Catan Seafarers Expansion Board Game | Explore the High Seas & Build New Settlements

Introduction

The Catan: Seafarers Expansion builds upon the classic Catan board game, introducing maritime exploration, new islands, and strategic shipbuilding. This expansion transforms the standard gameplay by adding sea hexes, shipping routes, and pirate mechanics, making the experience richer and more challenging. Players can now sail the seas, discover uncharted territories, and establish new settlements across multiple islands.

What is the Seafarers Expansion?

• It is an extension of the original Catan board game.

• Requires the base game of Catan to play.

• Introduces ships, sea hexes, new scenarios, and gold-producing regions.

• Expands the game for 3-4 players (or more with expansions).

Game Components

The Seafarers Expansion includes:

• 19 Sea Hexes – Representing ocean regions between islands.

• 11 Additional Terrain Hexes – More land tiles for new islands.

• 60 Ships (15 per player) – Used to build trade routes across the sea.

• 10 Number Tokens – Used for determining resource production.

• 1 Pirate Ship Token – Functions like the robber but for water tiles.

• 6 Frame Pieces – Expanding the game board.

• Catan Chits – Used for various scenarios.

• Rules & Scenario Guide – Detailed instructions for different gameplay setups.

Setting Up the Game

Standard Setup

1. Board Configuration:

   • Use the provided frame pieces to create a larger map including sea hexes and new landmasses.

   • Place hexagonal terrain tiles (forests, hills, mountains, pastures, fields, and gold fields) randomly within the board layout.

   • Surround the land with sea hexes, creating separate islands.

2. Placing Number Tokens:

   • Assign numbers to land hexes (excluding the desert).

   • Gold fields produce any resource of the player’s choice when activated.

3. Player Pieces:

   • Each player receives 15 ships, settlements, cities, and roads in their color.

   • Players must build ships to connect islands and expand their reach.

4. Starting Settlements:

   • Players take turns placing two settlements and roads as in the base game.

   • Ships replace roads when building across sea hexes.

How to Play

1. Rolling for Resources

• On each turn, a player rolls two dice.

• The number rolled determines which hexes produce resources.

• Players with settlements or cities adjacent to that hex collect the corresponding resource cards.

• If a 7 is rolled, the pirate is activated (see below).

2. Building Ships

• Ships function like roads but are placed on water hex edges.

• Ships cost 1 wool + 1 wood.

• Players must build ships to connect to new islands.

• Ships can be moved in certain conditions, unlike roads.

3. Exploration and Discovery

• In some scenarios, unknown sea hexes are placed face-down.

• When a player’s ship reaches an undiscovered tile, it is revealed.

• This introduces hidden islands and new opportunities for settlement.

4. Trading Resources

• Players trade resources with each other or with the bank.

• Ports allow better trade rates (e.g., 3:1 instead of 4:1).

• Strategic trading helps players acquire rare resources.

5. The Pirate Mechanic

• The pirate replaces the robber from the base game.

• When a 7 is rolled, the player moves the pirate to a sea hex.

• The pirate blocks shipbuilding and steals a resource from an adjacent player.

• Knight cards can be used to move the pirate, just like the robber.

Different Scenarios

The Seafarers Expansion comes with various pre-designed scenarios, each offering unique challenges and strategic gameplay:

1. Heading for New Shores

• Players start on a single island and must explore new lands.

• Bonus points are awarded for settling on different islands.

2. The Four Islands

• The map is divided into four distinct islands.

• Players must expand their territories across islands to maximize resources.

3. The Fog Island

• Some sea hexes start face-down and are revealed as players explore.

• This adds a sense of mystery and adventure.

4. Through the Desert

• Features large desert regions.

• Players must navigate difficult terrain to access fertile lands.

Winning the Game

• The game typically ends when a player reaches 12 Victory Points.

• Victory Points are earned by:

  • Building settlements (1 point each)

  • Upgrading to cities (2 points each)

  • Expanding to new islands (bonus points per new island)

  • Longest Trade Route (2 points)

  • Largest Army (2 points, if using Knights)

  • Certain Development Cards

Strategy Tips

1. Expand to Multiple Islands

• Settling on multiple islands grants bonus victory points.

• Prioritize ship routes that lead to unclaimed lands.

2. Secure Key Resources Early

• Some islands may lack certain resources.

• Control high-yield tiles to maintain a trade advantage.

3. Use the Pirate Strategically

• Place the pirate to block opponents’ shipping routes.

• Steal from players who have scarce resources.

4. Manage Ships Effectively

• Ships can be moved strategically, unlike roads.

• Keep a flexible network to redirect exploration.

Combining Seafarers with Other Expansions

Seafarers can be played alone with the base game or combined with expansions like:

• Cities & Knights – Adds city development, knights, and an invasion mechanic.

• Traders & Barbarians – Introduces new trade mechanics and scenarios.

• Explorers & Pirates – Focuses even more on naval exploration and missions.

Conclusion

The Catan: Seafarers Expansion brings an exciting new layer of strategy and exploration to the classic game. With the addition of ships, islands, and the pirate mechanic, it transforms Catan into an adventure on the high seas. Whether playing a pre-designed scenario or creating a custom map, Seafarers ensures endless replayability and fun for all Catan fans.