Compatibility between different editions of CATAN
We apologize for an error in the new materials for our game "CATAN". The packaging states that the new 2025 edition is fully compatible with previous editions, but we have discovered that the card backs are different, which may affect gameplay. We sincerely regret not noticing this sooner and apologize for any frustration this may cause.
| 2025 Edition | Previous Editions |
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The Problem
In the new 2025 edition, the design of the card backs differs from the cards in our previous editions (published before 2025).
This difference creates a problem when it is necessary to mix different cards into a single deck during gameplay. The two most common scenarios are:
- Base game of previous editions + new 5-6 player expansion (or vice versa): The resource card sets need to be shuffled together.
- Base game of previous editions + new "Cities & Knights" expansion (or vice versa): The new commodity cards (cloth, coins, paper) need to be shuffled with the resource cards.
2025 Editions
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| CATAN (2025) | Catan: 5–6 Players | Catan: Seafarers | Catan: Cities & Knights |
Previous Editions
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| CATAN | Catan: 5–6 Players | Catan: Seafarers | Catan: Cities & Knights |
Solutions for Fair Play
We want you to continue to enjoy the game. Therefore, we currently offer the following suggestions:
- Immediate Solution: To ensure that drawing cards remains random, the player drawing a card should call out a number (e.g., "third card from the top") instead of choosing by looking at the cards.
- Future Solution: We are developing card replacement kits to fully resolve this issue. Given international manufacturing schedules, we anticipate these kits will be available in the third quarter of 2026.
- Best Experience: Currently, the best experience can be achieved by combining compatible editions (the 2025 base game and 2025 expansions).
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to resolve this issue!
If you would like to be notified when the card replacement kits become available, please leave us your email address.
If you have any further questions or need assistance, please contact our online store support team: iveikals@brain-games.com