Fans of strategic board games have a notable event to observe during Amazon`s Prime Day sales. Catan, the venerable strategy game of trading and building, is seeing its recently launched 6th Edition offered at a discount for the first time since its release in April.
The deal brings the price of the Catan 6th Edition down to $42 from its standard $50. While not a monumental price cut, any reduction on a new edition of such a popular title, mere months after launch, is a noteworthy opportunity for those interested in acquiring the latest version.
What`s New in the 6th Edition?
For players familiar with Catan, the core gameplay mechanics remain unchanged. The goal is still to settle the island, collect resources, and build roads, settlements, and cities to earn victory points. The 6th Edition focuses on refining the game`s presentation and physical components, alongside improving accessibility for new players.
Key enhancements include:
- Updated Graphics: The artwork and visual design have been refreshed. This includes brighter colors, a more modern aesthetic for game elements, and updated character illustrations that introduce greater diversity.
- Enhanced Components and Sustainability: There is a reported emphasis on using less plastic and considering environmental impact in the component production. The hexagonal tiles feature a new texture, and the game includes updated trays designed for better organization of pieces and cards.
- Improved Rulebook: The rulebook has been revised for clarity. While the ruleset is identical to previous editions, the explanations are clearer, supported by better graphics and gameplay examples. This is a direct effort to make learning the game easier for newcomers.
- Smart Storage: The packaging for the 6th Edition base game is designed to accommodate the components of the 5-6 Player Extension Pack within the main box, a minor but practical improvement for convenient storage and transport.
Existing expansions for Catan (such as Seafarers or Cities & Knights) are compatible with the 6th Edition base game. However, players combining components from different editions will notice variations in art styles and material finishes.
While several Catan expansions have also received 6th Edition updates, these are not currently included in the Prime Day discount alongside the base game. Similarly, while Prime Day features numerous deals on other board games, both contemporary hits and classic family titles, the focus here is specifically on the core Catan experience receiving its initial price reduction.
Ultimately, this first discount on the Catan 6th Edition during Prime Day provides a timely entry point for new players or an option for long-time fans interested in the updated look and feel of this enduring strategy classic.
Ellis Thorne