CATAN expansions
Cities & Knights vs Traders & Barbarians
| Question | Cities & Knights | Traders & Barbarians |
|---|---|---|
| Our label | Worth it | Worth it |
| Buy order | #2 for CATAN | #3 for CATAN |
| What it adds | Knights, barbarian attacks, commodities, city improvements and progress cards. Game goes to 13 points. | A box of variants: 2-player rules, event cards instead of dice, fishermen, rivers, and a five-scenario campaign. |
| What it fixes | Base game feels too simple; adds city upgrades, knights and barbarian attacks. | Adds variety without a big rules jump, including gentle scenarios for newer players. |
| Type | Expansion | Expansion |
| Players | 3–4 players | 2–4 players |
| Rules load | Adds more rules | About the same rules load |
| Best for | Best for experienced groups | Best for casual groups |
| What you need | Just the base game | Just the base game |
| Price guide | $40–$60 | $60–$100 |
| More | Cities & Knights details | Traders & Barbarians details |