Catan vs King of Tokyo
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
King of Tokyo
⭐ 7.1# 533💰 $30👤 2-6
King of Tokyo is a fast-paced dice game where players take on the roles of giant monsters competing to become the King of Tokyo. Roll dice to attack, heal, or earn victory points. The last monster standing - or the first to score 20 victory points - wins. Easy to learn and always exciting.
DiceFantasyFightingScience Fiction
Specification Comparison
| Spec | Catan | King of Tokyo |
|---|---|---|
| BGG Rank | 583 | 533 ✓ |
| Rating | 7.1 | 7.1 |
| Year Published | 1995 ✓ | 2011 |
| Price | 35 | 30 ✓ |
| Min Players | 3 | 2 ✓ |
| Max Players | 4 | 6 ✓ |
| Play Time (min) | 60 | 30 ✓ |
| Min Age | 10 | 8 ✓ |
| Complexity (1-5) | 2.33 ✓ | 1.56 |
Catan wins in 2 categories, King of Tokyo wins in 6 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)
King of Tokyo — Time Estimates
2-Player Game30 min
Quick session with a smaller group
6-Player Game30 min
Full table experience
Learning Session60 min
First time playing (includes setup & rule explanation)
Category & Mechanic Comparison
Catan
Categories
EconomicNegotiationTerritory Building
Mechanics
Area Majority / InfluenceDice RollingHexagon GridIncomeModular BoardNegotiationSet CollectionTradingTile Placement
King of Tokyo
Categories
DiceFantasyFightingScience Fiction
Mechanics
Dice RollingHot PotatoIncomeKill StealOpen DraftingPush Your LuckRe-rolling and LockingVariable Player Powers
Rating Comparison
Catan7.1
King of Tokyo7.1
Frequently Asked Questions
Which game has a higher rating, Catan or King of Tokyo?
Catan has a rating of 7.1, while King of Tokyo has 7.1. King of Tokyo is rated higher.
Which game is more affordable, Catan or King of Tokyo?
Catan costs approximately $35 and King of Tokyo costs approximately $30. King of Tokyo is the more affordable option.
Which game supports more players, Catan or King of Tokyo?
Catan supports 3-4 players and King of Tokyo supports 2-6 players. King of Tokyo supports more players.
Is Catan or King of Tokyo more complex?
On a scale of 1-5, Catan has a complexity weight of 2.33 and King of Tokyo has 1.56. Catan is the more complex game.
Which game has a shorter play time, Catan or King of Tokyo?
Catan takes about 60 minutes to play, while King of Tokyo takes about 30 minutes. King of Tokyo is the quicker game.