Mastering the Depths with Catan: Cities & Knights
Mastering the Depths with Catan: Cities & Knights
If base Catan is “family-friendly strategy,” Cities & Knights is the version that shows up wearing a suit, carrying a clipboard, and asking everyone to “define their endgame.” (Still fun. Just… spicier.)
For those who crave a deeper, more strategic twist to their Catan games, Cities & Knights is a must-have. This expansion elevates the classic Catan formula by putting a spotlight on city development, commodities, and the looming threat of barbarian invasions.
The Big Upgrade: Commodities + City Improvements
In Cities & Knights, your cities produce not just resources, but also commodities like paper, cloth, and coin. Those commodities fuel upgrades in three city areas: Science, Trade, and Politics.
Each upgrade track rewards you with access to progress cards—and these can swing the game in your favor. You might gain resources at the perfect moment, boost your knights to fend off barbarians, or outmaneuver your opponents with a well-timed “oh no you don’t” play.
Knights Matter Now (Because Barbarians)
And those knights are crucial, because the barbarians will be making regular appearances— and it’s up to you and your fellow players to fend them off. That creates a layer of cooperative tension on top of a competitive game, which is the kind of chaos Catan does best.
Six Players? Yes—With the Extension
You can also expand Cities & Knights to six players with an extension, making it a great choice for larger groups who want a more complex and strategic experience. If your table runs big, this is where Cities & Knights becomes a whole event night.
My “Quick Start” Advice (So Your First Game Doesn’t Feel Like Homework)
- Plan for defense early. At least one active knight by mid-game keeps barbarians from ruining the vibe.
- Pick one upgrade track to lead with. Don’t spread thin—build a specialty, then branch.
- Trade like a grown-up. In Cities & Knights, trading isn’t just “get wood,” it’s “get the next step of your engine.”
- Watch the table, not just the board. Who is about to spike in Politics? Who’s about to chain progress cards?
Creator Desk Essentials
This post came together with the same behind-the-scenes tools I use for editing, writing, and keeping the workflow moving even when the real world rolls a “7” on my schedule.
Logitech MX Keys S
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Physical knobs + keys for macros, audio levels, and scene switching—editing and live controls at your fingertips.
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Even illumination without glare, so the cross-hatching (and spreadsheets) stay crisp into the late hours.
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🎸 Listen to Our Blues Albums
Three full albums — hit play below or open on YouTube. Great soundtrack for strategy nights and late edits.
CATAN Gear Picks
The expansions that pair best with Cities & Knights—plus the little add-ons that smooth out game nights.
CATAN Cities & Knights (6th Edition)
The strategic upgrade: commodities, progress cards, and barbarians.
Add your link →CATAN Cities & Knights Extension (5–6 Players)
If your table runs big, this keeps the night rolling.
Add your link →CATAN The Helpers (Scenario Expansion)
A flow fix that pairs well with heavier expansions.
Check price →CATAN Explorers & Pirates (6th Edition)
A longer, story-like Catan night when you want a big adventure.
Check price →Affiliate note: If you buy through these links, it helps support Deep Dive AI at no extra cost to you. Replace any placeholder buttons with your exact affiliate URLs.
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