The Settlers of the Stone Age
- Players
- 3-4
- Best withThe player count this game plays best at.
- 4 players
- Play timeHow long a full game runs once everyone knows the rules.
- 120 min
- AgeThe minimum age printed by the publisher.
- 10+
- ComplexityHow demanding the rules are, from 1 (very light) to 5 (very heavy).
- 2.5 / 5
- Year
- 2002
About the game
The Settlers of the Stone Age reimagines the Catan formula in prehistoric times, as players guide a branch of early humans spreading across the world in search of new lands. Through dice rolling, trading, and network and route building, players develop food, hunting, clothing, and boat technologies to survive and expand into harsher climates. Success requires settling productive lands, trading shrewdly with rivals, and pushing outward into distant continents like Australia and America. Designed by Klaus Teuber, it's a thematic entry in the broader Catan Histories series for 3-4 players.
Hobbli's Notes
Hobbli's editorial team enjoys how this Stone Age spin on Catan layers a strong survival theme onto the familiar trade-and-build formula. The added technology tracks give it a bit more texture than vanilla Catan, rewarding players who diversify their development paths. At two hours, it runs longer than the original, which may test the patience of casual groups. Still, for Catan fans wanting a fresh reskin with real thematic flavor, it's a worthwhile pick.
What we like
- Fresh prehistoric theme adds flavor to the familiar Catan formula.
- Technology development tracks add strategic depth beyond basic trading.
- Strong production values consistent with the Catan series.
- Rewards multiple viable paths to victory.
Keep in mind
- Longer playtime of around two hours compared to base Catan.
- Requires exactly 3-4 players, limiting flexibility.
- May feel overly familiar to players who already own other Catan titles.
Who it's for
Catan fans and family strategy gamers ages 10+, best played with 3-4 players.
