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Graduating from Catan — What's the Next Step?

@NotJustCatan · 3mo · 1116 views

My group has been playing Catan every weekend for a year. We love it but it's getting stale. I've heard of Terraforming Mars and Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 as "next steps."

We're 4 players usually, sessions around 90 minutes max. We like trading and building but are open to new mechanics. Budget is around $50.

What would you recommend? I've looked at BGG but the top 100 is intimidating.

6 Replies

@gateway_guru 3mo

Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 is THE answer. Same-ish weight as Catan, way more depth, almost zero luck. Your Catan group will take to it instantly.

@eurogamer_anna 3mo

I'd also throw The Castles of Burgundy into the mix. Dice-based so it still has that Catan-y luck element but with way more satisfying decisions.

@meeple_pusher 3mo

Whatever you do, DO NOT jump straight to a 3.5+ weight game. I made that mistake with Brass: Birmingham and almost killed my group.

@tabletop_dad 3mo

Ticket to Ride if you want a gentler step. But honestly your group sounds ready for something meatier. I'd go Pandemic Legacy: Season 1.

@FlgsRegular 3mo

Check your FLGS! They'll usually let you try before you buy. Mine has demo copies of most of these.

@NotJustCatan 3mo

Thanks everyone! Picking up Pandemic Legacy: Season 1 this weekend. Wish me luck on the teach!