Catan vs Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game
Side by side comparison of two top board games

Catan
⭐ 7.1# 583💰 $35👤 3-4
Catan is the classic strategy game that introduced modern board gaming to the world. Players build settlements, cities, and roads on the island of Catan by collecting and trading resources. The modular board creates a different island each game. Trade and negotiation are key as players work to become the dominant settlement on Catan.
EconomicNegotiationTerritory Building

Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game
⭐ 7.5# 239💰 $55👤 2-5
Dead of Winter is a cooperative survival game set in a zombie apocalypse. Each player leads a colony of survivors, completing personal and group objectives. The Crossroads system triggers story events that change the game. A traitor mechanic adds suspicion and tension.
BluffingHorrorSurvivalZombies
Specification Comparison
| Spec | Catan | Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game |
|---|---|---|
| BGG Rank | 583 | 239 ✓ |
| Rating | 7.1 | 7.5 ✓ |
| Year Published | 1995 ✓ | 2014 |
| Price | 35 ✓ | 55 |
| Min Players | 3 | 2 ✓ |
| Max Players | 4 | 5 ✓ |
| Play Time (min) | 60 ✓ | 120 |
| Min Age | 10 ✓ | 14 |
| Complexity (1-5) | 2.33 | 3.03 ✓ |
Catan wins in 4 categories, Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game wins in 5 categories.
Catan — Time Estimates
3-Player Game60 min
Quick session with a smaller group
4-Player Game120 min
Full table experience
Learning Session120 min
First time playing (includes setup & rule explanation)
Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game — Time Estimates
2-Player Game60 min
Quick session with a smaller group
5-Player Game120 min
Full table experience
Learning Session120 min
First time playing (includes setup & rule explanation)
Category & Mechanic Comparison
Catan
Categories
EconomicNegotiationTerritory Building
Mechanics
Area Majority / InfluenceDice RollingHexagon GridIncomeModular BoardNegotiationSet CollectionTradingTile Placement
Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game
Categories
BluffingHorrorSurvivalZombies
Mechanics
Cooperative PlayDice RollingHand ManagementHidden RolesRole PlayingScenario / Mission / Campaign GameTeam-Based GameTraitor GameVariable Player PowersVoting
Rating Comparison
Catan7.1
Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game7.5
Frequently Asked Questions
Which game has a higher rating, Catan or Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game?
Catan has a rating of 7.1, while Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game has 7.5. Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game is rated higher.
Which game is more affordable, Catan or Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game?
Catan costs approximately $35 and Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game costs approximately $55. Catan is the more affordable option.
Which game supports more players, Catan or Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game?
Catan supports 3-4 players and Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game supports 2-5 players. Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game supports more players.
Is Catan or Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game more complex?
On a scale of 1-5, Catan has a complexity weight of 2.33 and Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game has 3.03. Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game is the more complex game.
Which game has a shorter play time, Catan or Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game?
Catan takes about 60 minutes to play, while Dead of Winter: A Crossroads Game takes about 120 minutes. Catan is the quicker game.