How to Play

Learn by doing. Click through a real board — no signup, no download. Start anywhere.

Catan Basics

The core game, start to finish.

  1. 1The Board & Your First SettlementRead the hexes and number tokens, then place your first settlement.4 min
  2. 2Roads & Second PlacementConnect your settlement with a road, then take your second placement.4 min
  3. 3Rolling & Collecting ResourcesRoll the dice and see which of your settlements produce.4 min
  4. 4BuildingSpend resources to extend your roads, place a new settlement, and upgrade one to a city.5 min
  5. 5Trading & PortsTrade with the bank at 4:1, then use your harbor for a better rate.4 min
  6. 6The Robber & Development CardsHandle a roll of 7, move the robber, and buy your first development card.5 min

Cities & Knights

The expansion. Know base Catan? Jump right in.

  1. 1Welcome to Cities & KnightsWhat the Cities & Knights expansion changes about the base game.4 min
  2. 2Commodities & City ImprovementsTurn commodities from your cities into permanent improvements on three tracks.5 min
  3. 3KnightsHire, activate, and move a knight to defend your roads and cities.5 min
  4. 4Barbarian AttacksTrack the barbarian ship and defend your cities with active knight strength.5 min
  5. 5MetropolisesTurn a maxed-out improvement track into a metropolis worth extra victory points.4 min
  6. 6Progress CardsDraw and play progress cards, and reach 13 victory points to win.5 min