CATAN expansions
Traders & Barbarians vs Explorers & Pirates
| Question | Traders & Barbarians | Explorers & Pirates |
|---|---|---|
| Our label | Worth it | Depends on your group |
| Buy order | #3 for CATAN | #4 for CATAN |
| What it adds | A box of variants: 2-player rules, event cards instead of dice, fishermen, rivers, and a five-scenario campaign. | Ships that move freely, hidden islands, and missions: fight pirate lairs, haul fish, and trade spices. |
| What it fixes | Adds variety without a big rules jump, including gentle scenarios for newer players. | Open sandbox play feels aimless; adds missions, exploring and pirates. |
| Type | Expansion | Expansion |
| Players | 2–4 players | 2–4 players |
| Rules load | About the same rules load | Adds more rules |
| Best for | Best for casual groups | Fine for any group |
| What you need | Just the base game | Just the base game |
| Price guide | $60–$100 | $60–$100 |
| More | Traders & Barbarians details | Explorers & Pirates details |