The Settlers of the Stone Age

A Catan spin-off that follows early humans spreading across the world, with dice, trading and route building.

Designer: Klaus Teuber
Published by: KOSMOS
Editions by: Mayfair Games, 999 Games, Zvezda

Catan, but 100,000 years earlier. The Settlers of the Stone Age (2002) builds on the award-winning Catan formula of dice, trading and building, then swaps the medieval island for the story of early Homo sapiens spreading out of Africa across the world. You guide one branch of humanity through the dangers and chances of the Stone Age, expanding a network of routes and trading with the other players to survive. If you know the original, expect familiar rhythms with a new exploration flavor. It plays three or four players and takes around two hours, so set aside the evening and bring some friends who like negotiating.

Catan formula in the Stone AgeTrading and negotiating drive the tableGuide a branch of people across the world

Who it's for

You like Catan and want a variation with a new setting, for three or four players who enjoy trading and talking things through.

Not for you if…

You want a fresh design or a short one. It leans on the Catan formula, takes about two hours and needs exactly three or four players.

Vibe's take

Familiar to Catan players: lots of table talk and negotiation, with a prehistoric twist that keeps you pushing outward.