CATAN expansions

Traders & Barbarians vs Explorers & Pirates

Short answer: buy Traders & Barbarians first. Traders & Barbarians is a box of smaller variants, including 2-player rules. Get it after Seafarers and Cities & Knights.

Pick Explorers & Pirates first instead if this sounds more like your table: Explorers & Pirates is for groups that already love CATAN and want a campaign-style twist. It can't be combined with Cities & Knights.

QuestionTraders & BarbariansExplorers & Pirates
Our labelWorth itDepends on your group
Buy order#3 for CATAN#4 for CATAN
What it addsA 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 fixesAdds variety without a big rules jump, including gentle scenarios for newer players.Open sandbox play feels aimless; adds missions, exploring and pirates.
TypeExpansionExpansion
Players2–4 players2–4 players
Rules loadAbout the same rules loadAdds more rules
Best forBest for casual groupsFine for any group
You need firstJust the base gameJust the base game
Price guide$60–$100$60–$100
MoreTraders & Barbarians detailsExplorers & Pirates details

See the full CATAN buy order