Catan Starfarers, a space exploration adaptation of the classic tabletop game Catan, has released an extension that opens up gameplay to larger groups.
Catan Starfarers 5-6 Player Extension is an addition to the base Catan Starfarers game that adds new mechanics for between-turn activities, as well as new characters to allow for a more intricate game that can bring more players to the table.
Starfarers invites players to abandon the small colonies of the original Catan, focused on terrestrial resources like sheep and grain, and instead expand into the greater galaxy in an epic sci-fi setting. Players earn victory points by establishing colonies and spaceports on other planets, encouraging them to explore new territory and befriend the new species they meet along the way. Generating resources like fuel and carbon to build new infrastructure and removing risks like pirate lairs and ice planets all help players reach the 15 victory points necessary to secure a win.
The 5-6 Player Extension introduces a new alien civilization known as the Travelers, increasing the number of playable characters to allow for extra players. However, the extension doesn't just open up new cultures — it also introduces new mechanics that make gameplay more compelling for larger groups. A new turn-taking mechanism denoted by Pilot 1 and Pilot 2 allows players to build or move their ships on someone else's turn, keeping players engaged between turns and ultimately leading to faster rounds.
Catan Starfarers was originally published as Starfarers of Catan in 1999 as an official spinoff of Catan. It was rebooted in 2019 with new art and modern player pieces, along with a modified name and an updated board, all of which are expanded in the 5-6 Player Extension. Unlike the original Catan, Starfarers features a fixed board layout and introduced radically different mechanics, components and aesthetics. Despite these differences, Starfarers still relies on standard Catan mechanics of collecting resources to build settlements and claim territory, and the game still features substantial replay value with random encounters. The 5-6 Player Extension has been a highly-requested expansion to the rebooted base game.
The Catan Starfarers 5-6 Player Extension includes all of the physical game pieces necessary to add up to two new players, including motherships and purple and green player pieces for the different types of space buildings. The box also includes rule cards for the new turn-taking mechanism and board markers for identifying Pilot 1 and Pilot 2, as well as extra resources and resource cards for the additional players.
Catan Starfarers 5-6 Player Extension is available starting Friday, Dec. 4, on the heels of the release of the 25th-anniversary edition of the original Catan game. The extension, along with the necessary base game, are both available in the Catan Shop and from independent sellers. Catan Starfarers 5-6 Player Extension retails for $49.