Catan vs Splendor
Side by side comparison of two top board games
Catan
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.
Splendor
Splendor is a fast-paced gem-collecting game where players take on the role of Renaissance merchants. Players collect gem tokens to purchase development cards, which provide permanent bonuses and prestige points. The game is easy to learn and plays quickly, making it an ideal gateway game for new board gamers.
Specification Comparison
| Spec | Catan | Splendor |
|---|---|---|
| BGG Rank | 583 | 207 ✓ |
| Rating | 7.1 | 7.5 ✓ |
| Year Published | 1995 ✓ | 2014 |
| Price | 35 | 35 |
| Min Players | 3 | 2 ✓ |
| Max Players | 4 | 4 |
| Play Time (min) | 60 | 30 ✓ |
| Min Age | 10 | 10 |
| Complexity (1-5) | 2.33 ✓ | 1.79 |
Catan wins in 2 categories, Splendor wins in 4 categories.