Catan Collector

On this page I have images of each version and each printing of the English versions of Catan. Most images can be seen at a larger size by clicking the image.

To identify other Catan expansions and extensions, please select from the menu.

The first English edition of the game was different to the first German version as it used different artwork and playing colours. Despite the photo on the back of the box, all copies of this version I have seen came with yellow, blue, red and green counters.

CLICK HERE FOR 1st EDITION RULE BOOK.

Due to the popularity of the game, the English second edition was released soon after the first edition. The design of the box, hexes and cards were identical to the first edition. On games that still have the original factory plastic wrapping a sticker is sometimes located on the front or the back, indicating this is the second edition.

It also advises it contains 4 new colours and expanded rules. Internally the game was similar to the first. The changes included a different range of coloured playing pieces (usually Black, White, Purple and Orange) and an expanded set of rules with sections on rules for up to 8 players and some suggested board configurations.

CLICK HERE FOR 2nd EDITION RULE BOOK

This release was a significant change for the English Catan. It was the first time bringing Catan into align with the international editions and postioned the game to make use of the expansions and extensions that were to follow over the next few years (eg seafarers 1999 and cities & knights in 2000).

The third edition was a significant cover design change to the previous two versions. This 1997 edition has separate black and white copies of the Game Rules and the Almanac.

CLICK HERE FOR 3rd EDITION RULES or CLICK HERE FOR 3rd EDITION ALMANAC

The second printing of the third edition used exactly the same box front as the earlier version. However there were changes to the rear. In addition to the new 2003 copyright date, the back was rearranged. As well as a new rear image the image caption was also moved. In the earlier version the white text sat on the photo at the top. In the second edition the caption is removed to sit underneath the image. The rear also contained a new logo promoting Klaus Teuber's own website.

Inside this 2003 edition, it has a coloured instruction book which is combined with the almanac. This version also has a box to hold the cards, where the previous edition did not.

This special 10th anniversary set is without doubt the best game I have ever owned and also the one I have used more than any other. Just 5,000 of these sets were released in English (as well as 2,500 in German and 500 in Dutch) and they quickly became a very collectible and increasingly expensive piece of Catan memorabilia. Presented in a beautiful sea chest the hand painted pieces and special hexes make for a truly stunning game.

The fourth edition of the game was the first edition to use a frame to enlose the hexes, rather than individual water hexes as in the past. This did mean harbours were set which many considered a step backwards. Externally the design of the box was a significant change to the third edition.

This was also the first edition to introduce each resource hex having its own unique artwork.

CLICK HERE FOR 2007 4th EDITION RULES

This special edition featured a wooden presentation case along with wooden hexes and custom pieces.

While the set included pieces for up to 6 players it sadly did not allow for C&K as the 10th Anniversary set did. The wooden pieces used are the Klaus Teuber designed Viking tokens that were sold on the German Catan website following the introduction of plastic pieces in the international sets.

This printing of 'The Settlers of Catan' is cosmetically similar to the earlier fourth edition. The major difference is internally with a change in the thickness of the hexes and borders. The external change is a modification to the copyright dates on the rear to add 2012.

This is the first copy of the game to use the new shorter title 'Catan' as the title of the game. This is also the first version to move to a portrait box design.

CLICK HERE FOR 2015 MAYFAIR 5th EDITION RULES

The box front is the same as the first printing. However the side and back are slightly different with the Catan Studio logo now replacing the previous Mayfair edition. The copyright year has also been updated. The change was made following Mayfair losing the publishing rights.

The box front is the same design as the 2016 version, although the yellow is brighter and the overall colouring lighter. The only significant changes are on the back where the Asmodee details now appear, copyright is changed to 2019 and the "Made in the USA" and USA flag have been replaced with a note regarding being assembled in the USA and using imported parts. There is no change to the hexes or components. Fortunately this means the traditional wood counters have survived for this edition.

Released in 2020 this is a special release. As well as the base set it also includes the counters for a 5/6 player game as well as the mini-scenario Helpers of Catan. Other features include metallic painted wooden pieces and dice, new resource card trays, and sleeves for all the cards. Personally while I think the set is nice, as someone who rarely plays the base game, I would have liked to have seen Cities & Knights included too.

CLICK HERE FOR 2020 25th ANNIVERSARY EDITION RULES

The box front is similar to previous 5th editions with the addition of a gold 25 year medallion added to the outer wrap. The rear artwork has been changed, removing a lot of the legal and copyright info which has been moved to the side area on the lid. There is also a larger promotion for the "learn to play" app at the bottom.  There appears to be no change to the hexes or components.

CLICK HERE FOR 2020 5th EDITION RULES

While this version is almost identical to the previous 2020 copyright box, the barcode and contact details have been varied. There is also a larger emphasis on the UK/EU details.

More details and photos to follow.

Built by Catan Studio exclusively for !ndigo

The set is very similar to the 25th Anniversary set and includes the base game for 4 players, the 5-6 base game extension, the helpers of Catan scenario and a special promo giving access to the CU base game. It also features the custom dice and card trays from the 25th set too.

This new base set does not use an apostrophe on Klaus Teuber's name as per other more recent releases. Rear design also altered.

Over the years there have been a few sets of Catan that are variations of the base game. These sets either have simplified rules or offer easier set up. While they can be called Catan base games, they are not compatible with the standard Catan Extensions and Expansions.

I have chosen to list these sets simply for convenience in case someone has one of them and is unsure how they fit within the Catan family.