The Best Catan Expansion Combination: Settling the American West and Accommodating Larger Groups

When it comes to expanding your Catan experience, there are several options available that can enhance gameplay and provide a fresh perspective. One such expansion is 'Catan Histories: Settlers of America – Trails to Rails,' which introduces players to the American West and offers a unique twist on the classic gameplay we've come to love.

This expansion is a must-have for those seeking to enrich their Catan experience, making it a worthy contender for the best Catan expansions. By transporting players to the American West, Settlers of America brings a refreshing perspective to the base game, offering a new and exciting way to play. The expansion includes new wooden pieces in green and brown, extra resource and development cards, and additional terrain hexes and ports, all of which work together to create a richer and more immersive gaming experience.

For those who often find themselves with larger groups, the 'Catan: 5-6 Player Extension' is also worth considering. This expansion efficiently accommodates up to two additional players, introducing new building phases and allowing for more complex strategies to emerge. The game lengthens with more players, but this extension has its benefits. The added rule that allows players to trade in resources to build at the end of each person's turn helps mitigate the risk of the robber as turns take longer.

In conclusion, the 'Catan: 5-6 Player Extension' is a valuable addition to your Catan collection if you often have more than four players. While some may feel that Catan shines brighter with its original 3-4 player format, this expansion offers a unique and enjoyable way to play with larger groups. With its expanded island, new wooden pieces, extra resource and development cards, and additional terrain hexes and ports, the 'Catan: 5-6 Player Extension' is a must-have for any Catan enthusiast who often finds themselves with a larger gaming group.

Overall, both Settlers of America and the 5-6 Player Extension offer exciting ways to play Catan, whether you're looking for a fresh perspective or a way to accommodate larger groups. By combining these two expansions, you can create a truly unique and enjoyable Catan experience that will keep you coming back for more.

Best catan expansion combination