarity**: The game is no longer in production, making it hard to find and potentially expensive.

**Resource Scarcity**: The two-player game can be slow due to frequent absence of specific resources and limited trading opportunities.

Personal Thoughts on The Settlers of Zarahemla

This game is ideal for fans of Catan who are looking for a thematic twist, particularly those interested in the Book of Mormon. It offers a unique blend of resource management and strategic building, making it a great addition to any board game collection. However, its rarity and higher cost may make it less accessible to casual gamers. For those who can find it, The Settlers of Zarahemla provides a engaging and strategy-rich gaming experience.

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