Strategy, maps and ways to play
Guides for hex-island trading games, written by the people who make Hearthsea. How to win, where to play online, and what every map and bot does.
Games like Catan you can play online in 2026
The best games like Catan to play online in 2026 are CATAN Universe (the official app), Colonist, Board Game Arena, Landover, HexaColony and Hearthsea. All six keep the settle, roll, trade and build loop. They differ in price, devices, table size and how good the bots are.
More guides
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How to play a Catan-style game online with friends
Accounts, room codes, bots for empty seats and the settings that make a good game night.
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How to win at Catan-style games: a strategy guide
Pips and probability, openings, build plans, harbors, the robber and the endgame, with the math shown.
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Seafarers-style maps explained: ships, fog and islands
Ships, fog, the pirate and the island bonus, with all nine sea maps and how to win them.
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Playing against AI bots: Settler, Merchant or Veteran?
What the Settler, Merchant and Veteran bots do differently, and a practice ladder from beginner to expert.
New guides appear in the RSS feed. CATAN is a registered trademark of Catan GmbH; Hearthsea is not affiliated with or endorsed by Catan GmbH.